Question 45 — The Consent of Matrimony in Itself

In the next place we have to consider the consent: (1) The consent considered in itself; (2) The consent confirmed by oath or by carnal intercourse; (3) Compulsory consent and conditional consent; (4) The object of the consent.

Under the first head there are five points of inquiry:

(1) Whether the consent is the efficient cause of matrimony?

• (2) Whether the consent needs to be expressed in words?
• (3) Whether consent given in words expressive of the future makes a marriage?
• (4) Whether consent given in words expressive of the present, without inward consent, makes a marriage?
• (5) Whether consent given secretly in words expressive of the present makes a marriage?