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| Deinde considerandum est de numero sacramentorum. Et circa hoc quaeruntur quatuor. | We have now to consider the number of the sacraments: and concerning this there are four points of inquiry: |
| Primo, utrum sint septem sacramenta. | (1) Whether there are seven sacraments? |
| Secundo, de ordine eorum ad invicem. | (2) The order of the sacraments among themselves; |
| Tertio, de comparatione eorum. | (3) Their mutual comparison; |
| Quarto, utrum omnia sint de necessitate salutis. | (4) Whether all the sacraments are necessary for salvation? |
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Article: 1 [ << | >> ]
| Ad primum sic proceditur. Videtur quod non debeant esse septem sacramenta. Sacramenta enim efficaciam habent ex virtute divina, et ex virtute passionis Christi. Sed una est virtus divina, et una est Christi passio, una enim oblatione consummavit sanctificatos in sempiternum, ut dicitur Heb. X. Ergo non debuit esse nisi unum sacramentum. |
Objection 1: It seems that there ought not to be seven sacraments. For the sacraments derive their efficacy from the Divine power, and the power of Christ's Passion. But the Divine power is one, and Christ's Passion is one; since "by one oblation He hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified" (Heb. 10:14). Therefore there should be but one sacrament. |
| Praeterea, sacramentum ordinatur contra defectum peccati. Hic autem est duplex, scilicet poena et culpa. Ergo sufficeret esse duo sacramenta. | Objection 2: Further, a sacrament is intended as a remedy for the defect caused by sin. Now this is twofold, punishment and guilt. Therefore two sacraments would be enough. |
| Praeterea, sacramenta pertinent ad actiones ecclesiasticae hierarchiae, ut patet per Dionysium. Sed, sicut ipse dicit, tres sunt actiones hierarchicae, purgatio, illuminatio et perfectio. Ergo non debent esse nisi tria sacramenta. | Objection 3: Further, sacraments belong to the actions of the ecclesiastical hierarchy, as Dionysius explains (Eccl. Hier. v). But, as he says, there are three actions of the ecclesiastical hierarchy, namely, "to cleanse, to enlighten, to perfect." Therefore there should be no more than three sacraments. |
| Praeterea, Augustinus dicit, XIX contra Faustum, sacramenta novae legis sunt numero pauciora quam sacramenta veteris legis. Sed in veteri lege non erat aliquod sacramentum quod responderet confirmationi et extremae unctioni. Ergo neque debent numerari inter sacramenta novae legis. | Objection 4: Further, Augustine says (Contra Faust. xix) that the "sacraments" of the New Law are "less numerous" than those of the Old Law. But in the Old Law there was no sacrament corresponding to Confirmation and Extreme Unction. Therefore these should not be counted among the sacraments of the New Law. |
| Praeterea, luxuria non est gravius inter cetera peccata, ut patet ex his quae in secunda parte dicta sunt. Sed contra alia peccata non instituitur aliquod sacramentum. Ergo neque contra luxuriam debuit institui sacramentum matrimonii. | Objection 5: Further, lust is not more grievous than other sins, as we have made clear in the FS, Question [74], Article [5]; SS, Question [154], Article [3]. But there is no sacrament instituted as a remedy for other sins. Therefore neither should matrimony be instituted as a remedy for lust. |
| Sed contra, videtur quod sint plura sacramenta. Sacramenta enim dicuntur quaedam sacra signa. Sed multae aliae sanctificationes fiunt in Ecclesia secundum sensibilia signa, sicut aqua benedicta, consecratio altaris, et alia huiusmodi. Ergo sunt plura sacramenta quam septem. | Objection 6: On the other hand, It seems that there should be more than seven sacraments. For sacraments are a kind of sacred sign. But in the Church there are many sanctifications by sensible signs, such as Holy Water the Consecration of Altars, and such like. Therefore there are more than seven sacraments. |
| Praeterea, Hugo de sancto Victore dicit quod sacramenta veteris legis fuerunt oblationes, decimae et sacrificia. Sed sacrificium Ecclesiae est unum sacramentum, quod dicitur Eucharistia. Ergo etiam oblationes et decimae debent dici sacramenta. | Objection 7: Further, Hugh of St. Victor (De Sacram. i) says that the sacraments of the Old Law were oblations, tithes and sacrifices. But the Sacrifice of the Church is one sacrament, called the Eucharist. Therefore oblations also and tithes should be called sacraments. |
| Praeterea, tria sunt genera peccatorum, originale, mortale et veniale. Sed contra originale peccatum ordinatur Baptismus; contra mortale autem poenitentia. Ergo deberet esse aliud, praeter septem, quod ordinetur contra veniale. | Objection 8: Further, there are three kinds of sin, original, mortal and venial. Now Baptism is intended as a remedy against original sin, and Penance against mortal sin. Therefore besides the seven sacraments, there should be another against venial sin. |
| Respondeo dicendum quod, sicut supra dictum est, ordinantur sacramenta Ecclesiae ad duo, scilicet, ad perficiendum hominem in his quae pertinent ad cultum Dei secundum religionem Christianae vitae; et etiam in remedium contra defectum peccati. Utroque autem modo convenienter ponuntur septem sacramenta. |
I answer that, As stated above (Question [62], Article [5]; Question [63], Article [1]), the sacraments of the Church were instituted for a twofold purpose: namely, in order to perfect man in things pertaining to the worship of God according to the religion of Christian life, and to be a remedy against the defects caused by sin. And in either way it is becoming that there should be seven sacraments. |
| Vita enim spiritualis conformitatem aliquam habet ad vitam corporalem, sicut et cetera corporalia similitudinem quandam spiritualium habent. In vita autem corporali dupliciter aliquis perficitur, uno modo, quantum ad personam propriam; alio modo, per respectum ad totam communitatem societatis in qua vivit, quia homo naturaliter est animal sociale. Respectu autem sui ipsius perficitur homo in vita corporali dupliciter, uno modo, per se, acquirendo scilicet aliquam vitae perfectionem; alio modo, per accidens, scilicet removendo impedimenta vitae, puta aegritudines, vel aliquid huiusmodi. Per se autem perficitur corporalis vita tripliciter. Primo quidem, per generationem, per quam homo incipit esse et vivere. Et loco huius in spirituali vita est Baptismus, qui est spiritualis regeneratio, secundum illud ad Tit. III, per lavacrum regenerationis, et cetera. Secundo, per augmentum, quo aliquis perducitur ad perfectam quantitatem et virtutem. Et loco huius in spirituali vita est confirmatio, in qua datur spiritus sanctus ad robur. Unde dicitur discipulis iam baptizatis, Luc. ult., sedete in civitate quousque induamini virtute ex alto. Tertio, per nutritionem, qua conservatur in homine vita et virtus. Et loco huius in spirituali vita est Eucharistia. Unde dicitur Ioan. VI, nisi manducaveritis carnem filii hominis et biberitis eius sanguinem, non habebitis vitam in vobis. | For spiritual life has a certain conformity with the life of the body: just as other corporeal things have a certain likeness to things spiritual. Now a man attains perfection in the corporeal life in two ways: first, in regard to his own person; secondly, in regard to the whole community of the society in which he lives, for man is by nature a social animal. With regard to himself man is perfected in the life of the body, in two ways; first, directly [per se], i.e. by acquiring some vital perfection; secondly, indirectly [per accidens], i.e. by the removal of hindrances to life, such as ailments, or the like. Now the life of the body is perfected "directly," in three ways. First, by generation whereby a man begins to be and to live: and corresponding to this in the spiritual life there is Baptism, which is a spiritual regeneration, according to Titus 3:5: "By the laver of regeneration," etc. Secondly, by growth whereby a man is brought to perfect size and strength: and corresponding to this in the spiritual life there is Confirmation, in which the Holy Ghost is given to strengthen us. Wherefore the disciples who were already baptized were bidden thus: "Stay you in the city till you be endued with power from on high" (Lk. 24:49). Thirdly, by nourishment, whereby life and strength are preserved to man; and corresponding to this in the spiritual life there is the Eucharist. Wherefore it is said (Jn. 6:54): "Except you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, you shall not have life in you." |
| Et hoc quidem sufficeret homini si haberet et corporaliter et spiritualiter impassibilem vitam, sed quia homo incurrit interdum et corporalem infirmitatem et spiritualem, scilicet peccatum, ideo necessaria est homini curatio ab infirmitate. Quae quidem est duplex. Una quidem est sanatio, quae sanitatem restituit. Et loco huius in spirituali vita est poenitentia, secundum illud Psalmi, sana animam meam, quia peccavi tibi. Alia autem est restitutio valetudinis pristinae per convenientem diaetam et exercitium. Et loco huius in spirituali vita est extrema unctio, quae removet peccatorum reliquias, et hominem paratum reddit ad finalem gloriam. Unde dicitur Iac. V, et si in peccatis sit, dimittetur ei. |
And this would be enough for man if he had an impassible life, both corporally and spiritually; but since man is liable at times to both corporal and spiritual infirmity, i.e. sin, hence man needs a cure from his infirmity; which cure is twofold. one is the healing, that restores health: and corresponding to this in the spiritual life there is Penance, according to Ps. 40:5: "Heal my soul, for I have sinned against Thee." The other is the restoration of former vigor by means of suitable diet and exercise: and corresponding to this in the spiritual life there is Extreme Unction, which removes the remainder of sin, and prepares man for final glory. Wherefore it is written (James 5:15): "And if he be in sins they shall be forgiven him." |
| Perficitur autem homo in ordine ad totam communitatem dupliciter. Uno modo, per hoc quod accipit potestatem regendi multitudinem, et exercendi actus publicos. Et loco huius in spirituali vita est sacramentum ordinis, secundum illud Heb. VII, quod sacerdotes hostias offerunt non solum pro se, sed etiam pro populo. Secundo, quantum ad naturalem propagationem. Quod fit per matrimonium, tam in corporali quam in spirituali vita, eo quod est non solum sacramentum, sed naturae officium. | In regard to the whole community, man is perfected in two ways. First, by receiving power to rule the community and to exercise public acts: and corresponding to this in the spiritual life there is the sacrament of order, according to the saying of Heb. 7:27, that priests offer sacrifices not for themselves only, but also for the people. Secondly in regard to natural propagation. This is accomplished by Matrimony both in the corporal and in the spiritual life: since it is not only a sacrament but also a function of nature. |
| Ex his etiam patet sacramentorum numerus secundum quod ordinantur contra defectum peccati. Nam Baptismus ordinatur contra carentiam vitae spiritualis; confirmatio contra infirmitatem animi quae in nuper natis invenitur; Eucharistia contra labilitatem animi ad peccandum; poenitentia contra actuale peccatum post Baptismum commissum; extrema unctio contra reliquias peccatorum, quae scilicet non sunt sufficienter per poenitentiam sublatae, aut ex negligentia aut ex ignorantia; ordo contra dissolutionem multitudinis; matrimonium in remedium contra concupiscentiam personalem, et contra defectum multitudinis qui per mortem accidit. | We may likewise gather the number of the sacraments from their being instituted as a remedy against the defect caused by sin. For Baptism is intended as a remedy against the absence of spiritual life; Confirmation, against the infirmity of soul found in those of recent birth; the Eucharist, against the soul's proneness to sin; Penance, against actual sin committed after baptism; Extreme Unction, against the remainders of sins---of those sins, namely, which are not sufficiently removed by Penance, whether through negligence or through ignorance; order, against divisions in the community; Matrimony, as a remedy against concupiscence in the individual, and against the decrease in numbers that results from death. |
| Quidam vero accipiunt numerum sacramentorum per quandam adaptationem ad virtutes, et ad defectus culparum et poenalitatum, dicentes quod fidei respondet Baptismus, et ordinatur contra culpam originalem; spei extrema unctio, et ordinatur contra culpam venialem; caritati Eucharistia, et ordinatur contra poenalitatem malitiae; prudentiae ordo, et ordinatur contra ignorantiam; iustitiae poenitentia, et ordinatur contra peccatum mortale; temperantiae matrimonium, et ordinatur contra concupiscentiam; fortitudini confirmatio, et ordinatur contra infirmitatem. | Some, again, gather the number of sacraments from a certain adaptation to the virtues and to the defects and penal effects resulting from sin. They say that Baptism corresponds to Faith, and is ordained as a remedy against original sin; Extreme Unction, to Hope, being ordained against venial sin; the Eucharist, to Charity, being ordained against the penal effect which is malice. order, to Prudence, being ordained against ignorance; Penance to Justice, being ordained against mortal sin; Matrimony, to Temperance, being ordained against concupiscence; Confirmation, to Fortitude, being ordained against infirmity. |
| Ad primum ergo dicendum quod idem agens principale utitur diversis instrumentis ad diversos effectus, secundum congruentiam operum. Et similiter virtus divina et passio Christi operatur in nobis per diversa sacramenta quasi per diversa instrumenta. | Reply to Objection 1: The same principal agent uses various instruments unto various effects, in accordance with the thing to be done. In the same way the Divine power and the Passion of Christ work in us through the various sacraments as through various instruments. |
| Ad secundum dicendum quod culpa et poena diversitatem habent et secundum speciem, inquantum sunt diversae species culparum et poenarum; et secundum diversos hominum status et habitudines. Et secundum hoc oportuit multiplicari sacramenta, ut ex dictis patet. | Reply to Objection 2: Guilt and punishment are diversified both according to species, inasmuch as there are various species of guilt and punishment, and according to men's various states and habitudes. And in this respect it was necessary to have a number of sacraments, as explained above. |
| Ad tertium dicendum quod in actionibus hierarchicis considerantur et agentes, et recipientes, et actiones. Agentes autem sunt ministri Ecclesiae. Ad quos pertinet ordinis sacramentum. Recipientes autem sunt illi qui ad sacramenta accedunt. Qui producuntur per matrimonium. Actiones autem sunt purgatio, illuminatio et perfectio. Sed sola purgatio non potest esse sacramentum novae legis, quod gratiam confert, sed pertinet ad quaedam sacramentalia, quae sunt catechismus et exorcismus. Purgatio autem et illuminatio simul, secundum Dionysium, pertinet ad Baptismum, et, propter recidivum, secundario pertinet ad poenitentiam et extremam unctionem. Perfectio autem, quantum ad virtutem quidem, quae est quasi perfectio formalis, pertinet ad confirmationem, quantum autem ad consecutionem finis, pertinet ad Eucharistiam. | Reply to Objection 3: In hierarchical actions we must consider the agents, the recipients and the actions. The agents are the ministers of the Church; and to these the sacrament of order belongs. The recipients are those who approach the sacraments: and these are brought into being by Matrimony. The actions are "cleansing," "enlightening," and "perfecting." Mere cleansing, however, cannot be a sacrament of the New Law, which confers grace: yet it belongs to certain sacramentals, i.e. catechism and exorcism. But cleansing coupled with enlightening, according to Dionysius, belongs to Baptism; and, for him who falls back into sin, they belong secondarily to Penance and Extreme Unction. And perfecting, as regards power, which is, as it were, a formal perfection, belongs to Confirmation: while, as regards the attainment of the end, it belongs to the Eucharist. |
| Ad quartum dicendum quod in sacramento confirmationis datur plenitudo spiritus sancti ad robur; in extrema autem unctione praeparatur homo ut recipiat immediate gloriam; quorum neutrum competit veteri testamento. Et ideo nihil potuit his sacramentis in veteri lege respondere. Nihilominus tamen sacramenta veteris legis fuerunt plura numero, propter diversitatem sacrificiorum et caeremoniarum. | Reply to Objection 4: In the sacrament of Confirmation we receive the fulness of the Holy Ghost in order to be strengthened; while in Extreme Unction man is prepared for the immediate attainment of glory; and neither of these two purposes was becoming to the Old Testament. Consequently, nothing in the old Law could correspond to these sacraments. Nevertheless, the sacraments of the old Law were more numerous, on account of the various kinds of sacrifices and ceremonies. |
| Ad quintum dicendum quod contra concupiscentiam venereorum oportuit specialiter remedium adhiberi per aliquod sacramentum, primo quidem, quia per huiusmodi concupiscentiam non solum vitiatur persona, sed etiam natura; secundo, propter vehementiam eius, qua rationem absorbet. | Reply to Objection 5: There was need for a special sacrament to be applied as a remedy against venereal concupiscence: first because by this concupiscence, not only the person but also the nature is defiled: secondly, by reason of its vehemence whereby it clouds the reason. |
| Ad sextum dicendum quod aqua benedicta et aliae consecrationes non dicuntur sacramenta, quia non perducunt ad sacramenti effectum, qui est gratiae consecutio. Sed sunt dispositiones quaedam ad sacramenta, vel removendo prohibens, sicut aqua benedicta ordinatur contra insidias Daemonum, et contra peccata venialia; vel idoneitatem quandam faciendo ad sacramenti perceptionem, sicut consecratur altare et vasa propter reverentiam Eucharistiae. | Reply to Objection 6: Holy Water and other consecrated things are not called sacraments, because they do not produce the sacramental effect, which is the receiving of grace. They are, however, a kind of disposition to the sacraments: either by removing obstacles. thus holy water is ordained against the snares of the demons, and against venial sins: or by making things suitable for the conferring of a sacrament; thus the altar and vessels are consecrated through reverence for the Eucharist. |
| Ad septimum dicendum quod oblationes et decimae erant, tam in lege naturae quam in lege Moysi, ordinatae non solum in subsidium ministrorum et pauperum, sed etiam in figuram, et ideo erant sacramenta. Nunc autem non remanserunt inquantum sunt figuralia, et ideo non sunt sacramenta. | Reply to Objection 7: Oblations and tithes, both the Law of nature and in the Law of Moses, ere ordained not only for the sustenance of the ministers and the poor, but also figuratively; and consequently they were sacraments. But now they remain no longer as figures, and therefore they are not sacraments. |
| Ad octavum dicendum quod ad deletionem venialis peccati non requiritur infusio gratiae. Unde, cum in quolibet sacramento novae legis gratia infundatur, nullum sacramentum novae legis instituitur directe contra veniale; quod tollitur per quaedam sacramentalia, puta per aquam benedictam, et alia huiusmodi. Quidam tamen dicunt extremam unctionem contra veniale peccatum ordinari. Sed de hoc suo loco dicetur. |
Reply to Objection 8: The infusion of grace is not necessary for the blotting out of venial sin. Wherefore, since grace is infused in each of the sacraments of the New Law, none of them was instituted directly against venial sin. This is taken away by certain sacramentals, for instance, Holy Water and such like. Some, however, hold that Extreme Unction is ordained against venial sin. But of this we shall speak in its proper place (XP, Question [30], Article [1]). |
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Article: 2 [ << | >> ]
| Ad secundum sic proceditur. Videtur quod inconvenienter sacramenta ordinentur secundum modum praedictum. Ut enim apostolus dicit, I Cor. XV, prius est quod est animale, deinde quod spirituale. Sed per matrimonium generatur homo prima generatione, quae est animalis, per Baptismum autem regeneratur homo secunda generatione quae est spiritualis. Ergo matrimonium debet praecedere Baptismum. |
Objection 1: It seems that the order of the sacraments as given above is unbecoming. For according to the Apostle (1 Cor. 15:46), "that was... first... which is natural, afterwards that which is spiritual." But man is begotten through Matrimony by a first and natural generation; while in Baptism he is regenerated as by a second and spiritual generation. Therefore Matrimony should precede Baptism. |
| Praeterea, per sacramentum ordinis aliquis accipit potestatem agendi actiones sacramentales. Sed agens est prior sua actione. Ergo ordo debet praecedere Baptismum et alia sacramenta. | Objection 2: Further, through the sacrament of order man receives the power of agent in sacramental actions. But the agent precedes his action. Therefore order should precede Baptism and the other sacraments. |
| Praeterea, Eucharistia est spirituale nutrimentum, confirmatio autem comparatur augmento. Nutrimentum autem est causa augmenti, et per consequens prius. Ergo Eucharistia est prior confirmatione. | Objection 3: Further, the Eucharist is a spiritual food; while Confirmation is compared to growth. But food causes, and consequently precedes, growth. Therefore the Eucharist precedes Confirmation. |
| Praeterea, poenitentia praeparat hominem ad Eucharistiam. Sed dispositio praecedit perfectionem. Ergo poenitentia debet praecedere Eucharistiam. | Objection 4: Further, Penance prepares man for the Eucharist. But a disposition precedes perfection. Therefore Penance should precede the Eucharist. |
| Praeterea, quod est propinquius fini ultimo, est posterius. Sed extrema unctio, inter omnia sacramenta, propinquior est ultimo fini beatitudinis. Ergo debet habere ultimum locum inter sacramenta. | Objection 5: Further, that which is nearer the last end comes after other things. But, of all the sacraments, Extreme Unction is nearest to the last end which is Happiness. Therefore it should be placed last among the sacraments. |
| In contrarium est quod communiter ordinantur ab omnibus sacramenta sicut dictum est. | On the contrary, The order of the sacraments, as given above, is commonly adopted by all. |
| Respondeo dicendum quod ratio ordinis sacramentorum apparet ex his quae supra dicta sunt. Nam sicut unum est prius quam multitudo, ita sacramenta quae ordinantur ad perfectionem unius personae, naturaliter praecedunt ea quae ordinantur ad perfectionem multitudinis. Et ideo ultimo inter sacramenta ponuntur ordo et matrimonium, quae ordinantur ad multitudinis perfectionem, matrimonium tamen post ordinem, eo quod minus participat de ratione spiritualis vitae, ad quam ordinantur sacramenta. Inter ea vero quae ordinantur ad perfectionem unius personae, naturaliter sunt priora illa quae per se ordinantur ad perfectionem spiritualis vitae, quam illa quae ordinantur per accidens, scilicet ad removendum nocivum accidens superveniens, cuiusmodi sunt poenitentia et extrema unctio. Posterior tamen est naturaliter extrema unctio, quae conservat sanationem quam poenitentia inchoat. |
I answer that, The reason of the order among the sacraments appears from what has been said above (Article [1]). For just as unity precedes multitude, so those sacraments which are intended for the perfection of the individual, naturally precede those which are intended for the perfection of the multitude; and consequently the last place among the sacraments is given to order and Matrimony, which are intended for the perfection of the multitude: while Matrimony is placed after order, because it has less participation in the nature of the spiritual life, to which the sacraments are ordained. Moreover, among things ordained to the perfection of the individual, those naturally come first which are ordained directly to the perfection of the spiritual life, and afterwards, those which are ordained thereto indirectly, viz. by removing some supervening accidental cause of harm; such are Penance and Extreme Unction: while, of these, Extreme Unction is naturally placed last, for it preserves the healing which was begun by Penance. |
| Inter alia vero tria, manifestum est quod Baptismus, qui est spiritualis regeneratio, est primum; et deinde confirmatio, quae ordinatur ad formalem perfectionem virtutis; et postmodum Eucharistia, quae ordinatur ad perfectionem finis. | Of the remaining three, it is clear that Baptism which is a spiritual regeneration, comes first; then Confirmation, which is ordained to the formal perfection of power; and after these the Eucharist which is ordained to final perfection. |
| Ad primum ergo dicendum quod matrimonium, secundum quod ordinatur ad animalem vitam, est naturae officium. Sed secundum quod habet aliquid spiritualitatis, est sacramentum. Et quia minimum habet de spiritualitate, ultimo ponitur inter sacramenta. | Reply to Objection 1: Matrimony as ordained to natural life is a function of nature. But in so far as it has something spiritual it is a sacrament. And because it has the least amount of spirituality it is placed last. |
| Ad secundum dicendum quod, ad hoc quod aliquid sit agens, praesupponitur quod sit in se perfectum. Et ideo priora sunt sacramenta quibus aliquis in seipso perficitur, quam sacramentum ordinis, in quo aliquis constituitur perfector aliorum. | Reply to Objection 2: For a thing to be an agent it must first of all be perfect in itself. Wherefore those sacraments by which a man is perfected in himself, are placed before the sacrament of order, in which a man is made a perfecter of others. |
| Ad tertium dicendum quod nutrimentum et praecedit augmentum, sicut causa eius; et subsequitur augmentum, sicut conservans hominem in perfecta quantitate et virtute. Et ideo potest Eucharistia praemitti confirmationi, ut Dionysius facit, in libro Eccl. Hier., et potest postponi, sicut Magister facit, in IV sententiarum. | Reply to Objection 3: Nourishment both precedes growth, as its cause; and follows it, as maintaining the perfection of size and power in man. Consequently, the Eucharist can be placed before Confirmation, as Dionysius places it (Eccl. Hier. iii, iv), and can be placed after it, as the Master does (iv, 2,8). |
| Ad quartum dicendum quod ratio illa recte procederet si poenitentia ex necessitate requireretur ut praeparatoria ad Eucharistiam. Sed hoc non est verum, nam si aliquis esset sine peccato mortali, non indigeret poenitentia ad sumptionem Eucharistiae. Et sic patet quod per accidens poenitentia praeparat ad Eucharistiam, scilicet, supposito peccato. Unde dicitur II Paral. ult., tu, domine iustorum, non posuisti poenitentiam iustis. | Reply to Objection 4: This argument would hold if Penance were required of necessity as a preparation to the Eucharist. But this is not true: for if anyone be without mortal sin, he does not need Penance in order to receive the Eucharist. Thus it is clear that Penance is an accidental preparation to the Eucharist, that is to say, sin being supposed. Wherefore it is written in the last chapter of the second Book of Paralipomenon (cf. 2 Paral 33:18): "Thou, O Lord of the righteous, didst not impose penance on righteous men." [*The words quoted are from the apocryphal Prayer of Manasses, which, before the Council of Trent, was to be found inserted in some Latin copies of the Bible.] |
| Ad quintum dicendum quod extrema unctio, propter rationem inductam, est ultimum inter sacramenta quae ordinantur ad perfectionem unius personae. | Reply to Objection 5: Extreme Unction, for this very reason, is given the last place among those sacraments which are ordained to the perfection of the individual. |
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| Ad tertium sic proceditur. Videtur quod sacramentum Eucharistiae non sit potissimum inter sacramenta. Bonum enim commune potius est quam bonum unius, ut dicitur I Ethic. Sed matrimonium ordinatur ad bonum commune speciei humanae per viam generationis, sacramentum autem Eucharistiae ordinatur ad bonum proprium sumentis. Ergo non est potissimum sacramentorum. | Objection 1: It seems that the Eucharist is not the principal of the sacraments. For the common good is of more account than the good of the individual (1 Ethic. ii). But Matrimony is ordained to the common good of the human race by means of generation: whereas the sacrament of the Eucharist is ordained to the private good of the recipient. Therefore it is not the greatest of the sacraments. |
| Praeterea, digniora sacramenta esse videntur quae per maiorem ministrum conferuntur. Sed sacramentum confirmationis et sacramentum ordinis non conferuntur nisi per episcopum, qui est maior minister quam simplex minister, qui est sacerdos, per quem confertur Eucharistiae sacramentum. Ergo illa sacramenta sunt potiora. | Objection 2: Further, those sacraments, seemingly, are greater, which are conferred by a greater minister. But the sacraments of Confirmation and order are conferred by a bishop only, who is a greater minister than a mere minister such as a priest, by whom the sacraments of the Eucharist is conferred. Therefore those sacraments are greater. |
| Praeterea, sacramenta tanto sunt potiora quanto maiorem virtutem habent. Sed quaedam sacramenta imprimunt characterem, scilicet Baptismus, confirmatio et ordo, quod non facit Eucharistia. Ergo illa sacramenta sunt potiora. | Objection 3: Further, those sacraments are greater that have the greater power. But some of the sacraments imprint a character, viz. Baptism, Confirmation and order; whereas the Eucharist does not. Therefore those sacraments are greater. |
| Praeterea, illud videtur esse potius ex quo alia dependent et non e converso. Sed ex Baptismo dependet Eucharistia, non enim potest aliquis Eucharistiam accipere nisi fuerit baptizatus. Ergo Baptismus est potior Eucharistia. | Objection 4: Further, that seems to be greater, on which others depend without its depending on them. But the Eucharist depends on Baptism: since no one can receive the Eucharist except he has been baptized. Therefore Baptism is greater than the Eucharist. |
| Sed contra est quod Dionysius dicit, III cap. Eccles. Hier., quod non contingit aliquem perfici perfectione hierarchica nisi per divinissimam Eucharistiam. Ergo hoc sacramentum potissimum et perfectivum est omnium aliorum. | On the contrary, Dionysius says (Eccl. Hier. iii) that "No one receives hierarchical perfection save by the most God-like Eucharist." Therefore this sacrament is greater than all the others and perfects them. |
| Respondeo dicendum quod, simpliciter loquendo, sacramentum Eucharistiae est potissimum inter alia sacramenta. Quod quidem tripliciter apparet. Primo quidem, ex eo quod in eo continetur ipse Christus substantialiter, in aliis autem sacramentis continetur quaedam virtus instrumentalis participata a Christo, ut ex supra dictis patet. Semper autem quod est per essentiam, potius est eo quod est per participationem. |
I answer that, Absolutely speaking, the sacrament of the Eucharist is the greatest of all the sacraments: and this may be shown in three ways. First of all because it contains Christ Himself substantially: whereas the other sacraments contain a certain instrumental power which is a share of Christ's power, as we have shown above (Question [62], Article [4], ad 3, Article [5]). Now that which is essentially such is always of more account than that which is such by participation. |
| Secundo hoc apparet ex ordine sacramentorum ad invicem, nam omnia alia sacramenta ordinari videntur ad hoc sacramentum sicut ad finem. Manifestum est enim quod sacramentum ordinis ordinatur ad Eucharistiae consecrationem. Sacramentum vero Baptismi ordinatur ad Eucharistiae receptionem. In quo etiam perficitur aliquis per confirmationem, ut non vereatur se subtrahere a tali sacramento. Per poenitentiam etiam et extremam unctionem praeparatur homo ad digne sumendum corpus Christi. Matrimonium autem saltem sua significatione attingit hoc sacramentum, inquantum significat coniunctionem Christi et Ecclesiae, cuius unitas per sacramentum Eucharistiae figuratur, unde et apostolus dicit, Ephes. V, sacramentum hoc magnum est, ego autem dico in Christo et in Ecclesia. |
Secondly, this is made clear by considering the relation of the sacraments to one another. For all the other sacraments seem to be ordained to this one as to their end. For it is manifest that the sacrament of order is ordained to the consecration of the Eucharist: and the sacrament of Baptism to the reception of the Eucharist: while a man is perfected by Confirmation, so as not to fear to abstain from this sacrament. By Penance and Extreme Unction man is prepared to receive the Body of Christ worthily. And Matrimony at least in its signification, touches this sacrament; in so far as it signifies the union of Christ with the Church, of which union the Eucharist is a figure: hence the Apostle says (Eph. 5:32): "This is a great sacrament: but I speak in Christ and in the Church." |
| Tertio hoc apparet ex ritu sacramentorum. Nam fere omnia sacramenta in Eucharistia consummantur, ut dicit Dionysius, III cap. Eccles. Hier., sicut patet quod ordinati communicant, et etiam baptizati si sint adulti. | Thirdly, this is made clear by considering the rites of the sacraments. For nearly all the sacraments terminate in the Eucharist, as Dionysius says (Eccl. Hier. iii): thus those who have been ordained receive Holy Communion, as also do those who have been baptized, if they be adults. |
| Aliorum autem sacramentorum comparatio ad invicem potest esse multipliciter. Nam in via necessitatis, Baptismus est potissimum sacramentorum; in via autem perfectionis, sacramentum ordinis; medio autem modo se habet sacramentum confirmationis. Sacramentum vero poenitentiae et extremae unctionis sunt inferioris gradus a praedictis sacramentis, quia, sicut dictum est, ordinantur ad vitam Christianam non per se, sed quasi per accidens, scilicet in remedium supervenientis defectus. Inter quae tamen extrema unctio comparatur ad poenitentiam sicut confirmatio ad Baptismum, ita scilicet quod poenitentia est maioris necessitatis, sed extrema unctio est maioris perfectionis. |
The remaining sacraments may be compared to one another in several ways. For on the ground of necessity, Baptism is the greatest of the sacraments; while from the point of view of perfection, order comes first; while Confirmation holds a middle place. The sacraments of Penance and Extreme Unction are on a degree inferior to those mentioned above; because, as stated above (Article [2]), they are ordained to the Christian life, not directly, but accidentally, as it were, that is to say, as remedies against supervening defects. And among these, Extreme Unction is compared to Penance, as Confirmation to Baptism; in such a way, that Penance is more necessary, whereas Extreme Unction is more perfect. |
| Ad primum ergo dicendum quod matrimonium ordinatur ad bonum commune corporaliter. Sed bonum commune spirituale totius Ecclesiae continetur substantialiter in ipso Eucharistiae sacramento. | Reply to Objection 1: Matrimony is ordained to the common good as regards the body. But the common spiritual good of the whole Church is contained substantially in the sacrament itself of the Eucharist. |
| Ad secundum dicendum quod per ordinem et confirmationem deputantur fideles Christi ad aliqua specialia officia, quod pertinet ad officium principis. Et ideo tradere huiusmodi sacramenta pertinet ad solum episcopum, qui est quasi princeps in Ecclesia. Per sacramentum vero Eucharistiae non deputatur homo ad aliquod officium, sed magis hoc sacramentum est finis omnium officiorum, ut dictum est. | Reply to Objection 2: By order and Confirmation the faithful of Christ are deputed to certain special duties; and this can be done by the prince alone. Consequently the conferring of these sacraments belongs exclusively to a bishop, who is, as it were, a prince in the Church. But a man is not deputed to any duty by the sacrament of the Eucharist, rather is this sacrament the end of all duties, as stated above. |
| Ad tertium dicendum quod character sacramentalis, sicut supra dictum est, quaedam participatio est sacerdotii Christi. Unde sacramentum quod ipsum Christum coniungit homini, est dignius sacramento quod imprimit Christi characterem. |
Reply to Objection 3: The sacramental character, as stated above (Question [63], Article [3]), is a kind of participation in Christ's priesthood. Wherefore the sacrament that unites man to Christ Himself, is greater than a sacrament that imprints Christ's character. |
| Ad quartum dicendum quod ratio illa procedit ex parte necessitatis. Sic enim Baptismus, cum sit maximae necessitatis, est potissimum sacramentorum. Sicut ordo et confirmatio habent quandam excellentiam ratione ministerii; et matrimonium ratione significationis. Nihil enim prohibet aliquid esse secundum quid dignius, quod tamen non est dignius simpliciter. | Reply to Objection 4: This argument proceeds on the ground of necessity. For thus Baptism, being of the greatest necessity, is the greatest of the sacraments, just as order and Confirmation have a certain excellence considered in their administration; and Matrimony by reason of its signification. For there is no reason why a thing should not be greater from a certain point of view which is not greater absolutely speaking. |
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| Ad quartum sic proceditur. Videtur quod omnia sacramenta sunt de necessitate salutis. Id enim quod non est necessarium, videtur esse superfluum. Sed nullum sacramentum est superfluum, quia Deus nihil facit frustra. Ergo omnia sacramenta sunt de necessitate salutis. | Objection 1: It seems that all the sacraments are necessary for salvation. For what is not necessary seems to be superfluous. But no sacrament is superfluous, because "God does nothing without a purpose" (De Coelo et Mundo i). Therefore all the sacraments are necessary for salvation. |
| Praeterea, sicut de Baptismo dicitur, nisi quis renatus fuerit ex aqua et spiritu sancto, non potest introire in regnum Dei, ita de Eucharistia dicitur, Ioan. VI, nisi manducaveritis carnem filii hominis et biberitis eius sanguinem, non habebitis vitam in vobis. Ergo, sicut Baptismus est sacramentum necessitatis, ita et Eucharistia. |
Objection 2: Further, just as it is said of Baptism (Jn. 3:5): "Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter in to the kingdom of God," so of the Eucharist is it said (Jn. 6:54): "Except you eat of the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink of His blood, you shall not have life in you." Therefore, just as Baptism is a necessary sacrament, so is the Eucharist. |
| Praeterea, sine sacramento Baptismi potest aliquis salvus fieri, dummodo non contemptus religionis, sed necessitas sacramentum excludat, ut infra dicetur. Sed in quolibet sacramento contemptus religionis impedit hominis salutem. Ergo, pari ratione, omnia sacramenta sunt de necessitate salutis. |
Objection 3: Further, a man can be saved without the sacrament of Baptism, provided that some unavoidable obstacle, and not his contempt for religion, debar him from the sacrament, as we shall state further on (Question [68], Article [2]). But contempt of religion in any sacrament is a hindrance to salvation. Therefore, in like manner, all the sacraments are necessary for salvation. |
| Sed contra est quod pueri salvantur per solum Baptismum, sine aliis sacramentis. | On the contrary, Children are saved by Baptism alone without the other sacraments. |
| Respondeo dicendum quod necessarium respectu finis, de quo nunc loquimur, dicitur aliquid dupliciter. Uno modo, sine quo non potest esse finis, sicut cibus est necessarius vitae humanae. Et hoc est simpliciter necessarium ad finem. Alio modo dicitur esse necessarium id sine quo non habetur finis ita convenienter, sicut equus necessarius est ad iter. Hoc autem non est simpliciter necessarium ad finem. | I answer that, Necessity of end, of which we speak now, is twofold. First, a thing may be necessary so that without it the end cannot be attained; thus food is necessary for human life. And this is simple necessity of end. Secondly, a thing is said to be necessary, if, without it, the end cannot be attained so becomingly: thus a horse is necessary for a journey. But this is not simple necessity of end. |
| Primo igitur modo necessitatis sunt tria sacramenta necessaria. Duo quidem personae singulari, Baptismus quidem simpliciter et absolute; poenitentia autem, supposito peccato mortali post Baptismum. Sacramentum autem ordinis est necessarium Ecclesiae, quia, ubi non est gubernator, populus corruet, ut dicitur Proverb. XI. |
In the first way, three sacraments are necessary for salvation. Two of them are necessary to the individual; Baptism, simply and absolutely; Penance, in the case of mortal sin committed after Baptism; while the sacrament of order is necessary to the Church, since "where there is no governor the people shall fall" (Prov. 11:14). |
| Sed secundo modo sunt necessaria alia sacramenta. Nam confirmatio perficit Baptismum quodammodo; extrema unctio poenitentiam; matrimonium vero Ecclesiae multitudinem per propagationem conservat. | But in the second way the other sacraments are necessary. For in a sense Confirmation perfects Baptism; Extreme Unction perfects Penance; while Matrimony, by multiplying them, preserves the numbers in the Church. |
| Ad primum ergo dicendum quod ad hoc quod aliquid non sit superfluum, sufficit necessarium primo vel secundo modo. Et sic sunt necessaria sacramenta, ut dictum est. | Reply to Objection 1: For a thing not to be superfluous it is enough if it be necessary either in the first or the second way. It is thus that the sacraments are necessary, as stated above. |
| Ad secundum dicendum quod illud verbum domini est intelligendum de spirituali manducatione, et non de sola sacramentali, ut Augustinus exponit, super Ioannem. | Reply to Objection 2: These words of our Lord are to be understood of spiritual, and not of merely sacramental, eating, as Augustine explains (Tract. xxvi super Joan.). |
| Ad tertium dicendum quod, licet omnium sacramentorum contemptus sit saluti contrarius, non tamen est contemptus sacramenti ex hoc quod aliquis non curat accipere sacramentum quod non est de necessitate salutis. Alioquin qui non accipiunt ordinem, et qui non contrahunt matrimonium, contemnerent huiusmodi sacramenta. | Reply to Objection 3: Although contempt of any of the sacraments is a hindrance to salvation, yet it does not amount to contempt of the sacrament, if anyone does not trouble to receive a sacrament that is not necessary for salvation. Else those who do not receive orders, and those who do not contract Matrimony, would be guilty of contempt of those sacraments. |