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]…

16. Question

It seemeth notwithstanding that many of the old fathers being notable men thought otherwise.

It seemeth notwithstanding that many of the olde fathers being notable men thought otherwise.

Answer. Of this we shall see more hereafter in his proper place. I add that Christ and his benefits are set forth unto ⟨image 36⟩us by a fit proportion. First that I may show the thing signified by all those Sacraments whereof we entreat, as also by the simple word of God, not too be only those benefits which we obtain by Christ, whereof we have discoursed more fully in our former treatise: but specially to be that Christ himself, whom whosoever possesseth not, he cannot obtain any of these by him. I call that a fit proportion, which causeth the things signified to be offered by the sign to the understanding set before the eyes. For I pray thee wouldest thou paint an herb, that thou mightst represent a man to him that would behold a man? Very well therefore said Augustine: Unless (saith he) the Sacraments had some likeness of those things, they signify they should not be Sacraments. But of this we shall see more hereafter. Last of all I make mention of sealing following the steppes of¹ the Apostle, who not only calleth Circumcision a sign, but also a Seal, that we might know that the Lord in deed performeth that which he promiseth by