e predicated of it properly.
Consequently, a character cannot be in the fourth species of quality,
although some have held this to be the case.

Reply Obj. 2: The third species of quality contains only sensible
passions or sensible qualities. Now a character is not a sensible
light. Consequently, it is not in the third species of quality as
some have maintained.

Reply Obj. 3: The relation signified by the word "sign" must needs
have some foundation. Now the relation signified by this sign which
is a character, cannot be founded immediately on the essence of the
soul: because then it would belong to every soul naturally.
Consequently, there must be something in the soul on which such a
relation is founded. And it is in this that a character essentially
consists. Therefore it need not be in the genus "relation" as some
have held.

Reply Obj. 4: A character is in the nature of a sign in comparison to
the sensible sacrament by which it is imprinted. But considered in
itself, it is in the nature of a principle, in the way already
explained.
_______________________

THIRD ARTICLE [III, Q. 63, Art. 3]

Whether the Sacramental Character Is the Character of Christ?

Objection 1: It seems that the sacramental character is not the
character of Christ. For it is written (Eph. 4:30): "Grieve not the
Holy Spirit of God, whereby you are sealed." But a character consists
essentially in something that seals. Therefore the sacramental
character should be attributed to the Holy Ghost rather than to
Christ.

Obj. 2: Further, a character has the nature of a sign. And it is a
sign of the grace that is conferred by the sacrament. Now grace is
poured forth into the soul by the whole Trinity; wherefore it is
written (Ps. 83:12): "The Lord will give grace and glory." Therefore
it seems that the sacramental character should not be attributed
specially to Christ.

Obj. 3: Further, a man is marked with a character that he may be
distinguishable from others. But the saints are distinguishable from
others by charity, which, as Augustine says (De Trin. xv), "alone
separates the children of the Kingdom from the children of
perdition": wherefore also the children of perdition are said to have
"the character of the beast" (Apoc. 13:16, 17). But charity is not
attributed to Christ, but rather to the Holy Ghost according to Rom.
5:5: "The charity of God is poured forth in our hearts, by the Holy
Ghost, Who is given to us"; or even to the Fath