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Objection 1: It would seem that the goodness of the human will does
not depend on the eternal law. Because to one thing there is one rule
and one measure. But the rule of the human will, on which its
goodness depends, is right reason. Therefore the goodness of the will
does not depend on the eternal law.
Objection 2: Further, "a measure is homogeneous with the thing
measured" (Metaph. x, 1). But the eternal law is not
homogeneous with the human will. Therefore the eternal law cannot be
the measure on which the goodness of the human will depends.
Objection 3: Further, a measure should be most certain. But the
eternal law is unknown to us. Therefore it cannot be the measure on
which the goodness of our will depends.
On the contrary, Augustine says (Contra Faust. xxii, 27) that
"sin is a deed, word or desire against the eternal law." But malice
of the will is the root of sin. Therefore, since malice is contrary
to goodness, the goodness of the will depends on the eternal law.
I answer that, Wherever a number of causes are subordinate to one
another, the effect depends more on the first than on the second
cause: since the second cause acts only in virtue of the first. Now
it is from the eternal law, which is the Divine Reason, that human
reason is the rule of the human will, from which the human derives its
goodness. Hence it is written (Ps. 4:6,7): "Many say:
Who showeth us good things? The light of Thy countenance, O
Lord, is signed upon us": as though to say: "The light of our
reason is able to show us good things, and guide our will, in so far
as it is the light (i.e. derived from) Thy countenance." It is
therefore evident that the goodness of the human will depends on the
eternal law much more than on human reason: and when human reason fails
we must have recourse to the Eternal Reason.
Reply to Objection 1: To one thing there are not several proximate
measures; but there can be several measures if one is subordinate to
the other.
Reply to Objection 2: A proximate measure is homogeneous with the
thing measured; a remote measure is not.
Reply to Objection 3: Although the eternal law is unknown to us
according as it is in the Divine Mind: nevertheless, it becomes
known to us somewhat, either by natural reason which is derived
therefrom as its proper image; or by some sort of additional
revelation.
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