7. Concerning law through deeds.

D. In deed, through how many ways? M. Through four: either (1) through general reward for the present, such as is the coming forth of fruits and breezes, or (2) through particular reward for the present, such as is Abraham enriched among foreigners or Noah preserved in the flood, or (3) through general visible punishment, such as is a general famine or drought, or (4) through a particular one, as Cain's or Saul's punishment. For all these things, in the manner of the law, instruct angels and human beings; to be sure, the devil's downfall thoroughly frightened and strengthened even the angels, although it should be thought that angels are taught in one way, humans in another. D. What is the intention of the entire lawgiving? M. In the discernment of good and evil, which is recognized either in teaching, i.e., the Faith, or in acts.

[2] D. Why have we said that punishments and rewards for the present are the law? M. Because they are the very things which instruct in place of the law. For future and eternal things will benefit neither those suffering nor perceiving, when there is no longer a time for repentance. D. Through which agents is this government read in the Scriptures to have been done? M. Sometimes God through himself, as when he commanded Adam not to touch the tree; sometimes through the angels, as the Apostle declares, "if the word spoken through the angels proved to be valid" (Heb 2:2). And again, the firstborn of Egypt are said to have been snuffed out by the hand of an angel (Ex 12:29). Or through humans, as for example through prophets. Or through beasts, as for example through serpents in the desert (Nm 21:6), and the like. For, moreover, by means of these things--a certain substantial and material law, so to speak--<the law=""> prevents the evils because of which <these things="">are inflicted, and it impels <us>toward the good things the reward for which it urges.

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