M. Hardinge. The .2. Diuision.
Now touchinge the diuidinge of the Sacrament in three partes, it may appeare to be a Tradi∣tion of the Apostles, or otherwise a custome very auncient, for as muche as Sergius the Bishoppe of Rome, who liued within foure ••core yeeres of the sixe hundred yeeres after Christe, that M. Iuel re∣ferreth vs vnto,* 1.1 wrote of the Mysterie of that Breakinge, or Diuidinge the outwarde Forme of Breade, and declared the Signification of the same.
It is no smal argument of the antiquitie of this obseruation, that S. Basile, as Amphilochius wri∣teth of him, diuided the Sacrament in three partes at his Masse, as is aboue rehearsed. And, where as Sergius saith,* 1.2 that the portion of the hoste,* 1.3 whiche is put into the Chalice, betokeneth the Bodie of Christe that is now risen againe, and the portion whiche is receiued and eaten, sheweth his Bodie yet walking on the earth, and that other portion remaininge on the aultar signifieth his Bodie in the Sepulchre: what, I pray you, is there herein, that any man should be offended withal? I acknowledge, that the Mysterie hereof is otherwise of some declared, and of al to this ende, to put vs in minde of the benefites purchased to vs by Christe in his Bodie.