I respond that there are two kinds of equality, namely the equality of absolute quantity and the equality of proportion. The first kind of equality is not equal as regards man’s participation but as regards the beatitude in which he participates, which is God; for a man participates more or less according as he loves God more or less ardently. But as regards the second kind of equality there will be equality in every respect, because Peter’s glory stands to the grace given him and to his merit as Linus’ glory stands to his merit.

I respond. One should say that it is a precept, but something can be laid down as a precept in two ways: either simply, or given a certain condition. Whatever is necessary for salvation is laid down as a precept simply; and these are works of the virtues. But something can be laid down as a precept under a certain condition when, for example, the situation is such that without manual labor a precept cannot be kept. Now it is a precept for man that he sustain his own body, for otherwise he commits homicide against himself. Eat of every tree of paradise (Gen 2:16). Therefore a man is bound by precept to nourish his body, and we are similarly bound to everything without which the body cannot live. So anyone who does not have some other means of lawfully sustaining his body, whether it be possessions, or a lawful business, is bound to work, lest he turn to thievery. Whoever was a thief, let him steal no more, but rather labor by working with his own hands (Eph 4:28). It is therefore a precept when a man cannot otherwise lawfully live. Hence he says if any man will not work, neither let him eat. Therefore one of two things is necessary for a man to be able to eat, namely that he either have possessions or that he lawfully obtain them. You shall eat the works of your hands (Ps 127:2). Work with your hands, as we commanded you (1 Thess 4:11).