Tenthly, we were to speak of the consecration of Virgins, but of this we shall treat in the preface to the second book. [Footnote 543] [Footnote 543: This point is not sufficiently connected with our subject to need illustration.] {152} CHAPTER IX OF THE SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH Difference between a Sacrament and a Mystery--Distinction of Sacraments --Of Matrimony--Of the Ring--Of Second Marriages--Why Sacraments were Instituted. 1. With respect to the sacraments of the Church, it is to be noted that, according to Gregory, there is a _sacrament_ in any celebration when an outward act is so performed as that we receive inwardly some degree of the thing signified; the which is to be received holily and worthily. Also a _mystery_ is that which the Holy Ghost worketh secretly, and invisibly, so as to sanctify by His operation, and bless by His sanctification. A mystery is said to exist in sacraments; a ministry only in ornaments. 2. But, according to Augustine, a sacrament is a visible sign of an invisible grace. Again, a sacrifice is visible; a sacrament invisible. Again, the same sign is a thing which bringeth under cognisance some thing different from itself over and above the outward appearance which it presenteth to the senses. 3. A sacrament is said also to be a sign of a sacred thing, or a sacred concealment of a thing. Of this we shall further speak in the fourth book, under the seventh part of the Canon of the Mass, upon the word 'the mystery of faith,' and under the head of the Oblation. [Footnote 544] [Footnote 544: The seventh part of the Canon of the Mass is, 'Likewise after supper He took the cup into His holy and venerated hands; and when He had given thanks, He blessed it and gave it to His disciples, saying, Take and drink ye all of this; for this is the chalice of My blood, of the New and Everlasting Testament, the _mystery of faith_, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins: Do this as oft as ye shall drink it in remembrance of me.'--See _Rationale_ iv. 42, 20.] {153} 4. Some of the sacraments be of necessity only; some of dignity and necessity; some of order and necessity; some of dignity and choice; and some of choice only. The sacrament of necessity only is baptism, which when administered by anyone, so it be in the form of the Church, in the greatest extremity profiteth unto salvation. And it is said to be 'of necessity,' because without it no one can be saved, if it be neglected through contempt. Of this sacrament we shall speak in the sixth book, under the head of Holy Saturday. [Footnote 545] The sacrament of dignity and necessity is confirmation: of dignity, because it is conferred by the bishop alone; of necessity, because he who neglecteth it through contempt of it, cannot be saved. Of this also we shall speak under the head just specified.