A01532:423
A discussion of the popish doctrine of transubstantiation wherein the same is declared, by…A discussion of the popish doctrine of transubstantiation vvherein the same is declared, by…
A discussion of the popish doctrine of transubstantiation wherein the same is declared, by the confession of their own writers, to have no necessary ground in Gods Word: as also it is further demonstrated to be against Scripture, nature, sense, reason, religion, and the judgement of t5xxauncients, and the faith of our ancestors: written by Thomas Gataker B. of D. and pastor of Rotherhith.A discussion of the popish doctrine of transubstantiation vvherein the same is declared, by the confession of their owne writers, to haue no necessary ground in Gods Word: as also it is further demonstrated to be against Scripture, nature, sense, reason, religion, and the iudgement of t5xxauncients, and the faith of our auncestours: written by Thomas Gataker B. of D. and pastor of Rotherhith.
London: printed by John for William Sheffard, 1624London: printed by Iohn for William Sheffard, 1624
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Part 2 › Division 8: Division 8.Part 2 › Division 8: Diuision 8.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2. Do the Fathers tell us that in this holy Mystery we must not so much regard what our sense informeth us, as what our faith apprehendeth? And do they not say the same of Baptism, and of all mysteries or Sacraments in general? Hear we one or two of them speak for all. The Fathers of the Nicene Council, whom before he alleged: *Our Baptism (say they) must not with bodily eyes be considered, but with spiritual. Seest thou water? understand the power of God hidden in it: conceive it full of the holy Ghost, “and divine fire. And then will they the same regard to be had also at the Lords Table. That Ambrose that this Author and his Associates so oft cite, as making so much for them: tYou are come (saith he) to the Font: consider what you there saw; consider what you said, &c. You saw the Font; you saw water, &c. you saw all that you could see with your bodily eyes and humane aspect. You saw not those things that work and are not seen. The Apostle hath taught us that we are to behold not the things that are seen, but the things that are not seen. For far greater are the things that are not seen, then those that are seen. Believe not thy bodily eyes alone. That is better seen that is not seen. So Gregory Nyssene: uBoth the spirit and water concur in Baptism. And as man consisteth of two parts, so are there medicines of like like appointed for either: for the body water that appeareth and is subject to sense; for the soul the spirit that cannot be seen, nor doth appear, but is called by faith, and cometh in an ineffable manner. Yet the water that is used in Baptism, addeth a blessing to the Body baptised. Wherefore do not contemn the divine Laver: neither make little account of it as common, because of the water that ⟨p. 156⟩is used in it. For it is a greater matter that it worketh: and marvellous effects proceed from it. And a little after of the Eucharist: y The bread also is at first common bread: but 5when the Mystery hath sanctified it, it is called Christs body. And in like manner the wine, though it be a thing of small price before the blessing, yet after the sanctification which proceedeth from the Spirit, both of them work excellently. And so in many other things, if you regard it, you shall see the things that appear to be, contemptible; but the things wrought by them, to be great and admirable.