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]…

These things being expounded, I would gladly learn of thee, what the knitting together of the signs & the things signified is. For thou art not ignorant, that this controversy is specially handled nowadays: Whether the body and blood of the Lord be really present yea or no, that is, in the same place where that bread and that wine is, or whether the signs remain as some think, or be abolished, the accidents only remaining, as they teach, which consent with the Pope.

These thinges being expounded, I woulde gladly learne of thee, what the knitting together of the signes & the thinges signified is. For thou art not ignorant, that this controuersie is specially handled nowadaies: Whether the body and blood of the Lord be really present yea or no, that is, in the same place where that bread and that wine is, or whether the signes remain as some think, or be abolished, the accidēts onely remaining, as they teache, which consent with the Pope.

Answer. This controversy is grown so hot and come so far, that for the deciding thereof, we need rather conscience then knowledge; but the Lord alone either by some wonderful judgement, or some notable example of his mercy will decide it: notwithstanding I will endeavour too make it plain when I shall come too speak of the Lords Supper. Now that I may answer to that which is demanded, I say, that forasmuch as the things signified both ⟨image 44⟩in the simple word and in the Sacraments be partly things not subsisting or standing by themselves, as the forgiveness of sins, the gift of sanctification, the increase of faith, incorporation into Christ, and such like: that the question of the real presence of the things signified must necessarily be restrained to some real being. Now as I suppose, no other can be put but Christ himself. And when they with whom we agree not, concerning this matter, do not themselves (as I suppose think that Christ should be divided, as those that complain (notwithstanding undeservedly that the same is done of us: because that we deny the real presence of Christs body: Doest thou think that the state of this question is so too be taken. Whether Christ GOD and man be present in those places themselves, where the Sacraments are ministered: