Chapter II. On Positive Divine Law

Positive divine law is twofold, namely old and new, and concerning each let it suffice to observe these few things.

I. The old law, or the law of the Old Testament, contained precepts of a threefold kind, namely: 1st, moral, which regarded moral rectitude and established that which had already been prescribed by natural law, as, for example, the precepts of the Decalogue; 2nd, ceremonial, which were referred to the worship of God and established ceremonies and sacrifices; 3rd, judicial, which pertained to political and economic administration, or to the right governance of the people.

The old law was abrogated by Christ, as being "set until the seed should come to whom He had promised," as the Apostle says, Galat. iii, 19. But the moral precepts which were contained in it have force by the force of natural and evangelical 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: 1st, moral precepts, concerning virtues, especially theological virtues; 2nd, ceremonial precepts, concerning the sacraments and the sacrifice of the Mass; 3rd, mere counsels, but worthy of great reward.

The new law differs from the old law especially in the following: 1st, the old was shadow and figure; the new is light and truth. - 2nd, 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 fixed for Himself.

The new law was made for all, and therefore obliges all, although those to whose notice it has not yet come are excused from observing it. For thus Christ says, Matth. xxviii, 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."