The practical divinity of the papists discovered to be destructive of Christianity and mens…

In short, the Mass may serve their turn; for divers of them hold, that this being offered for such as are Attrite, by vertue thereof (ex opere operato) immediately, and without more ado, they have pardon of mortal sins, and habitual grace; so Catharinus (in Canus; loc. Theol. l. 12. c. 13. p. 693.) and others.

In short, the Mass may serve their turn; for divers of them hold, that this being offered for such as are Attrite, by vertue thereof (ex opere operato) immediately, and without more adoe, they have pardon of mortal sins, and habitual grace; so Catharinus (in Canus; loc. Theol. l. 12. c. 13. p. 693.) and others.

Here is competent provision made, that Sinners may perish securely, and never look after true Repentance, living or dying. There is but one thing which may seem to give some check to this great encouragement. These administrations, whereby they will have the Impenitent saved, depend upon a Priest; and the Sinner may be in such circumstances (though this be very rare) wherein a Priest cannot be had, and then if he should chance to dye without Contrition, he will perish. But this need not disturb any in their course of impenitence; for in case of necessity, where a Priest cannot be had, another may serve in his stead, though he be a Laick, Confession may be made to him, and God will supply the want of a Priest; so Aquinas (in 4. dist. 17. q. 3. art. 3.) or he may have the Eucharist administered to him without a Priest: and it is their common doctrine, that the Eucharist justifies one that is in mortal sin, if he be attrite, and thinks but himself contrite. yea, he may administer it to himself with the same effect, in case of necessity: divers of all sorts amongst them are of this opinion. The Authority of Aquinas is alleged for it, (3. q. 82. art. 3.) and Cajetan in Matth. 26. The example of the Queen of Scots, (commonly produced) who having the Sacrament by her, administered it to her self, is highly approved by all.

Here is competent provision made, that Sinners may perish securely, and never look after true Repentance, living or dying. There is but one thing which may seem to give some check to this great encouragement. These administrations, whereby they will have the Impenitent saved, depend upon a Priest; and the Sinner may be in such circumstances (though this be very rare) wherein a Priest cannot be had, and then if he should chance to dye without Contrition, he will perish. But this need not disturb any in their course of impenitence; for in case of necessity, where a Priest cannot be had, another may serve in his stead, though he be a Laick, Confession may be made to him, and God will supply the want of a Priest; so Aquinas (in 4. dist. 17. q. 3. art. 3.) or he may have the Eucharist administred to him without a Priest: and it is their common doctrine, that the Eucharist justifies one that is in mortal sin, if he be attrite, and thinks but himself contrite. yea, he may administer it to himself with the same effect, in case of necessity: divers of all sorts amongst them are of this opinion. The Authority of Aquinas is alledged for it, (3. q. 82. art. 3.) and Cajetan in