Chapter 16: The Inexplicable Absurdities of Transubstantiation
of their own Canon. But we know that then the sacrament is, when we do those things which Christ did and commanded to be done: but He not only spake those words, but He also gave thanks, He brake the bread, He did eat, and He reached it unto others to eat. And whereas there be many things here, all do concur with the truth of the sacrament, neither must any of these things be intermitted.
I pass over that they be ignorant whether consecration be had in the words of Christ or in prayers. Further, they set themselves in great peril. For it may be that an ill sacrificer or false worker doth not speak the words, doth change or invert them. Moreover, seeing an intent (as they speak) of him that consecrateth is required: it might be, that he in doing of these things thinketh nothing at all of consecration, and perhaps that he is minded not to have it done.
Chapter 16:
The Inexplicable Absurdities of Transubstantiation They fall into many absurdities, and those inexplicable: for therein they affirm that there may be a body, and that in infinite places together and at one very time. But they say that this is no hindrance unto them, because though the body of Christ be there, yet it is not by way of quantity. And this is to be wondered at: how they place a body and a quantity, and to be truly present, and yet not by way of quantity. And seeing they affirm Him to be truly present, and corporally, and carnally as they say, but not locally, who perceiveth not that these be arguments invented to deceive?
They object that this was given to the human body of Saint Ambrose, who being at Milan was present at Tours in the funerals of Saint Martin, and