A09339:3821
A Golden Chain
A golden chain: or The description of theology containing the order of the causes of salvation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view whereof is to be seen in the table annexed. Hereunto is adjoined the order which M. Theodore Beza used in comforting afflicted consciences.A golden chaine: or The description of theologie containing the order of the causes of saluation and damnation, according to Gods word. A view whereof is to be seene in the table annexed. Hereunto is adioyned the order which M. Theodore Beza vsed in comforting afflicted consciences.
Cambridge: printed by John Legat, 1600Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legat, 1600
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.
And yet nevertheless here is no footing for private communions. For the Eucharist was only then sent when the rest of the Church did openly communicate; and such as were then absent only by reason of sickness, and desired to be partakers of that blessed communion, were to be reputed as pre•ent. Lastly it is objected,1 that it was the manner of men and women in former times to carry part of the Sacrament home to their houses, and to reserve it till the time of necessity, as the time of sickness & such like. Ans. The reservation of the sacrament was but a superstitious practise, though it be ancient. For out of the administration, that is, before it begin, and after it is ended, the sacrament ceaseth to be a sacrament, and the elements to be elements. As for the practise of them that used to cram the Eucharist into the mouth of them that were deceased, it is not only superstitious but also very absurd.
And yet neuerthelesse here is no footing for priuate communions. For the Eucharist was only then sent when the rest of the Church did openly communicate; and such as were then absent onely by reason of sickenes, and desired to bee partakers of that blessed com•union, were to be reputed as pre•ent. Lastly it is obiected,1 that it was the manner of men and women in former times to carrie part of the Sacramēt home to their houses, and to reserue it till the time of necessitie, as the time of sicknes & such like. Ans. The reseruatiō of the sacrament was but a superstitious practise, though it be ancient. For out of the administration, that is, before it begin, and after it is ended, the sacrament ceaseth to be a sacrament, and the elements to be elements. As for the practise of them that vsed to cramme the Eucharist into the mouth of them that were deceased, it is not only superstitious but also verie absurd.
- 1Basil. epist. ad Caes. Tertul. l. 2. ad uxorum. Hieron. in Apol. pro lib. in Job. C•n•. Carth. 3. can. 6.