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Objection 1: It would seem that carnal intercourse is an integral
part of marriage. For at the very institution of marriage it was
declared (Gn. 2:24): "They shall be two in one flesh." Now
this is not brought about save by carnal intercourse. Therefore it is
an integral part of marriage.
Objection 2: Further, that which belongs to the signification of a
sacrament is necessary for the sacrament, as we have stated above
(Article 2; Question 9, Article 1). Now carnal intercourse
belongs to the signification of matrimony, as stated in the text
(Sent. iv, D, 26). Therefore it is an integral part of the
sacrament.
Objection 3: Further, this sacrament is directed to the
preservation of the species. But the species cannot be preserved
without carnal intercourse. Therefore it is an integral part of the
sacrament.
Objection 4: Further, Matrimony is a sacrament inasmuch as it
affords a remedy against concupiscence; according to the Apostle's
saying (1 Cor. 7:9): "It is better to marry than to burn."
But it does not afford this remedy to those who have no carnal
intercourse. Therefore the same conclusion follows as before.
On the contrary, There was matrimony in Paradise, and yet there was
no carnal intercourse. Therefore carnal intercourse is not an integral
part of matrimony.
Further, a sacrament by its very name denotes a sanctification. But
matrimony is holier without carnal intercourse, according to the text
(Sent. D, 26). Therefore carnal intercourse is not necessary
for the sacrament.
I answer that, Integrity is twofold. One regards the primal
perfection consisting in the very essence of a thing; the other regards
the secondary perfection consisting in operation. Since then carnal
intercourse is an operation or use of marriage which gives the faculty
for that intercourse, it follows, that carnal intercourse belongs to
the latter, and not to the former integrity of marriage [TP,
Question 29, Article 2].
Reply to Objection 1: Adam expressed the integrity of marriage in
regard to both perfections, because a thing is known by its operation.
Reply to Objection 2: Signification of the thing contained is
necessary for the sacrament. Carnal intercourse belongs not to this
signification, but to the thing not contained, as appears from what
was said above (Article 1, ad 4,5).
Reply to Objection 3: A thing does not reach its end except by its
own act. Wherefore, from the fact that the end of matrimony is not
attained without carnal intercourse, it follows that it belongs to the
second and not to the first integrity.
Reply to Objection 4: Before carnal intercourse marriage is a
remedy by virtue of the grace given therein, although not by virtue of
the act, which belongs to the second integrity.
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