The Christian disputations, by Master Peter Viret. Divided into three parts, dialogue wiseThe Christian disputations, by Master Peter Viret. Deuided into three partes, dialogue wise

And therefore long time among the ancients, ¹that divine so••ke that they did in their assemblies, was called Collects, that is a gathering, for two causes. The first because that the people was there assembled, and gathered into a Communion. The other because that in those holy assembles, they did make gatherings for the poor after the example of the primitive Church. Behold the name of the Christian assemblies, which hath long continued among the ancients, before that the name of Mass was borne. As it appeareth by the ecclesiastical histories, as well by that same of Eusebius, as by that which is called Tripartite: As for the name of the Mass, it is now enough. Although that some are yet of opinion, that that name came of the same cause, wherefore the divine service hath also been called Collects: gatherings, and that it hath been called mass, because that in the same the offerings were brought, which were there sent, for to give them unto the poor. For Missa in Latin, signifieth things sent. And those that are of that opinion, do think that all that which they do, and bring into those assembles, was called Missa in the plural number: of which they have made Missa and Miss, in the singular number. And by good right. For then when the offerings are distributed unto the poor, one may well call them Missa in the plural number, that is to say, sent. For they were sent, and divided unto many. But now the Priests do wrong to call it, Missa, in the singular number, that is to say, sent. For the offering is not sent but unto them. Wherefore they should have more reason to call it, kept, then sent. For they do keep all for themselves. They have well kept the name of Collect. ⟨p. 179⟩But in stead of Collect, signifieth, among the ancients, all the content of the divine service, they do call by that name the prayers and Oremus that they do singe before the Epistle, Wherein well appeareth what was the custom of the ancients: and that the Deacons did make the gathering for the poor: The which those here do make for themselves, and do singe the Epistle unto the Deacons. But for to return unto the prayers for the dead, and for to understand that that which I speak is true. Mark what Saint Cyprian writeth, of one ²called Celerin, who hath had a family: