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Objection 1: It would seem that if a man fall into sin after being
contrite for all his sins, he can, now that he has lost charity,
satisfy for his other sins which were already pardoned him through his
contrition. For Daniel said to Nabuchodonosor (Dan. 4:24):
"Redeem thou thy sins with alms." Yet he was still a sinner, as is
shown by his subsequent punishment. Therefore a man can make
satisfaction while in a state of sin.
Objection 2: Further, "Man knoweth not whether he be worthy of
love or hatred" (Eccles. 9:1). If therefore one cannot make
satisfaction unless one be in a state of charity, it would be
impossible to know whether one had made satisfaction, which would be
unseemly.
Objection 3: Further, a man's entire action takes its form from
the intention which he had at the beginning. But a penitent is in a
state of charity when he begins to repent. Therefore his whole
subsequent satisfaction will derive its efficacy from the charity which
quickens his intention.
Objection 4: Further, satisfaction consists in a certain
equalization of guilt to punishment. But these things can be equalized
even in one who is devoid of charity. Therefore, etc.
On the contrary, "Charity covereth all sins" (Prov.
10:12). But satisfaction has the power of blotting out sins.
Therefore it is powerless without charity.
Further, the chief work of satisfaction is almsdeeds. But alms given
by one who is devoid of charity avail nothing, as is clearly stated 1
Cor. 13:3, "If I should distribute all my goods to feed the
poor . . . and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."
Therefore there can be no satisfaction with mortal sin.
I answer that, Some have said that if, when all a man's sins have
been pardoned through contrition, and before he has made satisfaction
for them, he falls into sin, and then makes satisfaction, such
satisfaction will be valid, so that if he die in that sin, he will not
be punished in hell for the other sins.
But this cannot be, because satisfaction requires the reinstatement of
friendship and the restoration of the equality of justice, the contrary
of which destroys friendship, as the Philosopher states (Ethic.
ix, 1,3). Now in satisfaction made to God, the equality is
based, not on equivalence but rather on God's acceptation: so that,
although the offense be already removed by previous contrition, the
works of satisfaction must be acceptable to God, and for this they are
dependent on charity. Consequently works done without charity are not
satisfactory.
Reply to Objection 1: Daniel's advice meant that he should give up
sin and repent, and so make satisfaction by giving alms.
Reply to Objection 2: Even as man knows not for certain whether he
had charity when making satisfaction, or whether he has it now, so too
he knows not for certain whether he made full satisfaction: wherefore
it is written (Ecclus. 5:5): "Be not without fear about sin
forgiven." And yet man need not, on account of that fear, repeat
the satisfaction made, if he is not conscious of a mortal sin. For
although he may not have expiated his punishment by that satisfaction,
he does not incur the guilt of omission through neglecting to make
satisfaction; even as he who receives the Eucharist without being
conscious of a mortal sin of which he is guilty, does not incur the
guilt of receiving unworthily.
Reply to Objection 3: His intention was interrupted by his
subsequent sin, so that it gives no virtue to the works done after that
sin.
Reply to Objection 4: Sufficient equalization is impossible both as
to the Divine acceptation and as to equivalence: so that the argument
proves nothing.
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