Dissertation on the Most August Sacrament of the Lord's Body and Blood

...when they Referring to the scriptural testimonies mentioned on the previous page. provide support, something may always be deduced from them as if from premises The starting points of a logical argument from which a conclusion is drawn.. This will be done by way of a subjoined conclusion—and distinctly so, whenever the order of the argument seems to require it—so that the discourse might become perfectly Theological. However, whenever these passages only serve the function of individual paragraphs, they should be joined to another statement as a primary principle; the reasoning for this method was explained in the Preface to the first dissertation on justification original: de iustificatione; the theological process by which a person is deemed righteous in the eyes of God..

Once the testimonies of Holy Scripture original: SS. Litterarum have been properly arranged according to the order of doctrine, and clearly explained with a genuine interpretation whenever necessary, the sharp wits of our adversaries In the context of this period, "adversaries" usually refers to Protestant reformers or those contesting Catholic dogma. might be dazzled if they look upon them—not with the intent that they be harmed, but rather that they might be illuminated and corrected. I shall subjoin solutions to the replies regarding either the literal word or the intended sense; at the same time, I will explain those passages of Holy Scripture which they abuse against Orthodox doctrine In this 17th-century context, "Orthodox" refers to the "right-teaching" or official doctrines of the Catholic Church., and I will respond to other objections, especially those of more recent authors.

I have judged that these two things ought to be distinguished for this reason: the words of the Holy Page Holy Page [Sacra Pagina]: a traditional Scholastic name for the Bible, emphasizing its status as the sacred and foundational text of theology. do not seem to be rightly called the "objections of Heretics" or of any others deviating from the Orthodox faith. Indeed, none of those passages favors them or their errors; rather, they all fight on behalf of the Catholic religion and for us, as will be shown distinctly in the appropriate places.

I will also subjoin from time to time the testimonies of General Councils and the Holy Fathers The influential bishops and theologians of the early Christian Church, such as Augustine or Jerome.. For the illustrious documents of pious antiquity are far more excellent than ancient medicines; for the latter gradually lose their strength and scent, but the former never do.