The Protestant's answer to The Catholick letter to the seeker, or, A vindication of the Protestant's answer, to the seeker's request Williams, John, 1636?-1709. 1688 Approx. 97 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 21 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A66413 Wing W2720 ESTC R2915 12498436 ocm 12498436 62597 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A66413) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 62597) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 951:86) The Protestant's answer to The Catholick letter to the seeker, or, A vindication of the Protestant's answer, to the seeker's request Williams, John, 1636?-1709. [4], 36 p. Printed and are to be sold by Randal Taylor ..., London : 1688. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Attributed to John Williams. cf. NUC Pre-1956. The "Protestant's answer" is Robert Nelson's Transubstantiation contrary to Scripture. Table of contents: p. [3]-[4] Errata: p. 36. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng N. N. -- Catholic letter to the seeker. Nelson, Robert, 1656-1715. -- Transubstantiation contrary to Scripture. Catholic Church -- Controversial literature. Transubstantiation. 2005-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2005-01 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2005-03 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2005-03 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE Protestant's Answer TO THE Catholick Letter TO THE SEEKER : OR , A VINDICATION OF THE PROTESTANT's ANSWER , To the SEEKER's Request . IMPRIMATUR , Liber cui Titulus , [ The Protestant's Answer to the Catholick Letter to the Seeker , &c. ] H. Maurice RR. in Christo P. D. Wilhelmo Archiep. Cant. à Sacris . Maii 22. 1688. LONDON , Printed and are to be Sold by Randal Taylor , near Stationers-Hall , M.DCLXXXVIII . THE CONTENTS . THE matter in debate stated p. 2. The Sum of the Protestant Answer p. 4. Transubstantiation confest by many of the Church of Rome not to be proved by Scripture , pag. 5. Joh. 6. 48. consider'd , p. 6. Not for Transubstantiation , by the confession of several in the Church of Rome , Ibid. It 's also proved by several Arguments . As that place had no special reference to the Sacrament , p. 7. Eating the Flesh then spoken of , may be out of the Sacrament as well as in it , Ibid. Proved to concern those present as well as others . p. 8. The sense of eating the Flesh of Christ proved to be Figurative , p. 10. Of Figurative Speeches , p. 12. Particularly here , p. 13 , &c. Of Christ's being a Vine , &c. p. 17. The words , This is my Body , considered , p. 18. Of the word This , p. 22. Of Christ's being in the Sacrament after a Spiritual manner , Ibid. The Texts produced by Protestants for it , p. 24. 1. The Letter of Scripture for the Protestant Doctrine , p. 26. ( 1. ) Where it 's call'd Bread , and the Fruit of the Vine . ( 2. ) The Body of Christ had the Natural properties of a Body , p. 29. ( 3. ) The Body of Christ is in Heaven , and circumscribed , p. 32. ( 4. ) That Christ's Body is Glorified , and so not a Sacrifice , p. 33. 2. The words which are Figurative , are for us , such are these , This is my Body , Ibid. THE PROTESTANT's ANSWER TO THE CATHOLICK LETTER TO THE SEEKER , &c. HEre 's a Catholick Letter to the Seeker , or a Reply to the Protestant Answer to the Seeker . But what 's become of the Seeker himself , for this four Months past ? What of the Declaration he was in the Conclusion to make for the Catholick Faith of Rome , which we are now told of ? That according to the method , it seems agreed on , he may , after Sentence pass'd in this case , proceed to the Infallibility of the Church , or other Points of Faith in difference betwixt them and the Church of England ; as our Author intimates there a little too early . The Seeker had indeed given reason enough to judg on which side he was to be satisfied : That tho seemingly he was sent out like the Dove , to try where he might find rest for the Sole of his Foot , yet we may see beforehand , what was the Ark he was to return to ; and that they were as sure of him , as they are of a Convert before they offer a Conference . Where 's now the Resolution he was to come to ? Has the Protestant Answer to the Seekers Request , broke these Measures , and forced them to think of another Expedient ? Our Author cannot altogether dissemble it . It seems the Seeker was to put certain Ties upon his Answerers , to which his Friend on the side of the Church of Rome submitted , and it was humbly conceived the Protestant Answerer would have done so too , as our Author signifies , p. 1. But he being a lover of Liberty more than Courtship ; and of Truth , and Reason more than both , took upon himself , as its thought , too much Authority , when together with his Answer to the Seekers Request , he wrote a Reply to the Catholick Answer to the Seekers Request . This is a course our Author complains of , and perhaps he has some reason for it . But what has he to accuse the Protestant Answerer of ? That he has evaded the Question . As how ? Of this he gives a threefold Instance . 1. That he has used the Word Transubstantiation . Of this our Author thus complains , p. 2. and 5. I do not find the word Transubstantiation , so much as mentioned in either your Request , or my Answer . Wherefore , how sincere the Gentleman has been in this particular , let the World judg . A material Point ! who would not think now , that the word Transubstantiation was abominated by him , and as little used in their Church , as it is in ours ? It 's fit therefore to know our Authors mind in it . Of this he saith , It 's a word devised by the Church to express the Conversion that 's made in the Sacrauent , — and which mysterious change the Holy Catholick [ the Roman ] Church doth properly call Transubstantiation , p. 2 , and 5. Now , where is the fault ? Where the insincerity ? The insincerity they may take to themselves ; but the fault is , that when they thought by the use of the Phrase , Real Presence , common to both them and us , and by the forbearance of the word Transubstantiation , which is peculiar to themselves , that they might have imposed upon the unwary Reader , the Protestant Answerer used the word Transubstantiation for their Real Presence , and so their design is discover'd , and in part defeated . 2. He saith , The Protestant Answerer evaded the Question , when instead of speaking to the Real Presence , he betook himself to Transubstantiation , p. 2. Now , who would not think upon this charge , that his Real Presence and Transubstantiation , are as inconsistent as Truth and Falshood ? Here indeed he has put a Question , which I confess I should have been ready to ask ; What 's this to the purpose ? Is not the Real Presence and Transubstantiation all as one ? p. 5. And I should be as ready to ask again , If they are all as one , how was the Question evaded , when instead of speaking to the Real Presence , the Answerer betook himself to Transubstantiation ? In this , he thus acutely Answers . No truly , they are not all as one , as you may think . For there is a great deal of difference betwixt a Man , and the Name by which he is distinguished . — 'T is one thing to prove the Real Presence , and being of Christs Body and Blood in the Sacrament ; and another to shew , why this change is by the Church call'd Transubstantiation ; tho whoever believes the one , can't in Truth deny the other . That is , the Real Presence and Transubstantiation , are not all as one , because they are all as one : And the Answerer has evaded the Question , by using the one for the other , because whoever believes the one , can't in Truth deny the other . 3. But he has not yet concluded the Charge . For saith he , Whereas the Controversy is not about the word , the Answerer has altogether banter'd at the word Transubstantiation , and not spoken to the Substance , p. 5. So before , The Arians with as much reason might have objected against the word Consubstantial ( which was devised against them ) as the Protestant Answerer has done , where p. 3. he says , That it 's enough for them to shew that Transubstantiation is not taught in Scripture , tho the Being of Christs Body and Blood in the Sacrament is , — p. 2. If our Author's skill in reasoning be no better than it appears to be in Ecclesiastical History , his Adversary has no great reason to fear him . That the word Consubstantial was used against the Arians , I acknowledg ; but that it was devised against them ( as our Author saith ) is spoken at adventure . For the contrary is evident that it was in use long before in the Christian Church . So saith Eusebius , We have known certain Learned and Famous Bishops and Writers among the Ancients , who reasoning upon the Divinity of the Father and Son , have used the word Consubstantial , or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . But to return to the Charge ; where is this Controversy managed in the Answer about this unscriptural word Transubstantiation , which the Protestant Answerer altogether banter'd at ? He has found it out in somewhat that is not there ; I shall here set down the Words of the Answer , with his , and let 's see how they agree , Cath. Letter , p. 2. Protestant Answerer , p. 3. He [ the Protestant Answerer ] says , That 't is enough for them to shew that Transubstantiation is not taught in Scripture , tho the Being of Christs Body and Blood in the Sacrament is . 'T is enough for us to shew , that Transubstantiation is not taught in Scripture , and that those that pretend 't is there , cannot shew it ; nay , that the literal Sense concludes not for it ; and that our notion of the Real Presence , is agreeable to it . Where this Author is guilty of a double Perversion . First , That he translates what is spoken of Transubstantiation in the notion , to the Word ( when there is not a Syllable that looks , that way ) and then , that he would represent the Real Presence in the Protestant , that is a spiritual , Sense , to be an acknowledgment of the Being of Christs Body and Blood in the Sacrament , in their way . But after our Author has for some Pages entertain'd himself in managing this imaginary dispute against his Adversary , yet in Confutation of himself he finds out another sort of matter that he is obliged to consider , and if he can , to confute . The Protestant Answer consists of two Parts . In the first , are considered the Texts produced in the Catholick Answer to the Seeker , to prove their Real Presence , which I hope I may now call Transubstantiation . In the second , There is given a Catalogue of such Texts , as maintain the Protestant Doctrine of Christs Spiritual Presence , and in Confutation of the Corporal Presence held in the Church of Rome . And now let us view our Author's Undertaking , and see how he has quitted himself in both of these . PART I. Sect. 1 WE are to consider in the first place , how our Author has Vindicated his own Answer to the Seekers Request , and what Reply there is made to the Objections and Arguments directed against his pretended Proofs from Scripture . In the entrance upon this matter , the Protestant Answerer suggested , that the Seeker had put an unreasonable Task upon his Catholick Priests , to prove their Real Presence , or Transubstantiation , by the express Text , and plain Word of God ; since Persons of the greatest Note ; for Quality and Learning , in their Church , have freely given it up , and granted it to be a vain attempt . Such as Scotus and Biel , among the Schoolmen , and the Cardinals , Alliaco , Fisher , Cajetan and Bellarmin . What saith our Author to this ? First , saith he , Supposing it was so as these Authors say , That there is not one place of Scripture so express , that without the Determination of the Church , it would evidently compel a Man to receive Transubstantiation . — Yet the same might as well be said of the Consubstantiality of the Son , p. 3. Will our Author venture to say , there is no more from Scripture to prove the Consubstantiality of the Son , than there is to prove Transubstantiation ? Or hath he any heart to say it , after the publishing the Doctrine of the Trinity and Transubstantiation compared , and as long as that Book lies unanswered ? But let that be as it will. What , saith he , is this to the Being , or not Being of the Body and Blood of Christ in the Sacrament ? Had be produced Scotus , Bellarmin , &c. to disprove the Real Presence , it had been something , tho not to your purpose . For the Request was to satisfie you by Scripture only , and not by citing our Modern Divines , &c. but by the express Text , &c. But I think it was to the purpose to shew that some of the most Eminent in their Church declare it is not to be proved in that way , and I think to declare it cannot be proved , is little better than to disprove it . At last our Author is content to yield up Scotus , one of his Modern Divines , and Bellarmin ; and he adds , if what they have said in that matter , will do the Gentleman a kindness , he shall have it not only from them , but all the Faithful . If so , I fear our Author then will be left alone ; for if all the Faithful are of the same mind with Scotus and Bellarmin ; then his Undertaking to prove Transubstantiation by the express Texts of Scripture , will be a fruitless Attempt . But we go too far , for that 's to be understood with a reserve , viz. Scripture without the Determination of the Church is not so express , &c. This premised , our Author cheerfully proceeds , That altho the Scripture were never so plain , we would yet submit to the Determination of the Church , for the true Sense and Meaning thereof . So that tho he pleads Scripture , and would fain find out somewhat that looks like an express Text ; yet he doth it not , nor would be understood , that he thereby renounced the Determination of the Church . For whether the Scripture be plain for it or not , is not the Foot this matter rests upon ; and altho it were never so plain , yet the Church is to give it the true meaning ; and whatever meaning the Church gives it , that is the true meaning ; and so , if the Church had determined against Transubstantiation , as it has determined for it , there would have been still express Texts , and the case had been alike resolved . SECT . II. AT last we are come to the main seat of the Controversie , p. 6. The Catholick Answerer had produced two places of Scripture as his plain Texts for Transubstantiation ; the first is , Joh. 6. 48. Here the Protestant Answerer interposed , and first directed the Seeker , where he might find about thirty Writers of the Roman Church , who reject that Text as not serving to our Author's purpose , Pag. 4. and then proceeds to shew for what reasons they and we do so reject it . Arg. 1. As it had no special reference to the Sacrament ; and that for two Reasons : 1. Because this Discourse of our Saviour was delivered above a year before , ver . 4. To this first our Author replies , That the fourth Verse , [ The Passover , a Feast of the Jews , was nigh ] is no Rule to shew the Sacrament was not instituted above a year after . For , saith he , that this word Nigh should signifie above a year after , is such a Figure as never was : And so gravely repairs to his Concordance to prove the word Nigh is not by express and plain Scripture to be taken for above a year after . Certainly there was never more need of express and plain Scripture , when men cannot look a Chapter or two before them . For would any one that was conversant in the Gospels , think that St. John here , and St. Luke 22. 1. must needs speak of the same Passover , because St. Luke hath the same word , Now the Feast of unleavened bread drew nigh , which is call'd the Passover . I see our Author wants here a little information . Let him therefore turn to Chap. 7. v. 2 , & 14. and he will find a Feast of Tabernacles ; and go on to Chap. 13. 1. and he will find another Passover . Now I hope I need not acquaint him that these two Feasts of the Tabernacles and Passover were kept in different Months , and that the same Passover could not be before and after the Feast of Tabernacles ; and consequently , it must be a year betwixt the Passover , Joh. 6. 4. and that Joh. 13. 1. and as much above a year betwixt our Saviour's Discourse , Joh. 6. and the Passover , as that was before the approaching Passover that was said to be Nigh . 2. The Protestant Answerer proceeded to shew that this Discourse of our Saviour had no special reference to the Sacrament , because the eating the Flesh , and drinking the Blood here spoken of , might be out of the Sacrament as well as in it , and at that present as well as a year after . This he proved from Vers. 53 , 54 , 56 , 57. In all which the present time is still spoken of , Except ye eat . He that eateth . — My flesh is meat . To this our Author replies : To say , That the flesh of Christ may be eaten out of the Sacrament , and even before it was instituted , &c. is indeed such a Figure , as none but himself can unriddle , p. 8. I answer , But to say ( as he doth ) that Christ would give us bread to eat in the Sacrament , which should be the very same flesh which he would , and afterwards did give for the life of the world , that is , that he should give it before it was given , is a Figure I doubt our Author himself cannot unriddle ; who saith again , that before he gave it , 't was impossible for them to eat it ; but he gave it not , till he gave it on the Cross. ( 2 ) But to say that the Flesh of Christ here spoken of ( an Exposition our Author left out ) might be eaten out of the Sacrament , as well as in it , is no Riddle , if it be true . And it is true if our Saviour spoke here of his Flesh that might be , and was then to be eaten , at the same time as he spoke it , by all those that were then his present Auditors ; as the Answerer proved from verses 53 , 54 , &c. To this our Author opposes vers . 5. The Bread which I will give is my flesh , &c. Where , saith he , Christ promised , and told them before that be would ( in the Future Tense ) give them bread to eat , which should be the very same flesh , which he would , and afterwards did , give for the life of the world . Whence he infers , If the bread which he in the Sacrament gives us to eat , saying , Take , Eat , This is my Body , be not that Bread which he promised he would give us to eat , pray ask your Protestant Answerer , where , when , and how did Christ give us Bread to eat , which should be his flesh , if this be not ? Pag. 7. What is a little out of its place , in our Author , I have here laid together , that I may give it its full force : To this I answer : 1. I readily own with our Author , that the words , I will give , contain a promise , but then we differ about the time when they were fulfilled . He saith , they refer to his last Supper , when he took Bread , &c. under the Forms of Bread and Wine . But now if I am examined upon the Where , the When , and the How , I should refer it to the Cross ; and that because of the following words , The Bread which I will give is my Flesh , which I will give for the life of the world . For he gave not his Flesh for the life of the world in the Sacrament ▪ but after the institution of that , on the Cross ; not under the Forms of Bread and Wine , but in his own proper Form , and visible to the Spectators . The reason of his mistake seems to be , that he reads the Future Tense after this manner , our Saviour told them that he would give them Bread to eat , which should be his Flesh. Where he is guilty of two over-sights . First , that he applies that to the Future which is spoken of the Present , for he reads it should be his Flesh , as if it was first Bread , and then was to be Flesh , to put the better colour upon their Doctrine of Transubstantiation ; whereas our Saviour saith , the Bread is my Flesh , which is directly against it ; and if it signifies any thing of that nature , would rather prove that his Flesh should be Bread. For it 's not said , the Bread which I will give shall be my Flesh , but rather that which is my Flesh , I will give to be Bread. 2. He alters the Terms of the Text , for the words are , Which I will give for the life of the world ; and he reads them , Which I will give them to Eat : as if the promise refer'd only to the Bread which they should eat ; and not to the Flesh which was to be given for the world . So that we see what 's like to become of his Question , he prays his Seeker to ask his Protestant Answerer , viz. Where , When and How did Christ give us Bread to eat which should be his Flesh , if this be it not in the Sacrament ? For he must frame his Question anew , if he would have it to the purpose ; and must read St. John again ( notwithstanding what he saith he has done on this occasion , Pag 8. ) and whatever he found before , I am apt to think after this little light given to him , he will not find those words in this Chapter , He would give them Bread to eat , which should be his Flesh. And if he reads the Protestant Answer again , he will find no occasion for those words , Where , &c. if this be it not ? For the Answerer did not except the Sacrament , and say the eating the Flesh , and drinking the Blood here spoken of , could not be in the Sacrament , but that it might be out of the Sacrament as well as in it ; intimating thereby that it was not to be understood in a sense peculiar to the Sacrament , but in a sense common to that and other Offices of Religion ; and that eating and drinking were ( as he shew'd ) but other words for coming and believing . 3. But our Author has a further reserve , and offers at a peculiar Exposition of those Phrases , I suppose it's ( in his phrase . p. 2. ) his private meaning ● v. 53 , &c. Except ye eat , — he that eateth . Not , saith he , that he did then give , or that they did then eat his Flesh , and drink his Blood , which they could not do before he took it , blessed it , brake it , and gave it . For at that time when he spake this , he only told them he would give it , and the Eve before his Passion , he performed it . And from that time I suppose the Obligation bears force , ver . 53. Except ye eat , &c. I will suppose that the Present doth not here exclude the Future , and that he that eateth my Flesh , and drinketh my Blood hath Eternal life , will always hold true , and what all ages as well as those then present would partake of ; but methinks it 's very hard to make the present exclude it self , and to tell us that they did not , and could not then eat the Flesh of Christ , when our Saviour saith they might and ought , as is evident from what follows . Let us go to the thing to be eaten , and it 's represented in the Present Tense , v. 51. This is the Bread. v. 51. I am the Bread. v. 52. Is my Flesh. v. 55. My Flesh is meat . Let us go to the act , and in correspondence to the object , it 's also in the present , v. 51. If any man eat . Thus the Jews understood it , v. 52. How can this man give us his Flesh to eat ? And accordingly our Saviour answers , v. 53. Except ye eat , &c. ye have no life in you . He speaks it to those present , ye ; and then applies it universally , v. 54. Whoso eateth my Flesh , &c. Let us go to the thing signified by Eating and Drinking , and it 's after the same manner , v. 35. He that cometh , and he that believeth , v. 38 , 40 , 45 , 47. I shall conclude this with what was said in the Protestant Answer . If Christ's Flesh here spoken of , might be eaten , and his Blood drank out of the Sacrament , then it could not here be understood of that Flesh and Blood which our Author saith the Bread and Wine are converted into in the Sacrament ; nor , I may add , of carnal eating his Flesh , and drinking his Blood. Our Author resents this ill , for he saith , As to his carnal eating , we beg his pardon , if he means as we eat Beef , and other Meats . For that we truly and really receive the Body and Blood of Christ ( to use his own words ) after an Heavenly and Spiritual manner ; We should agree , did we not differ in this , that they receive it in Figure and Fancy only , and we receive it in Substance and Truth , Pag. 8. Here I acknowledg I intended no hurt in the world , but thought I had exprest my self innocently enough . For when I had read in the Catholick Answer , that in the ▪ Eucharist is Truly , Really , and Substantially contained under the Forms of Bread and Wine , the True Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus in the very Substance wherein he was born of the Virgin , and wherein he lived and died for us , with this difference only , that he was visible to the eye of Flesh then , and invisible to the same now . I thought the word carnal was expressive of the thing , and indeed I find no great reason to alter it : For , 1. had I said Metaphorically and Figuratively , that by no means would suit what is corporal . And besides , I learn too from our Author , Pag. 17. that that is a deceitful , fictious manner . 2. Had I said corporal , I see little distance betwixt that and carnal ; for as Body and Flesh is all one , so is corporal and carnal . 3. Had I chosen the word Spiritual , that 's a kind of contradiction , if applied to a Body ; for Spiritual eating of a Body is little better than bodily eating of a spirit . And when a Real Presence by Faith would not content them , if we deny a Real Presence by sense , Seeker , Pag. 6. I had as much reason to believe a Spiritual eating would be no more allowed than a Spiritual Presence . 4. Had I express'd it by Heavenly , when it was somewhat eaten and drank corporally , and that what we took with the mouth was the very Body of Christ , it could not be sufficiently expressive of it . It was further urged , Arg. 2. Upon mature Consideration of the whole , it appear'd to the Protestant Answerer , that the sense of Eating the Flesh of Christ in this place must be Figurative , and signifies no other than coming to Christ , and Believing in him ; which sure is out of the Sacrament , as well as in it . And this indeed he proved from the promiscuous use of the words in that Chapter ; but this our Author conceals from his Reader , that he might not too apparently contradict what he had said , Pag. 2. That he says ( by no Authority but his own ) that the sense of Eating the Flesh , must be Figurative ; and right or wrong they are Figurative , upon his own bare word , without Scripture . But as the Protestant Answerer argued from the words and phrases of the Chapter , so from the current of our Saviour's Discourse , that it could not be properly and literally understood . ( 1. ) Because then all that properly Eat the Flesh of Christ , would according to our Saviour's promise , v. 54. Have Eternal Life ; Whoso Eateth , &c. To this our Author answers , Very truel but with a qualification that recalls what he had granted . For it 's to be understood , saith he , of Worthy Receivers . But this is by no means consistent with our Saviour's Reasoning , which if the Flesh to be eat , and the Eating of it were to be understood properly , will necessarily infer the Salvation of all such as thus Eat after this manner ; as well unworthy as ●●worthy . Since all that Eat his Flesh , and drink his Blood , in the sense there meant , are the persons to whom Eternal Life is promised ; but if properly Eating his Flesh be the sense of our Saviour's Expressions there us'd , then we know what follows . 2. The Protestant Answerer urged further , That if the words Eating the Flesh , and Drinking the Blood , be properly to be understood , then the Receiving the Sacrament in both Kinds will be necessary to Salvation ; it being affirmed , v. 53. Except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of man , and drink his Blood , ye have no life in you ; and he shewed that for this reason , amongst others , Cardinal Cajetan would not admit that this Discourse of our Saviour belong'd to the Eucharist . What saith our Author to this ? Truly nothing . As to this , saith he , of both kinds , it doth not properly relate either to your request , or my Answer . A Reply that may be made in any case . He goes on , And besides , I do not see where the necessity lies of defining the Sacrament in both Kinds to one that believes ▪ it in neither . That is , as much as to say , I beg his pardon , I will not vouchsafe an Answer to such an one as he is ; but however , methinks he might have said somewhat , if it had been only for the satisfaction of the distressed Seeker , to whom he writes his Letter ; to let him see that there is no consequence in this Argument . It puzled Cardinal Cajetan , a man of sense and sagacity ; and surely the Seeker may then be led away by the error of it , and it may put off his Declaration for the Catholick Faith four Months longer . But there is no danger , it was not necessary to one that doth not believe ; but he declares he is ready to satisfie his Seeker , that is , one that doth believe , as we may conceive . I know not whether this may not have put our Author a little out of humour , for he cannot but abhor , he saith , to see men mould Gods Word into what Form they please , and make every thing a Figure , that doth not square with their Fancy . Is it because our Saviour spake some things by way of Parable , that all he said was such ? Or that he never spake otherwise ? How comes it that mean Capacities are ( by the Church of St. Martin's ) left to themselves , to judg of the true sense of Scripture , according to D. T. who tells you in his True Account of a Conference , That a man after using all Christian Means , and the help of all Ministerial Guides possible , must at last judg for himself . — A special Assertion indeed ! Which if true , what need of Teachers ? &c. Pag. 10 ▪ But how doth he mould the Word of God into what Form he pleases , that understands that Figuratively which was Figuratively spoken ? And to whom doth our Author speak when he thus Expostulates , Is it because our Saviour spake some things by way of Parable , that all he said was such ? Had he no other way to get clear of his Adversary , but to fix this upon him ? And had he no other way to meet with those that plead for the perspicuity of Scripture , but to tell the world , that they own our Saviour never spake otherwise than in Parables ? How mean and ridiculous is this ? But however this was a fair occasion as he thought to make a special Remarque upon the Doctrine taught by the Church of St. Martin's . Now here the Protestant Answerer is more immediately concerned as a Parishioner ( though one of the Mean Capacities there taught ) and would fain see how our Author would manage himself in a debate upon that Argument ; especially when after his Exclamation against it , he himself is forced to acknowledg the reasonableness of it . For if a man must not at last judg for himself ; or if so , that there will be no need of Teachers ; then it 's in vain to send Answers and Letters to a Seeker , and to propose Texts to his Examination : And yet in this special way doth our Author proceed from the beginning to the end of his Letter . He leaves it to his Seeker to pass sentence upon what has been said by either party , Pag. 1. Whether , saith he , this hath any reference , be you the Judg. Pag. 7 , 13. He desires him to consult the words , and see whether those Texts do imply , &c. Pag. 8. Seriously to distinguish and peruse the Texts , Pag. 33. So that it seems this special Assertion ought to be one of his own , who teaches his Seeker so far , after the same way as mean Capacities are taught by the Church at St. Martin ' s. To come to a close of this Argument ; the Protestant Answerer the better to represent his Adversaries weakness in decrying Figures and Parables , shewed him how this Discourse of our Saviour so abounded in them , that there were no less than twenty expressions of that kind in it ; and accordingly drew out several of them for our Author to try his skill upon , and to resolve them without a Figure , Pag. 8. First , saith he , Let the Catholick Answerer tell me without a Figure , what is that meat which endures to Everlasting Life ? Here our Author labours hard to prove that the meat in v. 27. is the Bread and Flesh , v. 51. and concludes , which Flesh , without a Figure , I humbly conceive is that meat which endureth unto Everlasting Life . But I as humbly conceive he has not reach'd the point ; for granting the Meat , the Bread , and the Flesh to be one and the same , yet how is the Flesh of Christ Bread and Meat without a Metaphor , when it 's only spiritually and not Corporally Eaten , as he saith , and when neither capable of digestion , nor we of nourishment by it ? Again , if this be Eaten only in the Sacrament , how can it under the Form of Bread endure to Everlasting Life , or how can it be Meat that thus endures , when it is not to be Eaten in Heaven , and all Sacraments and Institutions cease ? The other Questions were . How the Son was sealed by the Father ? How Jesus is Bread , and the Bread that came down from Heaven ? How the Bread and the Flesh of Christ could be the same ? v. 57. And if the same , how it could come from Heaven , when he was of the Seed of David , according to the Flesh ? How one of his Church can talk of a literal Sense of , [ except ye drink his Blood ] , which denies the Cup to the Laity ? To all these our Author returns a general Answer , As to his , How the Son was sealed by the Father , and the rest of his How 's ? they are such Jewish Expressions , as that all Christian pretenders ought to be ashamed of them . So the Jews said , v. 52. How can this man give us his Flesh to eat ? So Jewish it is to question God , how he could do it ? How this ? How that ? And so he runs on to the Creation , and Incarnation , &c. I am a little at a loss here , to what cause our Authors mistake is to be assign'd ? Surely he could not but understand that the How relates not to the manner , How these things be ? But , how these things could be thus applied to our Saviour without a Figure ? I am afraid that he saw the difficulty , and so slipt away from it ; for else , why should he answer directly to the first Query , which would more plausibly bear it ; and indirectly and fraudulently to the rest ? And yet , as if he had to a Demonstration proved what he had undertaken , and effectually confuted his Adversary , he will still have the words express and plain , without a Figure . For thus he concludes , p. 11. If these express and plain words of Christ be a Figure , where he says as plain , as plain can be , that he would give us Bread to eat , which should be his Flesh , [ but which I have shewed before , he did not say . ] I say , if these words are Figurative , and must not be properly understood , I see no Reasen , why the whole Bible should not be a Figure too . For if ever Christ was plain in any thing , 't was in this ; especially in a Point , wherein there was never more occasion to expound , if a Figure , than when the Jews ( to whom he came ) murmured and said , How can this man give us his Flesh to eat ? And when some of the Disciples said it was an hard saying , and thereupon walked no more with him . He that , in cases of less moment always explain'd his Parables , should yet be Dark and Figurative in this of that Importance , and which he well foresaw , occasions our differences at this day ; it would be contrary to his Wisdom and Goodness . But so far was Christ from this , that he confirms it , v. 53. With a verily , verily , except ye eat the Flesh , &c. I have transcribed this the more at large , because it contains some things very peculiar , and is indeed the utmost force of what he hath for his Defence . I Answer to this . 1. In General , it 's manifest , That our Saviour is not literally plain ; since it 's acknowledg'd that his Discourse is Figurative , from ver . 32. to ver . 51. And is it not strange , that when he had so long discours'd after that manner , that yet in one verse , he should mean literally , and which if literally understood , would be so manifest a Contradiction to the Sense and Reason of Mankind , that if he had literally said he was Bread , he could not have more astonished them , than when he said , except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of Man , &c. if properly and literally to be understood . 2. Whereas he saith our Saviour always explain'd his Parables ; that is too largely spoken . For even those , which he chuses out of Mark 3. 10 , 13 , 31 , were not expounded to the Multitude ; and if his Argument signify any thing , must therefore be properly understood by them . But why did not he propound the case in Dispute , and give us a like instance in figurative and metaphorical Expressions ; Such as our Saviour uses in this Chapter ? For , are Sealing , Hungring , &c. to be understood properly , because it 's not said , that they are to be understood Figuratively ▪ Nay , are eating his Flesh , and drinking his Blood , to be understood properly ? Then certainly , the Capernaits were in the right , that thought our Saviour spoke of carnal Eating , which yet our Author will not allow . 3. He saith , There was never more occasion to expound , if a Figure , than when the Jews murmured , and some of his Disciples went away ; and what he saw , occasions our Differences . ( 1. ) As for the murmuring of the Jews , there was no such occasion for our Saviour's expounding it ; For thus also they murmured , because that Christ said , I am the Bread that came down from Heaven , v. 41. And yet , tho he took notice of it , ver . 43. he thought not himself concerned to explain his meaning , where there might be more reason for their mistake , than there could be in this . Indeed our Saviour look'd upon them as an obstinate and intractable sort of People , and so did purposely conceal himself often , as was observed before , Mark 13. And this we are not without some light in , in the case before us . For this Discourse of his , was in the Synagogue , v. 59. and they were the same People that before were offended and cavilled , ver . 41 , 52. And therefore our Saviour left them in the Dark , tho afterwards , when his Disciples murmured , v. 60 , 61 , 63. he tells them , it was spiritually to be understood . ( 2. ) As for those Disciples , it doth not appear , that they walked no more with him , because they were offended at his saying , ( for that he explain'd it to them ) but because he gave an Intimation that he discovered their insincerity , v. 64. There are some of you that believe not ; and it follows , From that time many of his Disciples went back , &c. ( 3. ) Neither was there any such occasion for our Saviour's expounding himself from our differences ; If he had meant it properly , I grant there could never be more occasion , because it 's a Doctrine so contrary to the Sense and Reason of Mankind ; but when it 's not so explain'd , the Sense and Reason of Mankind may be thought a sufficient Security against mistake . And there might be as much reason for our Saviour to expound himself , when he saith , he is Bread , a Door , a Vine , a Rock . But all this while , our Author supposes our Saviour not to have explain'd himself . I grant it , he did not do it on their side ; but I think he has done it to all attentive and unprejudiced minds ; if they will either consult the foregoing part of this discourse , where he speaks of himself , under the Allusions of Bread and Flesh , v. 33 , 35 , 48 , 51. and of believing in him under the the Metaphors of Coming and Eating , v. 35 , 36 , 47 , 51 , 60 , 61 , 62. or if they consult the Conclusion , v. 63. where he tells his offended Disciples , It 's the Spirit that quickneth , &c. As if he had said , The eating my Flesh , and drinking my Blood , which I propound to you , is not as those cavilling Jews did misconstrue it ; and as you , I perceive , mistake ; for in that Flesh , I am to ascend into Heaven ; but it 's the heeding and obeying my Precepts , the receiving my Doctrine , and believing in me as your Redeemer , that I require , and you are to regard . And indeed , thus St. Peter understood him , who concludes almost in the same words , Lord , to whom shall we go ? Thou hast the words of Eternal Life . And we believe , &c. v. 68 , 69. 4. He saith , That Christ was so far from meaning otherwise than plainly , as he spake , that to the murmuring Jews he confirms it , v. 53. with a Verily , verily , I say unto you , Except , &c. Whereas in Parables be explained himself to them . That is , our Saviour meant plainly , because he did not explain himself . But , saith he , he confirmed it . What did he confirm ? Did he confirm the Literal sense ? That he did not before give , and so could not confirm . Or doth the Repetition of it without Explication shew it to be the Literal sense ? That he contends for . But then by parity of reason our Saviour meant properly , when he said , I am the Door . For it 's there said in confirmation of what was before : Verily , verily , I say unto you , I am the Door , Joh. 10. 1 , 7. But why did our Saviour repeat it ? Without doubt to shew that he spoke it not inconsiderately ; and if I add , to explain what he before said , it 's not without somewhat in the Text to countenance it . For before he spoke of himself under the notion of Flesh , v. 51 , 52. but then of Flesh and Blood , to intimate both the violence and manner of his Death ; which he did usually speak with more caution and reserve about . If we reflect upon what has been said , we see how unwarily ( I am loth to add more ) our Author delivers himself , when he saith , If these words are Figurative , I see no reason why the whole Bible should not be a Figure too . And if ever Christ was plain in any thing , it was in this . And , which I cannot recite without some indignation ; Should he explain himself in matters of less weight , and yet be dark in this great concern , is what would be contrary to his wisdom and goodness , p. 10 , 11. So that there shall be no sense or perspicuity in Scripture , nor wisdom and goodness in our Saviour , if their Doctrine be not his , and he be not of the same mind with them . Indeed after all our Author's confidence in this matter , and his questioning all things , if this be questioned : he determines that which the greatest Authority in his Church , the Council of Trent , would not determine . For when it had been sharply debated for and against these words being understood of the Eucharist , it was at last agreed for the satisfaction of both sides , neither to affirm nor deny it , and to yield to those that deni'd it , that they had Fathers and Doctors on their side . And thus the Council concludes ; However that Discourse ( of our Saviour's , Joh. 6. ) be understood according to the divers Interpretations of the Holy Fathers and Doctors , Sess 21. c. 1. Here our Author takes a great leap from Pag. 9. of the Answer , to Pag. 22. but because it 's not amiss , I shall follow him : The Protestant Answerer put it to them to give as plain Letter of Scripture to prove Christ was neither a Door , Rock , nor Vine , as he could that he was all Three : Or that all Christians are not turn'd into Christ's Natural Body , when it 's said Ephes. 5. 20. We are members of his Body . This he did to shew that the Phrases , Eating the Flesh , and , This is my Body , were not of themselves sufficient to enforce us to take them in a proper sense ; since it 's no more plainly said , Except ye eat the Flesh , &c. and , This is my Body ; than it 's said , I am the Door , The Vine , &c. Now what course doth our Author take to assoil this ? Let 's see , saith he , whether the parity 'twixt I am the Door , The Vine , &c. be the same with , The Bread is my Flesh , and , This is my Body , without ever explaining a Syllable to the contrary . Here he is a little too forward . For he is to remember that the thing requir'd is to give as plain Scripture to prove that Christ was neither a Door , nor Vine , &c. as there is for it . He knows who said it , I will prove the Catholick Doctrine of the Real Presence , and I defie the world to prove the contrary . Cath. Answ. to the Seeker , Pag. 1. and that declares again , It 's impossible to bring one Text out of the whole Bible to prove that the Body and Blood of Christ is not in the Sacrament , Cath. Letter , Pag. 24. If now he so expects , then it may be so expected from him , that he should prove the Negative , and that by as plain a Text he should shew Christ is not a Door or Vine , as we can shew that he is . I must confess I put him upon a Ridiculous Task , but who can help it , it 's in his own way . But to leave this trifling , let us return to see his parity ; though I doubt we shan't much better our selves . As for the Door , he saith , The Text tells us it was a Parable , Joh. 10. 6. This Parable spake Jesus . Wherefore if the Protestant Answerer would be so kind , as to produce plain Scripture for this of the Sacrament's being a Figure , as I have done for the Door 's being a Parable , he 'l certainly gain a Proselyte of me . As for gaining him a Proselyte by plain Scripture , I have reason to despair , who declares beforehand that though the Scripture were never so plain , he would yet submit to thi Determination of the Church , Pag. 4. But where is this plain Scripture for the Door 's being a Parable ? He points to the verse . But what was the Parable he spoke ? It 's in the Verses foregoing about a Door , I grant ; But not of Christ's being the Door ; for that follows after , Ver. 7. Then said Jesus unto them again , Verily , verily , I am the Door . So that if he keeps to his own way without explaining a Syllable , he is where he was , and Christ may be as properly a door , as we may properly Eat the Flesh of Christ. He goes on : In like manner of the Vine , Christ saith , Joh. 15. 1. I am the true Vine , and my Father is the Husbandman , as Mat. 20. 1. when he likened the Kingdom of Heaven to an Housholder ; and so goes on explaining the same , ver . 4. As the Branch cannot , &c. Which if you read the Chapter , you 'l find to be more plain . I perceive he is very serious , and I am of his mind , if the Seeker read on , he would find it plain , that Christ is not properly a Vine , and so say I , if he reads Joh. 6. he would find it as plain , that Eating the Flesh of Christ is not properly to be understood . But if words will oblige us without attending the sense , and we must take them as we find them without explaining a Syllable , then I say still it 's as plainly said , I am the true Vine , as my Flesh is meat indeed ; and according to our Author's way of Exposition , this can be no Parable . For , saith he , you 'l find in all cases Christ spake not by Parables without telling them it was so , Pag. 12. But here it 's not so said ; for as before , so after the words , v. 4. As the Branch , &c. he saith , v. 5. I am the Vine . He goes on : In like manner of the Rcck , That he was the Corner-stone , upon which the Foundation was laid , &c. But how doth he prove Christ was not properly a Rock according to his own way ? Because , saith he , he is a Corner-stone , and a Foundation , which is just as if he had been asked , how he would prove , without explaining a Syllable , Christ is not properly a Corner-stone , or a Foundation ; and he should say , because he is a Rock . But what saith he to the last Instance , to prove as plainly , Christians are not turned into Christ's Natural Body , when it 's said we are members of his Body , Ephes. 5. 20 ? To this an Answer is to be expected . Well , after all his windings and turnings , his Parities , and without explainings , and his reading , and his in like manners , and his Rules for understanding Parables , the words are as plain and express that Christ is a Door , a Vine , a Rock , and we are members of Christ's Body , as they are that we Eat the Flesh of Christ ; and if one be properly to be understood , there is as much reason from the meer words for the like understanding the other . After this Digression , our Author undertakes the last Argument of the Protestant Answerer , viz. Arg. 3. Here is nothing of the Conversion of the Bread into the Body of Christ ; but rather the contrary ; for if the words are Literally to be understood , then they would rather infer the conversion of Christ's Flesh and Blood into Bread and Wine , when he saith , I am the Bread of Life , v. 5. My Flesh is meat ( or Bread ) indeed . As to the first , which is the conversion of the Bread into the Body of Christ , and the chief thing proposed to him , he hath silently past it over ; perhaps he saw here also no necessity of defining or proving it to one that believes it not . But to make up this defect he gives his Adversary a grave Reprimend , that when he had just before said , that these words had no special Reference to the Sacrament , he should now so apply them , by an odd way of shufflng . And why did he not as sharply admonish him for offering to shew that the words might infer the conversion of Christ's Flesh into Bread ? For both alike belonged to him . Our Author it seems apprehended not all this was Argumentum ad hominem . But how doth he clear the Point , and shew they infer no such conversion ? First he saith , for proof whereof , [ That Christ's Flesh is not turn'd into Bread ] let us go to the words of Conversion , This is my Body . But , methinks , it would have better became him to have first proved the Conversion of the Bread into Flesh from these words . As for St. John , he grants that had the words been , My Flesh is Bread indeed , as his Adversary would fain have them , then he would have something on his side . But if that be the sense of it , and the words Bread and Meat are used by our Saviour promiscuously ; then it 's so far acknowledged . And for that I shall refer our Author to v. 26 , 27. but he will not allow v. 48. to look that way , nor indeed will I. But yet they will as soon prove Christ turned into Bread , as the words the Bread that I will give is my Flesh , will prove the Bread turn'd into his Flesh ; which they so little do , that they rather would imply the contrary , if understood literally , as I have shewed pag. 8 But he concludes , rather than differ , I 'le joyn in opinion with the Protestant Answerer , and these other Divines , and with him and them submit to the Determination of the Church . But where is this the opinion of the Protestant Answerer ? Surely our Author is like him in Aristotle , that where ever he went , fancied he saw himself . But what need is there to go to the Church in this case ? For I hope he will think sense and reason sufficient to instruct men whether those words will prove that Christ was turned into Bread : And we think sense and reason as sufficient to inform them whether the words of our Saviour will prove that Bread was turn'd into Christ's Flesh. I now thought this matter had been at an end , when the Protestant Answerer past from this Argument to the second Text. But our Author has not yet done with him . For he tells us , There is one Argument yet , on which the Gentleman seems much to depend ( pag. 9. ) When he says , Since if Christ be not , but where he intirely is , then ( says he ) he must be eaten intirely , &c. From whence he concludes the not being of Christ's Body in the Sacrament , because ( as he conceives ) he is not there intire , for reasons ( not Scripture ) of his own , p. 14. Bless me ! thought I , where am I now ? in the land of Oberon ? What shall I say ? he quotes pag. 9. I hastily turn'd thither , and there I was satisfied my memory had not yet forsaken me . The case is thus , the Answerer , as is before observed , to shew the absurdity of our Author's appealing to the mere Letter , put several Queries to him out of this Chapter , which he desired him to resolve in his own way , without going to Figures . The last of which was this , how he can literally interpret , ver . 57. [ He that eateth me ] that holds in the Eucharist is contained the true Body and Blood , together with the Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. — Since if Christ be not but where he intirely is , then he must be eaten intirely . This question amongst others was there drop'd by our Author ; and the reason is apparent , for he must either have acknowledged that the words He that eateth me , must be understood Figuratively and Spiritually , and not Corporally : Or else that the Soul and Divinity of Christ must be Eaten with his Body : Or that the Soul and Divinity of Christ are not in the Eucharist with his Body . The case , I confess , is hard to one that has somewhat else to respect than truth ; and therefore it became him to be silent . But why he should now bring it on the Stage under another guise , I can't imagin , when thus to resume it , and pervert it , must as much expose his insincerity as the omission of it before , did his inability to answer it . The Reader will see that the Argument and the conclusion are none of the Answerer's ; for that Proposition , where ever Christ is , there he intirely is , is a principle of our Author's , and which is there made use of against him that profess'd to believe with the same Faith he believes a God , that in the Eucharist is truly and substantially contained the true Body and Blood , together with the Soul and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ , Cath. Answ. to Seeker , p. 4. And where our Author found the Conclusion . I know not , for there is nothing in the Protestant Answer like to this , that from thence concludes the not Being of Christ's Body in the Sacrament , because he is not there intire . However it may not be amiss to see how our Author relieves himself : Saith he ; To which , I answer and grant , that Christ is not , but where he is intire . And whether Christ who is perfect God , may not be intire in the Sacrament , and in many places at one and the same time , is the Query ? which if fully resolved , will overthr●w all his reasoning Ware besides ? Well , how will he prove Christ intirely in the Sacrament ? That is , the true Body of Christ with the Soul and Divinity . That was forgot before , and so is not to be remembred ; but if it may be accepted for a full and intire Answer , he will prove his Body may be intire in many places at one and the same time . What he saith of that , belongs to another place , and shall there be considered , p. 29. But what is this to his Soul and Divinity ; and to the literal sense of he that eateth me , and the Argument the Answerer prest upon him ? He will be able to answer it , when he can prove his Proposition , that Christ is not , but where he is intire ; for then his Body must be Omnipresent as well as his Divinity , which after all the may be 's , and his attempts to prove it possible for Christ's Body to be in many places at one and the same time , I suppose he will have no allowance to publish , if he should have the imprudence to maintain . SECT . III. WE are at length come to his second Text to prove his Real Presence , viz. This is my Body . Here the Protestant Answerer shew'd how absurd the direction of the Seeker was , that his Answerers should produce their Texts , without troubling themselves to tell the meaning on 't , because he was certain that the Doctrine of Transubstantiation could never be the literal meaning of those words . As for example , saith he , Where is there one word , that the [ This ] whatever it means , is the true Body and Blood , together with the Soul and Divinity of Christ , in the self-same Substance wherein he was born of the Virgin ? Where that this true Body and Blood is truly , really and substantially contained under the Forms of Bread and Wine ? Where that the Bread and Wine are upon Consecration turned into the true Body and Blood of Christ ? Let us see how our Author replies to this , p. 17. Let us note his Where 's . Where , says he , is there one word ? Where that this true Body and Blood ? Where that the Bread and Wine are upon Consecration , turn'd into the True Body and Blood of Christ , &c. Which truly , are Where 's indeed ? But what 's become of the Soul and Divinity of Christ ? What of the self-same Substance wherein he was born of the Virgin ? What of the true Body , truly , really , and substantially contain'd under the Forms of Bread and Wine ? Which are what he profess'd firmly and truly to believe by the same Faith he believes a God ? And where ( to add another Where ) will he find these literally in the words , This is my Body ? He tells us one would think that so many Where 's were not without a Wherefore . And because the Gentleman desires to know the Where , he shall also know the When. Certainly now to the Confutation of Scotus and Biel , &c. and the confusion of all Hereticks , We shall have a plain discovery , and that in so many words we shall find the true Body and Blood , together with the Soul and Divinity of Christ , &c. For this go we to his when Jesus took Bread , &c. and said , This is my Body , Mat. 26. 26. Then it was , saith he , and , Here it is by power of these words of God , This is my Body , that the Bread is turned into the Body of Christ. This is indeed a submission to the Seeker 's direction to produce the words without a meaning , and it is so because it is so ; This is my Body , doth turn the Bread into the Body , because there are the words , This is my Body . I hope the Reader is satisfied , for in truth I am . The next thing proposed by the Prot. Answerer was , what the meaning is of This , in , This is my Body ? If , saith he , it be Bread , then the Bread is in the literal sense , the substance of Christ's Body , and so overthrows the change to be made in Transubstantiation . If by This , is not meant the Bread , then the Bread could never be turned into the Body of Christ by vertue of the words , This is my Body . Our Author readily answers , Ask the Question , What ? and our Saviour will resolve you , Mat. 26. 26. This is ( what ? ) my Body , he did not say , after he had blessed it , Say , Take , Eat , This is Bread , but my Body ; than which , nothing can be more plain , than that it was his Body . And to make all sure , he seriously proves it , because it 's not hic , but hoc est panis . It 's well 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Greek is of the same Gender with panis . But let us admit of this Learned Criticism ( though by the way let me observe for our Author's instruction , when the Article relates to the sentence , it 's to be put in the Neuter Gender ) the difficulty put , yet remains ; for if the This relates to Body , then the sense is , This Body is my Body . But saith he , let us suppose This to refer to Bread , It yet follows that it is his Body . But it follows also , as the Answerer argued , that then the Bread is the Substance of Christ's Body , according to the Letter ; and so could not be turned into it . So that our Author has left the difficulty as he found it . But because the Answerer here said , We have not Faith to believe that reason the Scripture hath not taught , he very subtilly argues after this manner : From whence , saith he , I gather , that notwithstanding all his Arguments to disprove the Real Presence , yet he hath not Faith ( though face ) to deny it . For that pag. 3. he tells you that besides their positive Articles , they have a great many Negative ones , [ and the Answerer tells you , for which we are beholden to the Corruptions and Innovations of the Church of Rome ] &c. For that he hath not faith to believe , what the Scripture hath not taught , that in the Eucharist is not contain'd the Body of Christ. The Gentleman therefore can have no Faith to deny it . A very quaint Argument ; which I shall dismiss with a parallel Instance . He that hath not Faith to believe that which the Scripture hath not taught , hath not Faith to deny that to be of Faith which the Scripture doth not teach : And therefore because Mahometism is not taught in Scripture , he hath not Faith to deny it . But this spirit of acuteness doth not last long , for having labour'd to find inconsistencies in the Doctrine of the Church of England as set down in the Answer , he blunders without end . He allows what our Church saith , That the Body of Christ is eaten in the Sacrament after an Heavenly and Spiritual manner ; but he adds , but this we believe to be a true and real manner , not a Deceitful , Figurative , or Fictitious manner . — If you grant it after a Spiritual manner , you must grant it there after a true manner . If Christ be there in Spirit , he is also there in Truth ; and if there in Spirit and Truth , all my Arguments are granted . I think not ; for the Church of England saith , it 's only after an Heavenly and Spiritual manner . So that though they do agree , where Christ is in Spirit , he is there in Truth ; yet I doubt me the word only alters the case , for he may be there in Spirit and in Truth , and yet not be Corporally there . And I question whether any thing less will satisfie our Author ; and so it appears ; For , saith he , Christ is there after such an Intire , Real and Substantial manner , as we believe , or he is in no manner there at all , p. 19 , 20. PART II. Sect. 1. HAving thus considered the Texts produced by the Catholick Answer to the Seeker , and shew'd how little they serve their Cause ; I shall proceed to the Second Part , and that is to vindicate the Texts produced in the Protestant Answer , from the Exceptions of our Author . Here our Author sets his Texts against those of the Protestant ; but it would have done well if he had first set down what it is he should prove on his own side , viz. That in the Eucharist is truly , really and substantially contained , under the Forms of Bread and Wine , the true Body and Blood , together with the Soul and Divinity of Christ in the same substance wherein he was born of the Virgin , and wherein he lived and died for us ; and this by the Conversion of the whole Bread into the Body , and the Wine into the Blood of Christ. If this had been done , how meanly would it have look'd ▪ though he brought his 24 Texts to prove it ? and surely he could not then have had the confidence to have said , as he now doth , I doubt not but it appears that the Texts brought on the Catholick [ Roman ] side are abundantly plain and sufficient for the Being of Christ's Body in the Sacrament , as thus set down . And it would doubtless have been some gratification to his Reader , if he had given us a Paraphrase as his Adversary had done , according to these his Sentiments . But here he saith that the Answerer pretends not to prove by these Texts that the Body and Blood of Christ are not in the Sacrament , p. 24 Why so ? Because it 's one of their Negative Articles , and to require plain and express words of Scripture to prove such a thing is not there taught , is , says he , to demand a proof , the thing is not capable of . — As if suppose there was not express words of Scripture to confute Arianism , therefore that could not be confuted by Scripture . It 's enough that what is not in Scripture is no Article of Faith ; it 's enough that there are such Propositions in Scripture as are sufficient to refute it , though there should not be express words . But however if he will take it in the words of our Article , and if it may be to his content , we shall find it positively said that Transubstantiation is repugnant to the plain words of Scripture . And we have our Author acknowledging that his Adversary undertakes to shew that the Protestants have the Letter of Scripture for them , meaning ( as he saith ) that in the Sacrament is Not contained the Body of Christ , p. 30. And now let us try whether the Answerer did not give them more than his bare word for it ; in the use he made of his own Quotations . As he observed from thence . SECT . II. 1. THat it 's no contradiction to our Saviour's manner of speaking , to interpret these words Figuratively , since our Author after all his Exclamations of giving Christ the Lie , is forced ( tho here he slips over it ) elsewhere to acknowledg that the Cup , yea and the word Bread , is so used , p. 28. 2. That in many Instances the Letter of Scripture is for us : As , Arg. 1. That there is no Substantial change in the Elements , but they remain the same Bread and Wine after Consecration as before . So it 's five times call'd Bread , 1 Cor. 10. 26 , &c. and the whole Solemnity is call'd Breaking of Bread , Act. 2. 42. To this our Author replies several ways , as , By the word Bread , saith he , is meant the Communion of the Body of Christ , as by the word Cup is signified the Communion of the Blood of Christ , p. 24. But to this I answer , 1. That if the words Bread and Cup are not to be understood Literally , but with a thereby is meant , and thereby is signified , then there is no more reason from the bare words to understand , This is my Body Literally : And that it may be as well interpreted , This is the Representation , and Sign of my Body , as this Bread is the Communion of my Body . 2. From hence it follows , That if the Bread be the Communion of the Body of Christ , as the Cup is the Communion of the Blood of Christ , then the Bread is no more changed than the Cup ; but as the Cup remains the Cup , so the Bread remains the Bread in the Communion . 3. If the Bread be the Communion of the Body of Christ , then the Communion of the Body of Christ is in the Communion of the Bread ; and so the Bread is still Bread. 4. Our Author has not touched the Point , which was to shew the Letter of Scripture is for us , when it calls it Bread after Consecration . But he saith , Saint Paul mentions not the words , Cup and Bread , but he explains them to be the Body and Blood of Christ , 1 Cor. 11. 26. As often as ye eat this Bread , ye do shew the Lords death , which was not shewn , but by offering up his True and Real Body and Blood. I answer , so we may better say he mentions not the Body of Christ , but he explains it , when he five times afterwards calls it Bread : But how doth the shewing of the Death of Christ prove the Bread to be his Body , when it rather proves it not to be his Body , because his Body is not , according to them , visible , and to be shewn ? He saith further , How could they be guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord , v. 27. if the Body and Blood be not there ? I answer , As persons may be guilty of it out of the Sacrament : Thus we read Heb. 6. 6. Who crucifie to themselves the Son of God afresh . And Chap. 10. 29. Who trod under foot the Blood of the Covenant . And so by unworthy receiving of the Lords Supper , in which his Death was Commemorated and Represented , they after the same manner were by Interpretation guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord. And this the next ver . 29. shews , not discerning the Lords Body ; which can be understood only of a Spiritual discerning by Faith. Or rather as the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies , discriminating . Lastly , he adds , 'T would be hard a sinner should be damn'd meerly for moderate eating and drinking Wine ; for according to the Protestant Answerer , the Sacrament is no more , who tells you , p. 11. There is no other Substance distributed among the Communicants , than that of Bread and Wine . 1. But if our Author had gone three or four Lines further , he would have found those words , pag. 11. The Body of Christ is not otherwise present than it is eaten , that is , after an Heavenly and Spiritual Manner , in the Spiritual Blessings and effects of his Merits and Sufferings in his Body , to those that believe . So that he prevaricates , when he saith , Sinners are damn'd meerly for moderate eating and drinking , and that we esteem the Sacrament no more . 2. We look upon it as a Divine Institution , and by virtue of that Institution a means of Grace ; and that by a worthy participation of it , we partake of that Grace which is thereto promised , therein exhibited , and thereby conveighed , as it 's there declared , p. 17. and consequently the damnation threatned is to the contempt of God's Ordinance , and of the Sufferings of Christ therein represented , and of the Grace of God purchased by those Sufferings , and therein to be obtained . The Answerer shew'd , also as the Bread , so the Wine was without alteration , from Mat. 26. 28. who after he had said , This is my Blood , calls it the Fruit of the Vine . And from the order in St. Mark 14. 23 , 24. where the Apostles are said to have drank of it , before our Saviour said , This is my Blood. This Branch of the Argument our Author divides from the other , and casts it forward three or four Pages , Pag. 28. for it gave too much light to the other , whilst they were together . As to the former Text , I will not drink of the fruit of the Vine , he saith , St. Luke gives the plainest order of it , Chap. 22. 14. and that there it has relation to the Paschal Cup. I grant , that in St. Luke it more immediately is joyn'd to the Paschal Feast , but yet in St. Matthew and Mark , Christ is said to have spoke these words after the delivery of the Cup in the Lords-Supper . And the least that can be observed from hence is , that it was indifferently to be applied to either ; and so it more strongly argues that it was alike to be understood [ that the Wine in the Eucharistical Cup was the natural fruit of the Vine , as that in the Paschal ] as that the substance of both was one and the same , and no more change in the one than the other . But , suppose this , yet , saith he , the meaning of these words could in no wise be applied to the Substance of Wine proceeding from an Earthly Vine ; but to the Substance of his Blood , the fruit of the Heavenly Vine , for that it was to be drank new with them in his Father's Kingdom , which is Heaven , where they neither keep Taverns , nor drink Wine , &c. Some persons while they charge others with irreverence , themselves seem to have lost all due reverence for holy things . We will suppose , in favour of our Author , that by the Kingdom of God our Saviour means Heaven , and by the Fruit of the Vine , he means the Substance of Christ's Blood ; yet how will it follow that it 's the same Fruit of the Vine they drink of in Heaven as they drank of in the Sacrament ; since the Blood of Christ is no more drank in Heaven , than Wine ; nor is the Sacrament any more administred there , than the Passover ? So that if by the Kingdom of God , Heaven is to be understood , then the phrase , Till I drink it new , signifies Mystically and Figuratively according to the manner of Scripture , which sets forth the happiness of that state by eating , Mat. 8. 11. Luk. 14. 15. and the excellency and perfection of it by the word New , Revel . 14. 13 , &c. And so the meaning is , I shall not henceforth thus eat with you ; the next Festival I shall observe , will be in Heaven ; there we that have now thus eat and drank together , shall partake of the felicity of that state ; and this fruit of the Earthly Vine shall be exchanged for Rivers of Heavenly Pleasures , which we shall there be entertained with . The next thing observed by the Answerer in proof of the Substance of the Wine continuing so after Consecration , was from the order observed in St. Mark 14. 23. where it 's said the Disciples drank of the Wine , before our Saviour said , This is my Blood. Here our Author thinks himself excus'd from an Answer , because of an Error in the Press , Body being put for Blood. But if he turned to the Text , he might see that place was quoted right , and common sense would serve to rectifie it . However he courteously offers somewhat in the mean time , by way of Answer , viz. Whether St. Mark expresseth the words in the same order as they were spoken or no , it matters not ; seeing he has the Substance of what was said , and wherein they all agree ; to wit , that it was his Blood. And it 's also apparent that Christ first gave thanks , and blessed it , before he gave it , &c. pag. 29. But doth it not matter whether St. Mark expresseth the words in order ? Certainly if the order he recites it in , were the order observed by our Saviour , and that the Apostles received the Cup , and drank of the Wine before the words of Conversion ( as they call them ) were used , then it follows ( as the Answerer argued ) that they only drank of the Substance of the Wine , and that the words , This is my Blood , could not signifie , and much less produce a Conversion of the Wine into the Blood of Christ. This our-Author was sensible of , and therefore in his Answer left out the main part of it . For what tho all the Evangelists agree that the words , This is my Blood ; were then used by our Saviour ? What though Christ first gave thanks , and blessed it , before he gave it , if he did not also use the words of Conversion , before he gave it ? For all the rest he might do , and yet the Wine be Wine still ( as they own . ) But thus it was , if St. Mark is right in the order , and it seems to be the proper order , because he only speaks of the particular , that they all drank of it . But we are not to have any thing to the purpose till ( as he saith ) the Bill be amended , and that I take for his best Answer . Arg. 2. The Protestant Answerer shewed the Letter of Scripture is for us , that our Saviour's Body had the natural and inseparable Properties of a Body , such as Extension , Circumscription , &c. p. 15. Here our Author calls in the Faith of a Christian , and the Almighty Power of God to his Succour ; and looks upon the Answerer as a second Didymus , because he will , like him , not believe except he sees ; and worse than him , who saw but the Humanity , yet believed the Divinity of Christ , p. 30. But why all this , when he believes all the Scripture teaches , and reason it self justifies ? May not a man believe , unless he believes contrary to what he himself sees , and the Scripture teaches ? Or why is he worse than Thomas , when Thomas would not believe unless he saw ? But the Answerer is one of those ( Thanks be to God ) whom our Saviour pronounced Blessed , That have not seen , and yet have believed . What is there he would have him believe ? It is what was never put to Thomas , for our Saviour convinced him by an ocular Demonstration , Joh. 20. 27. Reach hither thy finger , and behold , &c. As much as if he had said , The Resurrection is real , for it 's a real Body that is before thee ; and it 's my Body , for reach hither thy finger , &c. It 's plain our Saviour here thought he gave an unquestionable Proof of the Truth of his Resurrection by shewing his Body to Thomas , which could not have been , had not his Body had the properties of an human body , without which it could not have been a Body ; or which if it had been without , Thomas could not have been convinced in that way , that it was his Body . But our Author here undertakes to prove , that this was not the Condition of our Saviour's Body ; or , that he could by his power separate these essential Properties of a Body from his Body . Here I must confess my self indebted to him for an answer to what he offered to this purpose before , but not to the purpose of the Argument there , and here repeats . Pray , saith he , how was his Body to be seen , Extended , Finite , and Circumscribed , when he pass'd through Walls and Doors that were close ? John 20. 17. He entred the room , the Doors being shut . — How came he through ? Was his Body Intire , Extended , Finite , and Circumscribed with Limbs , Bones , and Sinews ? — Such is the Infinite Power of God , that though they were inclosed in walls every where a Mile thick , 't would yet be possible for Christ to enter intire through all , p. 15. Here is one thing omitted , and that is to prove , that as the Doors were shut , when they assembled , for fear of the Jews ( as the Evangelist saith ) so they were not opened by Christ , when he came and stood in the midst of them ; till which be proved , we shall say the letter of Scripture is for us , and that Christ's Body had Flesh and Bones , might be beheld and felt , and did neither come through the Walls , nor indeed could do , so long as it remains true that the Penetration of Dimensions is impossible . But I had need to recal this ; for I am for ever silenced if what he saith be true , that the Answerer argues perfidiously of Christ , as if he were not God , not distinguishing betweeen his Glorious Body and ours ; for as God , all things are possible to him . But where is that perfidiousness , since no more is denied to Christ , than is to God ? For because all things are possible to God , doth he think that it 's perfidious to say , that it 's not possible for God to be ignorant or unfaithful , or circumscrib'd , and so to exist after the manner of a Body ? Or doth he think it 's perfidious to say , it 's impossible to make the Body of Christ to have been existent in different times , and really to have been existent before it was existent , and yet not to be existent till it was ? Or is it perfidious to say , it 's impossible to make the circumscribed Body of Christ to be Omnipresent ? The last he seems to affirm by his often repeated Maxim , That Christ is not but where he is intire , and placing therein the Difference between Christ's Glorious Body and ours . But of that more anon . Our Author , as he would prove the Body of Christ might lose all the Properties of a Body , so also that it might be contained under the Forms of Bread and Wine , that is , to all appearance it might have all the Properties of those Elements , and yet be none of them , but the Body of Christ alone . And this he reasons upon , after this manner , Where is the difficulty to believe but this may be , as the Holy Ghost under the Form of a Dove , with Feather , Beak , Wing , and all the properties of a Fowl ? Or in the Form of Tongues of Fire ? Both which to our eyes were but as a perfect Dove , and as perfect Tongues ; yet those different objects to the eye of Flesh , were but one Holy Ghost to the Eye of Faith. Therefore nothing can be more plain than that Objects may be one thing to the Eye of Flesh , and another thing to the Eye of Faith. So in the Sacrament , to our sight and tast is plain Bread and Wine , but to our Faith ( in Gods word ) it is the Real and Intire Body and Blood of Christ. An instance and inference not at all to the purpose . For the Question is not , Whether a Spiritual Being may not be under the appearance of a Body ? for so it was with the Angels when they appeared as men , and the Holy Ghost when it appeared like a Dove . Neither is the Question , whether an Object may be one thing to the eye of Flesh , and another to the eye of Faith ? for so our Saviour appear'd to be man , and yet was God as well as man. All which yet is besides the matter , for in these cases there is an invisible Being under a visible representation , or an Invisible Being in union to a visible . But here are two objects visible in their own nature , viz. the Body of Christ , and Bread ; and the one of these so turn'd into the other , that there are all the Properties of a visible Being , which is not there , viz. Bread ; and none of the properties of that visible Being which is there , viz. the Body of Christ. So that the question should be thus propos'd , Whether what is an object of sense , may have all the properties of another sensible object , without being that thing which they are the properties of ; and none of the properties belonging to its own nature and being ? Arg. 3. The Protestant Answerer shew'd , that the Letter of Scripture is for us , that the Body of Christ as it ascended , so is to continue in Heaven till the conclusion of the world ; and so cannot be in Heaven and Earth at the same time . This our Author calls a barren conceit ; but as barren as it is , it is true , and has Scripture and Reason on its side , notwithstanding what he has objected to the contrary . The first Argument he offers in Answer to this is , that he is a perfect and omnipotent-God . And that he may be , and yet not reconcile contradictions ( as has been just before shewed . ) He confirms it by Scripture , Mat. 18. 20. c. 28. 20. Where two or three are gathered together in my name , there am I in the midst of them . And if there , he is there intire , or not at all , p. 15. & 32. But when Christ promised to be in the midst of them , did he promise to be there Corporally ? If bodily , I would fain know under what Form he is there ? And if he be intire where ever he is , and yet he is every where as God , then the Body of Christ must be as Omnipresent as his Divinity ; and so there would be no need , nor indeed possibility of his Descending . He adds , Our Saviour is not so confined in Heaven , as that he cannot also be upon Earth ; for we read that he Descended and overthrew Saul in the way to Damascus , and spoke to him , Act. 9. 4. And he may be actually present without being seen , for the men with Saul saw no man , v. 7. By all which it 's plain , that Christ may be in Earth , and in many places at the same time , as well as in Heaven . But to this I answer , ( 1. ) It 's not certain that the Apostle saw , or that Christ appeared to his Fleshly eye . For elsewhere he is said to see him in a trance , Act. 22. 17. and here v. 4. to fall on the Earth ; and so God is said to be seen , when yet there was no similitude , Exod. 24. 10. Deut. 4. 12. ( 2. ) If he was seen bodily , yet it 's not said , as our Author would have it , that he Descended , and was bodily present . But it might be as with St. Stephen , who looked up to Heaven , and saw Jesus standing on the right hand of God , Act. 7. 55. And so here v. 3. it 's said , that there shined round about ( St. Paul ) a light from Heaven . ( 3. ) Much less is there so much as any intimation of what our Author saith , that Christ was Bodily in Heaven and the Earth at the same time . For if he was in in the one , it 's certain he was not Bodily in the other . And this our Author unwittingly acknowledges , when he saith Christ descended and overthrew Saul . So Vigilius Tapsitanus , When the Body of Christ was in the Earth , it was not in Heaven ; and now because it is in Heaven , 't is not in the Earth . Arg. 4. The Answerer argued on , That the Letter is for us , that Christ was but once offered as a Propitiatory Sacrifice , &c. that his Body is Glorified and so not to be offer'd , Heb. 9. 28 , &c. But to this our Author has made no Reply . SECT . III. FRom hence the Prot. Answerer proceeded to shew , that as the Letter of Scripture is for us , so are the words which are Figurative , as in those , This is my Body , p. 16. The method was here orderly and distinct , but our Author runs one into another . I shall gather up what he saith as well as I can . The Arguments by which the Answerer proved those words to be Figurative , are as followeth . Arg. 1. From the word This , which if to be understood of the Bread , Bellarmine grants , then the word Body must be Figuratively understood . And that it was the Bread , at least in conjunction with the other acts relating to it , the Answerer shew'd , which our Author le ts pass . Arg. 2. The Answerer argues , if the words are to be understood literally and properly , when these words were said by our Saviour , then the Body would be broken , before it was broken . To this our Author answers , ( 1. ) P. 26. Though his Natural Body be there , yet the manner of it's Being is Spiritual and Sacramental , and the manner of its Breaking follows the manner of its Being ; his Body is there Broken in the Sign , not the Substance . I answer , That to speak of a Body's being after the manner of a Spirit , is as much as to say on the contrary , A Spirit exists after the manner of a Body : that is , That Body may be a Spirit , and a Spirit a Body . 2. If the Body be in the manner of its Being only Spiritual and Sacramental , and the breaking in the manner of its breaking be only Spiritually , then why not the Body be only Spiritual and Sacramental ? Or why should we any more profess our selves Jews or Infidels ( as he would have it ) to doubt , whether , nay to affirm , what Christ said was improper and Metaphorical , when we say , This is my Body is to be understood Figuratively and Spiritually , than it 's to say ( as he doth ) it 's broken spiritually ; since , as the Answerer observ'd it 's as well said , This is broken , as This is my Body : And our Author saith , the manner of its being and breaking , are Spiritual and Sacramental , Mystical and Representative ? 3. But this is besides the case ; for the Question is not about the manner of Breaking , but how Christ could say , This is Broken ( if not Figuratively understood ) before it was broken . But to this we are to expect an Answer . But he adds ▪ ( 2. ) Moreover these words [ which is broken ] do prove ( as the Holy Catholick Church always did , and ever will hold ) it to be a true , proper Sacrifice ; for the being broken , explains the Nature of a Sacrifice , which imports the destruction of the thing offered , if corruptible and liable to destruction : But the Body of Christ being Incorruptible and Immortal , can't be really hurt , therefore the manner of breaking , is only Mystical and Representative . Setting aside that what he saith concerning the Catholick Church , is spoken Gratis , I answer , If the nature of a Sacrifice imports the destruction of the thing offered , if corruptible and liable to destruction , then the Body of Christ must have been destroy'd ( if a proper Sacrifice ) before it was destroy'd ; for the Body of Christ ( when Christ spoke these words , This is my Body ) was certainly liable to destruction . And so he has fastned the Objection , instead of answering it . ( 3. ) He concludes , If this manner of Breaking , pleases not the Gentleman ( as in truth it doth not , and he has now given his Reasons for it ) let us see whether the Body of Christ were not otherwise Broke before he instituted the Sacrament . Now his Body was pierced , and Blood spilt at his Circumcision , followed by unspeakable Pains , restless Labours , &c. What his Agony in the Garden ? What his being crowned with Thorns and Bloody Whipping at the Pillar ? — Wherefore with Truth our Saviour might have said of his Body [ which is broke ] without supposing any thing improper or untrue . 1. What doth our Author mean when he saith he would see , Whether the Body of Christ were not otherwise broken before he instituted the Sacrament : And instances in his Agony in the Garden , his crowning with Thorns , and whipping ? Doth he think these were before the Sacrament ? 2. If this was the meaning of our Saviour , when he said , This is my Body which is broken , that he was Circumcised , and in an Agony , &c. then where is the Sacrifice , which he saith , imparts the destruction of the thing ? Which these things were neither literally nor mystically . Arg. 3. The Answerer urged , that Jesus himself then took the Bread , &c. when he said , This is my Body , and yet Jesus had at that time a Body which was not broken , &c. no not so much as mystically . So that the same Body was whole and broken . Here our Author is silent . Arg. 4. He argued from the words , Do this in Remembrance of me , which supposes absence ; and therefore an Institution set up in remembrance , and yet in which the Body was to be actually present , is to suppose the Body to be absent and present at the same time . To this he answers . 1. That those words no way relate to the Laity , who only receive the Sacrament , but to the Priests , who consecrate and administer , for it 's no where said , This Eat , This Take , This Receive , but , This Do. A. 1. If this be so , then there is no command to the People to receive . 2. To whom did the Apostle write his Epistle , but to Laity as well as Priests . 3. Surely he did not read 1 Cor. 11. 24. where the Apostle saith , Take , Eat , This is my Body . This do ; What ? but , Take , Eat ; so v. 25. This do ye , as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me . This do : What ? but , Drink this . But after all , what is this to the Argument ? For whether these Words were spoke to the Laity or Priests , relates not to the Case ; but the Question is , Whether Remembrance of Persons , is in its true Notion consistent with Presence ? To this he answers , The Seeker unanswerably observed , that the Remembrance of its Being , doth no way make it cease to be . A wise Observation ! But what then ? Doth it not suppose the Absence of the thing ? This he saith is a weak piece of Sophistry , as if , saith he , my Remembrance of your being with me , when Present , did any wise suppose your Absence from me . But I thought , with the rest of Mankind , that Remembrance and Sight are as distinct in their notion , as Absence and Presence ; and that I may as well see what is Absent , as remember what is Present : What is Present we see and know , but what is Unseen and Absent , we remember . After all , we see that the Author has left no Rule to direct a true Seeker to , no Guide to direct him , no Arguments to settle his wavering mind ; and if there be not a better Rule , Guide , or Arguments than he has offered toward his Conviction , there is no help for it , but the Seeker must live and dye a Seeker . It 's impossible to convince a man that has Sense and Reason , that he must not use them , and that whatever use they may be of in Temporal Matters , they ought to be of none in Religion : and he that will undertake this difficult task , must either prove he doth not contradict himself when he will shew and refer him to the Letter of Scripture , and wish him to use his Eyes to see it , And his reason to judg of it ; or else he must prove that both parts of a Contradiction may be true . And having brought our Author hither , I may safely leave him , and conclude his Argument , together . FINIS . ERRATA . PAg. 10. lin . 21. for Seeker pag. 6. [ Seeker pag. 6. ] with Braces . P. 27. l. 32. for whe r. where . ADVERTISEMENT . Transubstantiation contrary to Scripture ; or the Protestant's Answer to the Seeker's Request . An Apology for the Pulpits ; being in Answer to a late Book , Intituled , Good Advice to the Pulpits . Together with an Appendix , containing a Defence of Dr. Tenison's Sermon about Alms ; in a Letter to the Author of this Apology . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A66413-e690 Cath. Letter to a Seeker , p. 1. and 34. Eccl. Hist. l. 1. c. 8. Part. 1. Sect. 1. Sect. 2. Sect. 3. Part 2. Sect. 1. Sect. 2.