A reply unto M. Hardinges answerA replie vnto M. Hardinges ansvveare

And, where as Tertullian useth this word Figure, in this place, it is not to be understanded▪ such as the Figures of the Old Testament be, as though it signified the showing of a thing to come, or of a thing absent, which is wont to be set against the trueth, as contrary to the same: but it is such a kind of Figure, as doth cover the trueth present, and so as it were joined with the trueth, (193)¹ as it is wont to be taken in the New Testament, where is showeth rather the manner of a thing to be exhibited, then that it taketh away the trueth of presence of the thing, which is exhibited. For else concerning the trueth of Christs Body in the Sacrament, if any man doubt, what opinion he was of, he showeth him self plainly so to judge of it, as ever hath ben taught in the Catholic Church. Whereof he giveth evidence in many other places: But specially in his second book to his wife, exhorting her not to marry again to an Infidel, if she overlived him, least if she did, she should not have opportunity to observe the Christen Religion, as she would. Speaking of the blessed Sacrament, which was then commonly kept of devout men, and women in their houses, and there in times of persecution received before other meats, when devotion stirred them, he saith thus: Shall not thy husband know, what thou eatest secretly before other meat? And if he know it, he will believe it to be bread, (194)² not him, who it is called. The Latin is recited before. I omit many other places, which show him to acknowledge Christs Body in the Sacrament, because I would not be tedious, which verily by no wresting can be drawn to the signification of a mere Figure.