Of Both Kinds in the Sacrament

1] To the laity are given Both Kinds in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, because this usage

has the commandment of the Lord in Matt. 26, 27: Drink ye all of it, 2] where Christ has

manifestly commanded concerning the cup that all should drink. 3] And lest any man should

craftily say that this refers only to priests, Paul in 1 Cor. 11, 27 recites an example from which

it appears that the whole congregation did use both kinds. 4] And this usage has long

remained in the Church, nor is it known when, or by whose authority, it was changed;

although Cardinal Cusanus mentions the time 5] when it was approved. Cyprian in some

places testifies that the blood was given to the people. 6] The same is testified by Jerome,

who says: The priests administer the Eucharist, and distribute the blood of Christ to the

people. Indeed, Pope Gelasius 7] commands that the Sacrament be not divided (dist. II., De

Consecratione, cap. Comperimus). 8] Only custom, not so ancient, has it otherwise. But it is

evident 9] that any custom introduced against the commandments of God is not to be

allowed, as the Canons witness (dist. III., cap. Veritate, and the following chapters). 10] But

this custom has been received, not only against the Scripture, but also against the old Canons

11] and the example of the Church. Therefore, if any preferred to use both kinds of the

Sacrament, they ought not to have been compelled with offense to their consciences to do

otherwise. And because the division 12] of the Sacrament does not agree with the ordinance

of Christ, we are accustomed to omit the procession, which hitherto has been in use.