A19571:63
A Defence of the True and Catholic Doctrine of the Sacrament
A defence of the true and catholic doctrine of the sacrament of the body and blood of our saviour Christ with a confutation of sundry errors concerning the same, grounded and stablished upon God's holy word, [and] approved by the consent of the most ancient doctors of the Church. Made by the most reverend father in God Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury, primate of all England and Metropolitan.A defence of the true and catholike doctrine of the sacrament of the body and bloud of our sauiour Christ with a confutacion of sundry errors concernyng the same, grounded and stablished vpon Goddes holy woorde, [and] approued by ye consent of the moste auncient doctors of the Churche. Made by the moste reuerende father in God Thomas Archebyshop of Canterbury, primate of all Englande and Metropolitane.
Imprinted at London : In Poules churcheyarde, at the sign of the Brazen serpent, by Reginald Wolfe. Cum privilegio ad imprimendum solum, Anno Domini. M.D.L. 1550Imprinted at London : In Poules churcheyarde, at the signe of the Brasen serpent, by Reginald Wolfe. Cum priuilegio ad imprimendum solum, Anno Domini. M.D.L. 1550
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.
1Seventhly it is to be noted, that where as no thing in this life is more acceptable before God,2 or more pleasant unto man, than christen people to live together quietly in love & peace, ⟨p. 12⟩unity and concord: this sacrament doth most aptly and effectually move us thereunto. For when we be made all partakers of this one table, what ought we to think, but that we be all members of one spiritual body? (whereof Christ is the head) that we be joined together in one Christ, as a great number of grains of corn be joined together in one loaf? Surely they have very hard and stony hearts, which with these things be not moved. And more cruel & unreasonable be they then brute beasts, that can not be persuaded, to be good to their christian brethren and neighbours (for whom Christ suffered death) when in this sacrament they be put in remembrance, that the son of God bestowed his life for his enemies. For we see by daily experience, that eating and drinking together, maketh friends, and continueth friendship. Much more than ought the table of Christ to move us so to do. Wilde beasts and birds be made gentle by giving them meat and drink, why then should not christen men wax meek and gentle with this heavenly meat of Christ? Hereunto we be stirred and moved as well by the bread and wine in this holy supper, as by the words of holy scripture recited in the same. Wherefore whose heart soever this holy Sacrament, Communion and supper of Christ, will not kindle with love unto his neighbours, and cause him to put out of his heart all envy, hatred and malice, and to grave in the ⟨image 17⟩same all amity, friendship, and concord, he deceiveth him self, if he think that he hath the spirit of Christ dwelling within him.
1Seuenthly it is to be noted, that where as no thynge in this lyfe is more acceptable beefore God,2 or more pleasaunt vnto man, than christen people to lyue togither quietly in loue & peace, ⟨p. 12⟩