to speak of the Eucharist, or of some other mystery, they did it in obscure and enigmatical terms." Manners of the Christians, c. XV.-Abundant proofs of this discipline are found in the works of the Holy Fathers. Of these I will select two or three from each of the five first centuries, beginning with the fifth, which will shew, that the Discipline of the Secret was observed in the Church, from the epoch of the Council of Ephesus up to the days of the Apostles.
CENT. V.
S. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA, G. C.-In answer to the objections of Julian the Apostate, he contents himself with saying, that“ these mysteries are so profound, and so exalted, that they are intelligible to those only who have faith; and that therefore he shall not undertake to speak of what is most admirable in them, lest by discovering the mysteries to the uninitiated, he shall offend Jesus Christ, who forbids us to give what is holy to dogs, and to cast pearls before swine." T. 111. p. 173. Basileæ, 1566. .
S. AUGUSTIN, L. C.-In his discourses before Catechumens, and in such writings as might fall into their hands, he cautiously conceals from them the mystery of the Eucharist. His ordinary expression is, the faithful know it; calls it, “ the Sacrament known to the faithful, made from corn and wine," Sermon iv.on Jacob and Esau;—and tells the Catechumen Honoratus, that “when once he has been baptized, he will know where, when, and how the great Sacrament, the sacrifice of the new law is offered.”—“Ask a Catechumen," he says, “ if he eats the flesh of the Son of Man, and drinks his blood ? he knows not what you mean,—the Catechumens know not what the Christians receive,-the manner in which the flesh of our Lord is received, is a thing concealed from them.” Tract. xi. in Joan. T. ix. p.41. Paris. 1586.
THEODORET, G.C.-See the passage hereafter, among the Fathers of Cent. V. on the Eucharist.
