The other part of Christian questions and answers which is concerning the sacraments, writ[n]…The other parte of Christian questions and answeares which is concerning the sacraments, writte[n]…

Answer. This was a custom in the beginning of the old Church, that the Sacrament should be sent by Deacons to the sick that were absent from the public meeting, that is to say, at that time that the mysteries were celebrated of the rest in that meeting, because it was meet that those whom one disease did let too be present in body, should be accounted as if they were present: neither do I doubt but that that thing brought great comfort to those that were sick, the which custom I would very gladly were restored. But whether it be meet to be celebrated ⟨image 163⟩to the sick at that time when the supper of the Lord is not ministered in the Church of this I greatly doubt.

Answeare. This was a custome in the beginning of the old Church, that the Sacrament shoulde be sent by Deacons to the sicke that were absent from the publike meeting, that is to say, at that time that the mysteries were celebrated of the rest in that meeting, because it was meete that those whom one disease did let too be present in body, should be accompted as if they were present: neyther doe I doubt but that that thing brought great cōfort to those that were sick, the which custome I would very gladly were restored. But whether it be meete to be celebrated ⟨image 163⟩to the sick at that time when the supper of the Lorde is not ministred in the Churche of this I greatly doubt.

Question. Why so?

Answer. First, because the Supper of the Lord is not a private action of any household, but mere ecclesiastical: and therefore that same domestical Lamb, was slain in Israel, that yet notwithstanding it should not be done at any other time, then when all Israel did celebrate this mystery. Notwithstanding I do acknowledge that in this case it is somewhat divers. For although it were very meet that these mysteries, throughout whole Christendom albeit in diverse places, yet notwithstanding daily also if it were possible, or at least upon appointed, and set days were celebrated, which should profit very much to the witnessing of that same mutual fellowship and consociation in Christ: notwithstanding forasmuch as neither of both can be obtained for many