“ The most important thing in the book was its crystallization of the doctrine concerning the sacramental system, by the definite assertion of the doctrine of the seven sacraments, and the acceptance of a definition of sacrament, not merely as "a sign of a sacred thing," but as itself “capable of conveying the grace of which it is the sign”. ”

“ These are arranged, professedly on the basis of the aphorism of Augustine, Lombard's favourite authority, that “omnis doctrina vel rerum est vel signorum,” into four books, of which the first treats of God, the second of the creature, the third of the incarnation, the work of redemption, and the virtues, and the fourth of the seven sacraments and eschatology. The Sententiae show the influence of Abelard, both in method and arrangement, but lack entirely the daring of Sic et Non. Compared with that book they are tame. ”