iversal
cause of salvation for all, and is "The Remission of all sins"
(Post-Communion, Tuesday in Whitweek).
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THIRD ARTICLE [III, Q. 70, Art. 3]

Whether the Rite of Circumcision Was Fitting?

Objection 1: It seems that the rite of circumcision was unfitting.
For circumcision, as stated above (AA. 1, 2), was a profession of
faith. But faith is in the apprehensive power, whose operations
appear mostly in the head. Therefore the sign of circumcision should
have been conferred on the head rather than on the virile member.

Obj. 2: Further, in the sacraments we make use of such things as are
in more frequent use; for instance, water, which is used for washing,
and bread, which we use for nourishment. But, in cutting, we use an
iron knife more commonly than a stone knife. Therefore circumcision
should not have been performed with a stone knife.

Obj. 3: Further, just as Baptism was instituted as a remedy against
original sin, so also was circumcision, as Bede says (Hom. in
Circum.). But now Baptism is not put off until the eighth day, lest
children should be in danger of loss on account of original sin, if
they should die before being baptized. On the other hand, sometimes
Baptism is put off until after the eighth day. Therefore the eighth
day should not have been fixed for circumcision, but this day should
have been anticipated, just as sometimes it was deferred.

_On the contrary,_ The aforesaid rite of circumcision is fixed by a
gloss on Rom. 4:11: "And he received the sign of circumcision."

_I answer that,_ As stated above (A. 2), circumcision was
established, as a sign of faith, by God "of" Whose "wisdom there is
no number" (Ps. 146:5). Now to determine suitable signs is a work of
wisdom. Consequently, it must be allowed that the rite of
circumcision was fitting.

Reply Obj. 1: It was fitting for circumcision to be performed on the
virile member. First, because it was a sign of that faith whereby
Abraham believed that Christ would be born of his seed. Secondly,
because it was to be a remedy against original sin, which is
contracted through the act of generation. Thirdly, because it was
ordained as a remedy for carnal concupiscence, which thrives
principally in those members, by reason of the abundance of venereal
pleasure.

Reply Obj. 2: A stone knife was not essential to circumcision.
Wherefore we do not find that an instrument of this description is
required by any divine precept