Dist. 26, Divisio Textus
by St. Bonaventure
Source text: Public Domain Mark 1.0. English translation/apparatus/encoding: CC BY-NC 4.0, Wroot Press.
https://bonaventure.wrootpress.com/browse/4/d/26/q/bon-sent-IV-d26-divisio
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### Commentary on Distinction XXVI.
#### *On matrimony according to its formal cause.*

*Since the other sacraments came after sin and on account of sin,* etc.

#### Division of the text.

This is the last part of the total part in which the Master treats of the Sacraments. For in this part he treats last of the Sacrament of matrimony; and since each thing is perfectly known when it is known according to the fourfold genus of cause: therefore this part has four parts. In the first he treats of matrimony according to its formal cause. In the second, according to its efficient cause, in the next distinction below: *After this it must be noted what marriage is.* In the third, according to its final cause, below in the thirty-first distinction: *After these things, concerning the goods of marriage.* In the fourth, according to its material cause, which is the legitimacy of the persons; for this is a disposition on the part of the one receiving [it]; and by way of the opposite he treats of illegitimacy, and this he does below in the thirty-fourth distinction: *Now it remains to consider which persons* etc.

The first part, in which he determines concerning matrimony according to its formal cause, has two [subparts]: for since to matrimony there formally belong both the Sacrament and the sign, and the sacramental sign contains two things in itself, inasmuch as such a sign signifies *the divine institution and the natural representation*: therefore this part has two [subparts]. In the first he treats of the institution of matrimony. In the second, of the representation, or the fitting of the sign to the thing signified, and this here: *Since therefore marriage is a Sacrament.*

The first part has three parts. In the first he determines the *time* of the institution. In the second, the *manner*, there: *The first institution had a precept.* In the third he removes a certain doubt which has arisen from the aforesaid, there: *But there were certain heretics.*

*Since therefore marriage is a Sacrament.* This is the second part, in which, after the institution, he treats of the signification, and this part has three particulars. In the first he determines what is the *sign* in this Sacrament, and what is *the thing signified only*, and what is *the thing signified and the sign*; from which it is understood that a single Sacrament is made, or integrated. In the second, from his own words, he introduces a doubt, there: *Hence it is, that certain of the doctors.* In the third, however, he resolves it, there: *This, if according to the surface.* — And so the content of this distinction consists in two things, namely in the *institution* of this Sacrament and in the *constitution* or integration of the Sacrament.

#### Treatment of the questions.

For the understanding of the present distinction, according to the two things which the Master determines concerning the Sacrament of matrimony, two things are principally inquired.

First it is asked concerning its institution.

Second, concerning its integrity.

Concerning the first, three things are inquired.

First it is asked, when it was instituted.

Second, by whom.

Third it is asked, in what manner it was instituted.

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