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Question: 170 [<< | >>]
We must next consider the precepts of temperance:
(1) The precepts of temperance itself;
(2) The precepts of its parts.
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Question: 170 [<< | >>]
Article: 1 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that the precepts of temperance are unsuitably
given in the Divine law. Because fortitude is a greater virtue than
temperance, as stated above (Question [123], Article [12]; Question [141], Article [8]; FS, Question [66], Article [4]). Now there is no precept of fortitude among the precepts of the
decalogue, which are the most important among the precepts of the Law.
Therefore it was unfitting to include among the precepts of the decalogue
the prohibition of adultery, which is contrary to temperance, as stated
above (Question [154], Articles [1],8).
Objection 2: Further, temperance is not only about venereal matters, but also
about pleasures of meat and drink. Now the precepts of the decalogue
include no prohibition of a vice pertaining to pleasures of meat and
drink, or to any other species of lust. Neither, therefore, should they
include a precept prohibiting adultery, which pertains to venereal
pleasure.
Objection 3: Further, in the lawgiver's intention inducement to virtue
precedes the prohibition of vice, since vices are forbidden in order that
obstacles to virtue may be removed. Now the precepts of the decalogue
are the most important in the Divine law. Therefore the precepts of the
decalogue should have included an affirmative precept directly
prescribing the virtue of temperance, rather than a negative precept
forbidding adultery which is directly opposed thereto.
On the contrary, stands the authority of Scripture in the decalogue (@Ex. 20:14,17).
I answer that, As the Apostle says (@1 Tim. 1:5), "the end of the
commandment is charity," which is enjoined upon us in the two precepts
concerning the love of God and of our neighbor. Wherefore the decalogue
contains those precepts which tend more directly to the love of God and
of our neighbor. Now among the vices opposed to temperance, adultery
would seem most of all opposed to the love of our neighbor, since thereby
a man lays hold of another's property for his own use, by abusing his
neighbor's wife. Wherefore the precepts of the decalogue include a
special prohibition of adultery, not only as committed in deed, but also
as desired in thought.
Reply to Objection 1: Among the species of vices opposed to fortitude there is
not one that is so directly opposed to the love of our neighbor as
adultery, which is a species of lust that is opposed to temperance. And
yet the vice of daring, which is opposed to fortitude, is wont to be
sometimes the cause of murder, which is forbidden by one of the precepts
of the decalogue: for it is written (Ecclus. 8:18): "Go not on the way
with a bold man lest he burden thee with his evils."
Reply to Objection 2: Gluttony is not directly opposed to the love of our
neighbor, as adultery is. Nor indeed is any other species of lust, for a
father is not so wronged by the seduction of the virgin over whom he has
no connubial right, as is the husband by the adultery of his wife, for
he, not the wife herself, has power over her body [*1 Cor. 7:4].
Reply to Objection 3: As stated above (Question [122], Articles [1],4) the precepts of the
decalogue are universal principles of the Divine law; hence they need to
be common precepts. Now it was not possible to give any common
affirmative precepts of temperance, because the practice of temperance
varies according to different times, as Augustine remarks (De Bono
Conjug. xv, 7), and according to different human laws and customs.
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Question: 170 [<< | >>]
Article: 2 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that the precepts of the virtues annexed to
temperance are unsuitably given in the Divine law. For the precepts of
the Decalogue, as stated above (Article [1], ad 3), are certain universal
principles of the whole Divine law. Now "pride is the beginning of all
sin," according to Ecclus. 10:15. Therefore among the precepts of the
Decalogue there should have been one forbidding pride.
Objection 2: Further, a place before all should have been given in the
decalogue to those precepts by which men are especially induced to fulfil
the Law, because these would seem to be the most important. Now since
humility subjects man to God, it would seem most of all to dispose man to
the fulfilment of the Divine law; wherefore obedience is accounted one of
the degrees of humility, as stated above (Question [161], Article [6]); and the same
apparently applies to meekness, the effect of which is that a man does
not contradict the Divine Scriptures, as Augustine observes (De Doctr.
Christ. ii, 7). Therefore it seems that the Decalogue should have
contained precepts of humility and meekness.
Objection 3: Further, it was stated in the foregoing Article that adultery is
forbidden in the decalogue, because it is contrary to the love of our
neighbor. But inordinateness of outward movements, which is contrary to
modesty, is opposed to neighborly love: wherefore Augustine says in his
Rule (Ep. ccxii): "In all your movements let nothing be done to offend
the eye of any person whatever." Therefore it seems that this kind of
inordinateness should also have been forbidden by a precept of the
Decalogue.
On the contrary, suffices the authority of Scripture.
I answer that, The virtues annexed to temperance may be considered in
two ways: first, in themselves; secondly, in their effects. Considered in
themselves they have no direct connection with the love of God or of our
neighbor; rather do they regard a certain moderation of things pertaining
to man himself. But considered in their effects, they may regard the love
of God or of our neighbor: and in this respect the decalogue contains
precepts that relate to the prohibition of the effects of the vices
opposed to the parts of temperance. Thus the effect of anger, which is
opposed to meekness, is sometimes that a man goes on to commit murder
(and this is forbidden in the Decalogue), and sometimes that he refuses
due honor to his parents, which may also be the result of pride, which
leads many to transgress the precepts of the first table.
Reply to Objection 1: Pride is the beginning of sin, but it lies hidden in the
heart; and its inordinateness is not perceived by all in common. Hence
there was no place for its prohibition among the precepts of the
Decalogue, which are like first self-evident principles.
Reply to Objection 2: Those precepts which are essentially an inducement to the
observance of the Law presuppose the Law to be already given, wherefore
they cannot be first precepts of the Law so as to have a place in the
Decalogue.
Reply to Objection 3: Inordinate outward movement is not injurious to one's neighbor, if we consider the species of the act, as are murder, adultery, and theft, which are forbidden in the decalogue; but only as being signs of an inward inordinateness, as stated above (Question [168], Article [1], ad 1,3).