OF THE ESSENCE OF LAW
(In Four Articles)
We have now to consider the extrinsic principles of acts. Now the
extrinsic principle inclining to evil is the devil, of whose
temptations we have spoken in the First Part (Q. 114). But the
extrinsic principle moving to good is God, Who both instructs us by
means of His Law, and assists us by His Grace: wherefore in the first
place we must speak of law; in the second place, of grace.
Concerning law, we must consider: (1) Law itself in general; (2) its
parts. Concerning law in general three points offer themselves for
our consideration: (1) Its essence; (2) The different kinds of law;
(3) The effects of law.
Under the first head there are four points of inquiry:
(1) Whether law is something pertaining to reason?
(2) Concerning the end of law;
(3) Its cause;
(4) The promulgation of law.
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