titles 3. While in our hearts we religiously regard and thinke of thy power wisdome mercy iustice iudgements c. Thy kingdome come 1. In the preaching of thy Gospell 2. In the power of thy Spirit 3. In the appearing of thy glory Thy will be done in earth 1. On vs in all that thou shalt thinke good 2. In vs in all that shall be good 3. By vs in all that our hand shall finde to doe As it is in heauen 1. By thine only Sonne 2. By thy holy Angels 3. By thy blessed Saints Giue vs this day our daily bread 1. For our present necessitie 2. Further commodity 3 Future ability And forgiue vs our trespasses 1. Sinning of ignorance 2. Falling of infirmity 3. Offending of set purpose As we forgiue them that trespasse against vs 1. Not retaining their iniuries 2. Not returning their iniuries 3. Doing them good moreouer for their iniuries And leade vs not into temptation 1. With drawing thy grace assisting from vs. 2. Stirring vp stormes and warre against vs. 3. Laying baites blocks before vs. But deliuer vs from the euill 1. Of our owne concupiscence 2. Of the wicked aduersary 3. Of the examples of this naughty age For thine is the Kingdome 1. Ouer all excelling the power 2. All ruling and disposing and the glory 3. Alwaies brightly shining For euer 1. In all ages past 2. At this time present 3. In all times to come Amen So shall it be 1. As thou hast said 2. As we haue praied 3. Herevpon our faith is staid we beleeue Lord helpe our vnbeliefe euen so Lord Iesus Amen Amen The Resolution of the Creede 1. THere are three maine parts of this the Apostles creed 1. The obiect of our faith God 2. The subiect of beleeuing the Church 3. The benefits that we receiue of God in the Church 2. The obiect of our faith God is distinguished into three persons 1. The Father 2. The Sonne 3. The holy Ghost 3. The first person is set out vnto vs vnder these Appellations 1. Father 2. Almighty 3. Creator of heauen and earth 4. The second person is set out vnto vs by his 1. Titles 1. Iesus Christ 2. his Sonne 3. our Lord. 2. Incarnation containing his conception and birth 3. His double estate of humiliation and exaltation of humiliation he suffered c of exaltation he rose c. 5. The third person is set out vnto vs by his 1. Name Spirit 2. Attribute Holy 3. The intimation of his office vnder these his name and attribute 6. The Church is set out vnto vs by her qualities description to be 1. Holy 2. Catholique 3. The communion of Saints 7. The benefits that we receiue of God in the Church are these 1. Forgiuenesse of sinnes 2. Resurrection of the body 3. Life euerlasting THE LIFE of Religion The Creed The first Article I Beleeue in God 1. ACknowledging that hee is but one Perkins 2. Applying him to my selfe 3. Relying on his helpe For he is 1. Alpha and Omega Reuel 1. 2. My portion and my lot 3. A tower to those that put their trust in him Vse 1. Therefore resort I to his written word therein to bee instructed concerning him 1. That he is 2. What hee is 3. Who he is That I may haue a ground for this my faith 2. Therefore come I vnto his fountaine thence to draw of the 1. Fulnes of his grace 2. Sweetnesse of his comforts 3. Truth of his promises That I may taste see how good he is 3. Therefore walke I without all feare committing may way vnto him and what belongs vnto me 1. Not trusting in my s lfe 2. Not trusting in the sonne of man 3. Not trusting in any other creature That I may hold mee fast by him The Father 1. Of his eternall Sonne 2. Of his elect Angels 3. Of his faithfull people For 1. He came out of his bosome 2. They are called the children of God Iob 1.6 3. They are reckoned to him for a generation Vse 1. Hereupon I vtterly condemne the blasphemies of those that denie God to haue a Sonne and heresie of those that deny the Sonne to be begotten of the substance of the father such as are 1. The Iewes 2. The Mahumetanes and 3. The Arrians And doe beleeue and hold this generatioÌ„ 2. Hereupon I renounce the error of the Saduces which deny God to haue any such sonnes as Angels notwithstanding besides in the names of their nature and office the Scripture sets them out vnto vs terming them 1. Of their dignitie thrones and dominions Bucan 2. Of the effect Seraphim 3. Of the forme of their apparitions Cherubim And acknowledge that hee hath such ofspring 3. Hereupon I wholy build vpon my God that he will doe for mee as for other his faithfull people like a louing father 1. Chastening me in mercie 2. Prouiding for my need 3. Turning al my sufferings into good And in this confidence I draw neere vnto him Almightie 1. To doe whatsoeuer hee shall please 2. To doe things to vs impossible with ease 3. To giue strength to the feeble and increase power to him that hath no strength For 1. Nothing can hinder him to execute his will 2. He is neither faint nor weary of his worke 3. His power is performed in the weaknesse of the creature Vse 1. I am humbled therefore in my selfe thinking on such might and strength and doe learne 1. To trust in his mercies 2. To tremble at his iudgements 3. To magnifie his workes Which brings such mightie things to passe 2. I measure not his omnipotence by the scantling of my perceiuerance when I see him worke great effects by 1. Weake meanes 2. No meanes 3. Yea against all meanes Which doth that which is wonderfull in our eies 3. I consider not my weakenesse in the worke of his grace being perswaded that he will inable me in all things 1. To doe 2. To suffer and 3. To ouercome Which will be glorified in his Saints and made maruellous in all them that beleeue Maker of Heauen and Earth 1. Creating of all things the kindes 2. Establishing their order 3. Guiding their course For 1. This is the worke alone of his power 2. This is the worke of his wisdome 3. This is the worke of his prouidence Now then Vse 1. I acknowledge none for Gods to put my trust in them but this all forming power and forsake all other Idoll Gods whether they be the names of 1. Diuels 2. Men or 3. Fained Monsters For he is the true Iehouah 2. I wonder at no wisdome but at his which ordereth all things comely in 1. Measure 2. Number 3. Weight For he is the eternall 3. I bow my knee to him alone and rendring my selfe to him cast all my care vpon him 1. Giuing thankes in my successes Basâ—in Caluin 2. Patiâ—nt in my sufferings 3. Hauing a good hope for the time that is to come For he doth gouerne all things The second
precept and practise of the duties that are required This is for conuersation 3. The rule of a mans praiers is that praier which the Lord himselfe hath taught vs somwhat for a mans learning to teach him to pray according to this praier may hee find in this small Booke This is for deuotion 3. The Lord of life giue vnto vs to liue in this World the life of grace that in the other vve may liue the life of glory here to liue religiously that there vve may liue blessedly through his Sonne our Lord and Sauiour Christ Iesus Amen THE LIFE of Religion The first Heads or Grounds of the Exposition following The Creed I Beleeue in God 1. ACknowledging that hee is but one 2. Applying him to my selfe 3. Relying on his helpe The Father 1. Of his eternall Sonne 2. Of his elect Angels 3. Of his faithfull people Almightie 1. To doe whatsoeuer hee shall please 2. To doe things to vs impossible with ease 3. To giue strength to the feeble and increase power to him that hath no strength Maker of Heauen and Earth 1. Creating of all things the kinds 2. Establishing their order 3. Guiding their course And in Iesus which saueth vs 1. From the guilt of sinne 2. From the punishment of sinne 3. From the power of sinne and Satan Christ annointed vnto vs 1. A Prophet 2. A Priest 3. A King His onely Sonne 1. Not by creation 2. Not by adoption 3. But by eternall generation Our Lord 1. Not by a power vsurped and vniust 2. Not by a power borrowed and limited 3. But by a power ingenit and lawfull purchase Which was conceiued by the Holy Ghost 1. After the will of God alone 2. After a manner vnspeakeable 3. After the prophecies that went before Borne of the Virgin Mary A thing 1. In reason wonderfull 2. In example singular 3. In effect desirable Suffered 1. According to the truth foretold 2. With great fruit to vs. 3 Leauing vs an example to follow his steps Vnder Pontius Pilate 1. Before whom hee was brought bound 2. To whom he was accused falsly 3. By whom hee was condemned vniustly Was Crucified 1. Despising the shame 2. Enduring the torment 3. Bearing the curse Dead 1. Verily and really 2. Voluntarily 3. Necessarily Buried 1. That he might shew the certaintie of his death 2. That hee might bury our sinnes with him in the graue 3. That pursuing death vnto his farthesest hold he might there conquer him and sanctifie the graue He descended into Hell 1. That he might deliuer vs from the streights and torments of hell 2. That he might destroy the â—â—els Kingdome 3. That hee might triumph ouer powers and principalities and make an open shew of them hauing disarmed them The third day he rose againe from the dead 1. Which is to vs a signe that hee hath ouercome death and fully satisfied for all our sinne 2. Which is to vs a token that wee must be raised here to newnesse of life 3. Which is to vs a pledge that we shall rise againe to the resurrection of life He ascended into Heauen 1. That he might prepare the way thither and take possession therof for vs. 2. That he might giue gifts vnto men 3. That he might send the comforter vnto his Church And sitteth on the right hand of God the father almighty 1. Partaking of endlesse rest and felicity 2. Administring and gouerning all things both in Heauen and in Earth 3. Making intercession to his Father for his people From thence he shall come 1. Visibly 2. Gloriously 3. Sodainely To iudge both the quicke and the dead 1. The wicked of them with all severity 2. The iust amongst them with all clemency 3. All in generall with all equity I beleeue in the holy Ghost 1. Acknowledging his Godhead 2. Taking him to be my Sanctifier and comforter 3. Putting all the confidence of my heart in him I beleeue the Church 1. The house of God 2. The piller ground of the truth 3. The mother of the faithfull Holie 1. By imputation of righteousnes 2. By inchoation of righteousnesse 3. By being consecrate to an holy and diuine vse Catholique 1. In respect of place 2. In respect of time 3. In respect of men the members of the same The communion of Saints which consists 1. In the vnion and coherence of the faithfull with Iesus Christ 2. In the vnion and fellowship of the faithfull one with another while they liue together here on earth 3. In that which these of the Church militant partake with those of the Church triumphant The forgiuenesse of sinnes 1. The guilt of them done away 2. The spot of them purged 3. The punishment remitted The resurrection of the body 1. Wherein there shall be a finall destruction of the workes of the diuell 2. Wherein there shall be a full manifestation of Gods mercy on the faithfull 3. Wherein there shall be a fearefull declaration of his iustice on the wicked And the life euerlasting 1. Which is the gift of our God 2. Which is the end of our hopes 3. Which is the complement of our happinesse The ten Commandements God spake these words 1 VVhose is the gretest authority 2 Whose words are words of veritie 3. Who requires our perfect obedience and the hearts sinceritie Saying I am the Lord thy God which brought thee out of the land of Egypt out of the house of bondage In the words of which preface that we should yield more willing obedience to the precepts following the Lord sets out vnto vs three things to induce 1. A declaration of his eternall rule and power 2. A promise of the goodnesse of his grace 3. A remembrance of his benefits before conferd The first Commandement Thou shalt haue none other gods before me First The things commanded in this precept are 1. That we know the true God and acknowledge him 2. That we fall downe and doe reuerence before him 3. That with purpose of heart and minde we cleaue fast vnto him Secondly The things forbidden in this precept are 1. Ignorance of God his word and works 2. Errors concerning God the persons of the godhead and their properties 3. The affection set on any other thing but God The appendix of the first Commandement Thirdly Promises and threatnings not exprest 1. If herein we harken to his voice we shall be his chiefe treasure aboue all people Exod. 19.5 2. If we like not to retaine him in our knowledge he will giue vs ouer to a reprobate minde and vile affections Rom. 1.26.28 3. If in our hearts we estrange our selues from him he also will be farre from vs and from our helpe The second Commandement Thou shalt not make to thy selfe any grauen image c. The things required in this precept are 1. That we be religiously carefull of all the parts of Gods seruice 2. That we stir vp our selues thereunto by all godly meanes 3. That we stoutly oppose against all corruptions which may defile the
hope consists 1. The charity of his adoption 2. The trueth of his promise 3. The power of his performance Hauing an annointing from him which is the oile of gladnes Bern. de frag sep hom 3. The ninth Article I beleeue the Church 1. The house of God 2. The piller grouÌ„d of the truth 3. The mother of the faithfull For Mat. Virell Caluin li. 4. Institut c. 1 l. 4. 1. Hee dwelleth in it to defend it and-guide it by his spirit 2. By the ministery thereof God preserueth and propagateth his truth in the world 3. Shee brings forth sonnes and daughters vnto God Vse 1. Happy therefore am I liuing in this family where God the father is the House-holder Iesus Christ the first borne and the heire the holy Ghost dispencer of all graces the Preachers of the word the Stewards the word it selfe the foode and portion the faithfull the domesticks liuely stones of that building and golden vessels of that house which are 1. Elect of God before all worldâ— 2. Separate from the rest of men 3. Knit and vnited vnto Christ their head They bring one body and one spirit as they are called in one hope of their vocation Ephe. 4.4 2. Sure shall I be to bee led into all truth and to come to him which is way life and truth Iesus Christ the righteous if I hold mee fast by this piller and be led by it as the Israelites by the pillar of cloude and fire in the wildernesse Exod. 13.21 and seeke him in this Church and with this Church of which hee is head 1. In perfection 2. In office and 3. In efficacie Hauing in all things the praeeminence Bucan Col 1.18 gouerning and inspiring all his members 3 Worthy were I to perish for want of food Caluin li. 4. Iustitut 1. sect 5. if I should refuse it giuen vnto mee from Heauen by the hand of such a mother worthy were I to be driuen out of the tents of the godly and to be cast out of the sight of God my Father if I should despise the instruction and the gouernment of the Church of my mother Pro. 30.17 known to me to be the true spouse of Christ by the 1. Profession of true doctrine Vrsin 2. Right vse of the Sacraments Bucan 3. Profession of obedience to the doctrine or Ministerie Nourishing vp children vnto God by the preaching of the Gospell examples of good workes Holie 1. By imputation of righteousnesse Vrsin 2. By inchoation of righteousnesse 3. By being consecrate to an holy and diuine vse For 1. Christâ— holâ—nesse and obedience is imputed vnto â—t 2. The regenerate members 〈◊〉 â—â—e diligently apply themselues to newnesse of life 3. It is sequestred from the râ—â—t of the wicked and those that are without the Church Vse 1. Because therefore I am assured that I am a member of this Church which is holy by being clothed with the roâ—â—â— of Christ his righteousnes when I proâ—â—rate my selfe before my heauenly Iudge in the examination of mine owne conscience here searching my heart and sifting my life or els at the last iudgement should I foâ—le and feare 1. The imperfâ—ction of mine own righteousnesse 2. The multitude grieuousnes of my sinnes 3. The dread and terror of the angry Iudge I will hide my sinne from sight my selfe from wrath vnder the skirt couering of his roabe 2 Because I professe my selfe to be one of this congregation which is called of God vnto holines followes the example of the Sonne of God in holines is guided by the spirit of holines is instructed in the word concerning holines and daily profiâ—â— more and more in holines keeping these three things for holines sake Aug. li. de doc Christiana 1. Purity and cleannesse of bodâ— 2. Chastity of minde 3. Veritye of doctrine I will exercise my selfe to godlines Holines of â—ife 2 Tim. â— 7 Perkins in lec 3. Because I haue ioined my selfe to the people of God am become one of his house I will be no companion to Atheists drunkards blasphemers fornicators and other godlesse persons which are not of this people neither are they of this house but all my delight being on the Saints in earth and those that excell in vertue conuersing with them alone 1. Bâ—â—â—â—se they are â—ust 2. Because I may makâ— them iust 3. Because I may bee bâ—ttered by them my selfe I will haue no fellowship with the vnfruitfull workes of darknesse Octau de trin cap. 6. Ephe. 5.7 Catholike 1. In respect of place 2. In respect of time 3. In respect of men the members of the same For 1. It spreads it selfe throughout the world 2. It hath had a being iâ— all times and ages 3. It is gathered out of all sorts of men states kindreds and nations Vse 1. â—â—m therefore from the largenes of the Church iâ— respect of the place taught that it can neither bee shut vp in one corner of the world Caluin Orbâ—â—â— in orbem nor the world be brought into one City nor the Church restrained to one schismaticall congregation though there hath beene and is much and earnest contention with the 1. Donatists 2. Romanists 3. Separatists While they would assert the Church to their quarter City side alone 2. I haue to answere the adâ—ersarie when hee shall aske meâ— of our Church where it was before the preaching of these men Luther Melanchton Zwinglius and such like that neither are they the founders of our faith neither is our Church or yesterday 〈◊〉 would they pretend but that it had its being in all ages 1. Before the law 2. Vnder the law 3. In the time of grace While we hold â—ast the foundation wheron the faithfull al times haue been built 3. I see how vniustly the Romish Priests Perkins and shauelings doe challenge to themselues to their tribe alone the name of the Church which consists of all degrees of men estates and callings I see here matter of incredible comfort ministred vnto all Gods people in that no degree or estate of men are excluded from grace in Christ Ambros sup luc li. 5. and that none can take him from them but that they may 1. Follow him 2. Lay holde of him 3. Feed on him While they â—hut not out themselues by vnbeleefe Bernard in ser and take themselues from him The Communion of Saints which consists 1. In the vnion and coherence of the faithfull with Iesus Christ 2. In the vnity and fellowship of the faithfull one with another while they liue together here on earth 3. In that which these of the Church militant pertake with these of the Church triumphant For 1. Hee iâ— their head they are his body and members for their part 1. Cor. 12.27 2. They haue all things common amongst themselues 3. These conuerse with those in heauen in affection those other pray for these â—n earth Now then Vse 1.
in our 1. Persons 2. Goods and 3. Fame Because thou art so good vnto vs notwithstanding all our debt And leade vs not into temptatiâ—n 1. Perkins Withdrawing thy grace assisting from vs. 2. Stirring vp stormes and warre against vs. 3. Laying baites and blockes before vs. For 1. Thereby we shall vngarded 2. Therewith wee may be ouer-whelmed 3. Thereat we may offend Vse 1. And then thy grace which did preuent vs that we might arise failing vs now standing we shall fall againe returning 1. To the vomit of our former euil opinioÌ„s 2. To wallow in the mire of our former euill manners 3. To run yet further into farther mischiefe Our latteâ— end being worse then our beginning 2. And then our house smitten on the corners with the winde will be shaken 1. The roofe of our patience 2. The walles of our hope 3. The foundation of our faith Our hearts melting away for very feare dying within vs. 3. And then the deceiueablenes of sinne will bewitch vs and peruert our simple mindes making vs 1. To tast the forbidden fruite 2. To eate of wicked mens delicates 3. To swallow the hook with the baite Our soules inclining to wickednesse turning away after euill counsailes But deliuer vs from the euill 1. Of our owne concupiscence 2. Of that wicked aduersary 3. Of the examples of this naughty age For otherwise 1. We shall serue sinne in the lusts thereof 2. We shall be led captiue of the diuell after his will 3. We shall be caried away with the current of the times corruptions 1. Aug con Iulian. So shall that which cannot vtterly be consumed in vs in this life be daily more and more abated 1. Wrath out of our hearts 2. Malice out of our flesh 3. Euill desires out of our soules Til we at leÌ„gth altogether be freed froÌ„ these workes of brick clay 2. So shall Satans worke be hindred and ouerthrowne which labors daily to subuert vs 1. Fighting violently and incessantly against vs. 2. Taking al aduantages of times Leo pap ser 8. natiuitatis meanes and places to annoy vs. 3. Sifting all our customes cares and affections to peruert vs do vs harm Till we haue at last escaped from this Pharaoh 3. So shall we be saued from this euill generation and from this present world without being 1. Defiled with the pitch of it Bern. in ser 2. Inwrapped in the bird-lime of it 3. Intangled with the snares of it Till we be at last deliuered out of Sodome For thine is the Kingdome the power and the glory 1. Ouer all excelling 2. All ruling and disposing 3. Alwaies brightly shining 1. Whereto none may be compared 2. Which cannot be vvithstood 3. Which shall not be obscured Vse 1. Therefore doe we thy subiects make request vnto thee in 1. Praier 2. Supplication with 3. Thankesgiuing Because thou art our King 2. Therefore are we perswaded of thy present helpe and succour in all our 1. Dangers 2. Necessities and 3. Tribulations Because thou art so mighty 3. Therefore doe wee ascribe all praise and honour to the 1. Father 2. Sonne 3. Holy Ghost Because it is thine of right and duety For euer 1. In all ages past 2. At this time present 3. In all times to come Amen So shall it be â— As thou hast said 2. As we haue praied 3. Hereupon our faith is staid We belieue Lord helpe our vnbeliefe euen so Lord Iesus Amen Amen FINIS A short and plaine treatise of our fit preparation to the Supper of the Lord and wholsome participation thereof 1. COR. 11.28 Let a man examine himselfe and so let him eate of that bread and drinke of that Cup. AS Iacob blessing Asher Gen. 49.20 said his bred shall be fat and he shall yeeld royall dainties or giue pleasures for a king So may I say speaking of the fat things of this Table a little inuerting the words the King here giues vs his pleasures and feedes vs with his best things and roiall dainties Who am I saith Dauid vnto Saul 1. Sam. 18.18 that I should be sonne in law vnto a King and to Sauls seruants in the 23. verse Seemeth it a light thing vnto you to be a Kings sonne in law like question may wee all make vnto our soules concerning this table banquet who are we or seemeth it a light thing vnto vs that we are the inuited of a King If some great man should inuite vs to his Table how would wee study to compose our selues our apparell our behauiour that there might bee nothing in vs that might offeÌ„d so great a presence how much more ought wee thus to doe comming to the Lords Table wheâ—e we are to sit and eat of better foode then that of Angels and that also in the presence not of any earthly greatnes but of the heauenly maiesty That therefore we may come as fit and worthy guests wee must before hand prepare our selues For if the Virgines Hester 1. comming to King Ahashuerosh were to be purified sixe monthes and the people comming to receiue the Lawe of God three daies Exod. 19. how much more wee comming to this Table where the flesh of God is taken eaten ought to be purged purified in our hearts from dead workes and to bee prepared as fit guests for so heauenly a banquet This aboue al things euery one of vs that will come ro this Table well prepared must dâ—sire of God with ardent and eaâ—nest praiers that he would purge the chamber of our heart in which Christ will eate his Passeouer with vs. Now that we might fitly prepare and wholsomely participate of the Table of the Lord the Apostle hath set downe two things first what we must doe before wee come there namely examine c. 2. What wee must doe when we are there namely eate of that bread and drinke of that cup. If it be askt who must examine or who must be examined the Apostle resolues a man Who examine who examined or as Beza Quisque Euery man the examiner his owne soule and conscience his owne selfe for so saith the Apostle Let a man examine himselfe The touch-stone is for the mettals this triall is for our selues Euery man heere is of the Inquisition to examine whether his owne heart bee holie or hollow his loue false or vnfained his wares his workes good or adulterated his coine base or currant which that a man be able to doe it is necessary as Saint Peter requires that he be ready to render a reason of the faith and hope that is in him and how can he be ready to render a reason of his faith c. when he knowes not a reason of his faith how is it possible that a man should examine himselfe when he knowes not vpon what interrogatories he should examine himselfe The heart of man is deceitfull aboue all things how shall he be able to finde out the corruptions thereof that is not taught out
Lords table let vs come to that which we are to doe at the Lords table so let him eate of that bread and drinke of that cup when a man hath examined and prepared it is not left at his discretion whether he will communicate or no but he must first examine and then eate for whereas the sacraments are badges by which we Christians are knowne from vnbeleeuers and idolaters in the vse of them wee must needes communicate vnlesse we will shew our selues ashamed of the profession of our faith This sacrament is a seale to confirme our faith therefore as we desire to haue an assurance of Gods promises sealed vp vnto vs let vs come vnto this table By this we are vnited vnto Christ therefore as we desire to be one with Christ so let vs communicate The Lords supper is a linke of vnity that knitteth vs one vnto another therefore as we desire loue and brotherly kindnesse so let vs frequent this table What though Augustine say Crede manducasti Beleeue and thou hast eaten yet let no man thinke that is sufficient to beleeue and not to eate for although there is no holesome eating without faith yet at the Lords table we are holpen furthered and confirmed in our faith by our outward sences When we heare it said this is my body c. faith you know is by hearing we are stirred vp to lay strong hold on the promises of God when we heare this word doe this in remembrance of me We are assured that this is Christs commandement when we see the bread broken the wine powred out we are giuen to consider of his passion that was broken for our sinnes and thinke of his blood that washeth vs from all sinne when the Minister offers vnto vs and we receiue the sacrament we thinke of that thing which God offers vnto vs and we receiue by the hand of faith Great therefore is the vse and necessity of this Sacrament and let no man slacke his comming vnto it that is inuited there are that are content to come and heare but refuse this table what doe they thinke themselues vnworthy of it who can be worthy or doe they contemne God is his ordinance Let them looke to it there is a iudgement for such men those that refuse to come saith Christ shall not tast of my banquet As God herein hath tendered our infirmities so let vs tenderly respect the good of our owne soules not withsâ—â—â—â—â—â—g our selues withsome nor neglecting with others but let vs eate What we must eate Let a man eate of this bread c. Quisque probet c. Let a man or let euery man examine eate and drinke saith Paul not so saith the Church of Rome Let the Laity not examine but be confest let them eate if they will all but they shall not drink all we haue kept say the priests the chalice for our selues and they shall bee content with it vnder one kinde I will not say it is the licorishnesse of wine in men giuen to the appetite or a desire of innouating and changing this institution or their high presumption that their Church cannot erre though they decree against Christ that makes them thus sacrilegiously to abrogate the ordinance of Christ This I know hee that gaue himselfe for all said to his drinke of this all But the Church of Rome will giue Christ the checke not all saith she but some of all my shauelings my deare sons for the rest though Christ command it though Paul preach it yet shall they but haue it vnder one kinde Sic volo sic iubeo See the impious boldnesse of men whose consciences are seared with an hot iron and out of this iudge of the rest Quid non audebunt what will they not dare to doe I could but that I will not long with-hold my reader speake heere to the reproofe of the same men for keeping the host in a boxe when they are bid to eate the bread but I desire not to insist long on that which is to be eaten onely heere I cannot passe ouer that question which hath exagitated the Church so many yeeres namely what is that which is eaten for what for transubstantiation on the one side what for consubstantiation on the other side the Church is so diuided that it â—nowes not readily what to beleeue and hold concerning this Sacrament But because these are the things which are euery where spoken off and spoken against I will moue no longer question of it but indeuour out of these words other scriptures reasons and fathers briefely to shew that we must vnderstand in the Lords supper no Capernaiticall creophagie or carnall eating but that which is spirituall and by faith This will appeare vnto vs if wee consider well this place in which the Apostle saith eate that bread if it be bread when it is to bee eaten then it is not the very flesh of Christ presently after the words of consecration and againe the same Apostle Panem quem frangimus The bread which we breake And is it bread when it is broken then it is not the body of Christ presently after the consecration and if wee will beleeue Christ Iohn 6.35 he will tell vs that to come to him and to beleeue is to eate and drinke him the bread and water of life his flesh is meate indeede and his blood is drinke indeede ver 55. but it is the spirit that quickeneth the flesh profiteth nothing verse 63. see heere how our Sauiour would haue vs to vnderstand a spirituall eating Reasons Besides these and such like places of Scripture how many absurdities in reason will follow vpon this doctrine How absurd a thing is it that a mortall man who is not able to make one haire of his head white or blacke should bee thought able to create his Creator how absurd a thing to thinke that the reprobate rats mise and other vermin should eate the flesh of Christ it must needs thereupon follow that they haue eternall life in them What an absurd thing is it to thinke that accidents can be without their subiects A body without his dimensions the same body at one and the same time in innumerable places these and many such absurdities in reason follow on this doctrine Now heare the Fathers Fathers Num 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mysterium nostrum pronuncias irreligiosè ad crà ssas cogitationes vrges fidelium mentes humanis cogitationibus attentas ea tractare quia sola pura et exquisita fide accipiuntur Cirill ad Eutropium What doest thou call our mystery an eating of mans flesh and doest thou irreligiously vrge the mindes of the faithfull to grosse thoughts and doest thou attempt to handle those things with humane thoughts which are receiued by pure and exquisite faith alone Christus assumpto pane qui cor hominis confortat veritatem corporis sui repraesentauit saith Ierome Christ hauing taken the bread which comforteth the heart of man hath represented
the truth of his body A representation is a signe or remembrance of a thing it is not the thing it selfe Augustine what doest thou prepare thy tooth and thy belly beleeue and thou hast eaten Cyprian we sharpen not our teeth to bite but with sincere faith wee breake and diuide that holy bread Bernard Christus tange potest sed affectu Ser. 20. in Cant. non manu veto non oculo fide non sensibus tanges manu fidei desiderij digito devotionis amplexu tanges oculo mentis Christ may bee toucht but with affection not with the hand with the desire not with the eye with faith not with the senses Thou shalt touch him with the hand of faith with the finger of desire with the imbracing of deuotion thou shalt touch him with the eye of the minde Credere inuenisse est saith one to beleeue is to haue found Et credere edisse est say I to beleeue is to haue eaten Norunt fideles saith another Christum habitare per fidem in cordibus suis quid proprius est The faithfull know that Christ dwels by faith in their hearts what can be neerer All these speake of a spirituall eating and no other an eating that is of faith should I then teare him againe with my teeth that was once pittifully torne for mee with nailes thornes speare vpon the Crosse should I dreame that my stinking carkase should be a Sepulcher to bury my Sauiour descending into the cauernes of my belly I will bury thee oh my Sauiour in the new sepulcher of my soule where neuer yet any man lay Thus of examining our selues before we eate of the manner of examining of our selues of the things wherof we are to examine our selues against the doubtings of our vnfitnes vnworthines of eating of what we receiue the conclusion is that hauing receiued Christ into the chamber of our heart we be thankefull to him for his comming we desire him to stay and lodge with vs all night we so demeane our selues towards him that we grieue not his spirit make him to leaue his lodging which if we doe our soule that was his lodging will become a cage of vncleane birds and our latter end will be worse then our beginning A praier before the Communion VVHat shall I doe O Lord drawing neere to this thy table but confesse against my selfe mine owne vnworthines thou requirest that thy guests haue on the wedding garment and behold I am couered as yet with the rags of mine owne filthinesse and with the confusion of my sinne The corruption of my nature the iniquity of my life the vnprofitablenesse of my best workes the abhomination of my worst the despight that I doe to thee the euill example that I haue giuen to men the shame and horror that I haue brought vpon mine own face and conscience my want of faith knowledge loue and sorrow for sin mine indeuotion to thy seruice my seruing of mine owne intentions out of the causes of thee my GOD and the causes of religion the whole bande of mine other iniquities my secret and to my selfe vnknowne sinnes stand vp against me to accuse me and cast me in the teeth I am in a straight with Dauid neither know I what to doe or what to choose whether to draw neere to this thy Table or to with-draw and turne my selfe away If I with-draw my selfe I forsake thy comforts and refreshing if I draw neere I am in danger of my sin But I will draw neere vnto thee trusting in the multitude of thy mercies O my Lord Christ I come laden with an heauy burden thou wilt ease my shoulder I come in my defects thou wilt couer them with thy perfection I come in the confession vse my sinne with thee is forgiuenesse thou wilt doe away my sinne I come in the feeling of my wants thou art God all sufficient thou wilt supply all my wants I come in the acknowledgement of mine vnworthinesse thou wilt accept me make me worthy and refresh me heere with the comforts in thy word with thy body and thy blood at thy Table elsewhere thou wilt make mee drinke of the riuer of thy pleasures in the kingdome of thy father where thou raignest euerlastingly one God with him and the Holy Ghost To thee be ascribed all praise and glory world without end Amen A Praier at the receiuing of the bread and wine O Lord Christ and blessed Sauiour which hast giuen mee thy body to bee my meate thy blood to be my drinke thy soule to be my redemption enter now the chamber of my heart with all thy vertues graces spirituall benedictions adorne it make it beautifull and dwell in it for euer and graunt that the memory of thy most bitter passion of all other thy wonders and benefits may neuer slip out of my minde but that I may alwaies thinke on thy loue meditate on thy mercies and thanke thee for thy goodnesse which hast done so great things for thy Church thy chosen and for my soule Amen A Praier after the receiuing of the Communion AWay from me all ye workes and workers of iniquity out of mine heart all euill thoughts out of my mouth all euill wordes from mine hands all euill deeds for I haue made a couenant with my God to serue him with all my strength with all my soule and with all my members and hee is come to dwell in mine heart Oh my GOD and oh my mercy how can I giue thee worthy thankes which being King of Kings and Lord of Lords hast not scorned to visit my soule and to come vnder the roofe of my poore dwelling Teach me O LORD to loue thy loue and for thy loue to denie all vngodlinesse and wordly lusts teach mee to leaue this world for thee which for my sake leftest Heauen to come downe to mee and gauest thy selfe vnto mee being made my brother in thy birth mine example in thy life the price of my redemption in thy death my food and nourishment at thy Table my reward in the Kingdome mine wholly and whatsoeuer thou art I cannot vtter the ioy of mine heart I cannot conceiue words to expresse my thankfulnesse If I had the tongues of men and Angels I cannot speake sufficiently to thy praise Grant O Lord that I which haue receiued so much from thee of thine thee thy selfe may in all things indeauour to bee to thine honour and praise Amen My Thankesgiuing after GOD had raised me vp from the bed of my sickenesse I Haue a song of praise to sing to the Lord O LORD thou hast holpen me and comforted me when I had receiued the sentence of death in my selfe thou saidst vnto me Liue when my life drew neere vnto the pit and to the buriers thou saidst vnto me Returne I had now almost imbâ—â—ced the dust and claimed my kindred in the graue saying to corruption thou art my father and to the wormes yee are my mother and my sister