Theorema de sacramentorum nucleo

VI. Theorem.

One and the same is the Nucleus of all the Sacraments.

VII. Exposition of the Given.

That there is a certain NUCLEUS of all the Sacraments appears more clearly than the midday light, from those things which have been said above according to the holy Scriptures: and from the most evident reason which Augustine expressly handed down in these words: If the Sacraments did not have a certain similarity to those things of which they are the Sacraments, they would certainly not be Sacraments.

VIII. Determination of the Question.

But this is now in question, whether there is one and the same nucleus, and an inestimable Treasure, which cures our poverty and our diseases and sorrows, like a horn of Plenty and Opopanax A resin used in ancient medicine, or not:

We shall demonstrate that the affirmative opinion is true, first by bringing forward a Demonstrative Syllogism, then by adding an Induction, which will excellently illustrate it: so that it may become manifest that Sense responds excellently to Reason, and Experience to the Rule.

IX. Preparation for Demonstration.

1. Axiom. The argument of the Gospel and the Sacraments is one and the same.

Declaration. For the Sacraments, insofar as they exist, are firstly appendices of the Gospel, and they indicate to us no other, nor greater or lesser good, than that very thing which the Gospel announces to us: secondly, however, the visible words of God sound nothing other than the promise of grace and the things announced; finally, as σφραγίδες seals, they seal