A Christian instruction, conteyning the law and the Gospell. Also a summarie of the principall poyntes of the Christian fayth and religion, and of the abuses and errors contrary to the same. Done in certayne dialogues in french, by M. Peter Viret, sometime minister of the Word of God at Nymes in Prouince. Translated by I.S. Seene and allowed according to the Queenes Maiesties iniunctions.

VVhat difference there is betvvene the baptisme and the Supper, touching the communion of the body and of the bloud of Iesus Christ.

M.

IT séemeth to me that thou speakest against that whiche thou hast sayde heretofore, touching the difference which thou hast put betwene baptisme and the Supper, for it séemeth that thou spea∣kest now, as though baptisme & the sup∣per were one very Sacramente, and that there were no difference betwene them.

P.

Thou makest an euill conclusion. For albeit that we doe as well participate of the body and of the bloud of Iesus Christ in baptisme as in the Supper, yet not∣withstanding, there is difference in the participation and in the manner thereof, in respect of the benefites of Iesus Christ, whiche are signified and communicated vnto vs as wel in y^e one of the sacramēts as in the other.

M.

I haue not thē wel vn∣derstoode thée yet heretofore, and therfore declare vnto me more easily that whiche

thou now speakest of.

P.

Although the bo∣dy of Iesus Christe be not giuen vnto vs in baptisme as for spirituall foode, as it is in the Supper, that notwithstanding it is there giuen vnto vs in very déede, as a garment of innocencie, of Iustice and of holynesse to couer all our sinnes before God. And therefore S. Paule saith, that all those which are baptised, haue put on them Iesus Christ.

M.

And of the bloud,* 1.1 what sayest thou?

P.

Albeit that it be not giuen vnto vs in Baptisme, as for drinke as it is in the supper, yet notwithstāding it is there giuen vnto vs for a spirituall washing of our soules and consciences, whereby Iesus Christe dothe purifie and clense his Church in this lauer of regene∣ration, to the ende that he may make it pure, cleane, withoute spotte or wrinkle and a holy and glorious Churche.

M.

I did neuer yet so well vnderstande these two pointes, nor yet the diuersitie and difference that thou hast made betwene the benefites of Iesus Christe, and the Baptisme and the Supper whiche are Sacramentes, as now I do vnderstande all these things.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Galath. 3.