A19563:2044
An answerAn aunsvvere
An answer by the Reverend Father in God Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury, primate of all England and metropolitan, unto a crafty and sophistical cavillation, devised by Stephen Gardiner Doctor of Law, late Bishop of Winchester against the true and godly doctrine of the most holy sacrament, of the body and blood of our saviour Jesus Christ Wherein is also, as occasion serveth, answered such places of the book of Doct. Richard Smith, as may seem any thing worthy the answering. Here is also the true copy of the book written, and in open court delivered, by D. Stephen Gardiner ...An aunsvvere by the Reuerend Father in God Thomas Archbyshop of Canterbury, primate of all England and metropolitane, vnto a craftie and sophisticall cauillation, deuised by Stephen Gardiner Doctour of Law, late Byshop of Winchester agaynst the true and godly doctrine of the most holy sacrament, of the body and bloud of our sauiour Iesu Christ Wherein is also, as occasion serueth, aunswered such places of the booke of Doct. Richard Smith, as may seeme any thyng worthy the aunsweryng. Here is also the true copy of the booke written, and in open court deliuered, by D. Stephen Gardiner ...
London: printed by John Daye, 1580London: printed by Iohn Daye, 1580
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Here in his Epistle to the Hebrews S. Paul hath plainly and fully described unto us, the difference between the priesthood and sacrifices of the old Testament, and the most high and worthy priesthood of Christ, his most perfect and necessary sacrifice, and the benefit that cometh to us thereby. For Christ offered not the blood of calves, sheep, and goats (as the priests of the old law have used to do) but he offered his own blood upon the Cross. And he went not into an holy place made by mans hand, (as Aaron did) but he ascended up into heaven, where his eternal Father dwelleth, and before him he maketh continual supplication for the sins of the whole world, presenting his own body, which was torn for us, and his precious blood, which of his most gracious and liberal charity, he shed for us upon the Cross. And that sacrifice was of such force, that it was no need to renew it every ⟨p. 372⟩year, as the Bishops did of the old Testament (whose sacrifices were many times offered, and yet were of no great effect or profit, because they were sinners them selves that offered them, and offered not their own blood, but the blood of brute beasts) but Christs sacrifice ones offered, was sufficient for evermore. 1And that all men may the better understand this sacrifice of Christ (which he made for the great benefit of all men) it is necessary to know the distinction and diversity of sacrifices. One kind of sacrifice there is, which is called a Propitiatory or merciful sacrifice, that is to say, such a sacrifice as pacifieth Gods wrath and indignation, and obtaineth mercy and forgiveness for all our sins, and is the ransom for our redemption from everlasting damnation. 2And although in the old testament there were certain sacrifices called by that name, yet in very deed there is but one such sacrifice, whereby our sins be pardoned, and Gods mercy and favour obtained, (which is the death of the son of God our Lord Jesus Christ) nor never was any other sacrifice propitiatory at any time, nor never shall be. This is the honour and glory of this our high priest, wherein he admitteth neither partner nor successor. For by his own oblation he satisfied his father for all mens sins, and reconciled mankind unto his grace and favour.