E. Second Corollary

36. From the points made above [nn.29-32] another corollary is plain, and it was supposed in the question about circumcision [d.1 n.379], that although the passion of Christ was meritorious in respect of the efficacy of the old sacraments and also with respect to the grace conferred on the ancient Fathers, yet it has a greater efficacy in respect of our sacraments and of the grace now to be conferred than it had then; for a just obedience made present is accepted for a greater good than a just obedience foreseen. And the Trinity now confers grace because of the passion of Christ now made present, and also as believed in by us as it has been made present. But then it conferred grace because of its being foreseen by him and pre-believed in by other faithful as something that was to be made present.