We have now to consider the extrinsic principles of acts.
Now the extrinsic principle inclining to evil is the devil, of whose temptations we have spoken in the [1949] FP, Q [114].
But the extrinsic principle moving to good is God, Who both instructs us by means of His Law, and assists us by His Grace: wherefore in the first place we must speak of law; in the second place, of grace.
Concerning law, we must consider: (1) Law itself in general; (2) its parts.
Concerning law in general three points offer themselves for our consideration: (1) Its essence; (2) The different kinds of law; (3) The effects of law.
Under the first head there are four points of inquiry:
A1 Whether law is something pertaining to reason?
A2 Concerning the end of law;
A3 Its cause;
A4 The promulgation of law.
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