On the Subject of Sin

is caused. But sin is caused from a defect or inordination of some circumstance. Essential gravity is sought from circumstances that change the species, because they pass into the nature of the object; accidental gravity from circumstances that do not change the species.

I say 4° : Carnal sins of themselves and other things being equal are less than spiritual sins¹; because the more grievous the impulse to sin, the less is the sin. Now carnal sins have a more vehement impulse, namely the concupiscence of the flesh innate in us. They are nevertheless of greater infamy, because they are concerned with pleasures common to us and to brutes, and of greater adherence, because they have more of conversion to a changeable good, or to the creature. ¹ Ibid., a. 5, o.