of signifying various mental concepts,
so that we are able to express our thoughts with greater distinctness
by means of words. And therefore in order to insure the perfection of
sacramental signification it was necessary to determine the
signification of the sensible things by means of certain words. For
water may signify both a cleansing by reason of its humidity, and
refreshment by reason of its being cool: but when we say, "I baptize
thee," it is clear that we use water in baptism in order to signify a
spiritual cleansing.

Reply Obj. 1: The sensible elements of the sacraments are called
words by way of a certain likeness, in so far as they partake of a
certain significative power, which resides principally in the very
words, as stated above. Consequently it is not a superfluous
repetition to add words to the visible element in the sacraments;
because one determines the other, as stated above.

Reply Obj. 2: Although words and other sensible things are not in the
same genus, considered in their natures, yet have they something in
common as to the thing signified by them: which is more perfectly
done in words than in other things. Wherefore in the sacraments,
words and things, like form and matter, combine in the formation of
one thing, in so far as the signification of things is completed by
means of words, as above stated. And under words are comprised also
sensible actions, such as cleansing and anointing and such like:
because they have a like signification with the things.

Reply Obj. 3: As Augustine says (Contra Faust. xix), the sacraments
of things present should be different from sacraments of things to
come. Now the sacraments of the Old Law foretold the coming of
Christ. Consequently they did not signify Christ so clearly as the
sacraments of the New Law, which flow from Christ Himself, and have a
certain likeness to Him, as stated above. Nevertheless in the Old
Law, certain words were used in things pertaining to the worship of
God, both by the priests, who were the ministers of those sacraments,
according to Num. 6:23, 24: "Thus shall you bless the children of
Israel, and you shall say to them: The Lord bless thee," etc.; and by
those who made use of those sacraments, according to Deut. 26:3: "I
profess this day before the Lord thy God," etc.
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SEVENTH ARTICLE [III, Q. 60, Art. 7]

Whether Determinate Words Are Required in the Sacraments?

Objection 1: It seems that determi