The Lords Supper or, A vindication of the sacrament of the blessed body and blood of Christ according to its primitive institution. In eight books; discovering the superstitious, sacrilegious, and idolatrous abomination of the Romish Master. Together with the consequent obstinacies, overtures of perjuries, and the heresies discernable in the defenders thereof. By Thomas Morton B.D. Bp. of Duresme.

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Title
The Lords Supper or, A vindication of the sacrament of the blessed body and blood of Christ according to its primitive institution. In eight books; discovering the superstitious, sacrilegious, and idolatrous abomination of the Romish Master. Together with the consequent obstinacies, overtures of perjuries, and the heresies discernable in the defenders thereof. By Thomas Morton B.D. Bp. of Duresme.
Author
Morton, Thomas, 1564-1659.
Publication
London :: printed for R.M. And part of the impression to be vended for the use and benefit of Edward Minshew, gentleman,
M.D.C.LVI. [1656]
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Subject terms
Lord's Supper -- Early works to 1800.
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"The Lords Supper or, A vindication of the sacrament of the blessed body and blood of Christ according to its primitive institution. In eight books; discovering the superstitious, sacrilegious, and idolatrous abomination of the Romish Master. Together with the consequent obstinacies, overtures of perjuries, and the heresies discernable in the defenders thereof. By Thomas Morton B.D. Bp. of Duresme." In the digital collection Early English Books Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A51424.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 13, 2024.

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CHAP. II.
That all the proper Active and Practicall points (to wit, of [ 30] Blessing, Saying, Giving, Taking, &c.) are strictly commanded by Christ in these words (DOE THIS,) Luke 22. Matth. 26. & 1. Cor. 11.
SECT. I.

[ 40] THere are but two outward materiall parts of this Sacrament, the one concerning the element of Bread, the other touching the Cap. The Acts concerning Both, whether in Administring, or Participating thereof, are charged by Christ his Canon upon the Church Catholike unto the ends of the World. The Tenour of his Precept or Command, for the first part, is [Doe this:] and concerning the other likewise saying, 1. Cor. 11. 5.] This doe ye as often, &c. Whereof your

Page 8

owne Doctors, aswell Iesuites as Others, have rightlya 1.1 determi∣ned with a large consent; that the words [DO THIS] have Relation to all the aforesaid Acts, even according to the judgement of ancient Fathers; excepting onely the Time of the Celebration, which was at Supper: and which (together with Vs)b 1.2 you say were put in, not for Example, but onely by occasion of the Passe∣over, then commanded to be observed. Thus you. [ 10] [ 20]

CHALLENGE. [ 30]

THis Command of Christ, being thus directly and copiously acknowledged by the best Divines in the Roman Church, must needs challenge on both sides an answerable perfor∣mance. Vpon examination whereof, it will appeare unto every Conscience of man, which Professors (namely, whether Pro∣testants or Romanists) are the true and Catholike Executors and Observers of the last wil and Testament of our Testator Iesus: [ 40] because that Church must necessarily be esteemed the more lovall and legitimate Spouse of Christ, which doth more pre∣cisely obey the Command of the celestial Bride-groome. Wee, to this purpose, apply our selves to our busines, by enquiring what are the Active Particulars, which Christ hath given in charge unto his Church by these his expresse words [Do this.] All which wee are to discover and discusse from point to point.

Page 9

TEN TRANSGRESSIONS, And Prevarications against the command of Christ [DO THIS] practised by the Church of Rome, at this day, in her Romane Masse. SECT. II.

[ 10] VVEe list not to quarrell with your Church for lighter matters, albeit your owne Cassander forbeareth not to complaine that yourc 1.3 Bread is of such extreame thinnesse and light∣nesse, that it may seeme unworthy the name of Bread. Whereas Christ used Solid and tough bread [Glutinosus] (saithd 1.4 your Ie∣suit) which was to be broken with hands, or cut with knife. Neverthe∣lesse, because there is in yours the substance of Bread, therefore we will not contend about Accidents and shadowes; but we in∣sist [ 20] upon the words of Christ his Institution.

The first Transgression of the (now) Church of Rome, in contradicting Christ his Canon, is collected out of these words, [AND HE BLESSED IT;] which concerne the Couse∣cration of this Sacrament. SECT. III.

FIrst, of the Bread, the Text saith [He blessed it:] next of the Cup, it is said [When he had given thankes:] Which words, in [ 30] e 1.5 your owne judgements, are all one as if it should be said, Hee blessed it with giving of thankes. By the which word, Blessing, he doth im∣ply a Consecation of this Sacrament. So you.

[ 40] The contrary Canon of the (now) Romane Masse; wherein the Ro∣mish Church, in her Exposition, hath changed Christs manner of Consecration.

The Canon of the Romish Masse attributeth the property and po∣wer of Consecration of this Sacrament only unto the repetition of these words of Christ [This is my body,] & [This is my blood] &c.

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and that from the judgement (asf 1.6 Some say) of your Councell of Florence, and Trent. Moreover you also alleage, for this purpose, your publique Catechisme, and Romane Missall, both which were authorized by the Councell of Trent, and Command of Pius Quintus then Pope (See the Marginals.) Whereupon it is, that you use to attribute such efficacie to the very words, pronounced with a Priestly intention, as to change all the Bread in the Bakers shop, and Wine in the Vintners Cellar into the body and blood of Christ. And your* 1.7 Summa Angelica speaketh more largely concerning the bread (namely, if it were done conformably to the Intention of the Church) & two of your1 1.8 Iesuits concerning both kindes. [ 10]

CHALLENGE. [ 20]

BVt Christopherus your own Archbishop of Caesarea, in his Booke dedicated to Pope Sixtus Quintus, and written professedly upon this Subject, commeth in, compassed about with a clowd of witnesses and Reasons, to proveg 1.9 that the Consecration, used by [ 30] [ 40]

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our Saviour, was performed by that his Blessing by Prayer, which preceded the pronouncing of those words, [HOC EST CORPVS MEVM:] [This is my Body, &c.] To this purpose hec is bold to averre that Thomas Aquinas, and all Ca∣tholike; before Cajetane have confessed that Christ did consecrate in that his [BENEDIXIT, that is, Heh essed it.] And that Saint Iames and Dionyse the Areopagit did not Consecrate onely in the other words, but by Prayer. Then he assureth us that the Greeke Churches maintained, that Consecration consisteth in Benediction, by Prayer, [ 10] and not in the onely repetition of the words aforesaid. After this hee produceth your subtilest Schooleman Scotus, accompanied with divers others, who Derided those, that attributed such a su∣pernaturall virtue to the other forme of words. After steppeth in your Lindan, who avoucheth Iustin (one of the ancientest of Fathers) as Denying that the Apostles consecrated the Eucha∣rist in those words, [HOC EST, &c.] and affirming that Con∣secration could not be without Prayer.

Be you but pleased to peruse the Marginals, and you shall fur∣ther find alleadged the Testimonies of Pope Gregory, Hierome, [ 20] Ambrose, Bernard, and (to ascend higher) The Liturgies of Cle∣ment, Basil, Chrysostome, and of the Romane Church it selfe; in gain-saying of the Consecration, by the onely words of Institution, as you pretend. And in the end hee draweth in two Popes, one contra∣dicting the other, in this point; and hath no other meanes to stint their jarre, but (whereas the authority of both is equall) to thinke it just to yeeld rather to the better learned of them both. Whosoever requireth more, may be satisfied by reading of the Booke it selfe. {fleur-de-lys}And yet wee would be loath to pretermit the (confessed) Testimonie of your Iesuite Gordon, out of Saint [ 30] Augustine, attesting that in this Sacrament2 1.10 The fruit of the earth is consecrated by Mysticall Prayer.{fleur-de-lys}

It will not suffice to say, That you also use Prayer, in the Ro∣mish Liturgie: for the question is not meerely of Praying, but where in the forme of Benediction and Consecration more pro∣perly doth consist. Now none can say, that he consecrateth by that Prayer, which he beleeveth is not ordained for Consecration. We may furthermore take hold, by the way, of the Testifica∣tion of M.h 1.11 Brerely a Romish Priest, who, out of Basil and Chry∣sostome, (calling one part Calix benedictione sacratus) alloweth Bene∣diction [ 40] to have beene the Consecration thereof.

All this Armie of Witnesses were no better then Meteors, or imaginary figures of battailes in the aire, if that the Answer of Bellarmine may goe for warrant, to wit, that the only Pronun∣tiation of these words [Hoc est corpus meum] imply in them (as hee i 1.12 saith) in Invocation, or Prayer. Which words (as any man may perceive) Christ spake not supplicatorily unto God, but decla∣ratively unto his Apostles, accordingly as the Text speaketh, [He

Page 12

said unto them.] as is also well* 1.13 observed by your fore-said Arch-bishop of Caesarea, out of Saint Hierome. But none of you (wee presume) will dare to say that Christ did Invocate his Disciples.

{fleur-de-lys}This might Bellarmine have learned from Antiquity, if he had not rather affected to have been a Doctor over all others, than a Scholler to Primitive Fathers; who teach that Christ reveiled not unto any his words of* 1.14 Invocation by Prayer, wherwith he consecrated: which they would not have said, if they had judged these words [THIS IS MY BODY] to imply in them an Invocation. {fleur-de-lys} These words therfore are of [ 10] Declaration, and not of Invocation.

Which (now) Romish Doctrine of Consecrating, by reciting these words [This is my Body, &c.] your Divines of Colenk 1.15 have judged to bee a Fierce madnesse, as being repugnant both to the Easterne and Westerne Churches. But wee have heard divers We∣sterne Authors speake, give leave to an Easterne Archbishop to deliver his mind.l 1.16 No Apostle, or Doctor is knowne to affirme (saith he) those sole words of Christ to have beene sufficient for Consecration. So he, three hundred yeares since, satisfying also the Testi∣monie of Chrysostome, objected to the contrary. [ 20]

{fleur-de-lys}This Archbishop you3 1.17 grant was Famous in his time, living about the yeare 1300. to whom (as you know) the Bishop of Ephesus and the Patriarch of Constantinople did ac∣cord, saying that4 1.18 This Sacrament is not made assoone as these words are uttered, but afterwards, by certaine prayers of the Church. And why these Greeke Fathers should not ra∣ther resolve us of the ancient Greeke tenor of Consecrati∣on, than any of your late Italian or Latine Doctors, who will make question? As for your other Greeke Patriarch Bessari∣on, who was made Cardinall by your Church, on purpose, [ 30] that he might make some opposition unto his fellowes, We make no other account of him than of an Hireling. In briefe, None of the great multitude of Fathers, who have required the use of Prayer, besides these words, [This is my body] did thereby testifie that they held these to be words of Invo∣cation.{fleur-de-lys} [ 40]

Page 13

As miserable and more intolerable is the Answer of Others, who* 1.19 said that the Evangelists have not observed the right order of Christ his actions: as if he had first said, [This is my body] by way of Consecration, and after commanded them to [Take and eat.] Which Answere your ownem 1.20 Iesuite hath branded with the note of Falsity: yea, so false it is, that (as is further* 1.21 avou∣ched) all ancient Liturgies, aswell Greeke as Latine, constantly held, that in the order of the tenour of Christ his Institution it was first said [Take yee] before that he said [This is my Body.]

[ 10] Lastly, your other lurking-hole is as shamefull as the former, where, when the judgement of Antiquitie is objected against you, requiring that Consecration be done directly by Prayer un∣to God:n 1.22 you answere that some Fathers did use such speeches in their Sermons to the people, but in their secret instruction of Priests did teach otherwise. Which Answere (besides the falsity thereof) Wee take to be no better than a reproach against An∣tiquitie; and all one as to say, that those venerable Witnesses of Truth would professe one thing in the Cellar, and proclaime the contrarie on the house-top. It were to be wished, that when [ 20] you frame your Answeres, to direct other mens Consciences, you would first satisfie your owne, especially being occupied in soules-businesses.

Wee conclude. Seing that Forme (as all learning teacheth) giveth Being unto all things; therefore your Church, albeit shee use Prayer, yet erring in her judgement concerning the perfect manner and Forme of Consecration of this Sacrament, how shall shee be credited in the materialls? wherein shee will bee found, aswell as in this, to have Transgressed the same Injunction of Christ, [DO THIS.]

[ 30] Neverthelesse, this our Conclusion is not so to be interpre∣ted, as (hearkeno 1.23 Mr. Brerely) to exclude, out of the words of this Celebration, the Repetition and pronuntiation of these words [This is my Body: and, This is my Bloud of the new Testa∣ment.] Farre be this from us, because wee hold them to bee es∣sentially [ 40] belonging to the Narration of the Institution of

Page 14

Christ; and are used in the Liturgie of our Church: for al∣though they bee not words of Blessing and Consecration, (be∣cause not of Petition, but of Repetition) yet are they Words of Direction; and, withall, Significations and Testifications of the mysticall effects thereof.

{fleur-de-lys}A Vindication, against the (possible) adverse Conceipts of Some. [ 10]

For a further manifestation, hearken you unto that which is written;* 1.24 Every Creature of God is good, if it be sanctified with the word of God, and with Prayer. Wherein wee finde a double acception of Sanctification; the one of Ordination, by The word of God: the other of Benediction, namely, by [ 20] Prayer. For example, The eating of Swines flesh is sancti∣fied to the use of a Christian, first by Ordination, because the word of God in the new Testament hath taught us the lawfull use of Swines flesh: and secondly by Benediction by Prayer, or giving of thanks, in which respect it is, that the Apostle calleth the one part the Cup of Blessin. 1 Cor. 10. 16. Both of these are to be found in our Sacramentall food, wherein wee have the Sanctification thereof, both by the Word of Christ in the tenour of his first Institution, Hee tooke bread, &c. adding [Do this:] as also by publike bles∣sing in Prayer, which is more properly called Consecration.

And although in our Domestical feasts, the second Course is blessed in the grace, which was said upon the first service; so the second supply of Bread and Wine (if it shall inordi∣nately [ 30] so happen) may not altogether be denied to be con∣secrated by the blessing pronounced upon the first: (even as the Sanctifying of the Sheafe of Corn, was the hallowing of the whole field.) Notwithstanding, our Church hath caute∣lously ordained, that the words of Institution [He tooke bread, &c.] be applyed to every oblation of new Bread and Wine, for accommodation-sake, as they are referred in our Litur∣gie; wherein they are necessarily joyned together with the words of Prayer and Benediction. Therefore, where you shall finde in the Fathers the words of Christ's Institution, [ 40] called Consecration;5 1.25 (as it is in Chrysostome and Ambrose) it must be understood as joyned with Prayer, as the Benedi∣ction it selfe, which hath beene* 1.26 already copiously confes∣sed; as well as it is furthermore acknowledged by your Ie∣suit,

Page 15

that6 1.27 Sometime the whole sacred Action was called Con∣secration, insomuch that the Deacon, who doth not meddle with the words of Consecration, is notwithstanding called a Consecra∣tor in Saint Ambrose. So he.{fleur-de-lys}

The second Romish Transgression of the Canon of Christ his Masse; [ 10] is in their Contradicting the sense of the next words of Institution, [HE BRAKE IT] SECT. VI.

HE brake it.] So all the Evangelists doe relate. Which Act of Christ plainely noteth that hee Brake the Bread, for di∣stributing of the same unto his Disciples. And his Command is manifest, in saying as well in behalfe of this, as of the rest, [Doe this.] Your Priest indeed Breaketh one Hoast into three [ 20] parts, upon the Consecration thereof: but our Question is of Fraction or Breaking, for Distribution to the people.

The contrary Canon of the (now) Romane Masse.

p 1.28 BE HOLD (say You) Christ brake it; but the Catholik Church (meaning the Romane) now doth not breake it, but giveth it whole. And this you pretend to doe for reverence sake, Lest (as yourq 1.29 Iesuite saith) some crummes may fall to the ground. Nei∣ther is there any Direction to your Priest to Breake the Bread, [ 30] either before or after Consecration, in your Romane Masse; espe∣cially that, which is distributed to the people.

CHALLENGE;

BVt now see (we pray you) the absolute Confession of your owne Doctors, whereby is witnessed, first, that Christ [ 40] brake the bread into twelve parts,r 1.30 according to the number of Com∣municants.

Page 16

Secondly, that this Act of Breaking of bread is such a principall Act, that the whole Celebration of this Sacrament hath had from thence this Appellation given to it, by the Apo∣stles, to be called Breaking of Bread. Thirdly, that the Church of Christ alwayes observed the same Ceremonie of Breaking the bread, aswell in the Greeke as in the Latine (and consequently the Romane) Church. Fourthly, that this Breaking of the Bread is a Symbolicall Ceremonie, betokening not only the Crucifying of Christs bodie upon the Crosse, but also (in the common participa∣tion thereof) representing the Vnion of the Mysticall body of [ 10] Christ, which is his Church, Communicating together of one loafe: that as many graines in one loafe, so all faithfull Communicants are united to one Head Christ, as the Apostle teacheth, 1. Cor. 10. thus, [The bread which wee breake, is it not the Communion of the bodie of Christ? for we being many are one bread.]

Wee adde, as a most speciall Reason, that this Breaking it, in the distribution thereof, is to apply the representation of the Bo∣die Crucified, and the Bloud shed to the heart and soule of every Communicant: That as the Bread is given Broken to us, so was Christ Crucified for us. Yet, neverthelesse, your Church contra∣rily [ 20] professing, that although Christ did breake bread, yet (BE∣HOLD!) she doth not so; what is it else, but to starch her face, and insolently to confront Christ his Command, by her bold Coun∣termand (as you now see) in effect saying; But doe not this.

A SECOND CHALLENGE.

AS for that truly-called Catholike Church, you your selves do grant unto us, that by Christ his first Institution, by the Practice of the Apostles, by the ancient and universall Custome [ 30] of the whole Church of Christ, aswell Greeke as Latine, the Cere∣mony of Breaking bread was continually observed. Which may bee unto us more than a probable Argument, that the now Church of Rome doth falsly usurpe the Title of CATHO∣LIKE, for the better countenancing and authorizing of her novell, Customes, although never so repugnant to the will of Christ and Custome of the truly-called Catholike Church. Howbeit wee would not bee so understood, as to thinke it an Essentiall Ceremonie either to the being of a Sacrament, or to the Sacramentall Administration; but yet requisite, for [ 40] the Commandement and Example-sake.

In the next place, to your Pretence of Not-breaking, because of Reverence, Wee say; Hem, scilicet, Quanti est sapere! As if Christ and his Apostles could not fore-see that your Necessitie, (namely) that by the Distributing of the Bread, and by Breaking it, some little crummes must cleave sometimes unto the beards of the Communicants, or else fall to the ground. Or as though

Page 17

this Alteration were to be called Reverence, and not rather Ar∣rogance, in making your-selves more wise than Christ, who insti∣tuted; or than all the Apostles, or Fathers of primitive times, who continued the same Breaking of Bread.

Therefore this your Contempt of Breaking, what is it but a peremptory breach of Christ his Institution, never regarding what the Scripture saith;* 1.31 Obedience is better then Sacrifice. For, indeed, true Reverence is the mother of Obedience; else is it not Devotion, but a meere derision of that Command of [ 10] Christ, [Doe this.]

The third Romish Transgression of the Canon of Christ his Masse; contradicting the sense of the next words of Christs Command, viz. [—GAVE IT VNTO THEM.] SECT. V.

IT followeth in the Canon of Christ his Masse, [And he gave [ 20] it unto them;] even to THEM, to whom he said, [Take yee, eate ye.] By which pluralitie of persons is excluded all private Massing; forasmuch as our High Priest Christ Iesus (who in in∣stituting and administring of this Sacrament would not be a∣lone) said hereof, as of the other Circumstances, [Doe this.]

The Contrarie Canon of the (now) Romane Masse.

This holy Synod (saith youra 1.32 Councell of Trent) doth approve and commend the Masses, wherein the Priest doth Sacramentally [ 30] communicate alone. So your Church.

CHALLENGE.

BVt who shall justifie that her Commendation of the alone-communicating of your Priest? which wee may justly con∣demne by the liberallb 1.33 Confessions of your owne Doctors; who grant, first, that this is not according to the Institution of Christ, saying in the Plurall, [VNTO THEM.] Secondly, [ 40] nor to the practice of the Apostles, who were Communicating

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together in prayer and breaking of bread, Act. 2. 46. That is (say they) aswell in the Eucharist as in Prayer. Thirdly, Nor to the ancient Custome of the whole Church, both Greeke and Romane. Fourthly,c 1.34 neither to Two Councels, the one called Nanetense, the other Papiense, decreeing against Private Masse. Fiftly, nor to the very names of the trued 1.35 Sacramentall Masse: which, by way of Excellencie, was sometime called [Synaxis] signifying (as Saint Basil saith) the Congregation of the faithfull: sometimes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Communion, or Communicating: and sometimes the Prayers, used in every holy Masse, were called [Collectae] Col∣lects, [ 10] because the people used to be collected to the celebration of the Masse it selfe. Sixtly, Nor to the very* 1.36 Canon of the now Ro∣mane Masse, saying in the Plurall [Sumpsimus] wee have recei∣ved. And thereupon (seventhly) repugnant to the Complaints of your owne men, against your Abuse; who calling the joynt Communion, instituted by Christ, the Legitimate Masse; do wonder how your Priests sole-Communicating ever crept into the Church; and also deplore the contempt, which your private Masse hath brought upon your Church. Hitherto (see the Marginals) from your owne Confessions. [ 20]

Let us adde the Absurditie of the Commendation of your Councell of Trent, in saying, Wee commend the Priest's commu∣nicating alone. A man may indeed (possibly) talke alone, fret alone, play the Traytour alone: but this Communicating alone, without any other, is no better Grammar, than to say, that a man can conferre alone, conspire alone, contend, or covenant alone. Calvin saith indeed of spirituall Eating, which may be without the Sacrament (as you alsog 1.37 confesse) that a Faithfull man may feede alone of the Body and Blood of Christ: But our dis∣pute is of the Corporall and Sacramentall Communicating there∣of. [ 30] [ 40]

e 1.38 f 1.39 * 1.40
A SECOND CHALLENGE.
Against the former Prevarication, condemning this Romane Custome by the Romane Masse it selfe.

WEe make bold yet againe to condemne your Custome of Private Masse, and consequently the Commendation

Page 19

given thereof by the Councel of Trent. For by the Canon of your Masse, wherein there are interlocutorie speeches between Priest and People, at the celebration of this Sacrament, the Priest saying [Dominus vobiscum: The Lord be with you;] and the People answering the Priest, and saying [And with thy Spirit] your Claudius Espencaeus, sometimes a Parisian Doctour (one commended byh 1.41 Genebrard for his Treatise upon this same Subject of the Private Masse) albeit he agreeth, with the exe∣crable Execration and Anathema of the Councel of Trent, against [ 10] them that hold Solitarie Masses to be unlawfull; yet after the ex∣pence of much paper, to prove that some private Masse must needs have anciently beene, because Primitively Masse was ce∣lebrated almost in all Churches every day; and that Saint * 1.42 Chrysostome did complaine of the absence of the people: yet comming to determine of the poynt,i 1.43 This Reason (saith he) is onely probable, but not evident; for although they affirme a dayly celebration of the Masse, yet doe they not deny a daily Communion.

Afterwards he seeketh the Originall and beginning of privat Masses out of privatek 1.44 Monasteries: yet, not able to satisfie him∣self [ 20] there, he commeth at length to debate a Controversie, where∣with many were then perplexed, to wit, how it could bee said by a Priest, being alone, [The Lord be with you;] or Answer be made to, and by the said Priest, being then alone, [And with thy Spirit?]

To this end he propoundeth manyl 1.45 Answers, which I re∣ferre to your Choice; whether you will believe, with Gratian, that the words [Dominus vobiscum: The Lord be with you] spo∣ken by the Priest, being alone, may be thought to have been spo∣ken to Angels: or, with ameracensis, unto Stones: or, with the [ 30] Heremites in their Celles, unto Formes and Stooles: or else, with the Deane of the Cardinals, teaching any Heremite being alone, to say, [The Lord be with you] as spoken to himselfe. All which imaginarie fooleries are so unworthy the Conceptions of but reasonable men, that wee may feare to be held inconsiderate, If wee should indeavour to confute them. Onely wee can say [ 40] no lesse, than that if the Apostle did condemne them, who

Page 20

speak with strange languages in the publike assemblie (although they that spake understood themselves) because that in such a Case* 1.46 If (saith hee) there be none to interpret, and there come in an Ignorant or Infidell observing this, will hee not say, you are mad? how much more extreame Madnesse must wee judge this to be, where men either talke to themselves, or else (as if they were metamorphosed into the things, whereunto they speake) unto formes, stones, stooles, and the like?

For Conclusion, heare the said Deane of the Romane Cardi∣nals (from whom am 1.47 Greeke Archbishop shall not dissent) speake reason, and withall tell you that the Correspondencie of [ 10] speech, used betwixt: Priest and People, was to unite the hearts of both Priest and People together. Wee say, with him, to unite them, not (as you do) to separate People from Priest by your solitary Masses; and yet to confound their speech by your [Dominus vo∣biscum.] And if this may not prevaile with you, yet me-thinks the authoritie of Pope Gregorie, sirnamed the Great, might com∣mand your beliefe. He, upon the forme of the Romane ser∣vice, by an interchangeable speech betweene Priest and People, concludeth thatn 1.48 Therefore the Priest should not celebrate Masse [ 20] alone. And yet behold a Greater Pope than he, even Soter, more ancient by 400. yeares, and also a Martyr,o 1.49 decreeing, as most convenient, (for Answer unto the Priest's vobiscum, and Orate) that there be two at least besides the Priest.

An* 1.50 Anonymus, not long since, would needs perswade his Reader, that by [Vobiscum] was meant the Clerke of the Pa∣rish. But why was it then not said, Dominus tecum, The Lord be with thee? O, this forsooth, was spoken to the Clerke in ci∣vility, according to the ordinary Custome of entitling singular persons in the plurall number: and this Answer hee called Sal∣ving of a Doubt. [ 30]

But any may reply, that if it were good manners in the Priest, to call upon the Clerke with [Vobiscum] in the plurall number, for civilitie sake, it must then be rusticitie in you Church, to teach your Clerke to answer your Priest [Et cum Spiritu tuo: And with thy Spirit.] And againe, the answer is impertinent, for where the Priest is found thus parling with the Clerke, hee cannot be said to be Alone. And so the answer of this man must be indeed not Salving, but (as the rest of his man∣ner of answering) a Quack-salving rather, and a meere Delu∣sion. [ 40] {fleur-de-lys}Which also the end of the first Institution of these words [The Lord be with you] doth furthermore declare, which was (as is7 1.51 confessed) to make the People more atten∣tive to their Prayers.{fleur-de-lys}

Page 21

A THIRD CHALLENGE.
Against the same Custome.

A Custome Commendable, say your Fathers of Trent; Con∣demnable, say wee, even from your owne Consciences, because you were never hitherto able to produce either any Commendable, yea or Tollerable example, expresly recorded [ 10] within the many Volumes of Antiquitie, of any celebration of the Eucharist, without a Communion; no, not in that onely ob∣jected place ofp 1.52 Chrysostome, whose Speech is not a Grant, that absolutely All were absent from his administration of the Eucharist: but certainly it is a vehement Invective against all wilfull Absents. So farre was hee from allowing, much more from Commending Communicating alone, who else-where, a∣gainst such as neglected to Communicate with the poore, ta∣king his Argument from the example of Christ, That Sup∣per (q 1.53 saith he) was common to All. The very Argument of Saint [ 20] Hierome, saying (yet more obligatorily)r 1.54 The Lords Supper ought to bee common to All. Such Reverencers were the Primi∣tive Fathers of the Ordinances of Christ. And as touching * 1.55 [Nemo, No man] in the testimony of Chrysostome, it is knowne to be taken restrainedly, for Few: and sos 1.56 acknowledged by your selves in the place objected.

{fleur-de-lys}If all these premises cannot perswade you, wee shall pre∣sent unto you one, who wil command your consent, Pope Inno∣cent the third.8 1.57 It is decreed (saith he) that because it is said by the Priest in the plurall number [The Lord be with you] and [ 30] also [pray for mee] that none presume to celebrate without two, besides the Priest, to make answere to these Salutations. So hee, [ 40] even as you have heard Pope Soter to have said before him.

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The fourth Romish Transgression of the Canon of Christ his Masse, contradicting the sense of the next words, [—SAID VNTO THEM.] SECT. VI.

IN the aforesaid Canon of Christ his Masse it followeth, [And he said unto Them. ] Christ Saying, or speaking to his [ 10] Disciples, by commanding them to Take, &c. did, doubtlesse, so speake, that they might heare his Command; to wit, in an audible voice. Which done, he further commanded, concer∣ning this same Circumstance, joyntly with the rest, saying, [Doe this.]

The contrary Canon of the Romane Masse.

But your late Councell ofa 1.58 Trent pronounceth him Anthema, who shall condemne her Custome of the Priest, uttering the words of [ 20] Consecration in a lowe voyce. Whereby (saith yourb 1.59 Iesuite) it for∣biddeth the words of Consecration to be delivered in a loud and au∣dible voice. So they.

CHALLENGE. [ 30]

DO you see what your Church doth professe? See also, we pray you, notwithstanding, what your owne Doctours are brought toc 1.60 confesse (namely) first, that The example of Christ and his Apostles is against this uttering those words in a low and in∣audible voice. Secondly, that The same Custome was controlled by the practice of of the whole Church of Christ, both in the East part thereof (from the testimonies of ancient Liturgies, and Fathers) & in the ancient Romane Church, by the witnessing of two Popes; in whose time the People hearing the words of Consecration pro∣nounced, [ 40] did answer thereunto, AMEN. Thirdly, that the same Innovation was much misliked by the Emperour Iustinian, who

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severely commanded by his Edict (asd 1.61 you know) that The Priest should pronounce the words with a cleare voice, that they may bee heard of the people. Whose authoritie you peremptorily con∣temne, as though it did not belong to an Emperor to make Lawes in this kind. But forasmuch as the King of Kings, and the High Priest of Priefls, the Sonne of God, hath said of this, as of the other such Circumstances, [Do this,] who are you, that you should dare to contradict this Injunction, by the practice of any Priest, saying and speaking (yet not as Christ did, unto Them) but only to [ 10] himselfe, without so much as any pretence of Reason,e 1.62 which might not likewise have moved the ancient Church of Christ, both Greeke and Romane, to the same manner of Pronunciation? Whereas the Catholike Church, notwithstanding, for many hun∣dred yeares together, precisely observed the ordinance of [ 20] Christ.

THE SECOND CHALLENGE.
In respect of the necessitie of a Lowd voice, especially by the Romish Priest, in uttering the words of Consecration.

THe greatest silence, which is used by the Romane worship∣pers, is still in the Priests uttering, or rather muttering the words of Institution [HOC EST CORPVS MEVM: and, Hic est sanguis meus:] albeit heere is the greatest and most necessa∣rie [ 40] Cause of expressing them, for the satisfaction of everie understanding Hearer among you. For, those, you call the words of Consecration, the just pronuntiation whereof you hold to be most necessary: because if the Priest, in uttering of them, faile but in one syllable, so farre as to alter the sense of Christs words (which as you say may happen by six manner of De∣fects) then the whole Consecration is void; and the thing which you adore, is in substance meerely* 1.63 Bread still. If therefore the

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People shall stand perplexed in themselves, whether the words, which are concealed, be duly uttered by the Priest to himselfe, how shall it not concerne them to heare the same expresly pro∣nounced, lest that (according to your owne Doctrine) they be de∣luded in a point of faith, and with divine worship adore Bread instead of the person of the Sonne of God? Whereof we are to entreat at large in due* 1.64 place, if God permit.

Your fift Romish Transgression of the Canon of Christ his Masse, is a second ontradiction against the Sense of the former [ 10] words of Christ [—SAID VNTO THEM] SECT. VII.

AGaine, that former Clause of the Canon of Christ, to wit [He said unto them] teacheth that as his voyce, Saying unto them, was necessarily audible, to reach their eares; so was it also Intelligible, to instruct their understanding: and therefore not uttered in a Tongue unknowne. Which is evident by that he [ 20] giveth a Reason for the taking of the Cup [Enim] For this is the bloud, &c. which particle [For] (saith yourf 1.65 Cardinall) is imply∣ed in the first part also. Now, whosoever reasoneth with another, would be understood what he saith.

The contrarie Canon of the (now) Romane Masse.

The Councell of Trent (saith yourg 1.66 Iesuite) decreed, that it is not expedient that the Divine service should be celebrated in a [ 30] knowne tongue. Whereupon you doubt not to censure the con∣trarie Doctrine of Protestants to beh 1.67 Hereticall and Schismati∣call, and no wayes to be admitted. But why? Lest (say you) the Church may seeme a long time to have beene asleepe, and to have er∣red, in her contrarie Custome. So you. Our Church of Eng∣land contrarily thus:* 1.68 It is a thing repugnant to the Word of God, and Custome of the Primitive Church to have publicke prayer, and ministring of the Sacraments in a tongue not knowne of the people. This occasioneth a double Plea against your Church of Rome, first, in defence of the Antiquitie and Vniversalitie, next for [ 40] the Equitie of Prayers in a knowne tongue, in the publicke service of God.

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I. CHALLENGE,
Against the Romish Alteration of the Catholicke and Vni∣versall practice of the Church, and the An∣tiquitie thereof.

IN the examination of this point, Consider in the first place your owne Confessions, given by youri 1.69 Iesuits, and others, [ 10] acknowledging that In the dayes of the Apostles, and a long time after, even for a thousand yeares and more, the whole Church, and in it the People of Rome had knowledge of this part of Service, con∣cerning the Sacrament, and used to say, AMEN. So you. And this is as much as wee need to require, concerning the judge∣ment and practice of the true Antiquitie of this Custome. You will rather doubt (wee suppose) of the Vniversalitie thereof, because you usually goe no farther then your Dictates, which teach, that because there were generally but three generall and knowne tongues, Hebrew, Greeke, and Latine, therefore the di∣vine [ 20] Service was celebrated thorowout the Church in one of these three. And because these could not be the vulgar lan∣guage of every Christian Nation, it must follow (sayk 1.70 they) that the People of most Nations understood not the publike Prayers used in their severall Churches. And with this perswasion doe your Doctors locke up your consciences in a false beliefe of an universall Custome of an unknowne service of God. Which you may as easily unlocke againe, if you shall but use, as a key, this one Observation, viz. That the three common tongues (namely) Hebrew, Greeke, and Latine, although they were not al∣wayes [ 30] the vulgar Languages, yet were they knowne Languages com∣monly to those people that used them in Divine Service. Which one onely Animadversion will fully demonstrate unto us the truth of our Cause.

It is not denied but that the three Languages, Hebrew, Greeke, and Latine were, in primitive ages, mostm 1.71 universall; inso∣much, that the Hebrew was spoken (albeit corruptly) thorowout al∣most the whole Easterne Church. The Greeke was currant thorow the whole Greeke Church also, and in the lesser Asia. And the La∣tine was dispersed over a great part of Europe. It will now be ful∣lie [ 40] sufficient to know, that the most of these Languages were certainly knowne, in publicke worship, unto all them of whom they were used in publicke Sermons, and preachings. For your owne Church, howsoever shee decreed of Praying, yet doth she forbid Preaching in an unknowne tongue.

Now therefore joyne (wee beseech you) the eyes of your bodies and minde together, in beholding and pondering our Marginals, and you shall finde, first (if wee speake of the

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n 1.72 Greeke Language) that there was a generall knowledge there∣of, even among the vulgar people of the Churches of Antioch, Caesarea, Alexandria, and thorowout Asia. Secondly, if of the Latine, you may behold anciently the familiar knowledge ther∣of in the Church of Rome, whereof Saint* 1.73 Hierome hath testi∣fied, that The people were heard in the Churches of Rome resounding and thundring out their Amen. This in Churches unmixt. Third∣ly, in mixt Congregations of Greeke and Latine, that theo 1.74 Ser∣vice was said both in Greeke and Latine. Fourthly, your owne generall Confession, yielding a common knowledge of the Latine tongue to the people of a great part of Europe: and wee [ 10] say also of Africke, (insomuch, that Augustine doth openly teach that thep 1.75 Latine tongue was better knowne to his Africans than was the Punicke, although this were their native Language:) And also ofq 1.76 France, Spaine, Italy, Germany, Pannonia, Dalma∣tia, and many other Nations in the North and West: particularly manifested by the Latine Homelies, (that is, Sermons) and wri∣tings made to the people of Africke by Tertullian, Cyprian, and Augustine; and in France and Germany by the people, praying, and joyntly saying, AMEN.

Not to tell you of the now-Custome of the remote Christian [ 20] Churches, such as are the Egyptians, Russians, Ethiopians, Arme∣nians, and others; all which exercise their publike Service in the vulgar and mother-tongues of their owne so distinct and dif∣ferent Nations. For the which cause they can finde no better entertainment with your Iesuites, than to admonish you that r 1.77 You are not to be moved with the example of such barbarous people. O Iesuiticall superciliousnesse! to contemne them as Barbarous, in an example of praying in a knowne tongue: the contrarie whereunto (as namely, praying in an unknowne tongue) the A∣postle condemneth as* 1.78 Barbarousnesse it selfe.

With the same modestie might you scoffe at, and reproach o∣ther [ 30] more ancient Nations and Christians, commended by primitive Fathers, for celebrating their Oblations, Prayers, and Psalmes in their Nationall tongues; so, that one repeating the words first, the whole people with joynt voyce and heart accor∣ded in singing. Among whom are recorded the converted [ 40]

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s 1.79 Iewes, the Syrians, and All, aswell Greekes as Romanes, pray∣ing in their owne tongue, and with harmonicall consent singing of Psalmes, in the publicke worship: as also thet 1.80 Grecians, Egyp∣tians, Thebaeans, Palestinians, Arabians, Phoenicians, and Syrians. This from the Testimonies of holy Fathers.

Whether therefore the tongue, wee pray in, bee barbarous or learned, it is not respected of God, but whether it be knowne or unknowne, is the point. In which respect we may usurpe the Similitude which S. Augustine hath; What availeth a golden [ 10] Key, if it cannot open that which should bee opened? or what hurteth a wooden Key;u 1.81 if it be able to open, seeing that wee desire nothing, but that the thing shut may be opened? By this time you see your Noveltie in your Romish Practice.

Behold in the next place the Iniquitie and prophannesse thereof, and how after the death of Pope Gregorie the first, which was about 608 years after Christ, your Roman Church degenerated as much from the (then) Romane truth,x 1.82 in this point, as she did from her Romane tongue and Language it selfe. Wee are here constrained to plead the whole cause, for the de∣fence [ 20] of a necessitie of a knowne worship, in respect of God, of Man,y 1.83 and of Both.

A SECOND CHALLENGE,
Shewing the Iniquitie of Service in an Vnknowne tongue: and first of the Injury done by the foresaid Romane [ 30] Decree unto the soules of Men.

THe former Decree of your Councell for unknowne Service, how injurious it is unto man, we may learne by the Confes∣sions, of Iesuites and others,z 1.84 granting that The Apostles in their times required a knowne Language, Greeke in the Greeke Churches, and Latine in the Latine Churches: because first that this made for the Edidification and consolation of Christians. Secondly, [ 40] that Mangaineth more both in mind and affection, who knoweth

Page 28

what he prayeth. As for him that is Ignorant, you say, He is not edified, inasmuch as he knoweth not in particular, although in ge∣nerall he doth understand. Thirdly, that the Apostle commandeth that all things be done to edification. Fourthly, that the knowne Service is sitter for Devotion: and thereupon some of you have furthermore Concluded, that It were better that the Service were used in a Language knowne both to the Clergie and People. And a∣gaine, that People profit no whit by praying in a strange language. So your owne Writers, as you may observe in the Marginals.

Now what more extreame and intolerable Injury could you do to the soules of Gods people, than by imposing a strange lan∣guage [ 10] upon them, thereby (according to your own Confessions) to deprive them, and that wittingly, of Edification, Consolation, and Devotion, the three chiefe Benefits that mans soule is ca∣pable off, in the service of God? Thus in respect of your Inju∣rie against Man.

A THIRD CHALLENGE.
Touching the Injurie done, by the same Decree, a∣gainst [ 20] God himselfe.

YEt all this notwithstanding, you are bent to cozen Christian people with palpable Sophistry, by youra 1.85 Cardinall, who confesseth that the Psalmes in the daies of the Primitive Church, were sung joyntly of the people, Because they were ordained for instruction and consolation of the people, as the chiefe end. But as for the Divine Service, The Principall end of it (saith hee) is not the instruction and consolation of the people, but the worship of God. So he. Whom when wee aske, why the people then did all [ 30] joyne together both in Singing of Psalmes, and Answering the Minister in Divine Service, and Prayer? He saith it was because of the Paucitie, of the people, and rarenesse of the Assembly. Whereby it seemeth hee meant to maintaine Your Degenerate Romish Worship with Paradoxes. First, As if Psalmes, publike∣ly sung in the Church to Gods glory, were not Divine duties and Service. Secondly, As if the Primitive Church, using both Psalmes and other Prayers in a knowne tongue (as hee confesseth) did not hold a necessitie of the common knowledge of both, for Instruction and Consolation. Thirdly, As if the Assemblies of [ 40] Christians were of such a Paucitie, in the dayes of Tertullian; when those Psalmes ordained for Instruction and Consolation were in use. And fourthly, as if People now adayes had not as much need of Instruction and Consolation, as they that lived in

Page 29

Primitive times; yea, and more, especially such People, who be∣ing led blind-fold by an Implicite Faith, have reason to crave Instruction; and having their Consciences tortured and perple∣xed with multiplicities of Ceremoniall Lawes, have as just cause also to desire Consolation.

As for your objecting the Worship of God by unknowne prayers, that may be sufficient, which your owne Catechisme (authori∣zed by the Councel of Trent) teacheth you; where answering to that question, why God, although he know our wants before we [ 10] pray, yet will be sollicited by our prayers? itb 1.86 saith, that he doth this to the end, that Praying more confidently, we may bee more in∣flamed with love towards God: and so being possessed with more joy, may be exercised to a fervent worship of God. So your publike and generall Romane Catechisme.

The case then is plaine. From more Edification there ariseth more Consolation; from more Consolation there issueth more Devotion; from all these proceeds more siliall Love and dutifull Worship of God. Which was long since shadowed (asc 1.87 Philo Iu∣daeus allegorizeth, witnessing your Iesuite) by Moses and Miriam [ 20] singing unto the Lord: Moses signifying the understanding part, and Miriam betokening the Affection; both notifying, that wee are to sing Hymnes both affectionately and understandingly unto God. Therefore, if you be men of Conscience, recant that your now objected Barbarous Paradoxe, Which (contrary to all anciently professed Divinity, and expresse Scripture, saying,* 1.88 I will pray with my spirit, I will pray with my understanding also) doth thrust mans Vnderstanding out of Gods worship, to the utter a∣bolishing of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, his Reasonable worshipping of God; by making man (as Saintd 1.89 Augustine noteth) no better than [ 30] Ouzells, Parrots, Ravens, and Mag-pies, all which learne to prate they know not what.

THE FOVRTH CHALLENGE,
Against the said Romish Decree, as joyntly injurious both [ 40] to God and Man; from the Text of the Apostle, 1 Cor. 14.

IN the fourth place Wee are to speake of the Iniquity of your unknowne language in Prayer, joyntly against both God and Man; because that without the understanding of the Prayer it is impossible for a man (being of discretion) to pray unto, or to praise God as hee ought: and consequently to obtaine any

Page 30

blessing by prayer from God, according to that Apostolicall Doctrine, Cor. 14. where hee saith of the man ignorant of the language of prayer, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉;] How shall hee say Amen, at thy giving of thankes, seeing hee knoweth not what thou sayest? To which Argument of the Apostles, taken from the Impossibility, your e 1.90 Eckius and some Others answer, that the Apostle speaketh of Preaching, and not of Praying. What, not of Praying, Eckius? May it not be said of this your great Doctor, and Antagonist to Luther, that this man could not see the River for water? for (as yourf 1.91 Cardinall confesseth) in the text it selfe the Apostle u∣seth [ 10] these three words, Pray, sing, and give thankes. Will you now seeke an Evasion from Masterg 1.92 Brerely Pr. collecting (as he saith) the Contrary in the Apostle, as affirming that not the whole vulgar, but some one was especially appointed to supply the place of the Vnlearned to say, Amen? Which reason hee may seeme to have borrowed from yourh 1.93 Senensis, who saith that The Apostle by him [That occupieth the place of the unlearned] meant the Clarke of the Parish, and not the vulgar people.

But this is thought of your Bellarmine, and others, to be but an unlearned answer, because that In the dayes of the Apostle [ 20] (saithi 1.94 he) There was not any such office ordained, as is the Clerke of the Parish. And if there had beene any such, yet the Greeke phrase [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] would not admit of any such interpretation. So he. {fleur-de-lys} And how might not that Clerke be an Ignaro, see∣ing you do confesse, that9 1.95 Oftentimes the Priest and Deacon understand and not what is prayed.{fleur-de-lys}

Lastly, it can be no lesse than an extreme Infatuation to oppose (ask 1.96 do your Iesuit Salmeron, Eckius, and the Rhemists) the ex∣ample of Children, because the Children crying Hosanna, and not understanding their prayers, were notwithstanding (say they) accep∣ted [ 30] of Christ. Ergò the Priest, Monkes, & Nunnes, in praysing God, may be grateful to God although they understand not that which they pray. So they. An Objection taken (as you see) from Children, or rather, as it might seeme, made by Children, it is altogether so Childish. For the Apostle, as it were, foreseeing that this might possibly bee fancied by some fond and obstinate Opposers to the Spirit of Truth, doth in the very same Chapter 1 Cor. 14. 20. purposely prevent it, saying, Brethren, be not children in un∣derstanding. For although, when a Childe asketh his Fathers [ 40]

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blessing onely with clapping his hands together, or uttering halfe syllables, it joyeth the Father, because his Childe now expresseth his duty, according to the Capacitie of a Childe: yet if the same Childe, after hee is come to the perfect yeares of discretion, should performe that duty in no better manner than by Childith babling, would the Father hold this to be Re∣verence, and not rather plaine Mockerie? So is the Case be∣twixt us and God, who* 1.97 accepteth every one according to that which hee hath, and not according to that which hee hath not: a [ 10] Childe in the capacitie of a Childe, but a man according to the apprehension of a man. In which consideration the Apostle saith, 1 Cor. 13. 11. When I was a childe, I spake as a childe, but being a man, I put away childishnesse. Away therefore with this your more than Childish Objection.

Wee returne to the Impossibilitie of praying duely in an un∣knowne tongue, which the Apostle illustrateth by two Simi∣litudes, the one taken from an Instrument of peace, Vers. 7. Hee that knoweth not the distinct sound of the Pipe [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] How shall he know what is piped? that is, it is impossible for him to apply him∣selfe to the daunce. The other from an Instrument of warre, [ 20] Vers. 8. If the Trumpet give an uncertaine sound, who shall pre∣pare himselfe to battell? As if hee would have said, It is impos∣sible to know when to march forward, or when to retraite. So it is said of unknowne Prayer [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉;] How shall hee that is igno∣rant of the language say Amen? that is to say, (by the inter∣pretation of yourl 1.98 Iesuit) How shall people, ignorant of the tongue, answer Amen? (that is) yield consent unto the Prayer, seeing that they who dissent among themselves after a Babylonish confusion, cannot consent in minde and affection. So he. Or, as yourm 1.99 A∣quinas; [ 30] How shall hee say, Amen, who understandeth not what good words thou speakest, but onely knoweth that thou blessest? Thus in one Transgression you commit a double Sacriledge, to wit, by Robbing God of his due Honour, and Men of their spirituall gra∣ces and Comforts.

To conclude. These Premises do prove, that among many thousands of your people, assembled at a Romane Masse, and be∣ing ignorant of their Service, not any such an one (a miserable Case!) can justly be held to bee a true Worshipper of God, who requireth of his Worshippers the* Calves of their lippes, and [ 40] not (as now they make themselves) the lips of Calves.

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THE FIFT GHALLENGE,
Out of the Doctrine of the Apostle, 1 Cor. 14. more copiously, in confutation of your divers Objections.

IT were an easie matter to bee superfluous in the prosecuting of this Argument, by proving the truth of this Doctrine out [ 10] of the Testimonies of ancient Fathers, if it were imaginable that any Reply could bee made to that which is already sayd. But yet behold ann 1.100 Anonymus, having had notice of most of these points, hath formed such Objections and Answers, as his pre∣judicated and pourblinde Conceit could reach unto. First, and most common, in answere to the places objected out of 1. Cor. 14. affirming (out of the Rhemists Annotations) That the Apostle speaks not of the publike and set prayers of the Church; but of extra∣ordinary & spirituall exercises of Exhortations and suddaine Pray∣ers. So he. Wherein the man contradicteth your owno 1.101 Schoole∣men, but especially the Apostle his direct saying. Verse 23. If the whole Congregation meete together, &c. What more publique [ 20] that the Assembly of the whole Congregation? And (to suppose that they were extraordinarie Prayers) what is more Consecta∣rie and Consequent, than that if the Apostle note if for an A∣buse, to practise such Extraordinarie Exercises of Preaching and Praying in a tongue unknowne, even because the Hearers are not thereby Edified? Doubtlesse the same Abuse, practised in pub∣like and ordinarie Service, being more notorious and Common, must needs bee so much the more condemnable: as witnesse both* 1.102 Ancient Fathers, and your owne* 1.103 Brethren, who have taught the use of a knowne Tongue, in all publique and ordinary [ 30] service of God, from this Text of Scripture, which (as you say) speaketh of Prayers extraordinarie. Which is a full Confutation of your former Objection.

Yea, but It is sufficient (saith he) that the vulgar people know, in generall, although they understand not the Prayers in particular. Which againe Contradicteth the Apostle, who in the sixteenth Verse will have the Private or Vulgarman to bee able to give consent to the publique Prayer, in saying Amen. And therefore re∣quireth the Minister, Verse 7. as the Harper, to yeeld in particu∣lar a Distinction of tunes [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉:] and Verse 8. as a [ 40] Trumpeter, [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉] to give a certaine knowne sound; that which your owne Doctors have also confessed.

A third Instance is taken out of Bellarmine, who saith that Thep 1.104 Apostle reprehendeth not an unknowne Prayer, but prefer∣reth a knowne Prayer before the other, saying Verse 7. Thou, indeed, prayest well, but another is not edified. Flatly contradictorie to the whole scope of the Apostle, throughout the Chapter, as

Page 33

your owne* 1.105 Iesuite is forced to proclaime. The Apostle (saith hee) would have the people to be edified, because then all things ought to have beene done to the Edification and Consolation of the Assembly: and therefore hee would not, have any Publike Prayer used among the Hebrewes, but in the Hebrew-language; nor among the Grecians, but in Greeke, nor yet among the Latines, but in the Latine tongue. The meaning then is, [Thou indeed] namely, who art the Minister, and knowest the prayer, so far dost well; but in respect of others, which cannot understand, Not well, be∣cause, They are not edified.

[ 10] His fourth Objection hee wresteth out of the fourth Verse. [If I pray with my tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is without fruit.] So hee. As though that strange Tongue, here spoken off, were not understood by him that prayed. Which con∣tradicteth the Apostle, Verse 4. Hee that speaketh with the tongue doth edifie himselfe: for never did any denyt at hee, who had the miraculous gift of Speech in a strange tongue, did under∣stand himselfe, although sometimes he wanted the gift of Inter∣preting [ 20] it, for the understanding of all others. Therefore saith the Apostle, Verse 13. [Hee that speaketh with the tongue, let him pray, that hee may interprete it.] Fiftly, by the word [Spirit] q 1.106 your Cardinall would have understood the Affection, as if Affection without understanding did profit him that prayeth: which is fully contrary to the Apostles doctrine, as witnesseth yourr 1.107 Salmeron in plaine termes; shewing that the word, Spirit, thorow-out this whole Chapter, signfieth not the Affection, but the miraculous Spirituall gift of speaking in Strange tongues, as also the* 1.108 Fathers expound it.

[ 30] In the next place the aforesaid Anonymus contendeth by Reason, but such as others reached unto him. Fathers say (saith hee) the words of Consecration should be kept secret. True, to them that were not capable of this Sacrament, but* 1.109 never to the licensed Communicants; because that Christ, and his Apostles, yea and the Vniversall Church primitive consecrated in an au∣dible voice, and knowne language, as hath beene confessed. Yet furthermore. The Church (saith hee) used the said Hebrew word, [ 40] Allelujah, unknowne to the people. What then? know you not

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that in all Churches, of whatsoever language, is used also the Hebrew word, Amen? and if people doe not learne one or two words of a strange tongue, it is not for that they are wit∣lesse, but because they are wilfull and carelesse.

Their last Reason. Some languages (as for example that in Italie) were Romane, and corrupted by invasion of Enemies of divers languages, and in the end became Italian, &c. yet the publike Service was not altered, but continued Romane as before. This Argument is à facto ad jus, all one with that Reasoning à Baculo ad angulum. Like as if some should conclude, that because [ 10] Stewes are allowed at Rome, they are therefore justly licensed. But wee demand, are men made for languages, or rather langua∣ges for men? if the latter, then is that language to be used, which is knowne to serve best for the Edification and Consola∣tion of Gods people in his worship.

A SIXT CHALLENGE. [ 20]
Out of the Doctrine of Antiquitie.

ALthough it were preposterous to exact of us a proofe, from Antiquity, of condemning the Service in a strange tongue, seeing (as hath beene confessed) the Primitive practioe is wholly for us; and therefore no Abuse in those times could occasion any such Reproofe: yet shall wee, for your better il∣lumination, offer unto you some more expresse Suffrages of the [ 30] ancient Fathers, after that wee shall have satisfied your Objecti∣ons, pretended to make for your Defence. Saint Augustine saith of the People, that their Safetie consisteth not in the vigour of their understanding, but in their simplicitie of believing. So in∣deed doths 1.110 Augustine forewarne the people, who although they knew the single words of the prayers of Heretikes, yet might possibly be deluded with the obscuritie of their Here∣ticall Senses. The Difference is extreme. For Saint Angustines people understood the language of those prayers, in the obscure and involved Sense whereof they were unwillingly ignorant. [ 40] But your Popish people are wilfully ignorant both of the Words and Sense. The oddes therefore is no lesse than this; they were simply, yours are sottishly ignorant: and Augustine wisheth that their Simplicitie were corrected; you hold your peoples blindnesse worthy to be commended.

Secondly, Origen saith, that when Christians are exercised in reading of holy Scripture, albeit some words be not understood,

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yet is that reading profitable. This Sentence also is alleged for countenancing oft 1.111 Prayer in an unknowne tongue; notwithstan∣ding, that in a mans Reading of Scripture, God is said to speake un∣to man: but in Praying, man is said to speake unto God. So that it may be both lawfull and profitable to the Reader, to finde some particular Scriptures, which God would have to excell the Ca∣pacitie of the most learned, to humble them, to the admiration of his excellent wisedome, as the Fathers teach. Whereas contrarily an unknowne Prayer, wittingly used, is both unpro∣fitable [ 10] and unlawfull, as hath beene copiously confessed by your owne Divines, from the Doctrine of the Apostle.

More objections out of the Fathers you have not. Wee will try whether wee can recompence your Nominalities (that wee may so call your impertinent Objections) with Realties and so∣lid Proofes. Cast but your eyes upon the Marginals, consisting partly of the Relation of your owneu 1.112 Cassander, and partly of ourx 1.113 Collections, and you shall finde, among the Fathers, y 1.114 Ambrose denying that Hee, who is the person ignorant of the Prayer, can give consent unto it, by saying Amen: and thereupon [ 20] inferreth, that onely Such things should be spoken in the publike Congregation, which the Hebrewes understand.z 1.115 Chrysostome noting a Man, Ignorant of the Prayer, to be no better than a Bar∣barian to himselfe, not in respect of the nature of the voice, but of his owne Ignorance; and declaring Prayers, in an unknowen tongue, to be contrary to the Apostles Doctrine, who requireth that All things be done to edification.a 1.116 Isidore peremptorily affir∣ming an [Oportet,] and duety, that All may be able to pray in pub∣like places of prayer. Theoplylact noting thatb 1.117 The giving of thankes to God is unprofitable, where the edification of the people [ 30] is neglected. Augustine, in his Comment upon the Psalmes, of∣ten exhorting all sorts of men to sing them: and thereupon the [ 40] c 1.118 Authour of the Preface before his Comment (as it were tu∣ning

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his note to Angustines) doth deny that any can sing Psalmes as hee ought to God, who knoweth not what hee singeth.

{fleur-de-lys}Who so desireth more, let him cast his eye upon the 10 1.119 Marginals, where hee may see the Transcript of a Patri∣zing Son of a most admirable Treasure of learning (Mr. Isaac Casaubon) relating his Notes out of Antiquity, to prove the generall Consent of Fathers, both for the Translating of Scriptures into the Mother-tongues of most Nations; as also the Liturgie, or Church-service universally used in the vulgar languages of severall Countries. {fleur-de-lys} [ 10]

And, lest that this might not suffice, wee have added the * 1.120 Edict of the Emperour Iustinian, commanding a lowd voice in the Minister, that the people may understand his words. Next, a Canon of a Councell, requiring a* 1.121 Concordance, both of voice and understanding in the singing of Psalmes as that which ought to be, by that Doctrine of Scripture [I will pray with my spirit, and I will pray with my understanding.] Then, a Decree of one Pope, in his Councell, that provision be made, where people of divers Languages dwell in the same cities, that their* 1.122 Servioe may be done according to their Different tongues. After, the Resolution [ 20] of another Pope, to grant unto the* 1.123 Sclavonians, at their con∣version to the Faith, that Divine Service might be used in their owne tongue; moved thereunto, as by a voice from heaven, soun∣ding out that Scripture; Let every tongue praise the Lord. And lastly, a* 1.124 Prohibition in the Primitive Church, that None should speake in languages unknowne to the people. {fleur-de-lys}And lest you may hereafter, according to your maner, scorne our zeale, in re∣quiring the joynt prayers and thankesgivings publikely in the Church, by the voice of Men, Women, and Children, know yee that11 1.125 Saint Basil, delivering the judgement of [ 30] Gods Church in his time, held this an order decent and beau∣tifull; censuring an Vnknowne prayer to be unprofitable to them that pray. {fleur-de-lys} [ 40]

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When you have digested all these Premises, concerning the Equity and Necessitie of knowne Prayers in the publike and Di∣vine Service, both in consideration of Gods worship, and Mans manifold profit, so amply confirmed by so many and uncontrol∣able testimonies; then guesse (if you can) of what dye the face of your Doctor Stapleton was, when hee shamed not to call this our Practice of knowne prayersd 1.126 Profanenesse? and to number it among Hereticall pravities. As for your owne People, who preferre an unknowne worship, what can wee say lesse, than that [ 10] all such Ignorants are but dumbe worshippers: and because of their ignorance, in praying they know not what, they are to be sent to accompany Popinjayes and Iack-dawes, accordingly as S.* 1.127 Augustine formerly hath resembled them.

{fleur-de-lys}A SEAVENTH CHALLENGE, For Vindication, against Francis de Sancta Clara, a late Reconciler of our English Articles with the [ 20] Doctrine of the Romish Church.

A Romish professor at Doway published a Treatise this very yeare of our Lord 1634. VVhich hee calleth a Paraphrasticall Exposition of the Articles of the Church of Eng∣land; whose ayme is not to draw the Romish professors to the English, but the English to the Romish; and by his see∣ming Reconciliation to put upon our Church (as wee use to say) the Gull: albeit his whole Paraphrase be, indeed, no∣thing but a Farrago of his selfe-fictions, and Opinations, [ 30] whereof his Paraphrasis or Exposition, upon this Article, will give you a shrewd guesse, if you shall have the patience to ex∣amine such stuffe.

Our English Article12 1.128 saith, that To pray or administer the Sacrament in an unknowne tongue is plainely repugnant to the Word of God, and the Custome of the Primitive Church. The Article of the Church of Rome Contrarily:13 1.129 Hee that shall say that the Masse ought to be Celebrated onely in the vulgar tongue, let him be Anathema, that is, Accursed. The English Article hath two points. 1. That Prayer in a tongue [ 40] unknowne to the People that pray, is Repugnant to the Word of God. 2. That it is also plainely Repugnant to the Custome of Primitive Antiquity.

First of the Repugnance to the word of God.

The Romish Expositor, Paraphrasing upon these words [Repugnant to the word of God,] supposeth in the first place that thereby is meant the Doctrine of the Apostle, 1. Cor. 14.

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concerning Prayer in a Tongue not understood of him that pray∣eth: and then for answere thereunto, repeateth onely their old Crambe, to wit, that by Prayers, there spoken off, are not meant the publike prayers in the set and solemne service of the Church of Corinth; but other their14 1.130 Private Con∣vents and Colloquies. And whereas, the Apostle requireth of the Idiote, that is, Private or Lay-man (as wee call him) that hee understand his Prayer so, as to be able to give con∣sent thereunto in publike, saying, Amen; he15 1.131 expoundeth this as understood of Him, who by office answereth Amen for [ 10] the rest of the People, whom wee name the Parish-Clerke. Both which have beene* 1.132 Confuted by your owne Schoole∣men; and the Latter more especially by Bellarmine himselfe, in our former Sections, as you have seene.

A second devise of qualifying these words of our Article, [Repugnant to the word of God] is his owne, but thus:16 1.133 The Article decreeth it to be repugnant to the Scriptures, that is, (saith hee) not to the Doctrine of Scripture, but to the Scrip∣tion, or tradition of Scripture, which among these Corinthians was in praying in a common tongue. Here you have a dainty [ 20] Distinction betweene the word, Scripture, and Scription; the word Scripture to signifie the Doctrine of Scripture, and the word Scription, to betoken Tradition of Scripture. So hee, by an elegant Figure, which wee forbeare to name, but wish there were some sense in it. For was it ever heard off, that there was a Scripture without Scription? that is to say, a Writ without writing; or when as all Divines ever distin∣guished of Traditions into 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Written, which are the Scriptures themselves, and Vnwritten, which are without the same written word of God; Was it possible for [ 30] them to conceive of a Tradition in Scripture, which was not Scripture or word of God? If so, then whereas all Creatures are distinguished into Sensible and Insensible, it shall be possible to point out a Sensible Creature void of Sense.

His third Crotchet.17 1.134 When the Article saith [Repug∣nant to the word of God] It is to be understood as meaning, Re∣pugnant to the Institution and Ordinance of Saint Paul, not of Christ, Saint Pauls writings being comprehended under the name of Gods word: although all that are commanded by the Apostles are not therefore the commands of Christ, as all do con∣fesse. [ 40] So hee. That there are in Scripture Apostolicall Consti∣tutions, namely such as are fitted to the Churches, according to the Conveniences of the times, distinguished from Di∣vine Constitutions, which are enjoyned the Church, as ne∣cessary for all times, it is true. But that (both which this Paraphrase affirmeth) either St. Paul, in requiring a Knowno Prayer, delivered not therein the Doctrine of Christ, neces∣sary

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for all times, or that our English Composers of this their Article (in affirming the Institution of Vnknowne Prayers to be Repugnant to the word of God) did not thereby understand the word and Commandement of Christ, in his Authenticall Scripture, are two as strange exorbitancies as your Glosser could make.

For the Apostle, to shew that hee taught a Doctrine which concerned all the Churches of Christ, and at all times, useth Similitudes to Illustrate his meaning, universally fitting all [ 10] ages and Congregations of Christians in their solemne pray∣ers. If a Trumpet, (saith hee) or a Pipe give an uncertaine sound, who shall prepare himselfe either to the Battell, or to the daunce? applying those Similitudes as well to praying, as to preaching in an Vnknowne tongue. But every one of you will grant that the same Scripture, for necessitie of preaching in a knowne tongue, is the Divine Instituti∣on of Christ, and not onely an Apostolique Constitution. Therefore (except you will separate that which Christ, by his Apostle, hath joyned together) you must confesse [ 20] the same necessitie of the Command of Christ for knowne Prayer. Besides, his Conclusion [How shall hee that under∣standeth not, say Amen?] being as true of all Prayers, in all subsequent ages of the World, as it could be to the Church of Corinth, it prooveth the truth of the Divine Or∣dinance of Christ therein. Thus farre of the meaning of S. Paul, now to returne to our Article.

Whereas you, and all that ever read Protestant Bookes know, that whensoever they affirme any thing to be Repug∣nant to the word of God, they meane to the Scripture, as it [ 30] is the expresse Command and Ordinance of God, and of Christ; and that notwithstanding your Glosser should dare to tell us that the meaning of our Articling. [An unknowne Prayer to be Repugnant to the Word of God] must signifie, not Repugnant to Scripture, or to the Institution of Christ, but to Scription and Apostolicall Tradition; must needs ar∣gue, in your Professor, some ecclipse of judgement, by the which also hee venteth out his Inference following.

A fourth straine he hath in his Inference from our English Article, as followeth.18 1.135 The Article affirmeth (saith hee) [ 40] that Prayers ought to be used in a tongue knowne to the people, therefore wee properly inferre, that Prayers in our Church may be in Latine, because it is a language commonly knowne. So hee, speaking of your Romish Latine prayers, not knowne of your owne people. As if one should argue, saying, Because the kingdome of England holdeth it necessary that the plea∣ding of her lawes be used in English, in a tongue knowne and understood of her Subjects: therefore may it be thence Con∣cluded

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that the Pleas of other kingdomes may be exercised in Latine, a common language, although not understood of the people of any Nation. Who seeth not in his Inference an extreme want of Logicke?

A more full Confutation of the Glossers Qualification of the words of our English Article, viz. [Prayer unknowne is Repugnant to the words of God;] by his inter∣preting it, as not meant strictly of the do∣ctrine of Christ, but of the Tradi∣tion [ 10] of the Apostle himselfe.

It is most notoriously knowne to you all, that The same Ar∣ticle, against Vnknowne Prayers, is common to all the Chur∣ches of Protestants, in a full Accordance, to condemne the contrary Profession and practice of the Romane Church, which justifieth her Custome of praying in a Language un∣knowne to the people, as not Repugnant to the Law of God. And (reciprocally) you are not ignorant that your Councell of Trent, in her Anathema and Curse, cast upon all that should [ 20] say, That the Masse ought to be celebrated in the vulgar tongue, intended thereby to accuse all Protestants for condemning the Custome of the Church of Rome, as a transgression of the word and Commandement of God in holy Scripture. Now this your Paraphrazer, by his Moderation and qualification indeavouring to reconcile these Two Contradictorie Inten∣tions, namely, of your Romish in condemning our English Article, and of our English Article, in condemning your Romish Canon: What it is but to affirme, that one Church hath opposed against the other for Causes they know not [ 30] what?

Of the second part of the English Article.
The Article, [Prayer in an unknowne tongue is likewise Repugnant to the Custome of the Primitive Church.] The Glosser opposeth against this.
HIS FIRST INSTANCE. [ 40]

19 1.136 SOme, whose vulgar language is not Greeke, yet being under the Greeke Patriarch of Constantinople, pray in the Greeke Idiome. So hee, for proofe of the lawfulnesse of the peoples praying in a language unknowne. But the In∣stance is lame of the right legge; it sheweth indeed, and wee confesse, that many, whose native language is not Greeke, pray notwithstanding in the Greeke Idiome; but that they un∣derstand

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and not these Greeke prayers (which is the onely point in question) it prooveth no more than Tenterton-steeple pro∣veth Goodwin-sands. For we have* 1.137 manifested the contrary in a full Section, (namely) that all such People, who, being not Greekes, and prayed in the Greeke Idiome, did notwithstan∣ding understand that Greeke language wherein they prayed. Was your Paraphrazer in good tune, thinke you, when hee would not see this his marke, that he might speake to the pur∣pose and matter in question?

[ 10] Next, he being destitute of any other Instance in the Greeke Church, seeketh some other advantage in the Latine Church, in the dayes of Antiquity, from Saint Cyprian, and S. Augustine:20 1.138 They both witnesse (saith he) that their people in Africke said their Masse and other services in Latine, albeit their owne language was the Punicke, and that the meaner peo∣ple were ignorant of the Latine tongue. So hee, joyning his witnesse together; but wee will take them apart, to avoid Confusion, for the better confuting of your Paraphraser, if hee will yet thinke himselfe confuted. Cyprian is alleged [ 20] to have said, as is premised, in his Exposition upon the Lords prayer: where there is not one syllable of mention of the people of Africke saying of Masse, or of their vulgar Punicke Language, or of their Ignorance of the Latine tongue. If this be not foule dealing, to produce a dumbe witnesse, and to father Sayings upon him, which hee never uttered, then will you thinke it farre more ougly, if the witnesse, being heard to speake himselfe, shall avouch the Contrary. Hearken then unto Cyprian, in the same Exposition of the Lords Prayer, instructing his Punicks and Africans as follow∣eth. [ 30] 21 1.139 Dearely beloved Brethren, when wee pray, wee ought to be watchfull, and attend our Prayers with our hearts, lest our mindes in praying thinke of any other thing, than on that which is prayed. So hee. Ergo, say Wee, The Africans, albeit their vulgar Idiome was Punicke, yet did they understand those Latine Prayers, which you your selves must likewise confesse, except any of your Priests could accordingly instruct your rude people, ignorant of the Latine tongue, wherein they pray, by saying unto them, Beloved Brethren, We, (that is, you and I) ought to attend to our prayers, and not thinke of any thing [ 40] but that which is prayed. If any of you should so exhort your seely people, to attend to that they understand not, might they not interpret that his Exhortation to be no better than meere Mockerie; and as plaine an exprobration, as if hee should entreate a bald man to combe his head, or a blind man to thred a needle?

Wee adde furthermore, that this Latine Exposition of the Lords Prayer was one of the Sermons of Saint Cyprian, and so

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stiled in the same place, Sermo sextus, his sixt Sermon, prea∣ched promiscuously to all his people of Africke then assem∣bled. Which is a demonstrable Argument that this people of Africke understood the Latine tongue; you your selves pro∣fessing that Preaching ought alwaies to be used in a Language which the people do understand.

Saint Augustine is his second Witnesse, but for what? namely, that The Africans, albeit their Nationall Language was the Punick, yet did they pray in the Latine tongue, whereof they were ignorant. So he. And Wee answer, that in the place [ 10] alleged (which is his Booke de Bono perseverantiae, cap. 13.) there is no more mention of Punick tongue, or Latine Lan∣guage, than there is of Welsh, or Irish. It may be that Saint Augustine hath something hereof in some other place, and so indeed he hath: for in a Sermon of his unto the Africans, he speaketh hereof as plainely, as if in direct termes hee had given this your Paraphraser the word of disgrace.22 1.140 There is (saith hee, preaching unto his Africans) a knowne Proverbe in the Punick tongue, which I will render unto you in Latine, be∣cause all of you do not understand Punick: The Proverbe is this, [ 20] The Pestilence seeketh money. So hee, shewing that the Afri∣cans understood Latine better than Punick, although this were their Nationall Language. Farre otherwise your Glosser, that the Latine was unknowne to the Africans, because their native language was Panick. Whereby hee bewrayeth a (Proverbially so called) Punick Faith. Flatly contradicting S. Augustine,23 1.141 who furthermore confesseth of himselfe, saying, I learnt the Latine tongue from the fawning and flatte∣ring Speeches of my Nourses. [ 30]

Our Conclusion, by way of Censure of this mans Exposition of the Articles of the Church of England, and of the Romish Authorizers of the same Treatise.

This one Point being the first of his Paraphrase, that fell in our way, concerning any doctrine appertaining to the Ro∣mish Masse, wee have beene the more Copious in Confuta∣tion thereof, that our Reader might take a just scantling of the judgement of this Paraphrazer in the rest; and of those who were the Censurers, Approvers, and Authorizers of the [ 40] same: more principally Thomas Blacklous,24 1.142 who shewes to what end this Tractate was writ, and approoved (as he saith) To bring those that wander out of the way unto the fold of Christ, Meaning, the Church of Rome. So then wee perceive it was not (as he seemeth to pretend) in the behalfe of Protestants, to free them from any of the former Censures and Anathe∣ma's, or from the curses and cruelties of the Romish Church

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against them; but onely to ensnare them, if it may be, in the same Babylonish thraldome of Superstition and Idolatry, from whence by the marvailous and gracious providence of God they have beene delivered.

Therefore, from these our Premises, VVee Conclude Blacklous and his fellow Privilegers of this Booke, to be guilty of all the above-manifested strange dealings, in per∣verting of the senses of the Articles and Authors by him alleged. Besides that, which surmounteth the rest, is the hai∣nous [ 10] Crime of wilfull Perjurie, if they have taken the oath enjoyeth unto all Romish Priests by Pope Pius, after the Councell of Trent, swearing To expound no Text of Scripture, without the unanimous consent of ancient Fathers: yet now have allowed such an Exposition of the text of the Apostle, concerning Prayer in an unknowne tongue, which they were never able to justifie by any one Father of Primitive times, for the space of 600, that wee say not a thousand yeares after Christ, as hath beene sufficiently proved.

[ 20] Before Wee end, Wee should aske your Censurers, what Church of Rome it is, whose doctrine they would reduce Pro∣testants unto? Is it the old and primitive Religion of Rome? Why this is that which Wee so constantly professe. But meane they the Religion of the new Church of Rome, in her new Creede of new Articles, conformable to the Councel of Trent? Wee must say then of your Doctrine, as Christ said of Wine, No man drinking the Old, desireth the New, for hee will say, the Old is better. Luc. 5. 39.

[ 30] The sixt Transgression of the Canon of Christ his Masse, contra∣dicting the Sense of the next words of Christs Institu∣tion, [TAKE YEE.] SECT. VIII.

THus said Christ to his Disciples; by which words what is meant, your Iesuite will expresse (to wit) thatc 1.143 Because [ 40] the Apostles tooke that which Christ gave, the word [GAVE] doth signifie a Delivery out of Christ his hands into the hands of them that did take. Here, you see, is Taking with hands; especially seeing that Christ, in giving the Cup, said, Drinke you all, Matth. 26. one delivering it to another, as it is said of the Paschall Cup, Luc. 22. 17. as it isf 1.144 confessed.

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The contrary Canon in your (now) Romane Masse.

Concerning this, It is to be noted (sayg 1.145 you) that the Church of Rome hath judged it laudable, that Lay-people abstaine from ta∣king the Sacrament with their owne hands: but that it be put into their mouthes by the Priest; which is so ordained for a singular re∣verence. So you. [ 10]

CHALLENGE.

VVHat we may note of this your [Notandum] theh 1.146 Con∣fessions of your owne Iesuites will shew: first, that the Practice of the Apostles and Primitive Church, for above 500 yeares, was according to Christs Institution, to deliver the Bread into the hands of the Communicants. Secondly, that the [ 20] same Order was observed at Rome (as appeareth by the Epistle of Pope Cornelius.) Thirdly, that whereas Some had devised, for Reverence-sake, certaine Silver vessels, by the which they re∣ceived the Sacrament; yet two Councels, the one at Toledo, and the other at Trullo, did forbid that fashion, and required that they should receive it with their hands. Hitherto from your selves.

Vaine, therefore, is your pretence of Reverence, in suffering the Priest onely to receive it with his hands, as being more wor∣thy in himselfe than all the rest of the people: when as our [ 30] High-Priest Christ Iesus disdained not to deliver it into the hands of his Disciples. Or else to deny this liberty unto the people, as if their Hands were lesse sanctified than their mouthes.

But you will say that it is in Reverence, lest that the Body of Christ may (as you teach) light upon the ground, if any fragments of the Hoast should chance to fall. There can be no doubt, but that, in the dispensation of this blessed Sacrament, Christians ought to use due Cautelousnesse, that it may be done without miscarriage; yet must you give us leave to retort your pre∣tence of Reverence upon your selves, thus: Seeing that Christ [ 40] himselfe instituted, and his Apostles observed, and that the whole Church of Christ (for so many hundred yeares) thus pra∣ctised the administration of this Sacrament from hand to hand,

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without respect of such Reverence, they therefore were not of your opinion, to thinke every Crumme or piece of the Hoast, that falleth to the ground, to be really the Body of Christ.

This Aberration wee may call, in respect of others, but a small Transgression, if yet any Transgression may be called Small, which is a wilfull violating of this so direct a Charge of Christ, [Doe this.]

The seventh Transgression of the Canon of Christ his Masse. [ 10] contradicting the Sense of the next words, [EATE YEE.] SECT. IX.

AS in the third Transgression, wee, by these words of Christ [Hee gave it to them,] spoken in the plurall number, have proved, from your owne Confessions, a necessary Communion of the people in the publike Celebration thereof with the Priest, against your (now) Profession of private Masses; con∣trary [ 20] to the ancient Custome and Vniversall practice of the Church,* 1.147 concerning All capable thereof: So now out of these words [TAKE YEE, EATE YEE] wee observe that the persons present were Takers and Eaters of the blessed Eucha∣rist, and not onely Spectators thereof. An Abuse condemned by our Church of England in her 25. Article saying, Sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be gazed upon.

The Contrary Canon of the (now) Romane Masse.

[ 30] But your Practice now is slat contrary, in your Church, by admitting people of all sorts, not as the Lords Guests, to Eate of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper; but as Gazers only to looke on it, as upon a proper Sacrifice: telling the People that they, seeing the Priest eate and drinke,i 1.148 Doe spiritually eate and drinke in the person of the Priest. And the onely beholding of the Priests Sacrifice, at the Elevation and Adoration thereof, is esteemed amongst you, at this day, the most solemne and saving worship, which any people can performe unto God.

[ 40] CHALLENGE,

BVt Christ (you see) instituted this Sacrament onely for Eaters. The Apostle exhorteth every man to Preparation; Let a man examine himselfe: and exhorting every one, being prepared, to Eate, saith, So let him eate. This (to use your owne

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k 1.149 Confessions) was practised in ancient times, when as the peo∣ple were thus generally invited, Come, Brethren, unto the Com∣munion. When as ancient Fathers (as you have also acknow∣ledged) suffered none but capable Communicants to be present at the celebration of the Eucharist. As for them that came unpre∣pared, and as not intending to Communicate, they commanded them to be gone, and to be packing out of doores. To this purpose your owne Relator telleth you, from other Authors, of the practice of Antiquity, and of other succeeding Churches, in not suffering any to be present, but such as did Communicate; [ 10] and of removing and expelling them that did not.

Nor can the Church of Rome justly take exception at this, seeing that in the Romane Church also (in the dayes of Pope Gre∣gory the first,l 1.150 which was 600. yeares after Christ) the office of the Deacon, at the time of the celebration of the Eucharist, was to cry aloud, saying,m 1.151 If any do not Communicate, let him give place. Where wee see the religious wisedome of that ancient Church of Rome, which could not suffer a Sacrifice to devoure a publike Sacrament, and to exclude a Communion. Whereunto the Scriptures gave the name of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, a [ 20] Gathering together, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, a Communion; as also of The Supper of the Lord: Yea, and Calixtus, a Pope more an∣cient that Gregorie, required that persons present should Com∣municate:n 1.152 Because (saith hee) the Apostles had so ordained, and the holy Church observeth the same.

But what have Wee said? have Wee called this Sacrament The Supper of our Lord? so (wee thought) were wee taught by the Apostle, 1 Cor. 11. before wee heard your lesuiteo 1.153 Mal∣donate denying this, and bitterly enveying against Protestants, terming them Blind men for want of judgement, for so calling it. [ 30] But he must pardon us, if wee (though wee should suspect our owne sight) yeeld to the ancient Fathers of Primitive times, as to men farre more cleare-sighted than that Iesuite could be; who (as both yourp 1.154 Romane Catechisme, with Lindan, instruct∣eth, [ 40]

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and as your Cardinallq 1.155 Baronius confesseth) following the authority of the Apostles, used to call the sacred Eucharist, the Lords Supper, distinct from the Paschall Supper, which went be∣fore it: amongst whom you haver 1.156 Dionysius Areop igita, with Chrysostome, Cyprian, Augustine, Hierome, Anselme, Ber∣nard. VVhereupon (with some of them) wee enjoyne a Necessi∣tie of a joynt Communion with those that are present.

Will you suffer a Golden mouth to be Moderator in this Con∣troversie? thus then. Whosoever thou art (saiths 1.157 S. Chrysostome) that being fit to participate of this Sacrament shalt stand onely [ 10] looking on, and not eate, thou dost no lesse Contumely and reproach to the Sacrament, than a man invited to a Feast, who will not taste thereof, doth unto the Lord that invited him to be a Guest. So he. And to shew that it cannot be sufficient to behold it onely as a proper Sacrifice (as you pretend) the samet 1.158 Father (as you know) saith against such By-standers; Why doe wee waite at the Altar, offering (meaning* 1.159 unproperly) a Sacrifice, when as there is none to Communicate? And why dost thou, impudent fellow, stand here still, not being one of them that participate there∣of? But enough.

[ 20] This then you perceive is a matter of no small importance, even by reason of the nature of this Sacrament, which is a Di∣vine Banquet; being also enjoyned upon the Catholike Church by that Command of Christ, [Do THIS.] Therefore the Command and Precept comming, maketh you Transgressors for not Eating; even as by the first Command given into man∣kind of [Eate not] our first Parents became Transgressors for Eating. So justly doth our* 1.160 Church require, that Gazers, who Communicate not, should depart. Wee forbeare to repeate that which wee have formerly* 1.161 proved (to wit) that you, by [ 30] not dismissing the non-Communicants from beholding the celebration of this Sacrament, are condemned by the word, Masse, whereof you have so long boasted, untill that now your [ 40] Glory is become your shame.

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The Eighth Transgression of the Canon of Christ his Masse, by a second Contradiction of the sense of the former words, [EATE YEE.] SECT. X.

THis is the last Act of Christ, concerning the use of the first Element, viz. [Bread] saying, EATE YEE; even as hee said of the other, [Drinke yee;] and of both hee gave this [ 10] his joynt Command [Doe this.] Wherefore this Act of Ea∣ting being thus prescribed, as the onely bodily outward end of this Sacrament, it doth exclude all other bodily Vses of mans invention. Accordingly our Church of England, Article 25. saith, Sacraments were not ordained of Christ to be carried about, but to be duly used.

The contrarie Canon of the Romane Masse.

The holy Synode of Trent (saith youra 1.162 Iesuite) hath ordained [ 20] that this Sacrament be preserved, carried abroad, and publikely proposed to the people in Procession, with solemne Pompe and Wor∣ship. Which is a laudable Custome.

CHALLENGE.

VVEe do not dispute against all manner of Reservation of [ 30] the Eucharist, for wee acknowledge some to be an∣cient; but wee enquire into the religious use and end of Reser∣vation: which, wee say, was not for any publike Procession, or Adoration, but onely for a Sacramentall Eating thereof. And how unjustly you call this your Procession (onely for publike A∣doration) Laudable, wee are provided to demonstrate by the Confessions of your owne Iesuites and others (out of Cyprian, and other Fathers) who consulting first about Antiquitie, grant that, after the Celebration of the Eucharist, ancientlyb 1.163 The Remainders, which were left (lest they should corrupt and putrifie) [ 40] were usually either given to the children under age (yet not to be re∣ceived Sacramentally, but onely to be consumed by them:) or were burnt in the fire, or else eaten reverently in the Vestrie,

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called the* 1.164 Pastophorium. Which was likewise the Custome of Rome in the Primitive age, asc 1.165 Pope Clement witnesseth. And although in the times of extreme persecution Christians were permitted to take the Eucharist, and carrie it home to their houses, yet it was (as youd 1.166 grant) to no other end but that they might eate it: and this onely in the time of Persecution: After which time the same Custome was abrogated. So you. How then can you call the Reservation of the Hoast, for publike Procession, and not for Eating, Laudable, which hath beene [ 10] thus checked and gain-fayed by so syncere Antiquitie?

Secondly, when you please to reveile unto us the first Birth of your owne Romane Custome, you grant that it was not untill ae 1.167 Thousand foure hundred yeeres after Christ. And must it then bee called a Laudable Custome, whereby (that we may so speake) beardlesse Noveltie doth take place of sage and gray∣headed Antiquitie?

Thirdly, in discussing the end, which was destinated by our Saviour Christ, you further grant, thatf 1.168 The primitive and principall end, prescribed by Christ, is for Sacramentall eating: and [ 20] that the Sacrament is to be given for this, as it's primary effect. And yet notwithstanding for you to bring in a Pompous ostenta∣tion of not-Eating, and to call it a Laudable Custome, argueth what little Congruitie there is betweene your Practice, and Christs Institution; which12 1.169 Origen in his time urged against Reservation till the morrow. And how much lesse Laudable will this appeare to be, when wee consider the grosse and intollera∣ble Abuses of your Processions, which are displayed by your owne Authours? Noting in them the very fooleries of theg 1.170 Romane Pagans, by your fond Pageants, where Priests play their [ 30] parts, in representing the persons of Saints; others of Queenes, accompanied with Beares and Apes, and many like prophane and sportfull Inventions, and other Abuses: which occasioned some of your owne more devout Professors to wish, that this [ 40] your Custome were abrogated,h 1.171 Thinking that it may be omit∣ted

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with profit to the Church, both because it is but an Innovation, and also for that it serveth most-what for ostentation and pompe, ra∣ther than pious Devotion. So they.

Lastly, lest you may object (as else-where) that a Negative Argument (as this, because Christ did not institute this Cu∣stome, therefore it may not be allowed) is of no effect; wee adde, that the Argument negative (if in any thing) then must it prevaile in condemning that Practice, which maintaineth any new End, differing from that which was ordained by Christ. Which made Origen and Cyprian argue Negatively in this Case: the onei 1.172 saying, Christ reserved it not till to-morrow: and the other, This bread is received, and not reserved, or put into a Boxe. Which Conclusion wee may hold, in condemning of your pub∣like [ 10] Carrying of the Hoast in the streets and Market-places, to the end only that it may be Adored, aswell as (of latter times) your Pope Pius Quartus (which your Congregation ofk 1.173 Car∣dinals report) did forbid a new-upstart Custome of Carrying the Sacrament to sicke people, that they might adore it, when as they were not able to eate it. All these Premises doe inferre, that your Custome of Circumgestation of the Sacrament, in publike Pro∣cession, onely for Adoration, cannot justly be called Laudable, [ 20] except you meane thereby to have it termed a Laudable Novel∣tie, and a Laudable prophanation, and Transgression, against the Institution of Christ; as now from your owne Confessions hath beene plainly evicted: and as will be further manife∣sted, when wee are to speake of your* 1.174 Idolatrous Infatuation it selfe.

{fleur-de-lys}The onely one that offereth to stand in our way, as ob∣jecting any Authority from Antiquity, for Procession, is your 13 1.175 Pamelius; with whom wee neede not to contend, be∣cause [ 30] your owne French Bishop doth easily shoulder him out, proving that the Testimonie of Tertullian (speaking of his wifes Proceeding, or going out of her house, for visiting the sicke and poore) is ridiculously mistaken, for going in a publike Procession, even then, when it was scarce free for Christians to meete together in Churches, for feare of perse∣cution. Wee proceede therefore to the next Transgres∣sion. {fleur-de-lys} [ 40]

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The Ninth Transgression of the Canon of Christ his Masse, contra∣dicting the Sense of the words following, [IN REMEM∣BRANCE OF MEE.] SECT. XI.

REmembrance is an act of Vnderstanding, and therefore shew∣eth that Christ ordained, the use of this Sacramen only for persons of Discretion and Vnderstanding, saying, [Do THIS [ 10] IN REMEMBRANCE OF MEE.]

The Contrarie Canon of the Roman Church, in former times.

Your Iesuite Maldonate will be our Relater, ingenuously con∣fessing, that in the dayes ofl 1.176 Saint Augustine, and Pope Inno∣cent the first, this opinion was of force in your Church, For sixe hundred yeares together, viz. that the administration of the Eu∣charist is necessary for Infants, Which opinion (saith hee) is now rejected by the Councell of Trent, Determining that the Eucharist [ 20] is not onely not necessarie for Infants, but also that it is Indecent to give it unto them. So hee. Of this more in the Challenge.

CHALLENGE.

IS not now this your Churches Rejecting of her former Pra∣ctice a Confession that she hath a long time erred in Trans∣gressing of the Institution of Christ? How then shall your Trent-Fathers free your fore-father Pope Innocent, and your former Romane Church from this taxation? This they labour to do, but (alas their miserie!) by collusion and cunning: for the same Synod ofm 1.177 Trent resolveth the point thus; The holy [ 30] Synod (say they) teacheth, that Children, being void of the use of Reason, are not necessarily bound to the Sacramentall receiving of the Eucharist. This wee call a Collusion; for by the same Rea∣son, wherewith they argue that Children are not nessarily bound to receive the Eucharist, because they want reason, they should have concluded, that Therefore the Church is and was necessa∣rily bound not to administer the Eucharist to Infants, even because they wanted Reason. Which the Councell, doubtlesse, knew, but was desirous thus to cover her owne shame, touching her for∣mer superstitious practice of Giving this Sacrament unto Infants. [ 40] In excuse whereof, your Councell of Trent adjoyneth, that the Church of Rome, in those dayes, was not condemnable; but why? Because (saith your* 1.178 Councell) Truly and without Controversie wee ought to believe, that they did not give the Eucharist unto Infants, as thinking it necessarie to Salvation. Which Answere your owne Doctors will prove to be a bold, and a notorious untruth, be∣cause

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(as your Iesuiten 1.179 sheweth) They then beleeved that Infants baptised could not be saved, except they should participate of the Eucharist; taking their Argument from that Scripture of Iohn. 6. [Except you eate the flesh of the Sonne, &c.] and therefore held they it necessarie to the salvation of Infants.

That this was the beleefe of Pope Innocent, and of the Church of Rome under him, your Parisian Doctoro 1.180 Espencaeus also pro∣veth at large, out of the expresse writings of Pope Innocent. Yea, and your greatly approved Binius, in his Volumes of the Councels, dedicated to Pope Paul the fift,p 1.181 explaineth the [ 10] same so exactly (See the Marginall Citation) that it will per∣mit no evasion. And so much the rather, because that which the Tridentine Fathers allege, for cause of Alteration, doth confirme this unto us: It is undecent (say they) to give the Eucharist unto Infants. This may perswade us that Innocent held it necessary, els would he not have practized, and patroni∣zed a thing so utterly Vndecent. {fleur-de-lys} Besides one of your14 1.182 Ie∣suites spareth not to make a double cause of the Alteration of that Custome; one, to avoid the Vndecencie and Prophanation of the Sacrament (meaning, by the casting it up againe:) and [ 20] secondly, because of the Heresie of those, who thought the Reociving of this Sacrament necessarie for the Salvation of In∣fants. Calling this opinion an Heresie.{fleur-de-lys}

Wee dispute therefore. If the Church of Rome, in the dayes of [ 30] [ 40]

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Pope Innocent the first, held it a Doctrine of faith, in the behalfe of Infants, that they ought to receive the Sacrament of the Eu∣charist; the same Church of Rome, in her Councell of Trent (whose Decrees, by the Bull of Pope Pius the fourth, are all held to be be∣leeved upon necessitie of Salvation) did decree contrarily that the participation of the Eucharist is not Necessary, no nor yet decent for Infants. Say now, did the Church of Rome not erre in the dayes of Pope Innocent? then is shee now in an errour. Or doth shee not now erre herein? then did she formerly erre, and consequently [ 10] may erre hereafter, not onely in determining a matter to be Ne∣cessary to Salvation, which in it self is Superfluous and Vndecent, but also in opinion Hereticall. Thus of the contrary custome of the Church of Rome, in elder times.

The now contrary Opinion, concerning the Romane Masse, at this day.

Even at this day also your Iesuite will have us to understand the meaning of your Church to be, thatr 1.183 Infants are capable of [ 20] the Sacrament of the Eucharist. {fleur-de-lys} And not thus onely, but as un∣reasonably altogether, you hold that14 1.184 Mad-men, when they are destitute of reason and discretion, may notwithstanding be made Partakers of the same blessed Sacrament. Which is pro∣per to those, who (as the Apostle teacheth) are to Examine themselves, to Remember thereby the death of Christ, and (Sacra∣mentally) to Discerne the Lords Body. {fleur-de-lys}

CHALLENGE.

[ 30] VVHereunto wee oppose the Authority of thes 1.185 Councell of Carthage, and of that (which you call the) Councell of Laterane, which denyed, as you know, that the Eucharist should be delivered unto Infants, accounting them uncapable of divine and spirituall feeding: without which (say they) the corporall pro∣fiteth nothing. But wee also summon, against the former assertion eight of your ancientt 1.186 Schoolemen, who upon the same Rea∣sons [ 40] made the like Conclusion with us. And wee further (as it

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were, resting you in the Kings name) produce against you Christ his Writ, the Sacred Scripture, whereby he requireth in all per∣sons about to Communicate three principall Acts of Reason; one is before, and two are at the time of receiving. The first is * 1.187 [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,] Let a man examine himselfe, and so come, &c. The second [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,] To discerne the Lords body. The third is [〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,] To remember the Lords death untill his coming a∣gaine. All which Three, being Acts of Iudgement, how they may agree unto Infants, being persons void of Iudgement, judge you. And remember, wee pray you, that wee speake of [ 10] Sacramentall Eating, and not of that use* 1.188 before spoken of, touching Eating it after the Celebration of the Sacrament; which was for Consuming it, and not for Communicating thereof.

Notes

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