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

Eusebius. You take all in the worst part you can. Although that the Priest, which celebrateth the Mass, doth communicate all alone really and sacramentally, it followeth not therefore, but that all the assistants do participate ¹by faith and spiritually, as well as the Priest which singeth the Mass. But that is done, for the dignity and reverence of the Sacrament. For if it were so common and frequented and used to all men, they would make none account of it. And although that the common people do not communicate every day with the Priest, yet nevertheless the lay people have their days, for to communicate and celebrate the supper when they require it, and chiefly on the festival and solemn days, in which they do receive the body of Jesus Christ sacramentally.

Eusebius. You take all in the worst part you can. Although that the Priest, which celebrateth the Masse, doth communicate all alone really and sacramentallye, it followeth not therefore, but that all the assistentes do perticipate ¹by fayth and spiritually, as wel as the Priest which singeth the Masse. But that is done, for the dignitie and reuerence of the Sacrament. For if it were so common and frequented and vsed to all men, they woulde make none accompt of it. And although that the common people doe not communicate euery day wyth the Priest, yet neuerthelesse the lay people haue their dayes, for to communicate and celebrate the supper when they require it, and chiefly on the feastiuall and solempne dayes, in which they doe receiue the bodye of Iesus Christ sacramentally.

1. 1To communicate sacramentally & spiritually.To communicate sacramentally & spritually.

Theophilus. If it do profit as much him which doth not communicate really the Sacrament, as him which doth communicate so that he have faith, as well as the communicant, to what end then serveth to go to the supper? And wherefore hath Jesus Christ said: deuyde this bread among you, and drink ye all of this cup? we shall then need no more if we will not take the supper really: But that the father may send his son: the husband his wife: the master his servant, which may communicate for them, and they without moving or wagging themselves, shall communicate spiritually by faith, so that the intention and devotion be such in them. I am not ignorant but that the true communication is spiritual and through faith, without which the outward bringeth more damage then lprosite. But dost thou think that Jesus Christ hath instituted the sign and the exterior Ceremony of he Sacrament will, out cause? and that he would