Of the Precepts of Fortitude

Of the Precepts of Fortitude — St. Thomas Aquinas asks: Whether the precepts of fortitude are suitably given in the Divine Law?; Whether the precepts of the parts of fortitude are suitably given in the Divine Law?.

We must next consider the precepts of fortitude:

(1) The precepts of fortitude itself;

(2) The precepts of its parts.

Article 1: Whether the precepts of fortitude are suitably given in the Divine Law?

stands Holy Writ which contains these precepts.

Precepts of law are directed to the end intended by the lawgiver. Wherefore precepts of law must needs be framed in various ways according to the various ends intended by lawgivers, so that even in human affairs there are laws of democracies, others of kingdoms, and others again of tyrannical governments. Now the end of the Divine Law is that man may adhere to God: wherefore the Divine Law contains precepts both of fortitude and of the other virtues, with a view to directing the mind to God. For this reason it is written (Dt. 20:3,4): "Fear ye them not: because the Lord your God is in the midst of you, and will fight for you against your enemies."

As to human laws, they are directed to certain earthly goods, and among them we find precepts of fortitude according to the requirements of those goods.

Article 2: Whether the precepts of the parts of fortitude are suitably given in the Divine Law?

The Divine Law instructs man perfectly about such things as are necessary for right living. Now in order to live aright man needs not only the principal virtues, but also the secondary and annexed virtues. Wherefore the Divine Law contains precepts not only about the acts of the principal virtues, but also about the acts of the secondary and annexed virtues.