the spirits of many the Arch Enemies of Church and Kingdom are not subdued yet their rage and mallice is so limited that although like the surging untamed waves they would again break out if not bounded and their power so broken that the mightiest Leviathans are now held by the Hooke of God That God hath also in this breath of time put into the heart of Parliament and Synod to settle a Government in the Church having laid a good foundation of Reformation of corruptions in and about the Ordinances Officers and Administrations thereof And for that the spirits of men are wonderfully averse to this so necessary a work that although it have cost so much time treasure and blood to bring to this maturitie yet glad they would be to bring religion to a very hotch-potch as appears by those many vain and needless scruples and Stumbling-blocks which Satan and such men are every day casting in to obstruct I have thought good as in duty every Christian is bound as much as in them lies to help the Lord against the mighty and that no man that truly desires satisfaction may misse of it I have endeavoured to enumerate all such objections as have any shadow of reason that the ignorant may be informed the wilfull convinced and the weak Christian satisfied that so the Church may be edified and God glorified And that I may not be tedious I shall without more adoe lay down these following Truths which by Gods grace I shall vindicate against all opposers That Reformation of corruptions in the Church of God is of absolute necessity although not to the being yet to the well being thereof and that as well in Discipline as Doctrine That the Government of the Church by Pastors Teachers and Elders is of Divine institution That although all men ought to hear the word yet neither the ignorant nor prophane ought to be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper That self examination although a duty of absolute necessitie in every Communicant yet it s not all required And that Examination by the Eldership is both grounded upon Scripture and good reason For the First That Reformation of corruptions in the Church of God is of absolute necessitie c. is granted of all therefore needs no dispute only 1. Q. What is meant by Reformation A. The bringing of the Church and worship of God to as neer a conformitie to the minde and will of God and to the primative Institution as may be both by casting out corruptions and by supply of defects in and about the Ordinances Administrations Officers and Members thereof 2. Object Was not the government of the Church by Bishops c. according to the Word of God they were Protestants and we enjoyed far more peace in the Church then now men enjoyed then the Ordinances without interruption and doubtlesse many thousands went to heaven by Gods blessing upon means then in use A. I shall nor need now to spend time about that Argument of the Government by Bishops and their Substitutes abundance of satisfaction having by divers been given to that point True it is they were Protestant Bishops in point of Doctrine if we look upon the Doctrine of the Church generally owned but their standing was not of Divine Right both Parliament and Synod having long since condemned that Hyrarchy without doubt that Lordly Prelacy over Gods heritage being quite contrary to the word of God 1 Pet. 5.3 Neither being as Lords over Gods heritage but being examples to the flock It s true we enjoyed much Peace because the strong man kept possession none daring to question their proceedings though never so impious but when the Lord called them to account for their oppression and tyranny and that Satan saw his Kingdom begin to shake he mustered up all his servants to his support which hath made our times so troublesome And although many by Gods blessing upon means and Ordinances then in use were saved this we must attribute to the work of Gods spirit and to God owning his own Ordinances in the midst of much corruption This therefore makes not at all against casting out abuses crept into the Church neither can we expect so great a work as the turning of Church and State up-side down can be done without much combustion especially considering how most men are apt to be led by custom though never so corrupt and its a special mercy considering how many grand Enemies we have had to do withall that God hath put so timely a period to our old troubles I pray God our corrupt hearts and causelesse contentions provoke him not to punish us yet seven times more 3. Object But are there not some that create Churches to themselves what think ye of them A. I think if they deny our Congregations to be true Churches they are erronious and if they do not their separation the more unlawfull And I think as there is many gon from us because they were not of us so many are joyned to other assemblies because our Government was so long before setled being too impatient to wait Gods leisure Such men surely forgot the Israelites were forty years together without the Passeover all the while they were in the Journy to Canaan had they but well eyed the Church they might have seen it some years together in a wildernesse of distraction but still no way to Reformation and therefore ought rather to have waited till God had brought them into the desired Land then to turn their backs upon that work which fares the worse for their departure many thousands are gone that would had they continued have much added to the visible beauty of the Church who are justly to be blamed God and man looking for Reformation not Separation And it s no marvell God so much confounds their Language who will be building Babels to themselves For the Second That Pastors Teachers Elders c. 4. Object Can you make it dppear that the Government of the Church by Pastors Teachers Elders c. is of Divine Institution by the Word of God A. Yea By divers places of Scripture as 1 Tim. 4.14 the Apostle there saith neglect not the gift that is in you which was given with the laying on of the hands of the Tresbytery Again 1 Cor. 12. and God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secundarily Prophets thirdly Teachers after that miracles then gifts of healing helps in Government c. viz. men fitted with severall gifts suitable to the severall ages of the Church Again 1 Tim. 5.17 Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour especially they who labour in the word and doctrine Likewise 1 Pet. 5.1 The Elders that are among you I exhort who also am an Elder and a witnesse of the sufferings of Christ So also Rom. 12.6 7 8. Having gifts differing c. by all which places its apparent That the government of the Church by Pastors Teachers Elders c. is according
be wiser for the body then for the soule which is more worth then the whole world 5. Although men be never so rich and great in the world yet if they be called and quallified for this work they must become fooles children and servants or else not fit 1 Tim. 5.17 either for the Kingdom of heaven or to be imployed in the Church of God And this is one obsticle in the way of great men who if they had eyes to see they might know that the service of God and his Church is not only the greatest freedom 1 Cor. 4.20 but the highest honour 6. It s an Argument of an ignorant and carnall heart and of such as are utterly unacquainted with Iesus Christ thus to stumble at his crosse was it not the ignorance and impietie of the Scribes and Pharisees thus to do did not they say of the Lord Christ Is not this the Carpenters sonne are not his brethren with us c. Do any of the Rulers beleeve in him c. Who is it that counts the wisdom of God foolishnesse but men worldly wise And are not we apt to say What is such or such a one do not we know them well enough taking exceptions at men excellently quallisied if not so great in the world as our selves 7. Know this is only a block cast in the way by Satan that men may stumble without cause and fall Notwithstanding men of abilicie and known fidelitie be in most places chosen yet it s ordinary with the devil and his instruments to obstruct therefore if he cannot quarrell with the Ordinances then with dispensations if no cause there then with the Instruments and if with none of those then with Christ with Truth it selfe For he knows the settlement of the discipline of the Church will exceedingly obstruct the increase of his Kingdom when corruptions are cast out and persons ignorant and scandalous debarred that Ordinance which makes them ten fold more the children of the devil by unworthy participating For it s all one to him either to make men rush hand overhead upon the Ordinance to their ruine or to raise a prejudice against the duty and Instruments imployed to deprive them of that mercy which by Gods blessing might be very Instrumentall to their salvation 8. If they be Legally chosen have past the tryall and the time of exception not made use of blame your selves Neverthelesse if they be unfit there is place of appeal and remedy 9. Ob. Me thinks the Pastors and Elders in Presbyterian Congregations are neither rightly called nor fitly qualified A I. Although I doubt not but many yea the most of them are as well qualified as we can expect for that as we cannot expect perfection here nor in a Legall sence any fitly qualified yet Evangelically considered although none are sufficient the Lord looks upon them with approbation and acceptance 2. Notwithstanding there is also sufficient provision made for the removall of such whether Pastor or Elder as are uncapable either by ignorance or scandall It s not here as in Independent Churches where if the people injure their Pastor or Elders c. or the Officers injure the people without redresse but if either party be found faulty they are responsible and satisfaction is given to the suffering party according to the demerit and doubtlesse corruption will creep especially into Churches where provision is not made to keepe it out 3. Although I would not plead for the unsutablenesse or incapacitie of any cal'd to the meanest office in the Church of God yet I would have them looked upon as men subject to infirmities not as Angels and if we would not have such we must ascend higher to look for Pastors Elders c. then either God or man ordained or expects And yet ordinarily those that stumble most at the inablities of Church-Officers are men most incapable of Church Communion Secondly For the Calling of Church-Officers If Pastors Teachers Elders c. be chosen according to those directions laid down in the Ordinance and have past thorow the door of tryall accordingly as in most places they have or otherwaies men disaffected to the Government would quickly have let them know it There can be no just exception especially if the time limited for exception be more then past abundantly unlesse you deny the publique Congregations in England to be true Churches which hath been and is generally attested not only by the National Synod now sitting the Godly Learned in generall whether Episcopall or Presbyterian but all the reformed Churches nay the most pious and prudent of the Independent judgement also have publiquely positively and affirmatively declared them to be true Churches of Iesus Christ however confessed on all sides to be full of corruptiâ—ns or else we should have no need of Reformation many Godly and learned Divines having taken much pains in publique to defend the Truth against all opposers and indeed the satisfaction of such weak Christians as stumbled hereat together with that other scruple of participating the Sacrament in mixt Assemblies was the chief cause of my own undertaking that Subject published for common benefit in the Book called the Bramble berry wherein there is full satisfaction given to that point therefore not willing now to insist further I refer such as yet scruple thither 10. Q. But why must we appeal to Classes have they any power to determine differences and to reform abuses in particular Congregations A. Yea and that for very good reason for 1. Besides the appointment by Parliament and Assembly they are our own Trustees or Representatives such as are chosen by particular Congregations to hear and determine differences and reform such abuses as in case of error or injury they themselves cannot for were it not for Classis the Pastors Elders c might injure the Congregation or the people injure the Pastor c. and remain remedilesse Classis therefore are as Committees chosen out or made up of pastors and Elders out of particular Churches and although they have appointment by Authoritie of Parliament and Assembly so they are approved and chosen by particular Churches as their Trustees so that every particular Church hath like interest and so receive like redresse in point of appeal And that these may not be oppressive or injurous they are responsible to the Provincialls which are also made up of so many delegates as are thought fit out of the severall Classis as their Representatives and those also responsible to a National Synod and they likewise to a Parliament so that as much provision as may be is made to keep out Arbitrary proceeds and tyranny and to redresse all abuses and that neither Pastor or other Officer be wronged by the people or the people by the Pastor c. or joyntly fall into errors without remedy 2. Although its true wee read of no such power in the Church as Classis Provincialls Nationalls c. in the Scripture yet we finde something
as equivalent to them as those times of the Church and the condition thereof could admit for in cases of controversie of doubt of error or injury c. we finde the particular Church appealing to an Assembly of Apostles and Disciples from whom they received directions decrees and in whose determinations the particular Churches acquiesce as in that great dissention that arose in the Church at Antioch about circumcision Paul and Barnabas are sent up to Jerusalem by the Church to receive the direction and determination of the Apostles and Elders there Act. 15.1.2 Having had much debate and dispute of the matter send down their determination by messengers from amongst themselves together with Paul and Barnabas viz. Barsabas and Sylas who carry them both by word and writing the effect whereof is in 28 29. verses For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us to lay upon you no greater burthen then these necessary things that ye abstain from meats offered to Idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication from which if ye keep your selves ye shall do well Farewell After the receiving of this determination we read of no more contending about circumcision but all was quiet So that we see here was something of like nature to a Synodicall Assembly although the constitution of the Church and State at that time neither had need of nor could possibly set up either Nationall Provinciall or Classicall Assemblies 1. They had lesse need then now by reason the Churches were not so numerous 2. There Pastors and Elders being endowed with a more infallible spirit lesse need of Apostles 2. Not possible 1. For that the Church being in its infancy they had not a competent number of Apostles Elders c. to make many Assemblies 2. And more especially they lived not under Christian Majestrates there was then no Nationall Church they neither had countenance nor encouragement from the civil Majestracy there was neither Nation Province or City that generally professed Christ they had a particular Church here and there and these lyable ever and anon to be dissipated by persecution c. Now there can be no Nationall Provinciall or Classicall Assemblies where the Nation Province or considerable part of the Kingdom do not professe Christ Now if there bee much corruption where so great provision is made to reforme how much more where there is no place of appeal Therefore I shall affirm this to the whole world that there is no other Government in the Church for the substantials of it held forth in the word of God then Presbyterian for the circumstancialls the State of the times and constitutions of our Kingdom cannot expect to finde recorded in all things conduceable to the well being of a Church in regard of union and order I would to God we had more wisdom then to quarrell about circumstances certainly would we promote the substantialls of Reformation wherein both Presbyterian and Independent agree other things would be easily reconciled but while we thus contend about that punctillo of appeal the work of Reformation is most sinfully and shamefully neglected for as I said formerly Independent Government is Presbyterian except in point of appeal nay Episcopacy regulated viz. when their Lordly usurped power their Diocesan Dominion their temporall civil and secular Jurisdictions is taken off is also Presbyterian a Scripture Bishop is a Pastor or Presbyter or Elder only every Pastor is an Elder but every Elder not a Pastor Some rule some labour in the word and doctrine so that Bishop Pastor Teacher Presbyter Elder will admit of one and the same interpretation Therefore let us cease contending about words that tend rather to strife then edifying let us not tythe Mint and Annis c. while we neglect Judgement Mercy and Fidelity c. while we quarrell in circumstances in the neglect of the substance of Gods worship Like a foolish builder we are convering the house before the foundation be well laid lie a Star-gazing while the ship is ready to sink under us we quarrell about Rosemary and Bayes while Church and State run both to ruine and our neighbouring nation wallows in its blood stand combing and triming our beards while our house is on fire over our heads Truly thus and far more ridiculous is our condition the Lord help us to see it and doubtlesse it were just with God to give us over to pursue shadows and lying vanities in the neglect of our own mercy for that we are so weded to promote the Circumstances in the retard and overthrow of the substantialls of Gods worship and the power of Godlinesse c. The Third and Fourth particular Concerning the Lawfullnesse and usefulnesse of Examination by the Eldership as followeth 11. Ob. But they say now none must come to the Sacrament without Examination by the Eldership which some hold to be no better then a point of Popery however it s very needlesse and ridiculous for ancient men that have born all offices in the Parish and Church too lived long under the meanes often formerly admitted now to be Catichised like boyes neither doe I beleeve there is any rule for it in the Word the Apostles saith Let every man examine himselfe and so let him eat c. 1 Cor. 11.28 A. It s very true that none are now to be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lords supper but who ought to be examined and that upon good ground neither is there the least punctillo of Popery in it or is it either needlesse or ridiculous but a very necessary duty and grounded both upon Scripture and good reason as well for ancient as young people and seeing this is the grand stumbling-block I shall endeavour its removall especially and for that indeed without Examination there can be no true Reformation 1. For that it s objected as tending to Popery whosoever thinks so it s not for want of ignorance for it is not intended either by Parliament or Synod or any particular Congregationall Eldership to expect auricular confession but onely an account of a reason of mens Faith which men may do and yet have little share in Jesus Christ True if a man render a competent account of his knowledge in the mysteries of God if nothing of scandall appear in the life he cannot be kept back from Sacramentall visible communion although as before a stranger from union with Christ therefore is it there is a twofold Examination requisite 1. Examination of a mans own heart whether he have the sinceritie Godly zeal knowledge faith repentance love c. with such graces as indeed give a man right not onely to the Elements but to Jesus Christ without which he can have no comfort in participating 2. Examination by the Pastor and Elders whereby he is known fit for visible communion for although a man may give the Eldership a fair account yet may he be an hypocrite a childe of the devil the principall part without which all is
blessed be God we have to do with him that is willing to passe by the weaknesses of his servants and is also able to furnish all such whom he calls to his work with sutable abilities and qualifications And herein the servants of God have found much comfort and with the Apostle have had occasion to say and that truly that they are able to do all things through Christ that strengthens them And although none call'd to the work can be in every degree fit or peradventure many call'd may have meaner parts then some others not called and notwithstanding all chosen are not alike quallified yet where the Call is good the heart upright to the work there will not want a competent supply from him that gives to all liberally and severally qualities for the good of his Church and indeed those that are most able if they think themselves sufficient know nothing Therefore it becomes the best to see and say with the Apostle c. 2. Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficiency is of God Neither would I have men too much stumble at their own insufficiency so as to dispair either of supply or successe if rightly call'd and of upright hearts but in midst of all discouragements sincerely endeavour to improve the small talent received resting upon God for he that hath said 2 Cor. 12.9 My grace is sufficient Hath also said I will never fail thee nor forsake thee Heb. 13.5 2. We have experience that through mercy many able and honest men are called to this work and have lovingly accepted the Trust who I doubt not but will receive sufficient testimony of Gods presence with them by their dayly improvement 3. There is this remedy if men unfit or unable be chosen they are to passe thorow examination and if found unfit are in a competent time to be excepted against whether it be for ignorance or scandall they are to be remedied and sitter chosen 8. Object But why doe they choose such young men as in many places they have and some of the meaner sort me thinks they should chuse the most ancient and able men in the Parish who would better become both the title and office of Elders A. They are not called Elders with respect to their age but office and although it were very comendable if men could every where be got both Grave and Godly to deal in so weighty affaires and no doubt but in all places care is and will be not to neglect such as are well grounded in Religion sound in faith and of good understanding yet if it so fall out that young men are chosen if thus qualified we must take heed of stumbling at their youth Timothy was a very young man but Paul gives command that no man should dispise his youth 1 Tim. 4.12 It s not age but honesty and understanding makes men fit for such imployment and we know it s not only possible but very ordinary for men of 30. or 40. years to out-step many twice their age both in grace and wisdom Neither should men stumble if here and there men of ordinary ranke be chosen if well quallified although blessed be God our times afford as many that are both great and good as any age since the world began and many very able for estate as otherwaies are chosen yet it s not to be questioned but men of a lower ranke in the world may be and have been very serviceable to the Church and therefore none ought to be offended thereat For 1. We know men ordinaryly wise for the world are not wisest to God-ward the Lord having hid the secrets of his Kingdom from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes Mat. 11.25 Luk. 10.21 2. When the Lord Christ who knew best whom to make choice of would pick and chuse men out of the whole world to advance his cause and Kingdom he counted it no policy to entertain the greatest men but a company of poor Fisher-men against whom the world might as easily be offended it being as easie with him to have called great and rich men and have enabled them for his work as those despicable ones yet he chose the poor Iam. 2.5 Hath not God chose the poor in this world rich in faith So 1 Cor. 1.26 Not many wise men after the flesh not many mighty not many noble are called c. And truly as not many such men are effectually called to God in Christ so very few are fit to be imployed in Church dispensations for rich and men great in the world will not take upon them care and trouble which brings no outward advantage they cry out Who will shew us any good Psal 4. Alas they have their Farmes to see their Oxen to prove their wives to marry c. when they have nothing else to do they 'l come to Christ looking all their life with Felix for a more convenient time Act. 24.25 till time be no more 3. Mean men in the worlds accompt as before are ordinarily wisest to God-ward and we were better have no Governours at all in the Church though never so aged or rich if ignorant of God and in those things about which they are especially conversant certainly if ignorance and scandall make men incapable of Sacramentall communion much more of judicature in divine mysteries yet as I said before it s not unpossible for rich men and great men to be good and I doubt not we have our Abrahams Lots Noahs Jobs Davids Daniels c. men both great in the world and rich in grace but these are rare as they were in their times 4. Although in civil things men are to be distinguished and respected for their age and other outward accomodations yet Religion makes no such difference but before God and good men an honest understanding Christian is esteemed above men great in the world desolute of saving grace This worldly partiallity the Apostle Iames utterly condemns Iames 2.1.2 My brethren have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ in respect of persons read the 2.3 and 4. verses Besides in point of policie if we would not befoole our selves and misse of heaven we should be very carefull to intrust those that are pious and prudent with the things of God though never so meane outwardly Certainly a skilfull Pilot with a homely handkerchief about his neck will better conduct a ship to his right Port then the Lord Major with his chain of Gold Riches avail not in the day of wrath Friends it s not a Ruff-band a Beaver hat a Gelding a Gray beard or thousands per Annum can do thy soul good thou mayest perish for all that I beleeve he that 's diseased in his body or hath a limb out of joynt will rather listen to a skilfull Physitian or Chirurgion in a thred-bare coat then to an unskilfull Quack-salver in a Velvet suit and certainly it will be our shame to
would either have been found unfit upon tryall or if not hearty to the worke would have hindred the successe thereof 3. If but one third part of those chosen hold and who are upon tryall found fit being confirmed by them their authoritie is as binding as if five times their number had imbraced it and the fewer there are the more commendable is their resolution against difficulty and the lesse fear of dissention who also if they find the work too hard as opportunitie is offered may admit of additional assistance 4. The numerousnesse of the Presbytery is one of the blocks cast in the way of reformation therefore there is lesse need to stumble at their paucity if able to carry on the work Ob. 22. But is it meet all men should come before the Eldership to be examined before admittance me thinks they should go to the houses of some men of best rank and converse with them there Answ Vnlesse in case of sicknesse or the like it is very unfit For 1. It s exemplary giving occasion to others to expect the like and sets open a doore of chargeing the Eldership with partiallity and un-even dealing in distribution of Divine Ordinances 2. It must needs draw contempt both upon Governours and Government and Ordinances 3. It were an endlesse work and let men be never so high in the world yet if they ow not so much respect for the work sake to those whom God hath set over them in the Church as to come before them such men will never receive benefit by the Ordinance And if such a spirit predominate I am sure it s against the rule laid down by the Apostle 1 Tim. 5.17 Yea and derogates very much from the disposition of every one that are either fit for Church Communion or Heavenly intertainment Mark 10.15 Verily verily I say unto you whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little child he shall not enter therein So also Matth. 18.4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child the same is greatest in the Kingdome of God David a King yet thought it his honour to be humble Psal 131.2 professing himself to be as a weaned child 4. Where the soul truly thirsts after Jesus Christ in the Ordinances it will easily step over this block hunger will break stone walls And although the Devil and wicked men indeavour to hedge up thy way to the Ordinances yet if thou spiritually hunger and thirst all these will be laid low every one that hath the knowledge of Jesus Christ hath learned to deny himself 5. Although the Eldership would willingly use all good means to win men by love and ready to deny themselves as it s their dutie for the avoyding of offence and the enlargement of the Church yet herein they should but please some and displease many more and bring such an endlesse task upon themselves as would take up much time and abundantly retard the work 6. It s not a work either commanded or commended to any particular Eldership by the Classical assembly how ever in some extraordinary cases something of this nature may be done left to the discretion of the particular Presbytery and who I doubt not but will condescend to any thing that may promote the work of God Ob. 23. But if men and women must both be examined it may fall out a man may be found unfit and his wife may be received sometime the man received and his wife unfit what a kind of confusion will this be doth not the Apostle Paul say The unbelieving woman is sanctified by the believing man and the unbelieving man by the believing woman 1 Cor. 7.14 A. The Apostle speaks there concerning the reason why unbelievers and believers might cohabit and continue in a conjugal estate of matrimony And is not so to be understood as that the wife can be saved by the husbands faith or the husband by the wives this were to crosse the doctrine of Scripture and the analogie of faith for every man must know and believe for himself The just shall live by his faith neither Abraham Noah Iob or Daniel could deliver any mans soul by their faith though never so nearly related The Apostle only signifies three that it was unlawfull to depart matrimonial society because both were not believers for that if the one did believe it gave their children right to external Christian Church priviledges and such Ordinances as they were capable of as Circumcision under the Law Baptisme in time of the Gospel not that the Parents can either adde or infuse Grace into their children for the dearest of Gods Saints may have children destitute of Grace and uncapable either of Church-fellowship or the least share in Jesus Christ neither is there the least hint of any thing in this Text of Sacramental Communion or of things pertaining to life and salvation for in such cases every man and woman must plead their own interest and either have particular and peculiar saving Grace or the nearest relation they have to the most Holy can do them no good He that believes shall be saved he that believeth on the Sonne hath everlasting life and he that believeth not the Sonne shall not see life but the wrath of God abides on him Iohn 3.16 And hence is it that in the great and general judgement men and women of nearest relations are separated Two shall be in the field the one taken and the other left two women grinding at the mill the one taken and the other left March 24.40 41. 2. As in the Kingdome of Heaven there is neither marrying Mark 12.16 nor giving in marriage but all are as the Angels so the Church of God on earth take no cognizance whether men be married or single wives or Virgins but he or she that 's capable of Church Communion ought to be admitted and must be visible Saints And although never so nearly related if not so ought to be shut out 3. Suppose a man upâ—â— examination be admitted and his wife respited for her incapacity a while till God shall enable her or suppose the wife be admitted and her husband for like reason suspended is it not better for that party found fit to be admitted and the party unfit to be debarred then either both to be admitted or both kept back or that either of them should deny themselves the benefit of the Ordinance For 1. It s agreeable to the Word of God and Ordinances of the Church and tends much to the comfort of the Communicant to be admitted if worthy and to admit the unworthy is contrary to all 2. What comfort can it be to thee while thou art participating the body and bloud of Jesus Christ if thy wife unworthily admitted not discerning the Lords Body be eating and drinking damnation to her self or contrariwise if thy wife be a worthy Communicant it will be the terror of her soul to see her husband hailing destruction upon himself by