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ANd in every sinfull act there are five things to be considered, as Actus, Peccati, Culpa, Macula, Reatus, Poena. 1. The ve∣ry act of sin. 2. the fault. 3. the blot. 4. the guilt. and 5. the punishment.
1. The act of sin, as it is an act, is not alwayes evill: for, there* 1.1 is the same act in substance, in sin, as in doing that which is honest, as in adultery, there is the like externall act, as in lawfull Matri∣mony; so that onely the fault, which is in respect of the circum∣stances (which are not observed) make the difference.
2. The second thing to be considered is, Culpa, the faultinesse of the action, which is committed by the not due observing of the Circumstances, which are these, First, Quid, what it is that hee* 1.2 doth, whether it be lawfull, or not lawfull, honest or not honest. 2. quantum, the quantity must be considered; as one may steale much or little, or raile sparingly, or with a full mouth. 3. quoties, how often; for he that committeth the same sinne often, is more blameable then he that doth it seldome. 4. qualiter, after what manner, whether willingly or unwillingly, whether he be quicke or slow in doing of it. 5. Cum quo, with what instrument; as he that smiteth with a switch, is not equall with him that striketh with a sword. 6. Cum quem, with whom the sinne is committed; as fornication betwixt them that are married, is more hey∣nous then betwixt single persons. 7. Ʋbi, where, in what place it is committed; for it is more heynous to steale in a Church, or Con∣gregation of Gods people, then in another place. 8. quando, when, for it is more heynous to steale in time of Divine worship, then at other times. 9. Ad quid, to what end; for the end maketh a thing of it self lawfull or unlawfull.
Now to make an action lawfull or good, all these things must concurre; but it is enough to make it evill, if it faile in any of them; and this faultinesse of the action, passeth with the action it selfe, which is the subiect thereof, and remaineth not.
3. There is left behind a macula, a certain stain or blot in the Soule, whereby the Image of God is deformed.