BOOK III PART II
considered as a requisite circumstance, its ab-
sence must equally prevent the effect, whether
avowed or concealed, whether sincere or de-
ceitful. Accordingly they have commonly de-
termined, that the intention of the priest makes
the sacrament, and that when he secretly with-
draws his intention, he is highly criminal in
himself; but still destroys the baptism, or com-
munion, or holy orders. The terrible conse-
quences of this doctrine were not able to hin-
der its taking place; as the inconvenience of a
similar doctrine, with regard to promises, have
prevented that doctrine from establishing it-
self. Men are always more concerned about
the present life than the future; and are apt to
think the smallest evil, which regards the for-
mer, more important than the greatest, which
regards the latter.