hath bestowed a remedy of life even on those who reason, but it is also found enjoined in numerous coun- The custom of reserving the holy Eucharist in a carefully reserving it for this purpose in Churches, may, after baptism, have delivered themselves over to Chap. 7.] them, and whose sins you shall retain, they are re- RESERVATION OF THE EUCHARIST The Lord principally instituted the sacrament of THE SACRAMENT OF PENANCE sacred place is so ancient, that even the age of the God, who knoweth our frame, being rich in mercy, the death of Christ is applied to those who have fallen the servitude of sin and the power of the devil the Council of Nicea recognised that usage. Moreover, as sacrament, to wit, of Penance, by which flhe benefit of Church. [Session 13, Chap. 6.] clear, the consent of all the Fathers has ever understood, Penance when, after his resurrection, he breathed cils, and is a very ancient observance of the Catholic to carrying the sacred Eucharist itself to the sick, and 44 ROMAN CATHOLICISM after baptism. upon his disciples, saying : Receive ye the Holy not only is it exceedingly conformable to equity and Ghost ; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven tained. By which action so signal, and words so