We must next consider the qualities required of those who receive the sacrament of holy orders.

Under this head there are five points of inquiry:

(1) Whether goodness of life is required of those who receive this sacrament?

• (2) Whether the knowledge of the whole of Sacred Scripture is required?
• (3) Whether the degree of holy orders is obtained by mere merit of life?
• (4) Whether he who raises the unworthy to holy orders sins?
• (5) Whether one who is in sin can, without committing a sin, exercise the holy orders he has received?