Article — Gury-Ballerini, Compendium of Moral Theology (8th ed., 1884)
Article II. On Divine Positive Law
- Divine positive law is twofold, namely old and new.
I. The old law, or law of the Old Testament, contained precepts of a threefold kind.
- Moral precepts, which regarded moral rectitude, and established that which had already been prescribed by natural law. Such are the precepts of the Decalogue.
- Ceremonial precepts, which were referred to the worship of God, and established ceremonies and sacrifices.
- Judicial precepts, which pertained to political and economic administration, or to the right governance of the people.
The old law was abrogated by Christ, as having been set until the seed should come to whom He had promised, as the Apostle says, Galat. 3.19. Therefore only the part of the old law which regarded morals has been preserved and confirmed in the new law.
II. The new or evangelical law, which is called the law of grace, or of liberty, or the New Testament, contains documents of a threefold kind, namely 1. moral precepts concerning the virtues, especially the theological virtues; 2. ceremonial precepts concerning the Sacraments and the sacrifice of the Mass; 3. mere counsels, but worthy of great reward.
The new law differs from the old law especially in the following things: 1. The old was a shadow and figure; the new is light and truth. - 2. The old was a law of fear; but the new is a law of grace and love.
The old law is called imperfect, not indeed in itself, but relatively to a more perfect law. For it was perfect in itself, since it had God as author, and God through it attained the end which He had established for Himself.
The new law was made for all, and therefore it obliges all to whom it is known. For thus Christ, Matth. 28.19, 20: Going therefore teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, etc..., teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.