Thomas Aquinas · 3134 of 3516
Article. 7 - Whether this sacrament has a form?
Objection 1: It would seem that this has no form. Because, since the efficacy of the is derived from their institution, as also from their form, the latter must needs be appointed by the institutor of the . But there is no account of the form of this being instituted either by Christ or by the apostles. Therefore this has no form.
Objection 2: Further, whatever is essential to a is observed everywhere in the same way. Now nothing is so essential to a that has a form, as that very form. Therefore, as in this there is no form commonly used by all, since various words are in use, it seems that this has no form.
Objection 3: Further, in Baptism no form is needed except for the of the matter, because the water is " by the word of life so as to wash sin away," as Hugh states (De Sacram. ii). Now the matter of this is already . Therefore it needs no form of words.
On the contrary, The Master says (Sent. iv, D, 1) that every of the New Law consists in things and words. Now the words are the form. Therefore, since this is a of the New Law, it seems that it has a form.
Further, this is confirmed by the rite of the Universal Church, who uses certain words in the bestowal of this .
I answer that, Some have held that no farm is essential to this . This, however, seems derogatory to the effect of this , since every signifies its effect. Now the matter is indifferent as regards its effect, and consequently cannot be determined to any particular effect save by the form of words. Hence in all the of the New Law, since they effect what they signify, there must needs be things and words. Moreover James (5:14,15) seems to ascribe the whole force of this to prayer, which is the form thereof, as we shall state further on (ad 2: AA[8],9). the foregoing opinion seems presumptuous and erroneous; and for that reason we should hold with the common opinion that this, like all the other , has a fixed form.
Reply to Objection 1: Holy Writ is proposed to all alike: and so, the form of Baptism, which can be conferred by all, should be expressed in Holy Writ, as also the form of the Eucharist, which in regard to that , expresses faith which is necessary for salvation. Now the forms of the other are not contained in Holy Writ, but were handed down to the Church by the apostles, who received them from our Lord, as the Apostle declares (1 Cor. 11:23): "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you," etc.
Reply to Objection 2: The words which are essential to the form, viz. the prayer of deprecation, are said by all; but other words which pertain to the well-being thereof, are not said by all.
Reply to Objection 3: The matter of Baptism has a certain of its own from the very contact of our Saviour's flesh; but the form of words it so that it has a force. In like manner when the matter of this has been in itself, it requires in its use, so that it may actually.