M. Hardinge. The .25. Diuision.
Marie I denie not, but that it were more commendable, and more godly on the Churches parte, if many wel disposed and examined, woulde be partakers of the blessed Sacrament with the Priest. But though the Cleargie be woorthely blamed for negligence herein,* 1.1 through whiche the people may be thought to haue growen to this slackenesse and indeuotion: yet that not withstandinge, this parte of the Catholike Religion remaineth sounde and fautles. For as touchinge the substance of the Masse it selfe, by the single Communion of the Prieste in case of the peoples coldenesse and ne∣gligence, it is nothinge impaired. Els if the publike sacrifice of the Churche might not be offe∣red without a number of communicantes receiuinge with the Prieste in one place: then woulde the auncient Fathers in al their writinges some wheare haue complayned of the ceasinge of that, whiche euery where they cal Quotidianum & iuge sacrificium, the dayly and continual sacrifice: of whiche their opinion is, that it ought 34 dayly to be sacrificed,* 1.2 that the death of our Lorde, and the woorke of our redemption might alwaies be celebrated, and had in memorie, and we thereby shew our selues accordinge to our bounden dutie mindeful and thankeful. But verely the Fathers no where complaine of intermittinge the dayly Sacrifice, but very muche of the slackenesse of the people, for that they came not more often vnto this holy and holsome banket: and yet they neuer compelled them thereto, but exhortinge them to frequent it woorthely, lefte them to their owne conscience.