n, not the action of another. Consequently, the
perverse intention of the minister perverts the sacrament in so far
as it is his action: not in so far as it is the action of Christ,
Whose minister he is. It is just as if the servant [minister] of some
man were to carry alms to the poor with a wicked intention, whereas
his master had commanded him with a good intention to do so.
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QUESTION 65

OF THE NUMBER OF THE SACRAMENTS
(In Four Articles)

We have now to consider the number of the sacraments: and concerning
this there are four points of inquiry:

(1) Whether there are seven sacraments?

(2) The order of the sacraments among themselves;

(3) Their mutual comparison;

(4) Whether all the sacraments are necessary for salvation?
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FIRST ARTICLE [III, Q. 65, Art. 1]

Whether There Should Be Seven Sacraments?

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.

Obj. 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.

Obj. 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.

Obj. 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.

Obj. 5: Further, lust is not more grievous than other sins, as we
have made clear in the Second Part (I-II, Q. 74, A. 5; II-II, Q. 154,
A. 3). But there is no sacrament instituted as a remedy for other
sins. Therefore neither should matrimony be instituted as a remedy
for lust.

Obj. 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 man