Two very learned sermons of M. Beza, together with a short sum of the…Two very lerned sermons of M. Beza, togither with a short sum of the…

Wherefore, for as much as, the question between the Transubstantiators and us, is not now, of the presence of Christs deity in the Sacrament, but of the presence of his humane body, we say, and flatly affirm it also, that if we should grant this, yet could it no whit at all prejudice us, neither could they gain their cause thereby, for unless they can prove Christ, as he is man, to be omnipotent, and every where (which thing they shall never be able to do) they have said as much, as if they had said nothing at all. But let us for reasoning sake grant them this much, that Christ as he is man, were omnipotent, even as GOD the Father, or he himself in respect of his Godhead ⟨p. 213⟩is: Doth it therefore follow, that because he can do every thing, he therefore either will do the same, or indeed doth it? I suppose verily, no. For besides that, in Schools it is commonly said, a posse ad esse, the consequence or reason is not good, which were sufficient answer to this frivolous and vain objection, mans reason in the blindness and corruption of it, being endued with strength and force enough to answer the same: besides this, I say, we that are truly taught of GOD, both by his word and spirit, do know, that though we believe, that the Lord can do whatsoever pleaseth him both in heaven and in earth, which serveth wonderfully to magnify his almighty power in the exceeding excellency thereof, and greatly to strengthen our weak faith, in the days of our calamities and distresses, yet notwithstanding we firmly believe, that he will not only do nothing, but that he can not do any thing in regard of us, contrary unto that will of his, that he hath revealed for us in his word. For even as a man of might on earth, having given forth his speech of assurance ⟨p. 214⟩in the word of a Prince or Christian, though perhaps to one far inferior to himself, is yet notwithstanding tied thereby, not as in respect of his power, for that remaineth as great after as before, but as in regard of his credit, and the persons to whom he hath by his word after a sort, as it were bound himself: so is it with the Lord to usward.

Wherefore, for as much as, the question betweene the Transubstantiators and vs, is not nowe, of the presence of Christes deitie in the Sacrament, but of the presence of his humane body, we say, and flatly affirme it also, that if we shoulde grant this, yet could it no whit at all preiudice vs, neither coulde they gaine their cause thereby, for vnlesse they can proue Christ, as he is man, to be omnipotent, and euery where (which thing they shall neuer bee able to doo) they haue saide as much, as if they had saide nothing at all. But let vs for reasoning sake graunt them this muche, that Christ as hee is man, were omnipotent, euen as GOD the Father, or hee himselfe in respect of his Godhead