Jeremy Taylor against the Ritualists (III)

Quest. Whether, without all danger of superstition or idolatry, we may not render divine worship to our blessed Saviour, as present in the blessed sacrament, or host, according to his human nature in that host?

Answ. We may not render divine worship to Him (as present in the blessed sacrament according to his human nature) without danger of idolatry: because He is not there according to His human nature ... He is present there by his divine power, and his divine blessing, and the fruit of his body, the real effective consequents of his passion: but for any other presence, it is "idolum," it is nothing in the world. Adore Christ in heaven; for the heavens must contain Him until the restitution of all things. And if you in the reception of the holy sacrament worship Him whom you know to be in heaven; you cannot be concerned in duty to worship Him in the host (as you call it).

From Jeremy Taylor's 'Three Letters to a Gentleman that was Tempted to the Communion of the Romish Church', Letter III.

(See the previous posts in what will be a short series, 'Jeremy Taylor against the Ritualists'.)

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laudable Practice

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