Choose a topic from Part 2A:

99. The Precepts of the Old Law

1. The precepts of the Old Law have a single purpose, butthey concern various things.

2. In the Old Law we find moral precepts, for thelaw that is to bring man back to God must make man morallygood.

3. Besides moral precepts the Old Law containsceremonial prescriptions for giving expression toman's turning to God, by a common and fitting ceremonialworship.

4. Further, the Old Law contains certain judicialdirectives or precepts which regulate the conduct of theChosen People towards one another, towards strangers in theirmidst, and among those occupying different stations in life.

5. These three items make up the whole prescription of theOld Law: moral precepts, ceremonial laws, and judicialdirectives.

6. The Old Law disposed man for the Christiandispensation, that is, for the New Law, as the imperfect disposesfor the perfect. Hence, it was fitting that temporal rewards andpunishments were used to enforce the Old Law; such incentives suitman in his imperfect state.

"Though the path is plain and smooth for people of good will, those who walk it will not travel far, and will do so only with difficulty if they do not have good feet, courage, and tenacity of spirit. "
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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"We must not be behind time in doing good; for death will not be behind his time. "
St Phillip Neri

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"Every man naturally desires knowledge; but what good is knowledge without fear of God? Indeed a humble rustic who serves God is better than a proud intellectual who neglects his soul to study the course of the stars."
Thomas á Kempis

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