A faythfull and moost godlye treatyse concernyng the most sacred Sacrament of the blessed body and bloude of our sauioure Chryst, co[m]piled by Iohn Caluyne, a man of no lesse lernyng and lytterature then godly studye, and example of liuyng. And translated into Latin by Lacius a man of lyke excellencie. And nowe last of all, translated into Englyshe by a faythfull brother, no lesse desirous to profyt the weake brotheres then to exercise the talent of the Lorde to his honoure and glorye. In declaration whereof, he hath set before this lytle booke an epistle to the reader much more effectuous then in the fyrst edicion. Whereunto the order that the churche and congregation of Christ in Denmarke doth vse at the receyuying of baptisme, the Supper of ye Lorde, and wedlocke: is added. Myles Couerdale

A FAYTHFVLL and moost Godlye treatyse concernyng the most sacred Sacrament of the blessed body and bloude of our sauioure Chryst , compiled by Ihon Caluyne , a man of no lesse lernyng and lytterature then Godly studye , and example of liuyng . And translated into Latin by Lacius a man of lyke excellencie . And nowe last of all , translated into Englyshe by a faythfull brother , no lesse desirous to profyt the weake brotheres then to exercise the talent of the Lorde to his honoure and glorye . In declaration whereof , he hath set before this lytle booke an Epistle to the reader much more effectuous then in the fyrst edicion .

☞ Whereunto the order that the Churche and congregation of Christ in Denmarke doth vse at the receyuyng of Baptisme , the Supper of the Lorde , and Wedlocke : is added .

Myles Couerdale .

Luke .xix. Chapter .

¶ Be doyng tyll I come .

¶ To all them that professe the christian name , the translatour wysheth mercy from God the father through our onelye aduocate & mediatour Iesu Christe , whose spirite ( the gyuer of all godnesse ) leade you in to all gostlye knowledge . Amen . *

AS the authoure of thys lytle boke moued wyth the desyre to profyte as wel the rude and vnlearned as the lettered and professers of knowlege , wrote it in his vulgare tongue : euen so I ( moste dearelye beloued bretherne ) moued also wyth the desyre to brofyte my naturall countremen so much as shal lye in my litle power haue thought it my bounden deuty to employe my diligence to the translatyng therof .

And bycause it hath pleased the lorde to giue me more knowledge in the latyne tongue then in the frence ( wherin thys boke was fyrste wrytten ) I haue translated it after the Latine copy , putting the faythful reader out of doubt that I haue not in any poynte gone from the true meanynge of the authoure , but haue thorowly obserued the phrases of both tongues , auoydynge in all that I myght the darke maner of translatynge after the latine phrases , to the intente the Englyshe reader myghte haue the full vnderstandynge hereof wythout anye knowledge of the latyne tongue And that the Godly myndes of the studiouse readers may be the more steated to reade the matter wyth indifferent iudgement , I shal without dissimulacion assure them that herein is no matter of contencion at all . But cheritably wythout any worde of reproche as well the ryght vse of the Sacrament of the body and bloude of Christ , as the abuses and errours concernynge the same , are sette forth so playnelye that no man ( vnlesse he wyl wyllingly shutte vp the eyes of his conscience agaynst the manifest trouth ) can reade the boke thorowlye , but he shall easelye perceyue what greate abuses haue these syxe hundreth yeares ben , and are at thys presente daye mayntened and defended as concernynge the ministracion therof .

Fyrste for that the popyshe churche haue and do abuse it in offeryng it vp as an healthfull sacrifyce for the redemption of the soules of the congregation , for in theyr Cannon ( why the they cal the secretes of the masse ) are these wordes . Pro redemptione animarum ecclecietue . That is to saye , for the redemption of the soules of thy churche , where they holde opinion and teach , that by offerynge vp thys sacrifice ( as they cal it ) they applye to , or make partakers of the passion of Christe , all them that here or hyre suche masses as they haue inuented dashed full of whysperynges , douckynges and crossynges besydes the demure countenaunce in theyr tourne and halfe tourne . I wyl speake no more as concerninge theyr fonde inuencions aboute the ministration of this most sacred Sacrament . Lest I should therby be an offence or stomblynge stocke to the weake brothers whose consciences are not yet fullye satisfyed as concernynge the true beleue of thys holy mistery , I meane leste I shoulde gyue them occasion to do , as certeyne fonde talkers haue of late dayes done and at thys presente daye do inuent and applye to thys mooste holy Sacramente , names of dispitie and reproche , as to cal it Iake in the boxe , & rounde Roben , and suche other not onely fonde but also blasphemouse names , not onely voyed of al edificacion ( whiche ought to be the ende of al our doinges and sayinges ) but very sclaunderouse also . For thoughe the thynge beynge so tourned frome the ryght vse as it is , be abhominable , so that it is l●afull for vs to speake vnreuerentlye of it in the abuse : yet is it not mete for them that professe charitie , nothinge to refrayne for conscience sake . The conscience I say of the weake brothers not yet stronge in the trueth and so muche the more for that many Godly mynded persones ( whiche by the persuasions of certeyne discrete and modeste brothers , haue ben made , of Romyshe Idolaters and diligent studentes of duncicall dregges , disciples of greate hope in the sincere and trewe euangelyke doctrine ) haue by the hearynge of these names of reproch and dispitte , taken occasion to thynke that the knowledge which those men dyd professe ( whiche woulde be so outragiouse as to mocke and iest at the remembraunce of our redempcion ) coulde not procede of the spirite of God . And haue throughe thys persuasion , retourned to theyr olde leuen agayne , thynkyng them to be the trew teachers of gods doctrine whiche offende in the contrarye , makinge it so diuine a thynge that it shoulde be of no lesse importaunce then the whole Trinitie , the father the sonne and holy gost , for so they affirme sayinge , that for as muche as it is the bodye of Christe , and that Christ is in al places at ones with his father , and his father wyth hym and the holy goste : it muste neades folowe that in it is the whole trinitie , the father , the sonne and the holy goste . For these are not , nor can not be seperated .

I wyll saye for these men that they haue the zeale of god , but it is not accordinge to knowledge . For as the Iewes ( were from tyme to tyme , Act. vii . taught and beleued that God dwelled in the temple that Solomon buylded ) coulde not abyde to heare that God shoulde not dwell in a temple made wyth mannes hande , nothynge consyderyng that he is immensus and can not be conteyned ( for heauen is his seate , and the earth his fote stole ) euen so these men through a fonde persuasion of the essenciall presence of Christe in the Sacramente : can not abyde to heare that the whole trinitie shoulde not be really conteyned vnder a piece of breade , yea vnder euery litle crombe therof . I speke not thys as one puttinge no difference betwene that sacramentall breade and oure comon breade , but that I maye therby declare and open the great blyndnesse of them that knowyng and confessyng the immensurable nature of God , would haue hym reallye and naturallye conteyned in so small a thynge .

Heauen is my feate ( sayth he ) and the earth is my fote stole , and yet wyll they trusse hym so shorte that they wyll brynge hym into a lytle pire wherin a man can not tourne his fyste .

He fylleth all places , and is conteyned in no place , and yet wyll they at theyr pleasure place hym in the chalyce , he was neuer visible to the mortall eye , and yet wyll they make him appere at euerye knaues requeste that wyll do as other men do , I meane paye theyr ordinarye shote , and so doyinge he shall not onelye se him but also eate him vp euerye morsell I woulde the men woulde delygentlye peruse the wordes of saynt Augustine in theyr legende on Corpus Christi daye , whiche are these taken out of the. xxvi . treatyse vpon Iohan. S. August . He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my bloud tarieth in me and I in hym . To eate that meat therefore , and to drinke that drinke , is to tarye in Christe and to haue Christe tariynge in vs . And by this he that taryeth not in Chryste and in whom Chryst tarieth not : no doubt he doth not spiritually eate his fleshe , nor drynke hys bloude , al thoughe he do carnallye , and visibly crushe with his teeth the sacrament of the body and bloude of Chryste but he dothe rather eate and drynke , to his damnacion , the sacrament of so noble a thyng . Here is your transsubstanciacion vtterlye denyed . For saynt Augustine putteth a plaine difference betwene the sacrament and the , thinge it selfe . Agayne the same Angustine , in the same place addeth these wordes . The sacrament of thys thinge , that is of the vnitie of the body and bloude of Christe is in some places prepared euerie day , in some other places but certayne dayes as on the sundaye , and is taken of the table of the Lorde , to some persons , to life , to some other to destruction but the thynge it selfe , in to all persones , Note . to lyfe , and to destruction to no man , that may be pertaker therof , What nedeth it to reherse anye mo wytnesses , seynge these are sufflicyent , eyther to proue saynte Augustine an heretyke , other else to declare thys transsubstanciacion to be bothe foolyshe and abominable .

Both for that it trusse the together the diuinytie , and inlargethe the humanytye , beyonde all measure , thrutchyng vp into a corner y earte whiche no place can conteyne , and settynge at libertie to be in all places , that whyche muste nedes be in one place onely . Yf euery man wyl folowe his conscience in this matter I doubte not but they shal sone be persuaded how farre wyde thys transsubstanciacion is frome the trueth . But nowe take they holde of the wordes of the Lorde at the fyrst institucion of this mooste sacred Sacrament , whiche are these .

Thys is my bodye , whiche shall be delyuered for you . This is my bloude which shall be shed for you & many into remission of synnes . What natural , essencial , and real presence they buylde vpon these wordes , is abundantlye declared in the Byshoppe of Wynchester and docter Smythes bokes .

I shall therefore mooste humblye desyre the readare vtterlye to shake of all supersticious● perswacyous of olde v●ages , geueynge hym selfe wholy to the teachyng of the spirite of god who teacheth inwardlye in the herte , all them that geue ouer them selues to hys teachynge & informacion . And I for my part yelding me to the same spirite , shal in this case wryte the thynge onelye , whyche my conscience shall geue me to be of the spirite of the lyuynge God , and my trust is that the good spirite of god is my leadare . As concernynge the vnderstandynge of the wordes of Christe , you shall knowe that the maner of teachyng is double , that is to say by wordes and by signes .

By wordes we teache when we declar● vnto the hearers , by wordes , the th●nge that we woulde they shoulde know . By signes we teache when we do some thynge whethy the beholders may gather our meaynyng : 〈…〉 quinius superbus dyd when he strake of the toppes of the hyghest poppyes , declaringe therby that his aduise was to haue the greatest rulers beheaded . We teach also both by words & by sygnes , when we adde vnto the wordes some action to declare & as it were to expounde the wordes withall . Act. xxi . As is mencioned in the Actes of the apostles of a prophete whiche declared vnto Paule the persecution he shoulde indure at Hierusalem whyther he was goyng , and to make the matter more playne , he toke Paules gyrdle from aboute hym and ●yed hys feete with all sayinge : the man whose gyrdle this is , shal be thus bounden at Hierusalem . Euen so ( good christian brethren ) our sauioure Christe , wyllynge to declare to hys apostles , the wonderfull paticipation that all faythfull christians shoulde haue in hys bodye and bloude : toke breade whyche is the chyefe , and in scripture compted the onely foode of the bodye of man , and when he had ( after his accustomed maner ) gyuen thankes , he blessed , not crossynge the breade wyth the thre hynder fyngers hauynge the forefynger and the thombe faste ioyned to gether . No he made no synge of the crosse at all . For , to make the sygne of the crosse was in those daies none other , then it is now to make the sygne of a galowe tree . He blessed therfore after the maner that the fathers the prophetes & patriarkes vsed , that is , he innocated & called vpon the name of his father , desyring him toac comply she inuisibly in all hys faythfull dearlynges , the thynge whych he intended to declare vnto them by the vysible signe . Then sayd he to his apostles , take ye , eat ye , this is my body , which shal be delyvered for you . Not meanynge that he had chaunged the nature of bread into the nature of fleshe , makynge the bread that he helde in hys hande hys naturall bodye , for then had he geuen vnto them a mortall & corruptible bodye to eate whych thynge is so moche vngodlye that very nature abhorreth it . But he gaue them the bread to eate , saynge : thys is my bodye , which shal be delyuered for you . No● . I became man for none other purpose , but that my bodye shoulde be torne & rent for to satifye for youre synnes , that your soules might be fedde and haue lyke participation therof , as your bodies haue of this bread , and you ( whych be my faythful ) are as this breade is , one bodye made of many bodies , for euery litle graine wherof this bread is made , is of hym selfe a bodye , and yet ioyned to gether they are but one body . In like maner you that beleue in me thoughe ye be many , yet ioyned together by fayth ye are but one bodye I am your head . This mistery can you not vnderstande with out some visible signe whyche may represent vnto you the veritie therof , take ye thys bread therfore and knowe for certentie that like as it is one so are ye one if ye remaine in faith . And as it nourisheth the body , so doth my passion nouryshe the soule whyche hath no lyfe but in me & by me . In lyke maner when he had supped , he toke the cuppe saying , take ye , & drynke ye all of this , this is the cuppe of the new testament in my bloude , whych shal be shed for you and many into remission of sinnes . Do this so ofte as you dryncke in my remembraunce , An other signe to declare thys misterye by .

Thys cuppe of wyne is but one body , and yet is it made of many grapes , and so are you but one bodye althoughe you be manye , so longe as you be ioyned together by fayth . It comforteth the herte and the lyuely spirites of the bodye , and so doth my bloude shed on the crosse comforte the soule . By thys action haue I declared vnto you the misterie of the paticipation you haue in me by fayth . Use you the same that thys your delyueraunce by me may neuer slippe out of your mynde . We haue eaten the lambe whyche putteth vs in remembraunce of the wonderfull delyueraunce out of the captiuitie in Egypte , whyche was done more then a thousande yeares paste . So shall you eat thys bread and drynke this cuppe in remembruance of your redemption and deliueraunce our of the spiritual Egipte , and from the spiritual Pharao the dyuell . And when you shal be demaunded what you meane , by this eatynge & drynkynge , you shall saye . We where through the synne and transgression of the fyrst man Adam , made bonde men and captynes to the dyuel , out of whyche bondage we could by no meanes be delyuered tyll it had pleased God the father to sende hys onelye begotten sonne to take oure nature vpon hym , that he myght dye and be an acceptable sacryfyce to pacyfye the fathers wrathe . Wherfore the night before he suffered he declared vnto vs by these visyble sygnes , what communyon we haue in hym of all that euer he deserued for vs . And then he commaunded vs to vse the same bycause we shoulde be alwayes put in remembraunce of that our redemption and delyueraunce , none other wyse them Moyses dyd to the Israelytes the nighte before he dyd by the wonderfull myght of God , brynge them out of the greate captiuytie wher in they were holden in Egypt . The wordes of saynt Paule to the corhinthians , do teach no lesse them I haue here wrytten . For he sayeth , i. Corhin . xi . so often as you eate thys breade and drynke this cup , you shal declare the death of the lorde tyll he come . And therfore who so euer eateth of thys bread , or drynketh of thys cup vnworthely doth eate and drynke hys owne dampnation . Here is a playne declaration of the ende & purpose of Christ when he instituted this most sacred sacrament . Forsoth to kepe in remembrance hys mooste dolorouse death & preciouse bloude moste plenteously shed vpon the crosse . And who so euer eateth & drinketh it vnworthly ( that is to saye for any other purpose than for the same it was ordeined for ) the same eateth & drinketh hys owne dampnation . I thynke not contrarie but the moste men wyl thynke this a straunge interpretation of this place ( for as moche as the moste auncient ( yea all ) the doctours that make any mencion of this place , and Caluine hym selfe in this boke whyche I haue translated ) do applye the vnworthynesse in receyuynge of thys Sacrament , to the vnpenitent hert of the persone whiche receyueth it . And in very dede such one is farre vnworthy to receyue so worthy a Sacrament for as much as he is not the membre nor seruaunt of Christ , but a membre of the deuyll and seruaunt to synne . And thys interpretation is no lesse godly then fruitfull . For therby are the membres of Christe put in feare to presume to come to the table of the lorde vnlesse they haue fyrst examined & found them selues the trewe membres of Christe , indued and adorned with perfyt faith , hope and charitie . But yf we wyl go to the natyue sence of the text : we shal perceyue , that in this place Paule speaketh of the small regarde the Corhinthians had to thys mooste sacred Sacrament , not vsyng it wyth so much reuerence as they ought to do . For he addeth these wordes . Puttynge no difference of the Lordes body . As he shoulde haue sayed esteamyng it nothing better then the commune bread wherwyth they fedde theyr bodyes . The phrase of speakyng gyueth this interpretation , for yf I say . This man was not worthely enterteyned . I meane not that the partie whiche enterteyned him was not worthye to enterteyne so noble a man : but that he was not vsed as was beseamyng for such a man to be vsed . So that to receyue the Sacrament vnworthely , is to receyue it otherwyse or for an other purpose then it oughte to be receyned for , that is after any other forme or for any other purpose then the wordes of the first institution do declare . For when the vse of good thinges is altred from the purpose & ende they were fyrste ordeyned for : then are they vnworthely handled . Al they therfore whyche do priuately receyue the Sacrament , eyther to merite them selues or other , other that do make it a sacrifyce for the redemption of synne , or to pacify goddes wrathe in any condition , or after any other forme , or for any other purpose than is declared in the wordes of the fyrst institution : do receyue it to theyr dampnation , putting no difference of the Lordes bodye , but vsynge it as a matter of marchaundyse , or occupacion to get theyr lyuynge vpon . They onely receyue it worthely , which receiue it as a most worthy Sacrament and signe representynge vnto vs the communion and partipacion we haue in all that euer Christe dyd or purchased for vs , by taking our nature , & sufferyng therin al maner of moste miserable afflicions , & finally , by hys mooste cruel and dolorouse death . Therfore to hoyse it ouer theyr heades , to daunce it ouer the cuppe , to cary it in the stretes wyth a great pompe and glorye , to bowe theyr knees and to knocke theyr breastes before it , and to locke it vp in a pire to haue it ready to serue at al houres , all suche chapmen as shall cal for it : is but a polytyke caste of the marchauntes whyche displeye and set abrode to be sene suche marchaundyse as they woulde faynest sel As they do offende whiche neglecte and contemne thys moste holy mistery , esteaming it no better then the comon breade wherewyth ou●e bodyes be fedde : so do they also offende whiche honoure it wyth diuine honoure , makynge it therby an ydol of all other moste to be abhorred both for that ( as they vse it ) it is a playne Antichriste , spoylynge Christe of his victorye atchyued by the ones offeryng of hym felfe for all : and also for that it pulleth the beleauers theron , from the true adoracion of God the father , and maketh them to ho●our for the inuisible , immense , and eternall god , that visible , mensueable , and corruptible breade & wyne . Yea ( as they vse it ) it is not the communion of Christes body and bloude at all , but a fonde inuencion of theyr owne . For Christe dyd not make so manye crossynges and blessinges and then eate it vp all him selfe . But we must beleue that they recey●● it for vs and in all oure names .

We must beleue that theyr receauynge of it is the application of Christes merites to vs . We must beleue that they can therby releue the soules in the bytter paynes of purgatory . We must beleue that oure beynge presente at this theyre sacrifice ( as they cal it ) shal geue vs good spead in all oure affayres , be they neuer so deuely she . We must beleue that a priest , ( beynge neu●● so vngodly in hys lyuinge , neuer so much subiect vnto synne , neuer so much the deuels member ) is the ministre of God , and that hys prayer & sacrifice in the masse is acceptable to God . In fine , we must beleue that theire masses be of strength to purchayse the assistence of god in all dayngers , and a present remedy against plage , penurye , and all diseases both of man & beast , agaynst warres , robberyes and all incursions of enemies both bodely and gostely . How can these assertions stande wyth the communion of Christes body and bloude ? dyd Christe shewe the bread to his apostles and then eate it hym selfe to certifye their consciences therby ? Dyd he byd any one of them , take bread and wyne & shew them to the residewe of the faythfull so ofte as they woulde communicate hys body and bloud : and then eate and dryncke all hym selfe in stiede of all the faythfull that shoulde be present ? I thynke no man is so muche wythoute shame ones to thynke it . But I knowe y● 〈◊〉 of theyr erroure . They say that as Christ was the hygh priest or bysshop , to ministre vnto his apostles the communion of his body & bloude , whych he dyd in dead offer on the crosse to his father : so dyd he ordayne hys apostles and in them all that shoulde succede them : priestes to offer vp the selfe same ( saye they ) to applie the sacrifice done by Chryste wyth the merites of the same , to them that are present ther at , or that shall by any meanes haue it done for them . Oh blynde bussardes . Where are youre spirituall eyes become ? Dyd Christe ( beynge the hyght priest ) distribute the bread to his apostles , to the intent that they , & all other theyr successoures● should shew the bread and wyne to the people , and then eate and drynke all them selues ? A man that hathe so moche gostely knowledge as the grayne of a mustarde seed , woulde not faile to saye that Christ ment rather that the Apostles and priestes shoulde distribute the breade and wyne amonge the faythfull people , wyssynge them to certifye them selues thereby that they are partakers of the body and bloud of Christ . For what sayth the text ? So ofte as you shall do thys : ye shall do it in the remembraunce of me . But what was it that they shoulde do in the remembraunce of hym ? For soeth diuide bread and wyne amongeste them . The priuate receynynge of the breade and wyne therfore : can by no meanes stande wyth the institucion of Christe : whiche was , that accordynge to his example , we shoulde by the diuidynge of bread and wyne amongeste vs : certifye oure selues that we are all partakers wyth Christe in hys redempcion through the raunsome that he payd for vs on the crosse . Howe standeth thys with our heareynge of masse ( to the intent to spede the better thereby ) when we go aboute oure worldely businesses , be they honeste or vnhonest , godly or vngodly ? Forsoeth ( I suppose ) euen as much as the carying of bread in mans pourse ( in the nyghte tyme , or in a tempest ) ser●eth to kepe hym from blastynge wyth euyll ayres . So that I dare be bolde to affirme , that this heareynge of masse is no better then me●e supersticion , and the masse it selfe , so farre from the i●stitucion of Christe : that it seameth not to be any parte of the commemoracion of Christes passion : But a mere inuention of man , ●●epte into the churche by the subtyll suggestion of our moste cruell and maliciouse enemye the deuyll , who hath alwayes endeuoured to poysone all the holsome foode of mans soule , as it appeareth ryghte well by the great abuse that thys moste sacred Sacramente is grouen vnto . Thys was and ought to be so necessary a foode to the soule : that without it no christian can ●arie in Christ , nother haue Christ taryynge in him , wherby it is playne that without thys foode no soule , hath any lyffe in it . For Christe is the lyfe that is in the christian soule . No lesse necessarye therfore is thys foode to the soules of the congregacion : them sinewes be to the bodye to holde the ioynetes togyther . Our aduersarye therefore coulde in no case be quiet tyll he had poysoned thys so necessarye foode , corruptinge therin the vertue & strength to vnitte and knytte the christians to Christe theyr heade , makynge it of force to draw them quytte from hym , by puttyng theyr confidence in it , trustyng to redeame theyr synnes by ofte offeryng vp therof , in so much that they fel to foundynge of Abbayes , chauntreis , and anniuersaries : for the saluacion of theyr soules , for so was it alwayes specifyed and condicioned in the wrytynges made betwene the founders of suche abbayes , chauntries , and anniuersaryes : and the receyuers of the yerelye rentes , gyuen to that vse . Yea rather abuse

And in thys miserable estate hath it continued euen these .vi. hundreth yeres , poysonynge the soules of them that shoulde haue bene fedde therby . But here must I beware that our enemye do not poysone these wordes of myne also , causeynge men to vnderstande me as one that woulde deny it to be possible for any man to tarye in Christe or to haue Christe taryinge in hym vnlesse he receyue these visible sacramentes or signes breade and wyne . No doubte ( christian reader ) the belefe & truste in Christe , is the mea●e wherby Christ taryeth in vs and we in hym . But thys beliefe and trust are established and confirmed by the vse of these visi●le signes . As thys beliefe and truste therfore , are necessarye to the abydynge in Chryst : so is the vse of these holye Sacramentes also , for that it is the establyshment and confirmyng of the sayd beleue and trust . To all them therfore to whom this beleue and trust are necessarie : are these sacred Sacramentes also necessary . Where vpon I conclude that all Christians which are of age and discresion to deserne the fayth in Chryst : ought also to vse these moost holy Sacramentes to establyshe and confyrme thys fayth withall . And Chryst knowyng the weakenes of manne , and howe hard it was to beate into his head the vnderstandyng of the hygh mystery of the perticipation and communion that all faythfull shoulde haue in hys merites : vsed these visible signes , that we myght in them ( euen with oure senses ) perceyue this wonderful distribucion of the body and bloud of Chryst amonge his faythfull , whyche oure grosse nature coulde no more compasse wythout these visible sygnes , then the carnall and fleshly Iewes coulde when Chryst tolde them of the eatyng of his flesh and drynkyng of his bloud by beleuyng in hym . To helpe our wekenes therfor , it pleased the almyghtie wysdome of the Lorde , to declare vnto vs by our senses , the thyng that the same senses caused the Iewes to abhorre . The maner I saye of oure perticipation and communion in Chryst and all that euer he deserued for vs . For euen as we se that we beyng many are partakers of one loofe of breade , by eatynge therof , and of one cuppe of wyne by drynkyng thereof : so are we certified by that participation , that we ( beyng manye ) beleuynge in Chryst : are by that belefe , made partakers of Chryste , and wyth Chryste in al that is his , none otherwyse then all the membres of one bodye be partakers of all ioyes and pleasures that chaunce to the heade . For as the lofe wherof we eate is made of manye graynes : and the Cuppe of wyne wherof we drynke is made of manye grapes , and yet is but one Cuppe of wyne , and the lofe but one lofe : euen so are we that beleue in Christe , but one bodye wyth hym and he oure heade , notwythstandyng we be manye in numbre , and of diuerse nacions , estates and condicions .

For as in the body be diuers members seruynge to diuers vses : i. Corhin . xi● . so are there in the congregacion of Christe ( whyche Paule calleth the bodye of Christe ) diuers estates . Some Apostles , some preachers , and some teachers .

And as in the bodye is no membre wher vnto is not appoynted hys peculiare and necessarye office : So in the congregacion of Christ is there none estate or condicion but it is profitable , yea necessarye to the other . Thys is a greate misterye ( sayeth Paule ) the misterye I saye of Christe and hys congregacion , for it is hys bodye , Thesalo . v. of hys fleshe and of hys bones . Not that the congregacion or churche is that naturall bodye that dyed on the crosse , nor we ( the members of the same churche ) the fleshe and bones of the same : But for that it was that congregacion , it was we ( the membres of thys churche ) that caused Christe to take oure nature vpon hym , that therein he myghte satisfye for oure synnes , makynge vs partakers wyth hym in thys satisfaction , and so are we hys bodye and membres , that is to saye , hys bodye and membres were , and are the pryce wherewyth we were redeamed out of the captiuitie and thrawledome that we were in ▪ Thys misterye is greate , and farre aboue the beastelye mans capacitie . But yf we wyll be geuen to the spirite : the spirite shall minister vnto vs abundauntly , the vnderstandinge therof . For it is a comon phrace or maner of speakynge amongeste vs when anye hath bestowed his money vpon any kynde of marchaundyse , we saye , Lo , here is my . xx.li . or here are his hundreth markes , showynge forth the wares that were bought wyth my . xx.li . or his hundreth markes , so that here the thynge boughte bearethe the name of the price . In lyke maner doth Paule call the congregacion redeamed by Chistes bodye : his verie bodie , his fleshe and his bones , because it is the machaūdice that was bought with his bodie his fleshe and his bones . The mooste sacred sacramentes , also of the bodye and bloud of Christ : are called his body and bloude , because they declare vnto vs , what the bodie and bloude of Christ be vnto vs , none other wyse then I call thys boke the suppet of the Lorde , because it declareth the supper of the lorde , so that here thou mayste se ( gentle readar ) wherin thou hast bene so farre and so longe deceyued . Forsoeth in that thou haste not knowne nor consydered the causes why these moste holy sacramentes beare the names of that they represent , shew or declare vnto vs ▪ But haste grosselye persuaded thy selfe with the carnall and fleshly Iewes , that Christe spake carnallye myndynge to tourne the substaunc● of the breade and wyne , into the substance o● his body and bloude : when he sayed vnto hi● disciples , thys is my bodye . But doubtless● ( good christian brother ) oure mooste cruel ene●mye , hath in thys poynt vttered euen the grea●test parte of his maliciouse practyse . He hat● not faylled alwayes to beate into oure heades the omnipotencie of God , who coulde by his worde make al thynges of nought , his veritie , whyche wyll not suffer hym to leaue oughte vndone that he sayeth is or shall be done , and then his wordes at his laste supper . Thys is my body &c. Here laboureth he wyth toeth and nayle ( as they saye ) to kepe vs in the playne letter that we measure not these wordes by the scriptures of lyke phrace . Note the subtyltie of the deuyll . The veritie it selfe ( sayeth he ) hath spoken it , wherfore it can not be otherwise . The onely almyghtye which created all thynges by his worde , hath sayed it : it is not therfore impossible that it shoulde be so . Thou arte a christian man and hast professed to beleaue all the wordes of Christe to be trewe , though thy reasone can not comprehende the maner howe . And wylte thou wyth the carnal and fleshly Iewes doubt in the perfourmance of the wordes that thy Sauioure shall speake ? He sayed that a vyrgyne shoulde brynge forth a chylde : and wylte not thou beleaue it bycause thou canste not by reasone be persuaded that it is possible for a vyrgyne to brynge sorth a chylde ? what coulde the obstinate Iewes do more , then blyndely and obstinately saye : Howe can thys man gyue vs hys fleshe to eate and hys bloude to drynke ? And wylte thou be as obstinate as they and thynke it impossible for hym to gyue the his fleshe ( yea hys very naturall fleshe ) and bloude vnder the fourme of br●ade and wyne ? Oh subtylle serpent . Oh crafty dissembler . Nowe chaungeste thou thy selfe into an angell of lyghte . Thou ●adest the Iewes abhorre Christes wordes bycause the law ( whych they professed ) taught them that it was abominable to eate the rawe fleshe or drynke the bloude of any beast , muche more of a man . And bycause they shoulde not consyder and vnderstande the spiritual eating of his dodye and drynkynge of his bloude by fayth : thou puttest them in mynde of the corruptible Manna that the fathers dyd eate in wyldernesse . And that , notwythstandyng , that breade came from heauen : yet was it not of suche lyuelye force that it myghte preserue the eaters therof from death . Yea thou heldeste them in opinion that it was not possible for Christe to gyue them his fleshe to eate and his bloude to drynke , after suche sorte that theyr stomakes myght awaye wyth all . Wherfore they sayed . Howe can this felowe gyue vs his fleshe to eate and his bloude to drynke . But here thou commest vnto vs with the contrary . Thou byddest vs beleaue that he was able to chaunge breade and wyne into his fleshe and bloude that we myght therby awaye wyth the deuouryng therof Thus thou playest on both handes , wyth them bycause they shoulde not loke for any spirituall eatynge or drynkyng of Christes fleshe and bloude . And wyth vs , that we shoulde not regarde the spirituall eatynge and drynkynge , but that we shoulde moste regarde the fleshely deuourynge of the bread and wyne . So that neyther the Iewes nother we● can come to the trewe eating of Christes fleshe and drynkyng of his bloud by vnfayned fayth in hym and his merities . Here mayeste thou playnely se ( most dearely beloued in the lorde ) by what meanes our gostely enemy hath spoyled vs of the vse of these mooste preciouse Iewelles , the sacramentes of Christ●s body and bloude : and howe he laboureth daylye in hys members ( the wycked papistes ) to wyth holde from vs the knowledge of the spiritual eating and drynkynge of Christe : whiche begynneth nowe to spreade the worlde ouer all . Lette vs runne therfore , vnto oure present and onelye succour in thys greate daunger . To Christe I saye let vs runne , moste humbly besekyng him oure ( Sauiour and redeamer ) plenteouslye to poure out , of his spirite of knowledge vpon vs all , that we maye daylye more and more , fynde out the hydde and secrete abhominacions , to the vtter extirpacion and rowtyng out of the same . And in the meane tyme let vs pray to gyther that it may please the Lorde to augment the numbre of his faythful tournynge Saules in to Paules that the harde hertes , may be molified by hearing the persecutours preach Christ whom they persecuted . The spirite of truth be wyth you al. So be it .

It is the spirite that quyckeneth , the fleshe profiteth nothynge at all .

Iohn . svi .

FOr as moche as the most holye supper of our lorde Iesu Christ hath of longe tyme ben lapped vp in manyfold and great errours and euen of late dayes wrapped in many opinions and contentions , nothynge so quiet as was besemyng : no meruayle thoughe certayue weake conscienced persones , can not wel determyne what thynge they ought chyflye to folowe , but do , wyth indeferente and suspense mynde , loke whan the seruauntes of God settinge all contention a parte shall agree amonge them selues , and brynge the matter to some concorde and vnitie . And seynge that such kynde of doubte hath no smal incommoditye annexed , and that it is a thyngee mooste dayngerouse , to haue no certayne determinacion of that mistrye , the knowledge wherof is so necessarye to our saluation : I haue thought it a thynge moste profytable , bryeflye to spake of the chiefe sume of the matter and yet playnlye to declare what thynge we oughte chyeflye to sticke vnto therin . More ouer , certayne honeste men perceyuynge the matter to require no lesse : desyred me earnestly to take it in hande whose requeste I coulde by no meanes denye vnlesse I wolde haue bene slake in doynge my dutye . And that the difficultie therof may the more easely be opened it is neadfull to declare what order we intende to folowe herein .

Fyrst I shall declare for what cause , and to what ende , the Lorde hath instituted this most holye sacramente . Then what ●ruite we take therof , and herein I wyll declare howe the bodye of Chryst● is geuen vs in it .

Thyrdlye , what is the ryght vse therof . Forthlye , I shall reherse the erroures and superslicions wherby it hath ben defaced , and so wyll I declare , howe the seruauntes of God ought to differ from the papistes .

Finallye , I wyll declare the originall of that contencion , whiche hath ben so ernestlye mayntayned euen of the same men whyche in our time , haue applied al theyr studye to bring the gospel to lyght agayne , to replenish againe the congregation , and to restore the syncere and pure doctryne . As concernynge the Fyrste

When it pleased the almyghty oure God by baptisme , to chose vs into the congregation , that is to saye into his house whyche he wyll nouryshe and defende : and that he hath receyued vs , not onely as houshold seruauntes , but also as his chyldren : it behoueth hym ( yf he wyl playe the parte of a good father ) to bringe vs vp , ministrynge vnto vs all thynges necessarye to foode and clothynge .

But as concernynge the thinges that pertayne to the educacion of the bodye , bycause they be common to all men , so that as well the euyl persones as the good be partakers therof : they are not to be taken as for thynges appertaynyng to his houshould onely . No doubt , in that he feadeth and defendeth our bodies , and whiles we be partakers of al those good thinges which he most plenteously and liberally geueth vs , is declared a great token of his father●y goodnes towarde vs . But in lyke maner as the lyfe wherin he hath regenerate vs , is spi●ituall : so is it neadfull that the meate wherwith we should be susteyned & strengthed , be also spiritual . For we muste vnderstande , that we are not called to possesse the celestiall inheri●aunce , in tyme to come onely : but the throughe ●ope we are in maner set in possession therof ●l ready . So that he hath not onely promised vs lyfe , but delyueringe vs from death , he hath al ready ledde vs into it in very dede . And thys thinge opteyned we , when he begate vs a newe wyth the sede of immortalitie , that is to saye his worde , whiche through the holy goste he hath prynted & fastened in our hertes . That we therfore may defende & susteyne this lyfe , we must not seke the caducal & corriptible meates , wherwith the bealy is fed : but we must prouide for our soules much better & more excellent foode . And the whole scripture witnesseth , that the selfe same wordes , wherby the lorde hath begotten vs a new , is the spiritual bread wherby our soules are susteined & fedde : the reasone is this , by cause in it , Christ our onely life is giuen & ministred vnto vs . For when god would that al abundance of lyfe , shoulde remayne in Christ to the intent that by hym , he myght make vs partakars therof : he ordayned the worde also , wherby Christ & all his mercyes myght be ministred vnto vs . Thys sentence therfore is infallibly true , that our soules are fed & nourished , wyth none other foode then Iesu Christ . Not the visible signes but the thynges sign●●d . Wherfore the heauenly father being careful for our educacion , gaue vs none other foode : yea rather he committed thys vnto vs , singularly .

And for as muche as it is sufficient ynoughe for the recreacion and sustenaunce of our soules , he wyll●d vs to content oure selues therewith , and that our soules shoulde rest t●gether therin : bycause we maye by no meanes be with out that foode , whyche beynge taken awaye , none other can be founde . Nowe do we perceyue after what sort Christe is y● onely foode wherwyth our soules be sedd●●●ut bycause he is distributed vnto vs by the worde of the lorde as by the instrument appoynted for the same purpose : he is named breade and wyne . And that whyche is spoken of the worde , appertayneth also to the sacrament of the supper , wherby the Lorde leadeth vs vnto the partakyng of Christ . For because we be so weake and feble , that we can not ( wyth vnfayned trust of mynde ) receyue hym , when he is offred vnto vs in the bare preachyng of the doctrine : the father of mercye wyllyng to accommodate hym selfe vnto our infimitie therin , Our infirmitie was cause of the sacrament . hath ioyned vnto the worde a signe to be sene with the eyes , whereby he myght represent vnto vs the very substance of his promesses , that al doubt and wauerynge taken awaye , we myght be confyrmed and strengthened in hym .

Seynge therfore thys misterye is hyghe and harde to attayne to : and that we can not by witte comprehende , or by studye vnderstande howe the bodye and bloude of Christe maye be communicate vnto vs : and that we be so rude and ignoraunt , that we vnderstande not euen the verye leaste of the diuine matters : it was neadefull to declare and open thys misterye after suche sorte as the abilitie of oure wytte myght awaye wyth all .

And for that cause dyd the Lorde institute the supper ▪ that he myght print in our consciences those promesses wherwyth he hath in the gospell promysed , to make vs partakers of hys bodye and bloude : and that he myght establysh vs in thys perswasion , our spiritual lyfe to be remaynynge in hym , that we , receyuyng so noble a pledge , maye conceyue a sure hope of saluation . Forthermore , that we should be exercised in acknowledgynge his great goodnes towardes vs , Note 〈◊〉 what ende the supper was instituted . & in celebratyng and settyng forth of the same wyth all la●de and prayse . Thyrdly , that we should be prouoked to imbrace holynesse and innoncencie , The vse of the Sacrament . for as much as we acknowledge oure selues to be the members of Christe , and that aboue all other , we set forth and maynteyne frendshyp and brotherly concorde , wherof we haue an especial commaundement . When we haue wel and diligently marked these thre causes ( to whyche no doubte the Lorde had respecte when he instituted the supper ) an entrye shall be opened vnto vs that we maye the better vnderstande what fruyte we receyue therby , and by what meane we maye vse it a ryght . We muste therfore nowe come vnto the seconde parte , that we maye declare what holsome fruyte the supper of the Lorde bryngeth vnto vs : so we wyl vnderstande and gather the same . And that shall we know when we wyll digentlye perpende oure owne greate lacke which if succurreth . No remedy we must neades be vehementlye troubled and vexed in mynde , so often as we consyder what we are our selues , and when we examyne al that is in vs . For there is not one of vs that can fynde so muche as one lytle crombe of iustice in hym selfe : Of our selfe , we haue none other thynge but sinne . but contrarye wyse , we are defyled wyth so many vices and wycked dedes , stouffed full of so greate a multitude of synnes , that there neadeth none other accuser then our owne conscience : nother neadeth it to seke for any other iudge to gyue sentence agaynste vs . Wherof it foloweth , that the yre of God is styred agaynste vs , and that none of vs can be able to escape the iudgement of eternall death .

And vnlesse we wyll be verye dreamars and blockeheades no remedy we shal , through this horrible cogitacion , be ve●ed and troubled , as it were wyth a continuall hel fyre . For we can not remember the iudgmente of God , but incontinent oure owne damnation is before oure else . We are therfore al redy swalowed vp by the deuouring sincke of death , were it not that almightie God delyuereth vs . And what hope of resurrection may we haue when we consyder oure owne fleshe , so rotton and full of all corruption ? And therfore whether we consyder body or soule , nothynge can be more miserable then we are , so longe as we shall consyder but oure selues onely : and whylse we perceyue so great miseries , no remedye we must neades be miserably tormented , and affected with extreme heauynesse . That the heauenly father therfore myght succure thys oure calamitie , he gaue vnto vs the supper , as a glasse wherin we myght beholde Christe crucifyed and raysed agayne . Crucified , that our sinnes might be forgynen . Raysed agayne , that we delyuered from corruption and deathe , myghte be restored to the heauenly immortalitie . Folowe thys guyde . Thys singular consolacion take we of the lordes supper , that it directeth and leadeth vs vnto the crosse and resurrection of Christe : that we maye knowe for certentye , that we ( although we be wycked and vncleane ) be acknowledged and receyued of the lorde , yea and taken for iust : and that by hym we are restored to lyfe notwithstandynge that we be hedged in within al kindnes of death : and that we be replenished wyth all kynde of felicitye , notwythstandyng that we be miserable and ful of calamitie . Or to make the thyng more playne . When there is no goodnesse at all remaynyng in vs , neyther any one thynge , of those thynges whiche shoulde helpe to the op●aynynge of saluacion : the supper doth abundauntly wytnesse vnto vs , that we haue ●ptayned all thinges profitable and holsome , in that we be partakers of the death and passion of Chist , Wherfore we maye affirme , that whiles the lorde admitteth vs in to the felowshyppe of the goodes and richesses of Christe , he opene●h the treasorye of hys mercyes . Let vs remember therefore that in the supper is geuen vnto vs , The carnall ate can not see these thynges in this glasse . as it were a glasse , wherin we may beholde Christe , crucifyed , to delyuer vs from death and dampnacion and reysed vp agayne to iustifye vs , and gyue vs lyfe euerlastyng And all be it that the same mer●cye is geuen vnto vs in the Gospel : yet , for that in the supper , we haue more certentie and fuller frui●yon , we can do no lesse but acknowledge that we receyue thys profyte therof .

But for bycause the merytes of Christe appertayne nothynge vnto vs , vnlesse he him selfe be ou●●s before : it is mooste expedyente that in the Supper he be geuen vnto vs , that those thynges whereof we haue spoken , may in verye dede , Not the naturall substancd as ●●●pysters do fa●●e . be perfourmed in vs . And therfore haue I vsed to saye . That Christe is the mattire and substaunce of the Sacramentes and that the mercies and benefytes which we gette by him , are the efficacie and strength therof . To conclude , the hole strength and energye of the supper consisteth in this thinge , to confirme the reconciliacion wyth God , made by the death and passion of Christe . To certifye vs that our soules be washed in his bloude , 〈◊〉 that we be made iust throughe his obedience . And ●o conclude . To prynt surely in our myndes , that hope of saluacion which we haue in all those thynges that he hath done for vs .

Upon this must we necessarilye conclude , that there is a substance annexed vnto this vertue : otherwyse shoulde we haue no stydfastnesse or certentie therin , we must therfore conclude , that in the supper are geuen vnto vs two thynges , As we receiue hym so ys he geuen vnto vs . that is spiritually that is to saye Christ , as fountayne , origyn and mattier of all good thynges : and the fruite and efficacie of his death and passion , whiche thynge , euen the verie wordes that be spoken in the supper do a bundaūtly declare For when he bedde vs eate his body & drynke his bloude : he addeth , that his body was geuen for vs and his bloude shedde for the remission of oure synnes , wherin he doth fyrste declare that his bodye , and bloud are not simply with out any other consideracion , communicate vnto vs : but that we must also consider the fruite that commeth vnto vs by his death and passion . In fine . Howe maye we be able to come to the fru●cion of so excedynge good thynges , onlesse we be partakers of the bodye and bloude of him that hath produced these thynges , and gyuen them vnto vs .

Nowe entre we into that question , whiche hath bene so greatly tossed both in tyme paste and in these oure dayes also : howe those wordes are to be vnderstande , wherin Christe calleth his bodye breade , and hys bloude wyne . Whiche wordes maye easely be opened , yf we kepe in memorye those principles whyche I haue before set forth : that is to saye , that all the fruite we seke for in the supper , is brought to noughte , onlesse Christe be gyuen vnto vs therin , as the foundacion and substance of all the whole matter . And yf we ones graunt this thynge , then no doubt we shall graunt also , that there is gyuen vnto vs nought els but an vnprofitable & vayne Sacrament ▪ yf we deny that in it is gyuen vnto vs the very participacion of Christ : whiche thynge were execrable & shame full blasphemye . Forthermore , yf the maner of the communion with Christ be suche that we be partakers of all the mercies and benifites which he gate for vs by his death : then are we not partakers with the spirite onely but with the māboode also : wherin he perfourmed perfit obedience to God the father , to the intent he mighte paye oure det es . Althoughe , to saye the truth the one can not be wythoute the other . For when he geueth him selfe vnto vs , he doth it to the intent we shoulde possese him whole . And therfore , as I haue sayde , that his spirite is oure life : euen so doth he his owne mouth declare that hys fleshe is oure foode , The mouthe of the soule ( that receiueth this fode ) is fayth . and his bloude oure verye drynke . Yf this be not spoken in vayne , no remedy oure life must neades consiste in him , and oure soules be nourished wyth hys fleshe and bloude , as wyth theyr proper and peculyar foode . Of that thynge haue we testimony in the supper , when it is sayd of the breade that we should take it and eate it and that it is his bodye : and of the cuppe , that we drynke it and that it is hys bloude here are the bodye and bloude named , to the intent we should learne to seke the substance of our spirituall lyfe therin . Now yf any man woulde demande of me whether the breade be the bodye of Christ , & the wyne his bloud : therto woulde I answer , that the breade and wy●e are visib●l signes , representynge vnto vs the bodye & bloude of Christe , and that they be called the body and bloud bycause they be as it were instrumentes wherby the lorde Iesu Christ distributeth them vnto vs . This forme of speaking agreeth very well wyth the thynge

For not wythstandynge that oureeyes , 〈◊〉 nor oure wyttes can not comprehende the communion that wee haue in the bodye of Christe yet is it there openlye shewed before oure eyes . We haue , in a lyke thynge , an example verye fytte for the purpose . When the lorde woulde that his spirite should appeare in the baptisme of Christe , he shewed him vnder the shape of a doue ▪ Iohn the Baptyste recytyng that hystorye sayeth that he sawe the holye Gost . But yf we marke it well , we shal fynde that he sawe nought els but a Doue . For the substance of the holy Gooste is muisible .

But for that he knewe that vision to be no vayne figure , but the mooste sure token of the presence of the holy goost : he doubted nothyng at all to affirme that he sawe him : because he was represented vnto him vnder soche sort as he was able to abyde . Euen so must we say as concernynge the communion that we haue in the bodye and bloude of Christe . It is a spirituall misterye , whyche can neyther be sene wyth the eyes , nother comprehended with the wytte . Therfore , as the weakenes of oure nature requireth , it is set forth wyth visible figures and signes : but yet vnder such sort that it is not a bare and simple figure , but ioyned vnto his verite and substance . The bread therfore is not vnworthylye called the bodye : for as moch as it doth not onelye r●present it vnto vs , but also brynge vnto vs the same thynge . I can be ryght well contente therfore ▪ to graunt : that the name of the body of Christ be transferred vnto the bread because it is the sacrament and fygure therof .

But thys one thynge wyll I adde . The substance of a sacrament is the free mercie ther●n p●●mised . That the sacrametes of the Lord oughte by no meanes to be separate frome his substance and verytye And yet is it not onely mete , but also very necess●ry : so to set them a sunder , that they be not cofounded . But to deuide them so , that the one shoulde be made perfyt without the other is moste vnsemley . When we therfore , do beholde the visible signe : we muste consider what it representeth , and who gaue it vs . For the bread is geuen to the intent that it shoulde be the figure of the bodye of Christ ▪ & we are commaunded to eate it . It is geuen I say , of God the certayne & vnchaungeable veritie . Yf so be that God can neyther disceyue nor lye : it foloweth that he doth in verye dede performe , and fulfyll , al that he doth there signifye . No remedy therfore , It is fayth the mouth of the soule , that receyueth this body & bloud we must neades vnfaynedlye receyue the bodye and bloude of Christe in his supper for as muche as the Lorde offereth vnto vs herin , the communion for them both . For what shoulde this meane , that we should eate bread & drynke wyne , to the intent that they shoud declare vnto vs that hys fleshe is oure meate and hys bloude oure drynke , yf he letteynge the spirituall veritye passe , shoulde gyue vs nought elles but breade and wyne ? had he not then instituted thys misterye faynedlye and in vayne ? And as we saye in the Frenche tonge , vnder disceyuable signes ? And therfore muste we neades graunte , that yf the representation whyche the Lorde gyueth in the supper be no fayned thynge , Only the faitheful receiue this substance . that then the inwarde substaunce of the Sacramente is annexed to the visible signes : and that in lyke maner as the breade is distributed in the hande , so is the body of Christ communicate vnto vs , to the entent that we shoulde be partakers thereof . And doubtlesse yf there were no more but thys one thynge , yet oughte it to satisfye vs aboundantlye , for as muche as we vnderstande that in the supper . Christ gyueth vnto vs the very substaunce of hys bodye and bloude : that we maye wyth full tyghte possesse hym , and in possessynge hym , be called into the societie of al hys good thynges . For in that we possesse hym , all the treasures and heauenlye goodes , whyche be secretelye layed vp in hym , are set out vnto vs , to the intent that they shoulde be oures , and that we shoulde enioye them wyth hym . Brefely therfore to defyne the profyte of the supper : we maye saye that in it Iesus Christ is offered vnto vs : that we may possesse hym , hym selfe , and in hym aboundaunce and plentye of all the mercyes and benefytes that the mynde can desyre . Whiche thynge is an exceadynge great helpe vnto vs in stablishynge our consciences in that truste whyche we ought to haue in hym . An other vtilitie is , that by it we are more steared and admonished to acknowledge the benefytes which we haue and do day lye receyue of the Lorde Iesu Christe that we maye gyue vnto hym honoure and glorye : and that ( as mete is ) we celebrate hys moste holye name wyth continuall prayses . For by nature we are very negligent , and in remembraunce of the goodnes of our god , neyther do we thynke there on at any tyme , onlesse he do awake our slougyshnesse and prouoke vs to our dutye .

And wyth sharper prickes can we not be pricked , then in that he compelleth vs ( as it were ) to se wyth oure eyes , and to handle wyth oure handes , yea openly to knowe and perceyue , the greatnesse of the inestimable benefyt in that he feadeth , and refresheth vs with his owne proper substance , which thing he would should be declared & made open vnto vs , in that he byddeth vs declare his death tyll he come . If so be that it be a thing so necessary to saluation , not to be vnmindful of the mercies & benefites that god hath shewed vnto vs , but rather diligently to call them a gaine to memorie , and to extolle them greatly to other men , that we maye by mutual admonicions be stered vp : we se therin a singulare commoditie of the supper , Use this commoditie . whiche calleth vs back from the vice of vnthankfulnes , & suffreth vs not to forget the great benefite which Christ shewed vs whan he died for our sakes : but it bryngeth vs to this passe , that wee geue thankes vnto him , and do ( as it were ) with an open testimonie , confesse how moch we are bounde vnto him . The thrid kynd of vtiliti● consisteth in this thing , that we be therby more vehementlie stered vp , to sanctimonie and puritie of lyfe and are with more force of persuasions , dryuen chieflye and before all other , to kepe charitie & frendship among ourselues . For , seing that we be made the members of Christe , beynge gra●ted into his bodye , and are ioyned to gether with him , as with oure head : it is but mete , that we chiefly be facioned after his puritie , & ●nnocencie , & that ther be especially such concord among vs , as ought to be among the membres of one bodye . Although to haue the true vnderstandyng of this vtilite , we ought not to thinke , that the lorde doth only exhorte and stere vs vp , other inflame vs with an external signe . For this is the chiefe thynge that he with his spirite worketh intierlye in vs , God worketh by his sacramentes as the Geometrician doth by his de●o●stracion . to adde force and efficacye as his ordinaunce whiche he hath appoynted as it were an instrument seruynge hym to this purpose , that he might accomplysh and finishe his worke in vs , therfore , because the power of the holy goste is coupled with the sacramentes , whan they be receyued so as they oughte to be : we ought to hope and truste , that they be an helpe vnto vs that we maye go forward in holynesse of lyfe and especyally in charitie .

Nowe muste we come to the thyrde of the chiefe partes whyche we haue purposed in the begynnynge of thys lytle boke , that is to saye to the ryght vse , that we maye reuerentlye obserue the institution of the Lorde . For who so euer cometh vnto thys sacrament , wyth a certayne comtempte , negligentlye or wythout regarde , nothynge carefull to holde hys purpose , and to perseuer in that where in the Lorde hath called hym : he dothe frowardlye abuse it , and in abusynge fylthyly contaminate it .

But to contaminate and pollute the thynge that god hath so holyly consecrated , is a great and intollerable sacriledge . Neyther is it in vayne that Paule declareth so greuouse and cruell dampnation to all them that receyue it vnworthelye . For yf there be nothinge , either in heauen , eyther in earh , that is more worthy then the bodye and bloude of the Lord : it is no smal faute to dispice it , Note what it is to receyue a Sacrament vnworthyly . and to receyue it wythout consyderation , and to come thyther not well and diligentlye prepared . Forthermore , he dothe aduertise vs to proue our selues , that we maye vse it euen as the thynge requyreth . Yf so be that we vnderstande what probation that oughte to be : we shall also perceyue what vse that is whych we loke for , but great and wyse circumspection muste be had in this thynge . For as we can not be to diligent in examinynge our selues , as the Lorde hath commaunded : euen so dyd the sophihical doctours ( whyl●e they requyred I canne not tell what kinde of probation , These , loode the consciences of men . and diligence in examinyng of a mans selfe , suche as neuer man coulde be able to performe , holde the miserable consciences to muche pe●plexe , casting them into wonderfull daungerouse anxietie , yea rather into horrible tormentes . And to be delyuered from these inrollynges of perturbacions , we muste ( as I haue sayde before ) reduce all thynges to the institution of the Lorde , as to the rule , whiche yf we folowe , wee shall neyther slyde nor erre . And folowynge it we ought to consyder whether we fele in our selues vnfayned repentaunce and fayth . Whyche two are so ioyned betwene them selues , that it is not possible that the one can by any meanes con●yste wythout the other . For yf we do suppose that our lyfe remayneth in Christe : then muste wee acknowledge that in our selues we are deade .

Yf we seke oure force and strength in hym : then must we vnderstande that we destituted of all strength , do faynte . Yf we put all oure felicitie in his mercy : we must neades perceiue howe great our misery is , when that is a way . Yf our quietnesse & tranquilite be reposed in him : them must we feele nought els in our selues but vnquietnes , troublesome eares , and solicitudes . And such affection can not be in vs but it wil ingender in vs a cartayne displeasaunce of our whole lyfe , besydes the care●ulnes and feare , & at the laste , the loue & desire of iustice . For he that knoweth the filthines of his sinne and the m●serie of his estate whilse he is exiled from God , is so gr●a●ly a bashed , that he is constrayned , to be out of conceyt with him selfe to condemne hym selfe , and for very dolour of hert to weepe and syghe . To these thynges , is the iudgement of . God obiected incon●mente , whiche thrutcheth the conscience of the synner in wonderfull straites , whan he perceiueth that he can by no meanes escape , and that there is no place of defence remayning . Whan we acknowledginge oure owne misery after suche sorte are able to taste of the goodnesse of God then do wee desire to directe all the order of oure lyfe vnto his wyll , that ( abiectinge the thynges whiche we folowed before ( we maye in him be made a new creature . Yf wee , therfore wyll haue that communyon , whiche is be seming for vs to haue , the communion of the mooste holye supper of the Lorde : Let vs with a frime confidence of mynde take Christe for our iustice , He that trusteth not in Christ only , hath no parte with him . lyfe and health : let vs embrace his promesses supposynge them be to certayne and constant : let vs renounce al succours to the contrarie , whiche striue therwith , and all confidence of the same : that we distrustynge oure selues and al other creatures maye be quiet in him onelie , and content oure selues with his onely mercie which thing bicause it can not be done , vnlesse we know how moche neade we haue of helpe and succure : no remedy we must neades be moste sharpely pricked and digged as it were with a goade , through that fealing of our misery : that we as men half● famished , may desprously loke for him . For howe fonde a thynge were it to seke for meate wythout any maner of appetit : And to gette an appetite to meate , the nexte way is to haue an emptye stomake , but in suche takynge that it maye admitte meate Of this it foloweth that it behoueth our soules to be hungry , and seruentlye to desyre meate , that they maye in the supper of the Lorde fynde theyr nu●rimente . Forthermore , it is to be noted that we can not desyre Christe vnlesse we do aspire to the iustice of god : which consisteth in the denyall of oure selues , 〈…〉 and the obedience that ought to be giuen vnto hym . For it can by no meanes agree , that we should be of the bodye of Christ . 〈◊〉uyng in the meane 〈◊〉 f●lthily , volt●ptuously , and without ●ule Sc●●ge that in Christe is nought elles but all puritye , contin●nce , gentl●nesse , sobrietie , veritye , humblenesse and other lyke vertu●s : it behoueth vs ( yf we wyll be membres of his body ) to be cleare from al voluptuousnesse & riotte from arrogancy , intempetance , vanitie , pryde , and other vices . For we can not mingle those wyth him wythout great shame and reproche . It behoueth vs all waye to rem●mbre , that there is no more concorde betwene him and iniquitie , then is betwene lyght and darkenesse . The ima●e of repentaunce . Lo by what meanes wee maye come to perfyt repentaunce : by appoyntynge our iourney so , that oure lyfe be fashioned after the example of Christe . But , although thys thynge be commune to all partes of the lyfe : yet take they place chieflye in charitye : which in thys Sacrament is singulerlye commended vnto vs .

By reason whereof , it is also called the bonde therof . For as the bread , whyche for the vse of all men , is there sanc●ifyed , is made of man●● grayn●s , so compacte to gyther that one can not be seperate and discerned from the other : euen after the same rate oughte wee to be ioyned togyther wyth the indissoluble bonde of frendshyppe . And so do we all receyue one bodye of Christ , to the ende we may be his m●mbres . Discorde destroyethe that concorde hath buylded . But yf we be full of discordes and di●cencions : : we do as muche as in vs lyeth , teare Christ and poule hym in sunder neyther shall we be gyltye of smaller sacrilege , then yf we had done the thynge in dede , Let vs not therfore bee bolde to come thyther , yf anye hatred or euyll wyll towardes any man , and chiefly a christian and ioyned to the vnitie of the church● do remayne in vs . We muste also ( for the kepyng and folowyng of the order of the Lorde ) brynge wyth vs an other affection : that is to saye , that we confesse wyth mouth and declare in verye dede howe muche we are bounde to our Sauiour : and that we may gyue thankes vnto hym : not onelye that wee maye gyue glorye to hys name , but that we maye also instructe one an other , and that our neyghbours maye , through oure example , learne what they ought to do .

But for that there can no man be founde , that hath so profited in fayth and sanctitie of lyfe , but that he lacketh yet verye muche : it were daunger leste verye many godlye consciences shoulde be troubled wyth those wordes that I haue spoken , vnlesse I would retourne myttigatynge those preceptes whiche I haue Beleue & dispeare n●t gyuen of fayth and repentaunce .

For that kynde of teachynge is very daungerouse , wherin some men , leauynge the perfyte truste and repentaunce of the mynde , wyl that all men whyche be not indued wyth such thynges , be excluded . For so shoulde all men , be excluded , not one man excepted .

And to proue that thynge to be trew , who can boste that he hath no poynte of diffidence in hym ? and that he is depraued wyth no spot of mynde , or wyth no kynde of weakenesse ? A necessarie prayer Certes the chyldren of God haue suche fayth that it is neadful for them alwaies to pray vnto the lorde that he be present and helpe theyr incredulitie . For thys disease is so faste rooted in vs , that we can by no meanes be healed , before we be delyuered out of the boundes of this body . Yea the holinesse of our life is such , that we muste neades praye dayly to gette remission of synnes , and grace to amende .

And , although some be more imperfyte then some , yet is there no men but he falleth in many thynges . And therfore , yf that integr●tye of fayth and lyfe be requyred , wherein wanteth no●hynge at all : the supper shoulde not be onely vnprofitable vnto all men , So the Diuel would haue it but also very hurtful , which thinge , no doubt , is most wyde from the mynde & purpose of the Lorde which gaue vnto his congregacion , nothynge more wholesome then that . When we therfore , shal fele in oure selues a fayth not yet perfyte , and shall not be indued wyth so pure a conscience but that it accuse vs of many vices : that ought not to let vs for comynge to the Lordes sacred table : so be that we , voyed of al hypocri●y and simulation , do in the weakenesse trust for health in Christ , wyllyng to directe our lyfe after the rule of the gospell . But namely I say that there be none Hypocrisy : This hypocriis daughter ●o c●re shryfte . bicause very many do disceyue them selues wyth vayne flat crynges , persuaring them selues that it is sufficient if they condemne theyr vices although● th●y do nourishe the same : or els it sufficeth if they absteine from them for a tyme and intende to retourne to the same agayne incontinent . But the true repentaunce is firme and constant . And therfore it bryngeth to passe that wee stryue agaynste the euyll that wee oure selues carye wyth vs , nor for a fewe dayes or monethes but through all the tyme of oure lyfe : wythout any maner intermission . When we fel● that vices do s● displease vs , and that the vnf●in●d hatred for th●m protedyng from the feare of god , is graffed in vs , and that we be also led wyth the desyre to lyue well and holylye : wee are apte and mete to receiue the supper of the Lord : although there be yet remayning in vs very many fragmentes of infirmities . Yea vnlesse we were weake , None hath made of medicine but the sicke subiect to diffidence , & vnperfecte lyfe : the sacramente were vnprofitable for vs , and the institution therof had not ben necessarye . Seynge therfore it is the remedye wherwyth God would succure our weaknes , strenghthen oure faythe , increase our charite and set vs forwarde in sanctitie of lyfe : we oughte so moche the rather to vse it , how moch more greuously we feele our selues oppressed wyth the magnytude of the disease . Moch lesse ought it to be an impediment vnto vs . For if we do lay for excuse that we be yet weake in fayth , and not of lyfe perfyte ynoughe , to the intente we maye with drawe oure selu●s frome the vse of the supper it were euen lyke as yf a man would abstayne from physyke because he were sycke .

The weaknesse therfore of fayth & the vyces of our lyfe ought to admonishe vs to come to the supper , as to the chyefe remedye , that they myght bee amended and corrected .

So that we come not , voyde of all faythe and repentance . Wherof the fyrst is hyd in the mind and therfore our conscience must beare vs witnesse before God . The later is declared in action and worke : and therfore it is requisyte that it appeare in our lyfe .

As concernynge the tyme of celebratynge the supper , it may not bee apoynted and prescribed vnto all men . For there is no man but he shall sometyme haue suche pryuate impedyment●s , as maye excuse a man thoughe he abstayne . Besydes that wee haue no precepte . wherby all men be compelled to vse it so ofte as it maye be offered vn●o them , but yet yf we haue respecte vnto the ende where vnto the Lorde leadeth vs : Once in aye●e is to lit●e of conscience . we shall knowe that the vse therof oughte to be muche more common thn it is commonlye amonge many men . For , loke how moch more we be ●●pressed with weakenes so moch the more often ought wee to be exercy sed in it , because it maye and ought to bee profytable vnto vs , both for the confirmacyon of our fayth , and also for the settynge for warde of the holynesse of lyfe . Wherfore in all congr●gacyōs wel ordered , ought to be such custom that the supper be celebrate so ofte as maye be and so much as the people shal be able to receyue And euerye priuate persone ought , so much as in hym lyeth , to be ready to receyue it so often as it shall be celebrate in a common assemble : vnlesse he be by verye vrgent causes constrayned to absteyne . For , all be it , that the tyme is not assigned nor the daye expressed by any precepte or commaundement : yet ought this thinge to suffice , that wee knowe it to be the Lordes wyl we should vse this Sacrament of the times . Otherwyse we knowe not the profite that cometh These be the suggestions of the deuill vnto vs therby . The excuses that some men lay , are voyed and vayne . Some say they are not worthye : and by that pretexte they absteyne all the yere . Other do not onelye consyder howe vnworthy they be : But they do also laye for them , that they can not communicate wyth suche as they see come thyther vnprepared . Also , other suppose that the ofte vse of it is superfluous : neyther do they thynke that it ought to be so often iterated and repeted , after that we haue once receyued Christe . I aske of those fyrste , whyche laye for them selues theyr owne vnworthynesse : howe theyr conscience can susteyne so greate miserye more then an yere , & dare not call vpon the lorde accordyngly . For they wyl graunt it to be a poynte of rashnesse , to call vpon god as a father , vnlesse wee be the membres of Christ . Whyche thynge can not be done vnlesse the substaunce and veritie of the supper be fulfylled in vs .

And yf wee haue the veritie it self ▪ we are wyth muche better reason , mete to receyue the signe .

Wherby we perteyue , that they whyche woulde exempte them selues from the supper as vnworthye , do robbe them selues of that great commoditie of inuocatyng and prayinge to god . But I woulde not compell them whose consciences be troubled and feared by anye religion , to the intente they shoulde intermingle them selues rashlye : But rather I counsayle them to tarye for a season , vntyll the lorde shal voultsafe to delyuer them from that anxietie . In lyke maner yf there be anye other cause I do not deny but it is lawfull to deferre .

I do onelye purpose to declare , that no man ought to continewe longe in thys thynge that he maye absteyne for vnworthynesse .

For so is the congregacion robbed of the communion : Christ is 〈…〉 health . wherin all oure health consisteth .

Let hym rather indeuoure to fyghte agaynste all the impedimentes wyche the deuyl casteth agaynste hym , leste he be excluded from so greate a good thynge , and consequently robbed of all the benefytes to gyther .

The other mens reasone is more aparaunt : bycause they vse this reasone . That is to say , yf it be not leaful to eate commune bread with them that name them selues brethrens , and dooe , yet neuerthelesse ▪ lyue fylthyly and lycen cioussye : moche lesse that breade , whych is consecrated for this intent , that it maye represent and geue vnto vs the bodye of the Lorde .

But it is no harde thynge to make answere to these also , that it perteyneth not to euery priuate person , to iudge and decerne , who ought to be admit●ed , and who to bee depelled : but to the whole congregacion , other else the shepe he●de and elders , whose helpe he oughte to vse in the orderyng and gouernyng of the congregacion . For sayncte Paule commaundeth vs not to examyne other , but oure selues

It is our dutie , to admonish them that lyue viciouslye : and if they wyll not here vs to make relacion to the shepeherde : that he maye finishe the matter by the authoritie of the congregacion . But we maye not so wythdrawe oure selues we may not do iuel for a good intent . frome the companie and assemble of the wycked that we forsake the communion of the congregacion . Bysydes these thynges , it shall ofte tymes chaunce , that the crimes be not so magnifest , that it maye beleaful to procede to excommunicacion . For , although the shepeherde shal in his mynde iudge any man to be vnworthy : yet may he not pronounce him to be such a one or prohibite hym the supper : vnlesse he haue conuicted hym by the iugemente of the congregacion , whyche thynge whan it chaunceth , there remayneth none other remedie , but that we desyre god that he wyll delyuer his church from al offences : in this meane tyme whylse we loke for the daye of indgement , wherin the chaffe shall be seuered from the good grayne . The thyrde , haue no kynde at all of the lyklinesse of the truthe . For this spirituall bread is not gyuen vnto vs , to the intent we should be glutted incontinent , but rather , that tastyng the swetnesse therof , A good thyng can not be to often vsed . we shoulde hunger the more after it , and vse it as often as it shoulde be profered vnto vs . This is the thing that I haue expounded before : that Iesus Christ is neuer so communicate vnto vs ( so longe as we be in thys mortall lyffe ) that oure soules maye be saciate with hym , but that he maye be an acustomed nouryshement vnto them .

To come to the fourth parte . Whan the deuyll perceyued that the lorde lefte to the congregacion , nothyng more profitable than thys sacrament : he dyd ( after his accustomed maner ) employe hym selfe ( euen incontine●t vpon the fyrst institucion ) to contaminate it with diuers Sathans olde practiese . errours and supersticions , to the intent he might corrupte and distroy the fruite therof : neither dide he sease to labour hys purpos , vntyll he had put away the institucion of the lorde , and tourned it into a lye and vanite . It pertaineth not to my purpose to assygne in what tyme euery disceyte and erroure had hys begynnyyg . It shall be sufficient for me articularly to note the erroures that the deuyl hath inuented , which we muste beware of yf we wyll haue the supper of the Lorde vncorrupted . Fyrst therfore whan the lorde gaue the supper vnto vs , to the intent it shoulde be distributed among vs , that it might represent vnto vs the communion which we haue in his bodye , and also that we myght be partakers of that sacrifice , whyche he offered vnto his father , to purge oure sinnes : men haue on the contrarie , by theyr owne wyttes commented , that it is a sacrifyce wherby we obtayne of god remission of sinnes . Whyche thynge is detestable sacr●lege , and not to bee suffered by any meanes . For vnlesse we acknoledge , and beleue stedfastlye that the death of the lorde Iesu Christe is the onely sacrifice , wherby he reconciled vs to god the father , puttynge away al the sinnes wherof we were giltye in hys iudgement : we ouerthrowe and distroye hys force and efficacie . Unlesse we graunt that Christe is the onely pryest by whose inte●cession we are comen agayne into fauour with his fath●r : we robbe hym of hys honoure , and do him great iniurie . Seing therfore , that , that opinion whiche fayneth that the supper of the lorde is a sacrifice wherby we gette & obtayn● remission of synnes , fyghteth agaynste the same , it muste be taken awaye & condemned as diuyllyshe . That it repugneth is most . certaine For how can these thynges agree ? That Christ in dyinge , offered sacrifice to the father : wherby once for all he optayned pardon and remission of all oure sinnes : & that we muste sacrifyce agayne daylye , that we may obtayne that thing whyche is to be sowght in hys onely death ?

Thys erroure was not at the higheste incontinent Euerye pope put to his por●ion vpon the begynnyng , but increasynge by lytle and lytle , it was at length brought to this point . It is manifest that the fathers of olde time called the supper a sacrifice . But they showe a reason why , because the death of Christ is represented there in . Theyr saying therfore , is to this purpose , that because the supper is the memorie of that onlye sacrifice , wherin we ought vtterlye to content oure selues , therfore is that name attributed . Neyther can I blame the custome of the olde congregacion , because they did in theyr gesture & riete figurate a certaine ymage of a sacrifice , with the same cerimonies in maner , that were in vse vnder the olde law : this one thynge excepted , that in steade of a ●east , they vsed bread for theyr sacr●fice . Whyche thinge for that it pricketh to nere the Iewyshe marke and is not agreable to the institution of the Lorde , I do not alowe it .

For in the olde testament ( the tyme of figures ) the lorde instituted such ceremonies , to be obserued , vntyll that sacrifyce were celebrated in the fleshe of his moste deare beloued sonne , whyche was the truth of them all .

Seynge therfore , all thys is finished , there remayneth no more but that we vse the communion therof . It is therfore superfluous , to declare that thynge , wyth figures . Therfore , by the instruction of Christ , we are not commaunded to offer or sacrifyce : Then is the masse the popes sacrifice . but to take and eate the thinge that is al ready offered and sacrificed . And although the auncientes , dyd somwhat offende in that obseruation : yet was not the impietie so great as that which dyd afterward crepe in . For the thynge that was proper and peculiar to the death of Christe , was vtterlye transposed to the masse : that it myght satisfye to god for our offences , & that we myght be reconcyled by it . Besydes these thynges , that office whyche was Christes , was attributed vnto them which called them selues priestes that they myghte sacrifyce vnto god , and that they myght praye before hym wyth theyr sacrifices to optayne pardone and remission of oure sinnes . I wyl not dissemble in these solucions which the enemyes of the truth do brynge in this matter . That the masse is no newe sacrifyce , The Diuels solusion . but the applicacyon of that onelye sacrifyce wherof I haue spoken . Althoughe they go aboute to couer theyr abhominacion wyth some maner colour : Yet doth it manifestlye apeare to be a mere cauillacion . For it is not onely sayd that the sacrifice of Christe is but one : but also that it oughte not to be iterate , s●ynge that the force and efficacie therof is perpetual . It is not sayd that Christe was ones offered vp to the father , that other shoulde afterwarde v●e the same oblacion : that they myght applye vnto vs the force of his intercessyon : but that he is entred into the sanctuarye of heauen , and that he apperethe there to the intente he may make the father mercyfull vnto vs , throughe hys intercession . As concernynge the applycacyon of the merites of his death , that we may feele the fruite therof : that is done , not after suche sort as they of the popyshe churche thynke it to be done : but when we receyue the tydynges of the Gospell , The heareing of the gospell applieth Christes merites vnto vs . euen such as the ministers whom God hath ordeyned as embasatours , dooe in theyr preachynge proteste : yea such as he hath sealed wyth sacramentes as wyth seales . All , aswel teachers as pastours haue alowed this opinion of the commone people wherin they supposed , that man to deserue mercye and iustifcacion ( euen for the workes sake ) which woulde heare or bye a masse .

But I saye , that yf we wyll take any profyte of the supper , we muste bring thether nothing of our owne , to the intent to deserue the thing that we loke for : but that we muste onelye receyue wyth fayth , the mercye that is in it offered vnto vs . Measure al that is spoken of the sacrament : by this sentence . And yet doth not that mercye remayne in the sacrament : but as it commeth from the crosse of Christ , euen so it sendeth vs back agayne to the same . Nothyng therfore , is so contrary to the true vnderstanding of the supper , as to make therof a sacrifice . For it wyll not suffer vs to acknowledge the deathe of Christe to be the onely sacrifice , whiche shall continewe for euer . These thynges well vnderstande , it shall be euident , that al those masses wherin is no suche communion of the supper as the Lorde instituted , are nought else but verie abominacyon . For the Lorde dyd not ordayne that the prist only should seuerally satisfie him selfe after he had fynished his sacrifice : but his wyl was that this sacrament shoulde be distributed in an open assemble , like vnto the first supper which he celebrated with his apostles . But after that this detestable opinion was inuented , this vnhappie custome proceded out of it as out of an hell mouthe , wherin the people contenting them selues with being present at the action , as though they should therby optayne some great merite , do in the meane time abstaine from the communion : because the prest bosteth that he offereth sacrifice for all and chieflie for them that be present . I let passe the disceytes and illucions wherin ▪ is so moche vnseamelynesse , that they are not to be spoken of : as to attribute to eueri little saynt his appropriate masse : and to transferre vnto ●atte and wyll ( as we saye in the French prouerbe ) the thynge that is spoken of the supper of the lord . Also to make marchaundise therof . With the other puddell of filthynesses which haue spronge of thys name sacrifice . An other errowre foloweth whych the deuyll hath sowen to the intente to corrupte thys hyghe mistcrie that is to saye , in that he commented the transsubstanciacion of the bread into the bodyeand of the wyne into the bloude of Christ , Herin resteth the whole mattier . after the wordes should be pronounsed wyth the intente to consecrate .

Fyrst that comment hath no foundacion at al in the scripture , neyther hath it any testemonie of the olde congregation : and therfore can it by no meanes agree or stande with the wordes of the lorde . Is not suche an interpretacion to violent and to muche wrasted ? To saye , that when Christ shewynge bread , calleth it his bodye , the substance of the bread is cons●med , and that the bodye of Christe succedeth in the place thereof ? But it neadeth not to call the matter into question , seinge that the bryght & splendiferouse veritie is of it selfe able to confute so absurde a vanitie . I let passe infinite testimonyes both of the scripture and of the fathers also , wherin the sacramente is called breade . I saye this onely , that the nature of the Sacrament requireth : that the material bread remayne for the visible signe of the body For it is a generall rule amonge the sacramentes : that the signes whiche we se in them , ought to haue some similitude wyth the spirituall thinge that they represent . As we are therfore in baptisme , certifyed that oure soules be inwardlye washed , when the water , that washeth the fylth of the body , is powred vpon vs to declare the same thing : euen so must there neades be in the supper materiall breade , that it may be declared vnto vs that the bodye of Christe is oure foode . For what declaracyon were it , yf the qualitie wytnes shoulde represent vnto vs that body . We knowe therfore manifestlye , that vnlesse the substance of bread do there remayne , al the representacion , whiche the lorde ( wyllynge to accommodate hym selfe to oure infirmitie ) gaue vnto vs : doth vtterly decaye and peryshe .

For the wordes which the lorde spake sounde no lesse then yf one woulde saye . Let ne what these wordes this is my body , do signifi . In lyke maner as mans body is nouryshed and susteyned wyth bread : so is my fleshe the spiritual foode wherwyth the soules be quyckened . Besydes these thynges . For what purpose doth Paule propone that similitude ? as one lofe is made of many graynes , mingled and ioyned to gether one wyth an other : euen so wee ( for as muche as we take parte al of one bread ) ought to be faste ioyned togyther one with an other . And yf the whytnesse onelye shoulde remayne wythout the substance , were it not a thyng to be laughed at to here a man speake as Paule doth ? Wherfore wythout any doubtyng at al I conclude that thys transsubstanciacion is the deuylles interpretation , to depraue the truth of the supper .

Many dotynge castes haue folowed of this lye : & woulde God they had not ben more then doting castes , & that they had not ben also horrible abhominacions . For men ( imagining , I can not tell what maner of placelye presence ) haue taught that bothe the diuinity & the humanitye of Christ are fastned vnto the whitenes , nothinge consyderyng what inconuenienses folowed vpon the same . Although the olde doctours of Sorbone haue reasoned very subtllly , Oxforde and Cambridg be not all voyde of thes doctoures . how the body & bloud be ioyned with the signes : yet can it not be denyed , but that in the popyshe church , was receyued both of high and lowe , and is at this day with fyre , sworde , murder , & al kynde of tormentes cruelly defended and holden , this opinion : that Christe is conteyned vnder these signes and that we ought to seke hym there .

Whiche opinion yf they wyll maynteyne : no remedy they must also graunt , that the bodye of Christ ( as a thinge infinite ) is conteyned in no place , other elles that it is in diuers places at once . And in the affirmynge hereof , they come at length to this passe , that it differeth nothing at all frome a fantasticall apparicion . To appoyn●e therfore suche kynde of presence inclosed in a place , Mar●ians here●●ie . wherein the bodye of Christe shoulde be included in , or as they saye locallye ioyned to the signe● is not onelye a thynge foly she , but also an execrable errour diminishing the glory of Christ● vtterly destroying al that ought to be bel●ued as concerninge his humane nature . For the scripture teacheth in euery place that lyke as in earth Christ toke our humanitie , euen so , he pluckynge the same out of thys mortall estate , and yet nothynge chaungynge the na●ure therof , caryed it vp into heauen . And for thys cause oughte we when we speake of the humanitie of Christ , to consider two thinges . The fyrste , that we diminishe nothinge of the veritie of his nature . The other , that we derogate nothynge of his glorious estate . And to do thys thynge in his kynde , we muste lefte vp our myndes into heauen , that we may seke out redeamer there . For yf we wyll caste hym frome vs vnder the corruptible Elementes of thys worlde : Breade and wyne are corruptible . we shall both destroye those thinges whiche the scriptures do wytnes as concerning his humane nature : and also bringe to nought his moste glorious ascension . But bycause many men haue abundantly handled this matter : I had rather let it passe then to wade , further therin . My mynde was to note , by the waye , thys thynge onely . That to thynke that Christ is shutte vp vnder the bread and wine , other els to ioyne than so togither , that our mynde cleaue fast there and is not erected into heauen : is a diuelyshe dottage , whyche thynge I shall also toutche in an other place . And when thys peruerse opinion was once receyued , it ingendred many other supersticions . Fyrst that carnall adoracion , which is none other thyng but mere idolatry . For yf a man woulde prostrate him selfe before the breade , and honour Christ there , as yf he were there presente , conteyned therin : were not that the setting vp of an idole in steade of the Sacrament ? For we were not commaunded to honour , but to eate . We ought not therfore so rashely to attempt that thinge . Forthermore thys was an obseruation in the olde congregacion , to admonishe the people before the supper shoulde be celebrated , that they lyfte vp theyr hertes , to the intent they shoulde vnderstande , that they oughte not to styke in the visible signe , Understande this coniunction aright . yf they would honour Christ a right . But we shal not long contende as concernynge thys article : yf the presence and coniunction of the veritie wyth the signe be well vnderstande : wherof I haue all readye spoken and wyl hereafter declare at large . Out of the same fountayne are sprongen the residewe of the supersticiouse ceremonies : as to carye the Sacrament thorow the stretes once in the yere ▪ as it were in a pompe , an other season to set vp a taberancle for it , and to kepe it al the yere longe shutte vp in a pire or case , that the people maye giue hede there vnto as vnto god , which shynges bycause they are all not onely inuented by mans wytie without the worde of god , but also playne repugnante to the institucion of the supper : they ought of all Christians vtterly to be reiected .

I haue declared whense thys calamity of the papisticall churche , that the people doth all the yeare longe absteyne from the communion of the supper , had hys begynnynge : bycause it is counted as a sacrifice whyche one man muste offer vp in the name of the whole multitude . But although we maye vse it but once euerye yere , yet it is then miserably pulled in sunder , & as it were torne in pieces . For where as the sacrament of the bloude ought to be distributed to the people , as it apeareth by the expresse commaundement of the Lorde : they decree that the people ought to be contented with the one halfe parte . Yea and that is half marde in the dressinge . So are the miserable christians , by most wycked gyle robbed of the benefyte that God gaue them neither is it any smal benefyt to haue the communion of the bloude of the lorde to nouryshe vs wyth all : and it is to muche crueltye to take that thynge violently from them vnto whom it belongeth of ryght .

Wherin we maye easelye perceyue , wyth what foole hardinesse and frowardnesse the pope hath exercised tyranny agaynst the congregacion of God , after tyme that he onely helde the impery , when the lorde had commaunded his disciples to eate the breade that was sanctifyed in his body : and then comynge to the cuppe he sayed not onely drynke ye , but he added exprestely , al. Woulde we haue a thynge spoken more openly ? he byddeth vs eate the breade vsynge no vniuersall worde therin . But of the cuppe he byddeth vs all drynke . Whense cometh thys difference : but that he entended ther by to preuent thys malyce and subtyl crafte of the dyuell ? Neuerthelesse , the pope is of suche arrogancye and pryde : that he dare be bolde to commaunde to the contrarye : loke that ye do not all drynke . And that he maye declare hym selfe to be wyser then God : The pope seeeth that Christe ▪ sawe not he sayth it is right and agreable to reasone , that the priestes haue some prerogatyue more then the people , to the ende that the dignitie of a priest should be honoured . As though the Lorde had not bene of discrecion nor had consyde●ed after what sort the one ought to be knowne from the other . Besydes thys he obiecteth the daungers that myght befal yf the cuppe shoulde be gyuen commonly vnto al men . Some drope forsoth , might chaunce to be shedde as though the Lorde hadnot forsene that thynge .

Doth he not laye negligence to the Lordes charge , that sayth he confoundeth the order that he shoulde obserue , and that he hath caste hys people into thys daunger wythout any maner of reasone ? And that they maye declare that there ensue●h no great incommoditie vpon thys chaunge , they saye that the whole is comprehended vnder one kynde , bicause the body can not be separated from the bloude . As thoughe the lorde had disc●uered them , the one from the other . For yf the one part maye be lefte as superfluous : it had bene folyshe and vayne for both to be distinctly , & seuerally gyuen vnto vs . But some of the popes bande , perceyuyng that this so greate abhominacion coulde not otherwyse be defended then impudentlye , went aboute to couer it by some other meanes . They say , Then he spake not to oure pristes . that when Christe instituted this Sacramente , he spake vnto his apostles onelye whom he had as then promoted to the order of priesthode . But what answer wyl they make to Paule , which sayeth , that he hath taught the christen people the thing that he learned of the lorde , that euery one should eate of the bread & drynke of the cuppe ? But who hath reueyled vnto these men that Christe gaue the supper vnto his apostles as vnto priestes ? The wordes sounde to the contrarye in that he doth afterwarde commaunde , that they folowing his example , shoulde do the same . He prescribeth therfore a rule whiche he woulde shoulde continewe in his churche for euer . And thys rule was in the auncient tyme obserued : vnto suche time as Antichrist ruling alone , auaunced him selfe , and stretched vp his hornes agaynste God vertitie , to the intent to destroy it vtterly . We se therfore that it is intollerable frowardnes , so to deuide and teare this Sacrament that those partes should be disceuered which god hath ioyned . That I may conclude the more briefely : I wyll comprehende in one chapter , the thynge that elles myghte haue ben deuided . That is to saye , that the deuil , hath ( without any doctrine of the supper ) brought in thys maner of celebratyng , And yet must all ●e holie . setting vp in the steade of the doctrine , ceremonies , some fylthy some vnprofitable , some also noysome & daungerouse : whereof haue ensued verye manye euylles . In so much that the masse which is vsed in the popish church in steade of the supper , if I shoulde define it a righte , is none other thinge , then a mere apishe emulation & disguised masking . I cal it an apishe emulacion , bicause that like as apes do play the wantons in imitatyng , rudely & without reason , the workes of men : euen so do they imitate the Lordes holy supper in suche wyse , y● with theyr prepesterous inuentions , they corrupte the hole truth therof . And to declare this to be true , is not thys the chiefe thynge hat the Lorde lefte with vs , that we shoude celebrate this mistery with perfyte and true vnderstandyng ? Then is it the doctrine that nourisheth . where vpon it foloweth that the substance therof consisteth in doctrine .

And that once taken awaye , there remayneth noughte els but a ceremonye , coulde and without vertue or strength . Not onely scriptures are wytnesses of this thyng , but also the popes owne lawes : wherein there is a sentence alleged , in whiche Augustine asketh what other thynge baptisme shoulde bee wythout the worde , then a corruptible Element . Wy●h the worde , as he addeth incontinent , not in that it is pronunced , but bicause it is vnderstande &c. Wherby he declareth that the sacramentes do take theyr force and energy of the word of the lorde : when it is preached after suche sorte as it maye be vnderstanded . The residewe , is not worthy the name of a sacramente . But in the masse , it is so farre vnlyke that any doctrine should be intelligibly harde , that contrary wyse al the whole mistery is thought to be prophaned vnlesse all thinges be sayd and done priuily & couertly to the intent nothing may be perceyued or vnderstande . So , that theyr consecration differeth nothinge from a kynde of inchauntment . For after the maner of an inchaunter , they thynke that wyth whysperynges & diuers gestures , they brynge Christe out of heauen into theyr handes : Whereby we perceyue , that the masse so ordeined , The true definicion of the masse . is rather a manifest and open prophanacion of the supper , then the obseruation therof : and that the peculier and chief substance of the supper wanteth : which consisteth in thys thynge , that the mistery be truely opened to the people , and the promesses rehersed wyth open voyce : not that the priest : wyth out other reason or vnderstandyng , shoulde stylly whysper out an hummyng that can not be vnderstande . I call it a play or maskyng , bycause there is nought els sene but the folyshnes and gestures of players , which thinges woulde become a playe muche better then the sacred supper of the lorde . No doubt , the sacrifices of the olde testament were celebrated with diuers ornamentes & ceremonies . But bicause they had a good significacion , and were all ordeyned to instructe and exersice the people in godlynesse : they were far vnlike vnto these , which serue for none other purpose at all , but that wythout any maner profite they maye occupye and holde suspense , the mynd of the people . To conclude , because these masse mongers ( yf I maye so call them ) do allege thys example of the olde testament , for the defence of their ceremonies , it shal be good to note what difference is betwen that whyche they do , and that whych was by god commaunded to the Iewysshe people .

For yf I laye for me this one thyng , what so euer was then doone was founded on the commaundement of God : and that theyr foolyshe tryfles hane none other foundacion than on mans inuencion : were not there a great difference ? But I haue thynges to disproue them wyth , that be moch greater then these be . For it was not for naught that the lord prescribed such a forme for a tyme , to the intent that at the length it should haue an ende and be abrogate No doubt because he had not as then declared hys doctrine so playnly , he woulde so moche the rather that his people shold be exercised in figuers : that the thynge whych wanted in that testament , myght be repared in the other . But sense that Christ apeared in the fleshe : loke by howe moche more the doctrine is lyghtened , so moch more are the figures diminished . Seyng therfore we haue the bodye ▪ we must leaue the shadowes . For yf we wyll replenisshe the abolyshed cerimonies : we shal patche agayne that vaile ▪ that Christ brake in sonder by his death and so shall we obscure and darken the lyght of the Gospel . Thus do we perceyue , that this multitude of cerimones , whych is sene in the masse , is the forme of the Iewyshe law , vtterly contrarie to the christian relygyon . I am not of that mind that I would disproue al cerimonies , whyche do serue to honestie and a publyke order , wherby the more reuerence is geuen to the sacrament : so that they do well agree to the purpose , Honest ceremonies ar not to be despised and be sober . But that immensurable laborynthe , maye by no meanes be sufferred : for as moche as it hath ingendred infite supersticions , & made the people as it were am●sed wyth out any maner edificacion . By thys it may easily be perceyued wherin those , vnto whom god hath opened the vnderstandyng of his truthe , oughte to deffer from the papistes ▪ First , thei shal be out of doubt that it is abominable sacreledge , to compt the masse as a sacrifice , wherby remission of synnes may be obtayned other to repu●e the priest for a mediatoure , whiche may applie the merites of Christes passion vnto them y● bye masses , or be present at the doyng of them , or do wyth deuocion worshippe them . But they shal rather beleue that the death and passion of Christe , Then ar masse pense loste . is the only sacryfice wherby the ire of god is pacified , and perpetuall iustice goten vnto vs . And by sydes these thynges that the lorde Iesus is entered into the celestial sanctuarie : that he may there show him selfe for vs , and by the vertue of his sacrifice , praye for vs . But yet they shal esealy graunt , that the fruite of his death is communicate vnto vs in the supper , not bi the merite of the worke , but for the promesses that are made vnto vs therin , so that we imbrace them wyth fa●th . Forthermore they ought in no case to graunte that the bread is transsubstanciated ( as they say ) into the bodye of Chryst , or the wyne into bloud : but they must in that thyng constantly beleue , that the visible sygnes do retayne his substaunce , that hey may represent vnto vs , that spiritual veritie wherof I haue spoken before . Thyrdlye ▪ although they ought to be surely persuaded with themselues that the lorde doth in veri dede geue the same thyng that he doth represent : and so that wee do vnfaynedlye receyue the bodye and bloude of Christe : Lerne to seke Christe . yet shal they not seke if as included vnder the breade , or fastned ( as they say ) locally vnto the visible sygne : moche lesse oughte they to hono●re the sacrament , but to stretch vp the minde into heauen , that they may there receyue and honour Christe .

Hense shal it come to passe that they shall dispice and condemne for ydolatrye , all those supersticiouse cerimonies , as well of the carying forth of the sacrament in pompe & processions , as of the buyldyng vp of those tabernacles wherin it is set forth to be honoured . For the promesses of the lorde stretch no farther , then to the vse whych he committed vnto vs . Forthermore they shal iudge the institucion of the lorde to beviolated and broken , in that the people is robbed of the one parte of the sacrament : and that it is necessarie , that bothe partes be wholy dystributed , yf it shoulde be obserued aryght , In fyne , they shal suppose , that it is not onely superfluouse but also dayngerouse , and that it becometh not the chrystian religyon , to vse so many cerimonies , taken of the Iewes , more than the symplicitie wherin the apostles instructed vs . They shal also iudge that it is euen of an vngodly frowardnesse , so to celebrate the supper with gestures ▪ and maskers mouinges , that no doctrine at al may there be herde , but is rather buryed , as though it were a certeyne kind of magycall arte . To conclude at the laste , wee must now come to the last of the chiefe partes . That is to saye , Yet by thys was the trueth tried out . to that contencion whyche in oure tyme is steared in this matter , whiche for as much as no doubt it was of the deuils stearyng vpon to let , or rather to breake the course of the Gospell , I woulde wyshe it to be forgoten for euer : much lesse can I be delyted in the rehersynge of the same .

But bycause I do perceyue very many godly myndes : which know not whyther to turne them selues : I wyll briefely say the thyng that I shall thynke necessarye to declare howe they maye delyuer them selues .

Fyrste I desyre and beseche al faythfull persones euen for the names sake of the lyuynge God , that they be not greatly offended , bicause thys controuersy is moued amonge them that were the chiefe capiteynes , in restorynge and brynging in agayne of the doctrine of the gospel . For it is no new thinge for the lorde to suffer his seruauntes to be ignorant in some thinges : and suffer them to contende amonge them selues : not that he woulde suffer them to erre continuallye , but for a tyme : The apostles varyed in some thinges to the intente he myght make them more humble . And no doubt yf all thynges had chaunced prosperoussye to thys daye , and had flowed accordynge to oure wyll , perchaunce men woulde haue forgotten them selues : other els the mercy of god shoulde not haue ben so muche knowen as it ought to be . And therfore the lordes wyll was to take awaye from men aloccasyon of gloriynge : that glory myght be gyuen vnto hym onely .

Forthermore , yf we consyder wyth howe greate darkenesse the worlde was beset , when they whiche moued this controuersy , beganne to leade vs backe againe to the light of the veritie : in dede we wyll merueyle nothynge at all though they knewe no● all thynges euen from the begynnynge . It is rather a notable miracle of god , that they , in so litle space of time , were so illumined , that they them selues myghte escape & leade other out of that synke of errours wherin we had ben so longe tyme drowned .

But there is no better waye , then to reherse the matter it selfe euen as it was done . For therby it shal apeare , that there is not so much matter of offence in thys behalfe , as is commonlye supposed to be .

When Luther beganne to teache , he handeled the matter of the supper so , that as concernynge the corporall presence of Christe , he seamed to leaue it suche , as all men dyd then conceyue . For condemnynge transsubstanciaon , he sayed that the breade was the bodye of Christe , bycause it was ioyned togyther wyth hym . Besydes thys , he added certeyne harde and grosse similitudes . But that he dyd by compulsion , bycause he coulde not otherwyse declare his mynde . For it is an harde thynge to expounde so harde a matter : and not to vse some thynges , not all of the fittest for the purpose . After this dyd zuinglius , and Ecolampadius begynne to growe . Whyche when they consydered the gyle and disceyt that the deuyll bad brought in , inestablishing that carnall presence : whyche had ben taught and beleued . v● . hundreth yeres before : they supposed it wyckednesse to dissemble a matter of so greate importaunce . And chiefely bycause there was annxed vnto thys erro●te , To honoure a creature as God is idolatry . an e●ecrable ydolatrye , that Christe shoulde be worshypped as included vnder a piece of breade . But bycause it was verye harde , to pull backe thys opinion , whiche had ben longe & deaplie roted in the hertes of men , they applyed all the force of there wytte , to impugne the same , teachynge that it was a most grose and absurde ●rroure not to acknowledge those thinges whiche be throughout the whole scripture , testified of the ascencion of Chryste . That he , in the nature of man , is receiued in to heauen , and that he shal tari● there vntyll he descende to iudge the world . But whylse they were very moche bente vnto this purpose : they omited to declare what presence of Chryste in the supper we ought to beleue , & what communion of his body and bloud is ther receiued . In so moch that Luther suposed them willing to leaue nought else but the bare signes voyde of the spiritual substance . And therfor he began to resyst openly : in so moch that he declared them worthy to be compted for heretikes . And after the contencion wared ones hotte , in progresse of tyme it was so increased & inflamed , that it was to fiersely stered to & fro , about a : ●v . yers to gether , duringe whiche tyme , neyther partie would , with indifferent and quyete mynde here other . For althoughe they did once conferre betwene them selues : yet was there so great ali●nacion of myndes , that they departed the purpose not brought to passe . For when they shoulde haue come to some concorde , they recoyled more and more : myndyng nought els but to defende theyr opinion and to confute the contrary , we perceyue therfore in what thing Luther erred and also wherin zinglius and Ecolampadius dyd erre : It was Luthers duetie : at the beginnyng to admonish that it was not his purpose to stablyshe suche a locall presence as the papistes do dreame . Also , to proteste that he soughte not in thys place , Learne here the truth . to haue the Sacrament honoured as God . Thyrdlye to absteyne from those rude similitudes , most hard to be vnderstanded : or els to vse them moderatlye , and to interprete them so , that they myghte not haue ben cause of any offence . To conclude , sence that contention was moued , he passed al measure both in declarynge his opinion , and also in rebukynge other , wyth to much● rigoure of wordes . For when he should haue expounded his mynde so , that it myght haue ben receyued : accordynge to his accustomed vehemency , to the intent to impugne them that helde the contrarye , he vsed incredible fourmes of speakynge : whiche coulde not well be suffered of them whose mindes were but sklenderly appoynted to gyue credence to him . The other also , offended in that they did sticke so styefely in the impugnynge of that supersticiouse and fantasticall opinion of the papistes , as concernyng the placely presence and the adoration that folowed thereof , employinge their diligence to the rooting out of vices , rather than to the establishing of the thing which was profitable to be knowen .

For notwythstanding that they denyed not the veritie : yet dyd not they teache it openly as was beseamyng . This do I vnderstande , that whylse they gaue them selues studiouslye and diligentlye , to affirme that the bread and wy●e were called the body & bloud of Christ bicause they be the signes therof : they thought not that they ought in the meane time to do this thinge also , to adde to that they are the signes after such sorte that the veritie is neuerthelesse ioyned vnto them . This veritie is the ●remercie promised therin . Neyther dyd they declare that they wente not about to deface the true communion , which the lorde gyueth vs in his body & bloud .

Of truth neyther of them was vnworthy blame , for as muche as they dyd not susteyne to here one an other , that all affection layed aparte , they myght folowe the veritie , on which syde so euer it shoulde appeare . But yet ought not we therefore , to lette passe oure duetie towardes them , least we forget the mercyes and benefytes whiche God gaue vnto them , and distributed vnto vs by their handes For onlesse we be vnthankefull , and vnmyndeful of those thynges which we owe vnto them : absteyning from all reproche and euyll report , we shall easyly forgeue these and moche greater thynges . To conclude , seyng that we knowe they were both of Godly conuersacion and excellent doctrine , and that they also whiche at this daye be on lyue , be no lesse : we oughte neyther to speake nor iudge of them , otherwyse than with greate modestie and reuerence .

And chieflye because it hath pleased oure lorde God so , that after he had by this meanes instructed them to humilitie , he made an ende of thys vnlucky contencion , or at the leste qualifyed it for the tyme , so that in the meane season it myght be fynished . This haue I spoken because ther is as yet no order published , wherin that concorde is appoynted : whiche thynge were verye nessarie . But thys thynge shall be when God wyll that all they whyche shoulde set an order in these thynges , Hys wyll bee doene . do agre in one . In the meane tyme thys ought to suffice you that there be a brotherlye frenshyppe and con●unction betwene the congregacion : as belongeth to the Christian communion . Wyth one voyce therfore we wyl confesse , that when we do accordynge to the institution of the Lorde receyu● the Sacrament with fayth , we are vndoubtedlye made partakers of the substaunce of the body and bloude of Christe Howe thys thynge shoulde be done , some men can better define and more playnly expounde , then other . But thys thynge is chiefely to be remembred , that we exclude all carnall imagination , & that the mynde ought to be erected into heauen , and that we thynke not our Lorde Iesu Christe to be so vyle that he may be conteyned in corruptible elementes . Agayne , leste the force of thys most sacred mistery , shoulde be diminished , we must thynke that it is wrought by the secrete and wonderful power of God : and that his spirite is the bonde of thys partaking : whiche is for that cause called spirituall .

Finis .

¶ The order that the churche and congregacion of Christe in Denmarke , and in many places , countreis and cities in Germany doth vse , not onelye at the holy supper of the Lorde , but also at the ministration of the blessed Sacrament of Baptisme and holy Wedlocke .

TO all that hunger and thyrst the glorye of God & wealth of theyr neyghbours , be grace mercye and peace from the same euerlastyng God our moste deare father in heauen thorow our Lorde and onely Sauiour Iesus Christe . It were to me a singuler comfort ( my ryght deare and intierly beloued brethren , and systers in Iesu Christe ) yf I myghte be wyth you my selfe continuallye , & comunicate vnto you some part of that litle talent , which I haue receiued of the Lorde my God for your sakes , and all the lawefull wayes that I coulde deuyse , I haue sought thys greate whyle , to opteyne licence of the hygher powers for the same purpose . But it wyl not be . Wherfore though I be hyndred and kepte from you by all the meanes that Sathan & his membres can imagen , yet shall ye haue my poore herte , yet wyll I not ceasse to wyshe you good , yet wyll I do the beste for you that I can , although it be but wyth my pen . In token wherof , I haue set forth vnto you the order and maner that many whiche haue receyued Goddes worde vnfaynedly , do vse not onely at the mooste h●lye supper of our Lorde , but also at the ministracion of the blessed Sacramente of Baptisme , and when anye couple of persones are ioyned into holy wedlocke . And thys haue I done , to the intent , that when ye haue spyed and do se , that thys order is agreable vnto Gods worde not varying from the moste wholsome doctrine therof . Ye maye wyshe in your hertes to haue Goddes truth prospere lykewyse amonge you in the realme of Englande : And praye vnfaynedly wyth me and all other synners , that the father of mercy and God of all comforte wyll ●o lyghten and illuminate the hertes of oure rulers , that they maye folowe the earnest monicion of the seconde Psalme , and be no more wythout vnderstandyng , but be wyse by times and embrace the sonne of God , whyle he offreth him selfe vnto them And not only to suffre the worde of God to haue the vpper hande aboue all other doctrines , but also them selues to laye to theyr handes in abolishyng the blasphemous and dampnable abuses that are here ( as yet ▪ suffred about the forsayed thre principles of Christes religion , wherfore deare brethren , when ye compare this order vnder wrytten ( whiche is the doctrine of Goddes worde , and practise of the primatyue churche ) to the vayne ceremonyes vsed here yet ( after the churche of Rome ) lyfte vp your hertes to almightye God and beseche hym , that for Christes ●ake 〈◊〉 wyll once graunte , that these thre ( his holy Supper , holy Baptisme , holy wed●ocke ) maye be truelye and sincerelye ministred and practised also amonge vs . To the glory of his blessed name ●nd encrease of his kyngdom for euer . Amen .

¶ The order taken for the due ministration of the holy Supper of the Lorde .

FOr thy better instruction thou shalte fyrste vnderstande , that the blessed Sacrament of the bodye and bloude of the Lorde ( the worthy memoriall of oure redempcion ) is at no tyme denyed to any christen man ( where gods worde is truely preached ) yf he lawfully require it . And as none dothe minister it saue the priest which is the officer appointed therto . So is it not ministred , but when there be other present to receyue it as well as the pryeste .

Now bicause that where gods worde is truely preached , men do se the fruite of the sayd holy Sacrament , therfore resort they the oftener to the same holy supper of the lorde and delyte the more therin . But specially to se what a numbre come to it on the sondaye , & how reuerently , it woulde do ones hert good . And bicause they may the more fruitfully be partakers thereof , therfore on the saterday when the preachyng is done ( euery daye they haue a sermon ) all suche as are appoynted in them selues to be partakers of the Lordes supper come ( one after an other ) to the priest : of whom they learne , not onely what the Sacrament is & the right vse therof , but also they beynge repentaunt and sorye for theyr synnes , & professing amendement , receyue there gods promises for theyr absolucion , to the singulare comforte of theyr conscience : & are exhorted by the priest , to do agaynste the morow , as the holy Apostle Paule biddeth them : that is euen to trye , examen , and proue them selues , whether they can be content vnfaynedlye in theyr hertes , to take better holde on the kyngdome of God , then they haue done in tymes paste , to be more stedfaste in fayth and hope towarde god & hys promyses , to bemore feruent in prayer and loue towarde God , and for hys sake to shewe vnfayned loue towarde euery man , to forgeue hertely as they wolde be forgeuen , to mortyfie theyr fleshe dalie more and more by reasonable abstynence and godly exercises of the spirite and vertuous occupacion of the bodye , to bee glad in distrybutynge the workes of mercy to the poore &c.

And when the pryest , preacher , or curate for al is on thynge ) hathe geuen euerye one , thys or suche a lyke exortation , and enioyued ech one hys penaunce accordyng to his estate as subiectes to be true & obedient to their rule●s seruantes to be faithful and diligent in waytyng on their masters conmaundement , children to honour and ob●ie their parentes ▪ and to lerne vertue whyle they be yonge , housholders to kepe their houses in the feare of God , & so forth ) when the priest ( I saye ) hath enioyned them thus to lyue and to increase in the same wel doynge , he commytteth them to God and to the worde of hys grace , And so they departe .

¶ On the sondaye in the mornyng ( at .vi. of the clocke in Sommer , and at .vii. in winter ) the bell ryngeth , and the people , prepare them selues to the churche , so that sone after the bel hath ronge the seco●de tyme , the churche is almost full of men , women and chyldren , Then a lytle afore the houre is expired , they rynge the bell the thirde tyme , whiche ceasseth not tyl the houre stryke : And at the quere dore besyde the table of the Lorde , stande two good sober synginge men , whyche ( commenly a quarter of an houre a fore the sermon ) beginne a psalme and all the people bothe olde and yonge wyth one voyce do synge wyth them , after such a fashion that euery note answereth to a syllabe , and euery sillabe to one note commenly and no mo : so that a man maye wel vnderstand what the●synge . But fyrst for the moste parte they syng the Pater noster in theyr mother tonge , & then the Psalmes , some tyme mo , some tyme fewer accordyng as the tyme requireth , but al in ther owne language . Now whan the clocke smyteth ( which is comenly .vii. in Sommer . but .viii. in wynter ) the superattendaūt or chiefe curate commeth in to the pulpyt , and fryste of all , he wysheth vnto his audience and to hym selfe ▪ grace merye and peace from God the father through his blessed sone Iesus Christe oure sauiour : And to the intent that theyr hertes maye be opened to the true vnderstandynge of the gospel , which he is aboute to preach vnto them , he exhorteth them to call for helpe to the holye Goost . So after that the two foresayde men ( or at the least one of them ) hath orderly begonne , all the thurch folowethe , and synge with one voyce vnto the holy Gost this songe , Ueni sancte spiritus &c. or suche an other lyke it , in thyr mother tonge .

¶ Then the preacher taketh the gospell of that presente sondaye ( or some other place of the scripture , that he is appoynted to declare ) and expoundethe it clearely by the other manifeste places of the byble , noetynge in it suche lessones , such consolacions , and such ensamples as are for the edyfienge of his audience .

¶ Comenlye at the latter ende of the sermon , he maketh a prery shorte rehearsal of it by the way of exhortacyon to the people , or prayer towarde God . And then requireth he them to confesse and knowledge theyr sinnes vnto God wyth him , euery man in hys owne conscience , and to saye suche or lyke wordes in hys herte , as I haue plurallye expressed in the generall confession , that I humblye offered to the Kynges mooste honorable counsayll for the edyfyenge . Anno. M. D. xxxix . Whan the prieste hathe prayed for all estates , and made this or suche a lyke confession in their name , he prayeth God to be mercifull to them , to blesse them to shewe the lyghte of hys countenaunce ouer them , and to haue mercye on them .

¶ Then gyueth he them thys or soche a lyke absolucion , and sayeth .

TO all them that repent and are sory for theyr synnes , detestinge and abhorring theyr olde wycked lyfe . Yf they be hongry and thirste for Gods mercye in Christe , beleuynge surelye to haue forgyuenesse onelye by hym , purposinge to for sake all abhomynacyon of lyuynge , and from hense forthe to lyue in the feare of God and vnfaynedly to kepe his commaundementes : To all suche ( by the vertue of Goddes worde and commission of the same ) I pronounce and warraunt fre remyssion and cleane forgeuenes of all theyr synnes . To the other that wyll not repente ▪ but styll harden theyr hertes agaynst Goddes trueth , continually abydynge in the blyndnesse of false doctrine & fylthynes of wi●ked lyuyng , hauing no purpose nor mynde to come to r●pentaunce : To all suche ( by the vertue of the same worde and commission therof ) do I pornounce damnacyon and the terrible wrath of god , vntyll they amende .

¶ So after that he hath wyshed the peace of God vnto hys audyence , he commeth downe Then all the congregacyon and church in maner afore sayde , do synge the Crede or beleue in theyr owne mother tonge . And whan that is done , the curate or els his coadiutour , standeth vp afore the table of the lorde , and requyreth all such as are appoynted then to be partakers therof , to be well ware what they do , and to make a iuste accompt with them selues after what maner they haue proued and tried theyr owne consciences , whether it be done vnfaynedly & in an earnest maner & whether they be at one with al men , and so forth . Yf it be so in dede , he geueth God thankes for it . Yf no , he praieth them right gently , that they wyll thinke no shame to absent them selues from this holy supper tyl the reconciliacion be made , lest they come to it vnworthely . And then geueth he them this exhortacion , or els another such lyke :

¶ An Exhortation at the supper of the Lorde .

DEare frendes , we are all baptised into the death of oure Lorde Iesu Christe : wherfore after holy Baptysme : we muste all the dayes of our lyfe , fyght and stryue in continuall battayle & warre agaynst synne , death and the deuyl , & so beare about with vs in our bodies the passion and death of our Lorde Iesu , and we proue by experience , that the enemies whom we haue to do withal , are neyther weake , nor feable , but mighty and valiant , to whose power men are naturally subdued so that vpon earth there is none so mighty , as to resist thys power of darkenesse throughe hys owne strength , so feable and weake is all oure abilitie in comparison thereof . For the whyche cause God the father through Christ his deare sonne hath ordeined another power and kingdome , in the whiche is ryghtuousnes and lyfe : and through his death and bloude hath he delyuered vs and brought vs from synne to ryghtuousnes , from death to lyfe , from the deuyll to God , & hath included the kyngdome of hys grace in the preaching , beleuyng and folowing of his worde : which beinge begonne in the holy christentie , shal go forth vntyll the last daye : that we whiche receyue , beleue , and do after the same worde ( by the merites of Christe our reconciler and Sauiour ) shoulde be and continew for euer his deare chyldren , & heyres of the kingdom of grace , that is to say , of euerlasting saluacion , for as much as we through such faith do eate continually his flesh & drinke his bloud , that is to saye , abyde in hym , and he in vs .

¶ To the intent now that this so great goodnesse declared by the worde of God , myghte dayly amonge vs be practised , distributed and exhibited , therfore hath the gracious and merciful Lorde Iesus Christ instituted and ordeined a remembraunce of thys his wonderfull worke , and commaunded , that we at his supper in the Sacrament , shoulde eate his very body and drynke his very bloude . Wherby the hertes of al suche are faythful beleuers and feare God , myghte be assured of thys same grace of God , and euerlastyng saluacion : And also that in the holy congregacion and churche his glorious remembraunce myghte 〈◊〉 kepte , that is to say , to giue him thankes & prai●e , to sing , ●peake preache , & reade therof , to exhorte & conforte one another among them selues . And finally wyth all faythfulnesse one to shewe towarde another suche loue and fauour , as we oure selues haue receiued of our deare lorde Iesus Christ . ¶ And for as muche as we nowe are hapened in these later dayes , in the whyche thys so precious treasure is vnhalowed and wyckedlye abused . Thys holy Sacrament shall ( for the necessarye causes nowe rehersed ) be to vs also a testimonye of thys presente tyme before god and the worlde , that we do vtterly both in worde and dede , refuse and forsake all the dis●eatfulnesse of the papistrie , and that we fayth fully wyth all our hertes submitte oure selues vnder the gospel of Iesus Christe .

¶ Wherfore ye dearely beloued in the Lorde , for as muche as thys matter is so wayghtye , euen Gods owne institution and ordinaunce , yea , and his commaundement also that we shoulde do it . And lykewyse seynge the necessite which shoulde cause vs to accomplishe the same , is so great , specially on our behalfe towardes God ( to whom we owe a longe Deo gratias and thankes ) we ought in no wyse to refrayne our selues from it , neyther suffer oure selues to be kepte backe there from : but oftymes wyth repentant hertes to seke this our soules medicine & confort of our conscience : beleuinge what Christ sayth to vs herin , & doing as ●e commaundeth vs

¶ And as for those that seke no suche repentant hertes fayth and comfort herein , but lyue in open blasphemy , continuynge in synne and wycked lyfe . They shall knowe , that they are vnworthy of thys holy supper , and shal be excomunicate , tyll they amende .

¶ But to the intent that the vnrepentant may thorow the grace of god be lightened , and that we our selues may frutefully enioye this supper to the amendment of our liues , & also that all Chrystendome generally maye be the beter and be edified . Therfore let vs hertelye make our prayer to god the father of al mercye : beleuyng assuredly , that he wyl graciously here vs thorow our Lord Iesus Christ , who commaunded vs to praye , and promised vs , saynge : Aske and ye shall haue : seke , & ye shall fynd : knocke ▪ and it shal be opened to you .

¶ Wherfore in consideracion of the same conmaundement and promes , lyft vp your hertes and saye thus wyth me in youre prayer .

O Lord god our father in heauen we thy miserable children vpon earth beseche the that thou wyll mercifully loke on vs & lend vs thy grace ¶ That thy holy name maye be sanctifyed among vs and in all the world thorow the pure and syncere teachynge of thy worde , & through ernest charite in our daylye lyuynge , and oure conuersacion . Se●lude thou graciously al fals doctrine and euell lyuinge , wherby thy worthi name myght be blasphemed and slaundred .

¶ O let thy kyngdome come and be greate . All synfull , blynd people and suche as are holden captyue of the deuell in hys kyngdome ▪ those bryng thou to the knowledge of the true fayth in Iesus Christe thy sonne .

¶ Strength vs Lorde wyth thy spiryte to do and to suffre thy wil both in life and death in well and woo , that our wyll maye all waye be broken , offred vp and mortified .

¶ And geue vs oure dayly bread : Preserue vs from couetous desire and carefulnes of the bealy , that of the we may be assured to haue abundaunce of al good thynges .

¶ Forgeue vs oure trespace , as we forgeue them whyche offende vs : that oure hert maye haue a sure and glad conscience , and that wee neuer feare nor be afrayed for any synne .

¶ Leade vs not into tentacyon but helpe vs through thy spirite to subdue the flesh , to despise the worlde with his vanities , and to ouercome the deuel wyth all hys craftie assaultes . And finally delyuer thou vs from all euell , both bodely and gostly , temporal & eternall . Amen .

¶ They that ernestly , desyre al thys , let them say : Amen beleuyng without any doubte , that it is graunted & hearde in heauen according as Christ promised vs , saying , when ye pray , beleue assuredly that ye shal haue it & it shal come to passe . Amen .

¶ Then reherseth he the wordes of the holye supper out of thre Euangelistes , Mathewe , Marke and Luke , and also out of S. Paule Cor. xi . saying .

THe lorde Iesus the same night wherin he was betrayed toke bread , & gyuynge thankes brake it & sayed : Take ye & eate , this is my body , whiche shall be gyuen for you . Thys do in the remembraunce of me . In lyke maner when supper was done , he toke the cuppe also saying . This cup is the new testament in my bloud . As of●e as ye drinke this do it in remembraunc● of me . This done , the whole churche in maner aboue sayd , do syng a psalme or two of thankes gyuing for this blessed Sacrament . And in the meane saeson , they that are appoynted them to suppe with the Lorde , and come soberly and wyth greate reuerence one after another ) the men fyrste and then the women ) to the table of the Lorde : where they knelynge ( one I saye after another ) receyue at the hande of one of the priest●s , the Sacramente in fourme of breade . And then goeth he wyth lyke reuerence to the other ende of the table , and at the hande of an other of the priestes ( which standeth there ready for the same purpose ) he kn●leth downe and receyueth it also in the fourme of wyne , and all the other folowe reuerently , and do the same . Yf one of the priestes or both be disposed lykewise as them to suppe with the lorde , he kneleth downe , & his companion ●erueth hym . And euen so doth he also to his felowe in lyke maner and reuerence .

¶ Yf the communicantes and they that receyue then the Sacramente be many , they synge the moe Psalmes of thankes gyuyng : elles synge they the fewer .

¶ When thys holy supper is done , & the partakers therof that were appointed therto serued , one of the ministers standeth vp , & exhorteth the people to gyue earnest thankes to God , wyth thys or suche a lyke prayer .

¶ O almyghty God , moste mercifull father , thou that openest thy gracious hande , wherby al thinges lyuyng haue theyr foode in due season , we gyue honoure , prayse and thankes vnto the for all thy benefites both gostly and bodely , which thou hast rychely poured vpon vs wythout any of our deseruynge : but specially we thanke the for thys worthy memoriall of our redemption wherin thou haste nouryshed and fedde our soules with the body and bloud of thy deare sonne our Sauiour Iesus Christ blessed for euer . Amen .

¶ An other .

O Lorde Iesu Christe oure redeme● , honour and prayse be all waye geuen vnto the for feady●g our soules with this spiritual and heauenly foode . And we besech the for thy tender mertye , that as thou hast geuen it vs for a sacramente of continuall thankfulnesse , of daylye remembraunce and of charitable vnyte . Euenso most merciful sauiour , lend vs al way thy grace , to be thankful vnto the for it , and not onely by it to be continually ( myndeful of our redemption purchaced thorow thy death & bludsheding ) but also in consideracion therof to increace in loue towarde the , and al mankynd for thy sake .

An other .

O Lorde God allmyghtye , we thanke the wyth all oure hertes that thou hast fed our soules wyth the bodye and bloude of thy moste deare sonne . And we besech the vnfaynedly , so to illuminate our mindes wyth thy holye spirite , that we maye dailye increace in strenght of faythe to the , in assurednesse of hope in thy promyses , and feruentnesse of loue towarde the and our neyghbours , to the glory and prayse of thy holy name . Amen .

¶ Thus the priest concludeth and endeth the office of this present misterie , and blesseth the peopell rehearsyng these wordes of scripture . Numer● .vi.

¶ The Lord blesse you and preserue you : the Lorde shewe his face to you and haue mercye on you : the Lorde turne his contenaunce vnto you ▪ & geue you peace . Amen .

And so they departe

¶ The order taken for the due ministracion of the blessed Sacrament of Baptisme .

ON the sondaye at one of the clocke after none , they haue a sermon of an houre longe , wyth lyke ryngyng and singynge of Psalmes afore in theyr mother tonge , as they had in the mornynge , to the whiche preachynge the people come as thycke , as they dyd then . And as they signe a Psalme for grace to the holy goost in the mornyng , so do they here also and at euerye sermon , where or when so euer it be made . And lyke as in the mornynge when the sermon is done , the preacher exhorteth them to confesse theyr synnes wyth hym in theyr hertes , and there vpon doth absolue them by the power of Goddes● worde : so dothe he here also in lyke maner , and in euery sermon . Then synge they a lyke songe of thankesgyuynge as they dyd in the mornyng , and as they ●e accustomed to do after euery preachynge .

¶ In the meane season whyle thys psalme of thankes gyuyng is songe ( or ●ls afore ) the font is prepared , the mydwyfe is the●● present with the childe : or no mydwifes , yf there be no chyldren to be christened ( as there be comonly ) wyth a fayre company of honest sobre women . And when the psalme is songe out , the ministre beynge theyr ready at the font , readeth a lecture of the Bible : And when he hath declared it compendiously to the edifiynge of the congregacion , he exhorteth them , that for asmuche as all men are conceyued and borne in synne , and that seynge it is vnpossible for a man to come into the kyngdome of God , excepte he be borne a newe and regenerate : they wyll shewe and declare theyr Godly ●oue , and call vpon God the father thorow Iesus Christ and in his name , that he wyll mercifullye baptyse that chylde , ( or those chyldren ) wyth the holy goste , and receyue hym ( or them ) to grace .

¶ Upon the same exhortacion , they make their hertye prayer besechynge God to haue mercye on the chylde , and then addeth he thys or suche a lyke peticion in theyr name , sayinge .

¶ O almyghty God whiche in commaundynge vs to praye , hast assured vs , that we beleuyng stedfastly in thy pro●●es , shall haue all that we desyre , specially concernynge the soule , wherin we seke thy glory & wealth of out neyghbours Our humble peticion to the ( O most deare father ) is , that for asmuche as this chylde is not wythout originall synne , thou wylt consyder thyne owne mercy , and ( accordyng to thy promes ) sende thys chylde thy good spirite , that in thy syght it be not compted amonge the chyldren of wrath but of lyght , & grace , & become a membre of the vndefiled churche spoused to Christ thy deare sonne in fayth and loue , vnfayned , by the meanes of the same Iesus Chirst our Lorde . Amen .

¶ An other .

O Almyghty eternall God , & moste merciful father . For asmuche as the iuste lyueth by fayth , & vnpossible it is any man without beliefe to please the , we beseche the that thou wylt graunt to this childe the gyfte of fayth , wherin thou wylt seale and assure his hert in the holy gost , according to the promes of thy sonne , that the inward regeneracion of the spirite may be truely represented by the outwarde baptysme : and that the childe may be buried with hym in death , and be raysed vp by hym frome deathe againe . To the prayse of thy glory and edifyinge of hys neghboure . Amen .

¶ Somtyme also the priest readeth this parcell of the .x. Chapter of S. Markes gospel , saieng :

ANd they brought lytle chyldren to hym that he should touch them , And his disciples rebuked those that broughte them . But whan Iesus saw it , he was displeased , & sayed vnto them : Suffer litle chyldren to come to me and forbidde them not , for of suche is the kingdome of god . Uerely I saye vnto you : who so euer receaueth not the kyngdome of God as a chyld , shal not entre therin . And he toke them vp in his armes , & put his handes vpon them , and blessed them .

¶ Then the godfather yf it be a manchilde ( or the godmother yf it be a womanchilde ) holding the chylde in his armes , commeth and standeth by the prieste , who asketh hym on the childes behalfe , yf he forsake the deuel & al his workes he saith yea , and vpon the priestes interrogacion he confesseth his fayth in the face of the church . So the priest taketh the childe in his left hande and with his righthande he poureth water on his head , calling him by his name ( as he did afore ) and baptisynge him in the name of the father , and of the sonne , a●d of the holy gooste

¶ Fynally , the ministre committeth the chyldren to the prayers of the congregacion , & exhorteth the godfathers and godmothers most ernestly , to se that the children be brought vp and instruct in Christen knowledge & vertue , to the glory of God & edifieng of the comen wealth .

¶ Then synge they a psalme eyther that concerneth some thankes geuynge to God for his worde or els some necessary peticion .

And so they depart .

¶ Now in lyke maner as thou seist thys blessed sacrament ministred on the sonday , euen so wyth lyke reuerence do they vse it at the same houre on those wyke dayes , that the congregacion ( with the authoritie of their head rulers hath appointed to that vse : And yf the children in the meane time be in any daunger , then the mydwifes baptise them . And as the congregacion and multytude of people is greate at the ministracion of holy baptysme on the sonday , so is it also on the other appoynted dayes , though they be worke dayes . Wherby it is to be noted , that the institucion and ordinaunce of God is in greate reputacion amonge them : for as it is ministred reuerently , so is it heard with greate deuocion and feruentnes : And though there be alwaye some vnthankefull lyuers ye● the flocke of Christe be euer bringinge forth good fruites , & folowe the worde of lyfe in theyr conuersacion :

¶ The ordre taken for the due ministracyon of holy wedloke .

AS toutching Gods holy institucion of mariage , thou shalte vnderstande , that preuye contractes are auoyded asmuche as may be : And yonge folkes are so well broughte vp in the feare of God and instructe in the knowledge of his worde , that they wel not lightly be entyced to runne on heade , and mary without the honest consent of theyr parentes and tutours . Agayne , the fathers and mothers whych haue yong folkes apte to mariage , are circumspecte not suffringe theyr sonnes and daughters to , go longe beyonde theyr tyme vnmaryed : but both for the auoydynge of vncleanly conuersacyon in theyr children , & also for theyr owne discharge , they prouyde them honeste mariages mete for them . Which thynge to do , they are not only in the dayly sermons that they heare , but also by the olde Godly practises of suche holy men as was Abraham Isaac &c. N●ther do the two yong persones come together after a lyght or vndy●cret maner , but euen at theyr handfastynge ( whan the knot of holy wedolke is fyrst ●●yt ) ther are present the father and mother of the partyes or els ( yf they be dead or absen● ) theyr nyest kynsfolkes and tutours , and so is also some honest discrete preacher or curate of theirs : who to the edifienge of them , maketh a Godly collacion out of Gods worde for thyr en●ample , lerninge & confort in holy wedlocke . So whan the time approcheth that they shal be maried openly in the face of the church , the curate in the presence of the whole congregacion geueth warninge certeyne dayes afore , and requyreth that yf anye man knowe some lauful impediment to hindre the sayd mariage he wyll notifie it at his monicion . Yf no hinderaunce be made , then at the day appointed , the brydgrome hauynge a company of honest men with him , and lyke wy●e the bride hauinge an hones● company of women wyth her , come to the sermon in the mornyng ( whych as I sayd afore , is euery deye at .vii. of the clocke in Sommer , and at .viii. in wynter ) and after that the preaching is done & the sacrament ministred in maner afore saide , they come both before the preacher : and in the meane tyme , the whole churche in their mother tonge , do sing the , Cvi . psalme . Beati omnes qui timent dominum . &c.

¶ Then the preacher speaketh to them both by name , and asketh them sayinge : N and N , are ye mynded to lyue togyther in holye wedlocke , and to testify and confirme the same purpose here in the presence of the cōgregagicion ? They answer , yea , then ( sayth he ) I take you all here that stande by , to wyines , requirynge you to recorde the same , and to remember it , and sayeth moreouer : Yf there be any man here that knoweth lawfull impediment by Gods worde that these two persones may not procede togither in maryage , let hym speke nowe . So yf there be none to make impedimente , then the preacher sayth : For asmuch as here appeareth no hynderaunce to the contrarye , but that ye maye go forth togyther in holye wedlocke , I praye God establyshe the thynge that he hath wrought in you . Seynge also that both your consentes are knyt in holy wedloke , and ye confesse the same here openlye before God and the world . I declare and pronounce you to be maryed togither . In the name of the father & of the sonne , & of the holy goste . And in so sayinge he ioyneth their handes togither , & addeth moreouer : let no man therfore seperate them a sundrr , whom god hath coupled togither . This done , he erhorteth them to remember , how that god hath ioythe● in holy mariage , & according to the commaundement of god , to loue one an other , & so to kepe their houshold , & to bring vp their children when God sendeth them , in the feare of god that theyr whole liuing may redounde to the glory of his holy name , and edifiyng of the com●n wealth .

¶ Then rehearseth he this ( or suche another ) prayer in the name of the whole churche and congreg●cion .

O Almighty God , father of heauen : for as muche as it hath pleased the to call these new maryed folkes vnto holy wedlocke , lyke as at the begynnynge thou sawest it not good for a man to be alone , for the which cause thou madeste hym an helper lyke to hym selfe , and so ordeynedest that they two should be as one persone : we beseche the , y● vnto these newe maryed folkes thou wylt graunt thy holy spirite , whereby they lyuynge in holye wedlocke , maye styll truste in thy goodnes , ouercome all temptation , & leade an honest godly lyfe to the edifying of euery man . Blesse them also tha● in the fruite of theyr bodye they maye prayse the and so brynge vp the same , that it maye be to thy glory and profyt of the comon wealth . Amen .

Then the churche syngeth a Psalme of thankes gyuyng , and so departeth .

¶ The conclusion of this lytle boke .

THou seest nowe what order is kepte in the ministracion and vse of the forsayd thre holy ordinaunces of God : concernynge the whyche , I wrytte here nothyng of had I wist nor of vncertentie , but euen as I knowe , & as I haue not onely sene with myne eyes & heard wyth myne eares , but bene present also longe and many a day at the execution , practise & experience therof , whiche thinge as I wryte to gyue al good hertes occasion of feruent prayer to God , that he wyll graunt his worde to grow lykwyse amonge vs : euen so in the vertue of Gods holy name , and for that precious bloud sake of his most deare sonne , I admonish and exhorte al subiectes to be pacient to auoyed all kynde of sedicion , to committe the refourmation of all errours , supersticions , ceremonies , vayne tradicions , wicked lawes & vniuste statutes of men . Euen vnto God the authour of peace , & to the workynge of his spirite in those princes and rules , whome he hath called to office for the same purpose : lette no man be slacke in his duetie , but gyue god that , whiche is his , and to the king the thing that belongeth vnto hym acordynge as Christe commaundeth Math .xxii. as saynt Paule exhorteth . Roma .xii.

¶ This I saye , to stoppe the mouthes , and the blasphemous tonges of suche as wyll not ceasse to rayle on me and to slaunder me ( yea euen to the kynges maiestie ) as though I were a peruerter of comon order , or toke vpon me to chaunge the lawes : and to make new statutes . Naye ye vngodly hypocrites , not so , but as I am sure that there is heauy dampnacion layed vp for al such subiectes as rebel or make sedicion against theyr Prince , or disobeye the least commaundement of god in theyr soueraygne , euen so I am assured , that there is no lesse dampnacion prepared for those rulers or heades , that make vniuste lawes & cruell statutes to maynteyne theyr owne lustes and opresse the poore . I reporte me to the .x. chapiter of Esaye the .ii. and .iii. of Micheas , and to the later ende of the .v. chapter of the prophet Hieremy . Let all rulers threfore beware , that they make no actes of parliament nor statutes agaynste gods worde , and let al subiectes learne of S. Pete● ( i. Pe .ii. to be obedient . &c. And not onely that but yf they be commaunded any thynge , then let them learne of the same S. Peter ( Act .iiii. ) to obeye god more then men . In the meane time tyll gods blessed worde onely be ruler amonge vs , & tyl all wicked inuentions of men be abolished , let those that feare god vnfaynedly be feruent in theyr prayers , & increace in all thankfulnesse & veriuous lyuyng towarde God & men . Let no man , woman , nor chylde of god be flacke in his deutie : but let fayth increace in strength let hope be euermore and more assured of gods promises , let charitie alway loue God and her neighbour , and leaue no good worke vndone , that may be to gods glory & mans profyt . And then shal we be knowen , not onely readers and hearers of the truth , but true disciples of the same . And though we can not atteyne to the perfec●nesse of that comon wealth whiche I spake of afore ( where Gods ordinaunces are so reuerently ministred , the poore so richely prouided for & youth so vertuous●y broughte vp ) neuertheles we doinge our best , and begginge strength of god to do more then we can do of our selues , shall not onelye be alowed & accepted in his sight , but also haue the continuall assistence of his holy spirite : wherby we sufficinetly harnessed and armed agaynste all temptacions of synne , hel , the deuyl , & our owne fleshe , shall , as wel haue the vpper hande of them , as we haue ( thorow the onelye power of God ) ouercome many sturdy wyndes and tempestes of aduersitie in tyme paste , and as we hope to escape these present troubles by the helpe of Iesus Christ , whose name be blessed for euer . Amen .

¶ A litle complaynte with a short exhortacion made vnto all them , that are no dissemblers with gods worde , but vnfaynedly lyue there after .

LYke as God ( accordyng● to his moste blessed nature ) euer louyng , gracious , mercyfull & true , both alwaye sende ●is worde afore he pl●ge the worlde , and gyue●h vs warnyng afore the destruction come , wyllynge vs to conuerte vnto him to forsake our owne euyll wayes , & to lay hande on eternal lyfe . Euen so contrary wise the deuyl , the father of falsheade and lyes , en●ying mans saluacion , casteth euer one bone or other in the way , to hindre the glory of God , to stoppe his worde , to kepe backe his truth , least thorow the stedfast beleauinge & folowing therof , his owne kyngdom shoulde be minished , gods amplified & encreased ▪ Somtime to hynder the gospell of the glorye of the great god , he steareth vp tiranny & cruelnes , and mo●eth some rulers or great men of the worlde to take part agaynst it , to persecute it , to trouble & vere then whom god hath called vnto it . Ensample wherof ye se in Pharao , in king Achab , in Antiochus , in Herode , & in those greate prelates that shewed their hote charitie vpon our Sauiour Christ , & his Apostles . The deuyl also to set vp his kyngdome the better , getteth him chaplens for his owne ●oeth , such as were Baals prophetes .iii. Regum .xxii. that they may euer eyther in confessions or otherwise , moue kynges & princes to take parte agaynste theyr owne saluacion , & to trouble such as tel them no dreames , nor fantasies , but euen the very word of god . As the prophete Mych●as dyd . Somtime , I saye , least the truth shoulde be beleued , the deuyll as he is the father of all lyes : so getteth he false wytnesses to testify euen agaynst Christ , & against poore Steuen & Paule his seruauntes , yea & to preache , that theyr doctrine is naught , sedicious , newe learning , and heresy , Mat .xxvii. Mat .i. Aetu .vii .xxi ▪ ii . that they wyll destroy good workes . Ro .iii. that they wyll kepe no holy daye . Mat .xii. Iohn .v. that they wyll not fast . Mat .ix. Mar. ii. Luc .v. Thus ( I say ) is the deuyl euer about to ouerthrow Christes kyngdome , & to set vp his owne . And bycause his lyinge chaplens shoulde the better fyght agaynste Christ , he teacheth them to go crattely to worke , to lye & spare not , to cal the disciples of Christ newe felwes , to saye , that they care neyther for fasting nor praying , for almes dede nor for good worke , yea make the worlde beleue ( sayth the deuyll ) that they care neyther , for one cerimonye nor other , for one sacrament nor other . Such lying lessons doth the deuyl teach his scholers , & not onely this , but also to wrest and wrynge the scripture from the manifest vnderstanding of it , of the which iuglyng cast he hath gyuen them an ensample in the .iiii. of Mat and .iiii. of Luke . Who now considering this greate decaye of godlynes , that the deuyl hath brought into the worlde ( partly thorow the tyranny that he hath steared vp in great men , partly thorowe the false wytnes bearyng of hypocrites and lyinge teachers ) hathe no cause to mourne in this behalfe ? Who wyl not be sory to se Gods holy worde thus persecuted , thus exiled , thus cruelly reported , thus belyed ?

Neuerthelesse al thys euyll doth not the deuyll thynke sufficient , he can not here withall be content , but he entreth in also amonge them that professe the name of Christe , that are called brethren & disciples , that pretende to loue and fauour his truth : And amonge them , loke who is mete for his purpose , moste inconstant , and leas● regardeth Christes worde in his herte , of hym he maketh eyther an whoremonger , and disceyuer of his neyghbour , or a folower of other vyces of his owne carnal lustes , robbyng him vtterly of that moste holy , moste stedfaste and lyuynge fayth that Chryst taught , & also of those worthy fruites of the spirite of god repentance & workes of light , whiche the scripture speaketh of . By the meanes wherof , & because he bareth the name of a Chrysten brother , ther fore euen as he behaueth hym selfe nowe , and as he lyueth , so must we be reputed of the vngodly and such lyuers must we be called . Yf he be a breaker of peace , a maker of sedicion , a dronkarde , a false byer and seller , a folower of fylthy lustes , a brynger vp of s●ctes ( as God euer suffrethe them to be disceaued that wyl not abyde the ordre of hys worde ) Then muste we also be called breakers of comen ordre , raylers . makers of insurrection , drounkardes , false dealers wyth oure neyghboures , Heretikes , folowers of a fleshlye and carnall lyberte : Yea though all oure teachynge , wrytynge , talking and lyuing be to the contrary . Yet beare we the blame , so blynd is thys wyckede world in iudgement , & so vnthankfull in theyr lyuynge are a great nombre of them that are called Chrysten men ( as I vnderstand ) on the other syde .

¶ Wherfore to you dearlye beloued in God , electe and chosen to an hye vocacion in Iesus Christ ( euen to be flesh of his flesh & bone of his bones , to be citezens wyth the sayntes and of the housholde of God ) to you I make this my mo●e afore rehearced , trusting , that though nether the world , nor those false brethren ( which because they were not of vs , are gone frome among vs .i. Ihoan .ii. & are fallen in loue wyth this world after the emsample of Demas .ii. Ti. ii though nether of them both ( I saie ) wyll harken to the voyce of God , whyle it is called . To daye but styll harden theyr hertes agaynste Godds trueth My trust is ( as I sayd afore ) that ye wyl hold your hand styl on the plough , that ye wyll walke honestly now whyle the mercy of God lendeth you day light . Ye know that our Lord sayd The night shal come , in the whych no man shal be able to worke . Ye se howe oure aduersarye the deuel goeth aboute lyke a roaryng Lyon , sekyng whom he may deuoure Ye se what a nombre of great men on the one syde , haue gyrded theyr sw●rdes aboute them and stande euen in complete harnesse , to fyght agaynst the manifest worde of God : Yea what swering , what blasphemyng of gods name , what pryde , what excesse , what fylthynes of bodye and ydylnesse , is vsed , practised & daylye maynteined in theyr houses : Ye se , howe they can not abide the hearing of gods worde , but blast and blowe agaynste it , persecute it , as much as in them lyeth . On the other side , ye se what a nombre of hypocrites , Antichristes , false prophetes and flatterrynge chaplens are not onely aboute greate . men , but euery where , in maner , roare and crye and stampe agaynst our Lordes doctrine kepe the peoble stil in blynesse and fedde them wyth draffe & dregges in stead of Gods word . Thyrdly , ye se what a nomber here be in the worlde , whyche pretendynge to loue Gods worde , by theyr outwarde hearyng readyng , and talkynge of it , lyue cleane contrary agaynste it , brynge not forth the worthye frutes of repentaunce , are as greate swea●ers as fylthy , as ydle , as couetous , as disceatfull in bargaining , as vnapt to al good workes , as they were afore they knew the trueth : And by this meanes is it come to passe that thorow such vnchristen lyuing , the good word of god is more supprest than other thorow the crueltye of tyrauntes , or flattering lyes of hipocrites . All whiche thresortes of enem●es , bicause they are not of vs , but without , therfore wyll I haue the lesse to do with the. But of you ( dearely beloued ) I wyll be bolde to exhorte you , for the tender mercy of god , y● ( in considera●ion of the premesses ) ye wyl walke godly & worthely in this wicked worlde continuing ( as I truste ye do ) in stead fastnes of the christen fayth , in feruentnes of loue towarde god , & toward your very enemies for his sake , in lokyng assuredly for his promises , beyng pacient & ioyful in trouble , earnest in prayer at al times , ready into true obedience , to kepe al good ordre , to be e●ercised in al good workes , euerye man according to the state that god hath called him vnto . As many of you as are called to office & comon au●horitie , to beare rule , or to giue iudgement in causes of the comon wealth , be diligent in your office . Romit . xii punish the euyl & maynteyne the good .i. Pet .ii. Roma .xiii. Actepte no persone in iudg●ment , alowe no false accusa●n , shedde no innocent bloude , Exod. xxiii. and heare the small as wel as the great . D●utr● .i.

¶ As manye of you as are called to the office of preaching , folow the apostles counsayle : take hede vnto your selues , & to all the f●ocke , in the which the holy goste hath appointed you to be ouersears , to feade the congregacion of god &c. Act .xx. Fead Christes flocke which is amonge you , and take the ouersyghte of them , not as though ye were compelled , but willyngly not for the desyre of fylthy lucre but of a god mynde : not as Lordes ouer the paryshes , but to be an ensample vnto the flocke .i. P●tri . V. To caste alway vngodly & olde wyuysh fables , to be vnto them that beleue , an ensample , in theyr worde , in conuersacion , in loue , in spirite , in fayth , in purenesse : To gyue attendaunce vnto readynge to exhortacion , to doctrine .i. Timo .iiii. Studye to shew your selues to god , laudable workemen , which neade not to be ashamed .ii. Timo .ii. All other estates amonge you I hertely exhort & require , euery one to do theyr duty . As subiectes to be obedient & true to theyr princes and higher powers . Ro .xiii. i Pet .ii. Tit .iii. Men to loue theyr wiues hertely , as they are taught .i. Pet. iii. i. Thessal .iiii. Ephe. v. wyues so to behaue them selues , as it becommeth women that professe godlynes thorow good workes .i. Tim .ii. that theyr chaist conuersacion may wynne the wicked i. Pet. iii . Men to deale gently wyth theyr seruauntes . Ephe. vi. Colo .iii. to brynge vp theyr children in the nurtoure & doctrine of the Lorde . Ephe. vi. Deut. iiii. Seruauntes to be faithful , true & obediē● to theyr maisters . Ephe. vi. Col. iii. i. Pet .ii. that they may do worshyppe to the worde of God in all thinges .i. Tim .vi. Tit .ii.

¶ And yf we thus behaue oure selues , euerye one in his calling , them shal it come to passe , that euen they which now blaspheme vs as euyl doers , shal at last be ashamed of theyr parte , & conuert from theyr owne euyl wayes , to the true fayth & lyuing , which is taught in the word of god . To whom for his infinite grace and gyftes therof , be honour & prayse nowe & euer . Amen .

FINIS .

Set forth by Myles Couerdale .

Non possums que audiuimus , et vidimu● non loqui .

Act● .iii .

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