Christian Classics
‹ Summa Theologica

Thomas Aquinas · 2749 of 3516

Question. 60 - WHAT IS A SACRAMENT? (EIGHT ARTICLES)

After considering those things that concern the mystery of the Word, we must consider the of the Church which derive their efficacy from the Word Himself. First we shall consider the in general; secondly, we shall consider specially each .

Concerning the first our consideration will be fivefold: (1) What is a ? (2) Of the necessity of the ; (3) of the effects of the ; (4) Of their cause; (5) Of their number.

Under the first heading there are eight points of inquiry:

(1) Whether a is a kind of sign?

(2) Whether every sign of a sacred thing is a ?

(3) Whether a is a sign of one thing only, or of several?

(4) Whether a is a sign that is something sensible?

(5) Whether some determinate sensible thing is required for a ?

(6) Whether signification expressed by words is necessary for a ?

(7) Whether determinate words are required?

(8) Whether anything may be added to or subtracted from these words?