That the Originall of the word, MASSE, nothing ad∣vantageth the Romish Masse.
SECT. I.
DIvers of your Romish a Doctors would haue the word, MASSE, first to be (in the first and primi∣tiue Imposition and vse thereof) Diuine. Secondly, in time, more ancient than Christ. Thirdly, in signification, most Religious, deri∣ued (as They say) from the Hebrew word Missah, which signifieth Ob∣lation and Sacrifice; euen the high∣est homage that can be performed vnto God. And all this to proue (if it may be) that which you call THE SACRIFICE OF THE MASSE.
CHALLENGE.
SO haue these your Doctors taught, notwithstanding many o∣ther Romanists, as well Iesuites as others of principall Note in your Church, enquiring (as it were) after the natiue Countrie, kinred, and age of the Word, MASSE, doe not onely say, but also prooue, first, that It is no Hebrew-borne. Secondly, that it is not of Primitiue antiquitie, because not read of before the dayes of S. Ambrose, who liued about three hundred seuentie three yeeres after Christ. Thirdly, that it is a plaine Latine word, to wit Missa, signifying the Dismission of the Congregation. Which Confessi∣ons being testified (in our b Margin) by so large a consent of your owne Doctors, prooued by so cleare Euidence, and deliuered by Authors of so eminent estimation in your owne Church; must not a little lessen the credit of your other Doctors (noted for Neo∣tericks) who haue vainely laboured, vnder the word MASSE, falsely to impose vpon their Readers an opinion of your Romish Sacrificing Masse.
