sanctified,"and that there is therefore now" no more offering for sin."
What then are the "sacrifices of Masses" spoken of in the Article?
"Mass" means the Holy Eucharist; and it was supposed that the priest was able to make it available for the sins of any particular person he chose; and consequently many thought they could be for given their sins by merely " hearing mass and being blessed with the chalic;" and persons paid priests for celebrating the mass for the remission of the pain and guilt of their departed friends.
Why are these practices called " fables?" Because they rest upon no solid foundation.
Why "blasphemous?"
Because they have a tendency to lessen in men's minds the value of the atonement which Christ made.
Why are they called "dangerous deceits?"
Because there was found to be danger of their deceiving men, by leading them to suppose that they could be delivered from punishment by the sacrifice of the mass, without any repentance.
Why then is Christ called our great High Priest now?
Because He pleads the merits of the one Sacrifice of the Cross before His Father in heaven. Hebrews vii. 24, 25.
When does He do this especially?
When we celebrate the Sacrament of our redemption.
