all_o such_o as_o at_o any_o time_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v if_o they_o stay_v not_o to_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n devotion_n which_o now_o be_v as_o it_o be_v vanish_v into_o smoak_n in_o those_o time_n shine_v in_o a_o mighty_a flame_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v on_o fire_n and_o their_o zeal_n be_v active_a and_o sprightly_a in_o this_o particular_a because_o they_o reckon_v it_o a_o necessary_a piece_n of_o religion_n i_o confess_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o that_o which_o make_v a_o thing_n necessary_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o strong_a argument_n of_o its_o necessity_n as_o be_v a_o good_a comment_n upon_o our_o lord_n command_n the_o continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n downward_o do_v show_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o do_v look_v upon_o themselves_o great_o oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o frequent_a participation_n of_o this_o mystery_n because_o he_o say_v do_v this_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o they_o conclude_v themselves_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o often_o and_o lest_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o often_o enough_o they_o do_v it_o daily_o but_o i_o will_v not_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o daily_a communion_n yet_o this_o we_o must_v affirm_v indefinite_o and_o in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o communicate_v often_o so_o that_o if_o nothing_o be_v want_v but_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n to_o omit_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n a_o violation_n of_o christ_n law_n and_o if_o we_o think_v the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v it_o too_o often_o they_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v follow_v yet_o than_o many_o now_o a_o day_n who_o either_o do_v it_o not_o at_o all_o or_o at_o most_o but_o once_o or_o twice_o a_o year_n and_o even_o then_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o something_o else_o beside_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o do_v constrain_v they_o 2._o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o necessity_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o our_o lord_n command_n but_o beside_o this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v evil_a not_o in_o itself_o only_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o very_a evil_a cause_n whence_o this_o shameful_a neglect_n come_v for_o that_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v any_o other_o than_o some_o lurk_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o man_n heart_n which_o make_v this_o sacrament_n so_o formidable_a in_o their_o eye_n since_o at_o this_o ordinance_n god_n offer_v to_o man_n all_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v the_o conveyance_n but_o a_o impenitent_a and_o wicked_a heart_n on_o the_o recipient_n part_n hardly_o will_v any_o man_n refuse_v so_o great_a salvation_n do_v not_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o love_n of_o sin_n he_o may_v take_v poison_n into_o his_o mouth_n instead_o of_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o the_o great_a contempt_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v cause_v most_o by_o some_o root_n of_o bitterness_n that_o be_v in_o man_n breast_n which_o render_v the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n very_o unsavoury_a and_o loathsome_a unto_o they_o the_o world_n general_o be_v evil_a and_o many_o love_n to_o be_v so_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n how_o else_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o crowd_n many_o time_n into_o the_o church_n in_o throng_n and_o multitude_n to_o prayer_n and_o especial_o with_o itch_a ear_n after_o a_o sermon_n when_o yet_o we_o see_v a_o very_a slender_a appearance_n especial_o in_o some_o place_n at_o the_o sacrament_n certain_o we_o must_v conclude_v or_o mistrust_v at_o least_o that_o people_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o many_o vice_n which_o they_o be_v fond_a of_o and_o willing_o allow_v and_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o and_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v forsake_v those_o vice_n they_o forbear_v this_o ordinance_n because_o they_o can_v live_v wicked_o and_o participate_v too_o without_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o most_o horrible_a crime_n to_o value_v a_o few_o paltry_a lust_n above_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o prefer_v some_o sensual_a and_o brutish_a enjoyment_n before_o those_o admirable_a and_o astonish_a blessing_n which_o be_v tender_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o which_o great_o kindle_v the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o they_o that_o they_o slight_v the_o manna_n which_o david_n call_v the_o food_n of_o angel_n and_o lust_v after_o the_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n the_o cucumber_n the_o melon_n the_o leek_n the_o onion_n and_o the_o garlic_n num._n 11._o much_o more_o will_v it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o intolerable_a crime_n in_o we_o if_o we_o make_v light_n of_o the_o great_a blessing_n that_o heaven_n can_v bestow_v as_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n a_o assurance_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o felicity_n of_o bless_a soul_n i_o say_v if_o we_o slight_a and_o reject_v all_o these_o out_o of_o favour_n to_o our_o sensitive_a appetite_n that_o we_o may_v still_o pursue_v the_o unprofitable_a work_n of_o darkness_n and_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v both_o beastly_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o very_o short_a for_o their_o continuance_n as_o maximus_n 20._o max._n tyr._n ser._n 20._o tyrius_n a_o heathen_a philosopher_n argue_v who_o be_v so_o mad_a so_o bewitch_v so_o bias_v by_o his_o affection_n that_o for_o the_o love_n of_o small_a and_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o uncertain_a enjoyment_n of_o doubtful_a hope_n and_o questionable_a prosperity_n will_v not_o change_v his_o life_n for_o a_o better_a and_o betake_v himself_o to_o that_o which_o be_v solid_a and_o unquestionable_a happiness_n yet_o of_o such_o corrupt_a and_o object_v spirit_n be_v they_o who_o neither_o love_n nor_o dare_v to_o partake_v of_o this_o covenant_n feast_n man_n of_o such_o debauch_a mind_n and_o impure_a conscience_n that_o they_o prize_v the_o most_o fordo_v consideration_n above_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o bless_a eternity_n like_o unclean_a swine_n that_o contemn_v the_o sweet_a repose_n in_o comparison_n of_o a_o dunghill_n and_o a_o bed_n of_o mire_n be_v not_o man_n earthly_a and_o sensual_a every_o one_o will_v strive_v to_o be_v a_o companion_n at_o the_o altar_n it_o be_v a_o pollute_v heart_n that_o hinder_v man_n approach_n because_o they_o that_o be_v wicked_a will_v be_v wicked_a still_o and_o that_o be_v a_o great_a reason_n why_o the_o neglect_v of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v sinful_a forasmuch_o as_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a cause_n a_o evil_a and_o a_o rot_a heart_n 3._o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o person_n who_o be_v concern_v will_v serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o be_v so_o provident_a too_o as_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o this_o neglect_n and_o see_v what_o a_o immediate_a and_o irreparable_a injury_n they_o be_v like_a to_o do_v to_o their_o own_o soul_n by_o it_o which_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o consideration_n for_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v plain_a joh._n 6._o except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n all_o the_o ancient_n do_v with_o one_o v._n one_o illud_fw-la in_o primis_fw-la animadvertendum_fw-la occurrit_fw-la quoties_fw-la apud_fw-la veteres_fw-la agitur_fw-la de_fw-la hoc_fw-la sacramento_n verba_fw-la domini_fw-la nostri_fw-la quae_fw-la joan._n cap._n 6._o referuntur_fw-la caro_fw-la mea_fw-la verè_fw-la est_fw-la cibus_fw-la &_o sanguis_fw-la meus_fw-la verè_fw-la est_fw-la potus_fw-la panis_n quem_fw-la ego_fw-la dabo_fw-la caro_fw-la mea_fw-la est_fw-la et_fw-la nisi_fw-la ederitis_fw-la carnem_fw-la silii_fw-la hominis_fw-la etc._n etc._n ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la sacramentum_fw-la omnes_fw-la applicant_n nec_fw-la audiendi_fw-la sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la tanta_fw-la nube_fw-la testium_fw-la refragante_fw-la negant_fw-la illud_fw-la caput_fw-la joannis_n huc_fw-la referendum_fw-la diallacticon_fw-la edit_fw-la londin_n 1688._o p._n 15._o 9_o v._n consent_n and_o mouth_n apply_v to_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o st._n austin_n himself_o urge_v it_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n even_o of_o infant_n communion_n which_o be_v then_o a_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n that_o indeed_o be_v a_o error_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o abundant_a piety_n of_o those_o time_n and_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o that_o custom_n be_v ground_v be_v not_o strong_a
himself_o wherever_o he_o find_v it_o and_o as_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o love_v any_o man_n without_o it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v please_v and_o delight_v with_o the_o object_n and_o according_o the_o more_o or_o less_o this_o image_n do_v resemble_v he_o the_o great_a or_o less_o be_v the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o love_n the_o reason_n therefore_o of_o this_o love_n be_v draw_v from_o that_o godlike_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o the_o gracious_a energy_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o their_o own_o kindly_a compliance_n with_o his_o operation_n it_o be_v a_o senseless_a thing_n to_o depend_v upon_o those_o effect_n of_o his_o love_n which_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o title_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n unless_o we_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n holy_a just_a and_o good_a as_o the_o everblessed_n god_n be_v these_o be_v perfection_n which_o he_o love_v because_o they_o be_v his_o own_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o though_o we_o go_v to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n with_o religious_a and_o devout_a mind_n yet_o if_o we_o go_v not_o on_o to_o answer_v the_o great_a end_n of_o christianity_n the_o bare_a reception_n of_o it_o can_v never_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v our_o own_o expectation_n because_o it_o be_v a_o relative_n ordinance_n that_o look_v forward_o upon_o a_o christian_a life_n for_o the_o lead_n whereof_o this_o mystery_n lay_v all_o possible_a obligation_n upon_o we_o and_o take_v all_o possible_a security_n at_o our_o hand_n here_o at_o the_o altar_n of_o god_n this_o be_v clear_v give_v i_o leave_v now_o to_o recommend_v unto_o you_o these_o follow_a direction_n that_o you_o may_v not_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a but_o may_v in_o one_o sense_n as_o the_o founder_n of_o this_o ordinance_n do_v in_o another_o see_v of_o the_o travel_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o be_v satisfy_v 1._o have_v a_o very_a great_a care_n that_o you_o relapse_n not_o into_o any_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n of_o which_o it_o be_v presume_v you_o have_v repent_v and_o especial_o beware_v of_o such_o as_o you_o have_v be_v most_o apt_a and_o incline_v to_o commit_v people_z be_v subject_a to_o different_a vice_n either_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o different_a constitution_n or_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o different_a age_n or_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o different_a opinion_n and_o sometime_o too_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o different_a calling_n for_o though_o those_o calling_n may_v be_v innocent_a in_o themselves_o nay_o commendable_a in_o respect_n of_o their_o use_n for_o the_o public_a good_a yet_o by_o mean_n of_o man_n own_o corrupt_a disposition_n they_o be_v accidental_o apt_a to_o betray_v they_o to_o various_a sort_n of_o wickedness_n some_o to_o luxury_n some_o to_o wantonness_n some_o to_o pride_n and_o most_o to_o fraud_n and_o injustice_n a_o bitter_a root_n of_o covetousness_n spread_v general_o through_o all_o secular_a vocation_n though_o it_o always_o hurt_v the_o soil_n and_o many_o time_n be_v the_o bane_n of_o the_o proprietor_n however_o it_o be_v think_v a_o thrifty_a vice_n here_o then_o every_o one_o must_v careful_o observe_v which_o be_v his_o own_o iniquity_n the_o sin_n that_o do_v so_o easy_o beset_v he_o and_z according_o must_v stand_v upon_o the_o strict_a watch_n to_o guard_v himself_o from_o all_o danger_n of_o relapse_v especial_o from_o such_o danger_n as_o he_o be_v most_o ready_a to_o fall_v into_o upon_o any_o occasion_n for_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v always_o most_o busy_a about_o man_n when_o they_o have_v be_v do_v their_o soul_n good_a to_o lay_v his_o old_a snare_n in_o their_o way_n and_z if_o they_o fail_v to_o minister_v to_o they_o fresh_a and_o new_a temptation_n so_o be_v their_o yield_n to_o those_o temptation_n of_o very_o mischievous_a and_o deadly_a consequence_n 1_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o high_a perfideousness_n to_o be_v false_a to_o those_o sacred_a obligation_n which_o we_o have_v now_o take_v upon_o we_o after_o the_o most_o solemn_a manner_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n and_o over_o that_o break_a body_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v give_v in_o sacrifice_n as_o well_o to_o expiate_v as_o to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n therefore_o say_v the_o preacher_n when_o thou_o vowe_v a_o vow_n unto_o god_n defer_v not_o to_o pay_v it_o for_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n pay_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v vow_v better_a be_v it_o that_o thou_o shall_v not_o vow_v than_o that_o thou_o shall_v vow_v and_o not_o pay_v eccles_n 5._o 4_o 5._o 2._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o inexcusable_a hardiness_n and_o presumption_n to_o return_v to_o those_o impiety_n which_o have_v already_o cost_v we_o so_o dear_a who_o but_o a_o true_a penitent_n can_v be_v sensible_a what_o the_o terror_n of_o god_n be_v when_o he_o awaken_v a_o sleepy_a conscience_n what_o that_o shame_n be_v which_o tincture_n the_o forehead_n at_o the_o secret_a remembrance_n of_o one_o gild_n what_o those_o dolour_n be_v which_o corrode_v the_o heart_n like_o viper_n which_o gnaw_v the_o womb_n that_o bear_v they_o what_o those_o throw_n and_o agony_n be_v which_o the_o soul_n endure_v when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v ruffle_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o how_o violent_a the_o pang_n and_o convulsion_n of_o a_o new_a birth_n be_v when_o so_o many_o inveterate_a habit_n come_v to_o be_v tear_v up_o out_o of_o one_o breast_n by_o the_o root_n repentance_n be_v a_o most_o painful_a thing_n if_o it_o be_v genuine_a and_o hearty_a when_o a_o poor_a wretch_n be_v a_o recover_v out_o of_o that_o miserable_a state_n wherein_o a_o long_a course_n and_o trade_n of_o wickedness_n have_v plunge_v he_o and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v oecumenius_n that_o have_v somewhere_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o fall_v back_o again_o into_o such_o a_o course_n of_o life_n as_o have_v once_o put_v one_o to_o so_o much_o expense_n of_o shame_n sorrow_n and_o vexation_n the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o smart_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o make_v man_n very_o fearful_a of_o be_v wound_v any_o more_o so_o that_o when_o they_o relapse_n into_o a_o wicked_a state_n with_o so_o much_o facility_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o either_o their_o smart_n be_v not_o pungent_a and_o acute_a enough_o or_o else_o that_o they_o be_v of_o very_o hardy_a and_o desperate_a spirit_n that_o can_v break_v through_o all_o the_o prick_n and_o twinge_n of_o conscience_n to_o rush_v upon_o the_o pike_n again_o 3._o it_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o lose_v all_o the_o profit_n of_o repentance_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o chargeable_a and_o costly_a therefore_o be_v apostasy_n compare_v to_o the_o most_o odious_a and_o filthy_a spectacle_n to_o a_o dog_n be_v lick_v up_o his_o vomit_n and_o to_o the_o wallow_v again_o of_o a_o sow_n in_o the_o mire_n 2_o pet._n 2._o 22._o nor_o can_v it_o be_v but_o such_o creature_n must_v needs_o appear_v abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n because_o his_o love_n and_o hatred_n still_o go_v along_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o which_o be_v never_o ground_v upon_o any_o partiality_n towards_o man_n person_n but_o upon_o a_o just_a view_n of_o their_o qualification_n and_o temper_n so_o that_o as_o these_o vary_v from_o better_a to_o worse_o and_o from_o purity_n turn_v to_o corruption_n so_o they_o become_v instead_o of_o object_n of_o god_n love_n the_o object_n of_o his_o hatred_n which_o always_o run_v out_o in_o a_o direct_a course_n against_o all_o impiety_n and_o still_o follow_v it_o at_o the_o heel_n and_o hence_o be_v the_o terrible_a menace_n in_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n when_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o do_v according_a to_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o the_o wicked_a man_n do_v shall_v he_o live_v all_o his_o righteousness_n that_o he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o shall_v he_o die_v ezek._n 18._o 24._o this_o be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o god_n immutable_a decree_n but_o moreover_o the_o natural_a result_n of_o relapse_n from_o the_o common_a method_n and_o course_n of_o thing_n especial_o when_o a_o man_n relapse_n be_v frequent_a habitual_a and_o last_v 4._o for_o that_o which_o be_v further_a considerable_a be_v that_o the_o recovery_n of_o such_o man_n be_v very_o difficult_a and_o uncertain_a st._n peter_n speak_v of_o some_o miserable_a convert_v who_o though_o they_o have_v be_v cleanse_v from_o their_o heathen_a sin_n upon_o their_o embrace_v of_o christianity_n fall_v back_o again_o into_o that_o wretched_a state_n out_o
the_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v so_o necessary_a that_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o make_v man_n very_o guilty_a of_o sin_n especial_o if_o that_o neglect_v be_v customary_a and_o habitual_a as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o very_a many_o professor_n of_o christ_n religion_n the_o sinfulness_n and_o danger_n of_o this_o negligence_n be_v fair_o provable_a from_o the_o bare_a analogy_n that_o be_v between_o this_o and_o those_o sacrifical_a banquet_n of_o old_a especial_o the_o paschal_n feast_n such_o as_o may_v celebrate_v it_o and_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o be_v under_o god_n wrath_n and_o curse_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n be_v clean_a and_o not_o in_o a_o journey_n and_o yet_o forbear_v to_o keep_v the_o passover_n that_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n numb_a 9_o 13._o now_o if_o the_o sin_n be_v so_o great_a in_o that_o case_n where_o they_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o figure_n and_o a_o shadow_n it_o can_v but_o be_v far_o great_a in_o this_o case_n where_o man_n have_v the_o body_n and_o substance_n to_o be_v sure_a the_o gild_n can_v be_v less_o in_o a_o instance_n that_o be_v of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a nature_n nor_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o when_o christ_n institute_v a_o better_a ordinance_n he_o shall_v abate_v of_o our_o duty_n or_o that_o man_n despise_v of_o such_o a_o important_a fix_v and_o permanent_a solemnity_n be_v not_o criminal_a when_o it_o be_v such_o a_o sin_n to_o disregard_n a_o temporary_a and_o vanish_v rite_n which_o our_o redeemer_n do_v put_v a_o end_n to_o but_o if_o this_o argument_n be_v not_o enough_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n in_o this_o case_n be_v further_a demonstrable_a from_o a_o threefold_a consideration_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o direct_a act_n of_o disobedience_n against_o christ_n plain_a and_o peremptory_a command_n 2._o it_o proceed_v main_o from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n 3._o it_o be_v a_o most_o injurious_a sin_n against_o a_o man_n own_n soul_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o direct_a act_n of_o disobedience_n against_o christ_n plain_a and_o peremptory_a command_n concern_v the_o institution_n of_o this_o mystery_n these_o four_o thing_n be_v very_o observable_a 1._o that_o the_o command_n about_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o be_v as_o strict_a and_o imperial_a as_o any_o other_o law_n whatsoever_o that_o be_v about_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o moral_a nature_n and_o of_o eternal_a obligation_n take_v and_o eat_v say_v our_o lord_n matth._n 26._o and_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o so_o st._n luke_n deliver_v it_o luk._n 22._o now_o this_o run_v in_o as_o command_v a_o style_n as_o that_o precept_n do_v matth._n 4._o thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v and_o as_o the_o other_o precept_n run_v matth._n 19_o thou_o shall_v do_v no_o murder_n thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n honour_v thy_o father_n and_o mother_n and_z thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o i_o do_v not_o here_o compare_v thing_n with_o thing_n a_o ceremony_n with_o morality_n but_o one_o command_n with_o another_o and_o see_v all_o of_o they_o be_v equal_o as_o plain_a and_o peremptory_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o they_o be_v on_o the_o other_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o though_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o do_v not_o yet_o the_o command_n do_v bind_v we_o to_o obedience_n in_o one_o point_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o rest_n the_o divine_a law_n be_v authoritative_a and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v oblige_v in_o small_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o more_o weighty_a matter_n 2._o this_o command_n touch_v our_o receive_n the_o bless_a sacrament_n be_v one_o of_o those_o new_a law_n which_o be_v strict_o and_o proper_o call_v christian_n precept_n those_o everlasting_a duty_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o sobriety_n though_o christ_n do_v adopt_v they_o and_o make_v they_o a_o part_n of_o his_o law_n yet_o we_o can_v call_v they_o the_o peculiar_a law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n because_o they_o be_v enact_v and_o write_v in_o man_n heart_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o they_o be_v common_a to_o christian_n and_o jew_n and_o heathen_n also_o but_o the_o law_n touch_v this_o sacrament_n be_v perfect_o a_o evangelical_n command_n and_o the_o observation_n thereof_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o immediate_a profession_n of_o our_o discipleship_n and_o of_o our_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o love_n to_o he_o who_o come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o moysaicall_a rite_n whereby_o jew_n be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o people_n and_o institute_v this_o solemnity_n as_o a_o foederal_a rite_n of_o his_o own_o to_o be_v the_o outward_a mark_n and_o cognizance_n of_o a_o christian_n 3._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o christ_n give_v no_o plain_a and_o positive_a command_n about_o this_o matter_n till_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o just_a before_o the_o time_n of_o his_o departure_n to_o show_v unto_o we_o as_o st._n austin_n have_v somewhere_o note_v that_o the_o observation_n of_o this_o solemnity_n aught_o to_o be_v have_v in_o very_o venerable_a and_o last_a esteem_n because_o nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a to_o man_n than_o to_o remember_v and_o value_v the_o injunction_n of_o a_o die_a friend_n who_o last_a command_n be_v apt_a to_o leave_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o a_o continual_a warmth_n upon_o our_o affection_n therefore_o though_o our_o bless_a saviour_n intend_v all_o along_o to_o institute_n this_o ordinance_n yet_o he_o be_v please_v to_o post-pone_a the_o institution_n of_o it_o and_o to_o reserve_v it_o until_o his_o death_n to_o put_v his_o church_n in_o mind_n of_o the_o vast_a importance_n of_o this_o mystery_n that_o she_o may_v set_v and_o devote_v herself_o to_o the_o religious_a observation_n of_o that_o which_o she_o have_v receive_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o her_o die_a lord_n as_o the_o last_o request_n and_o pledge_v of_o his_o sincere_a love_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v in_o the_o four_o place_n that_o this_o mystery_n bear_v a_o immediate_a and_o near_a relation_n to_o christ_n himself_o because_o it_o be_v the_o great_a and_o stand_a memorial_n of_o his_o philanthropy_n this_o character_n he_o himself_o have_v set_v upon_o it_o that_o it_o be_v the_o annunciation_n of_o the_o most_o marvellous_a love_n that_o he_o can_v show_v unto_o the_o world_n this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o lord_n be_v there_o not_o a_o thousand_o other_o argument_n of_o his_o love_n to_o we_o from_o his_o nativity_n to_o his_o cross_n what_o be_v all_o his_o sermon_n miracle_n suffering_n but_o so_o many_o declaration_n and_o monument_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o perpetuate_v the_o memory_n thereof_o to_o all_o age_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v he_o appoint_v this_o ordinance_n to_o be_v in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o chief_o and_o principal_o here_o we_o do_v most_o solemn_o commemorate_v the_o incomparable_a greatness_n of_o his_o love_n we_o do_v public_o own_v and_o declare_v it_o we_o proclaim_v and_o publish_v it_o before_o god_n and_o man._n so_o that_o now_o by_o all_o this_o put_v together_o the_o necessity_n of_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n do_v plain_o appear_v for_o to_o deny_v this_o necessity_n be_v no_o other_o than_o tacit_o to_o deny_v that_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v christ_n law_n to_o refuse_v obedience_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v our_o lord_n it_o be_v to_o cast_v off_o our_o livery_n and_o to_o renounce_v our_o profession_n to_o despise_v this_o memorial_n of_o his_o philanthropy_n be_v to_o render_v ourselves_o the_o most_o insensate_a and_o unthankful_a wretch_n that_o be_v as_o willing_a to_o have_v the_o memory_n of_o his_o love_n dye_v as_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o have_v he_o expire_v upon_o the_o cross_n i_o be_o sure_a in_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o christianity_n man_n account_v it_o a_o great_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o main_a expression_n of_o their_o affection_n to_o the_o holy_a jesus_n to_o celebrate_v this_o mystery_n very_o often_o nay_o they_o look_v upon_o this_o solemnity_n as_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o their_o constant_a worship_n without_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o service_n be_v imperfect_a and_o lame_a religion_n begin_v to_o be_v decrepit_a and_o cold_a when_o the_o custom_n of_o receive_v a_o few_o time_n in_o the_o year_n steal_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n for_o not_o only_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o for_o a_o long_a time_n after_o christian_n be_v wont_a to_o address_v themselves_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n every_o lord_n day_n as_o evident_o appear_v out_o of_o justin_n martyr_n st._n cyprian_n jerome_n austin_n and_o some_o more_o of_o the_o ancient_n nay_o in_o the_o synod_n at_o antioch_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o
without_o these_o mean_n or_o because_o such_o great_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n they_o must_v not_o let_v go_v certainty_n and_o trust_v to_o possibility_n nor_o slight_a any_o ordinance_n as_o if_o it_o be_v unnecessary_a upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o god_n mercy_n and_o power_n be_v all-sufficient_a no_o they_o must_v show_v their_o obedience_n and_o have_v recourse_n to_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o this_o be_v one_o and_o a_o principal_a one_o viz._n the_o receive_v of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n chap._n ii_o several_a excuse_n consider_v what_o have_v be_v thus_o deliver_v will_v i_o hope_v prevail_v with_o those_o who_o will_v be_v wise_a for_o themselves_o who_o study_n to_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n but_o it_o be_v a_o most_o difficult_a matter_n to_o persuade_v especial_o to_o action_n that_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n though_o interest_n be_v common_o the_o most_o powerful_a rhetoric_n in_o the_o world_n and_o man_n great_a interest_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o case_n yet_o because_o they_o do_v not_o discern_v with_o their_o eye_n either_o the_o advantage_n that_o be_v receive_v by_o a_o worthy_a use_n or_o the_o loss_n that_o be_v sustain_v by_o a_o unworthy_a contempt_n of_o this_o ordinance_n such_o be_v the_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n of_o many_o people_n that_o any_o pretence_n almost_o serve_v as_o a_o excuse_n and_o plea_n sufficient_a as_o they_o think_v to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n that_o great_a person_n luke_n 14._o that_o make_v a_o costly_a supper_n and_o invite_v many_o guest_n receive_v very_o rude_a return_v when_o they_o present_o pretend_v one_o that_o he_o have_v buy_v a_o farm_n another_o that_o he_o go_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o ox_n a_o three_o that_o he_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n come_v it_o be_v call_v a_o parable_n but_o if_o you_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a history_n of_o the_o improvidence_n and_o unthankfulness_n of_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o will_v fain_o come_v off_o handsome_o if_o they_o can_v with_o several_a excuse_n that_o something_o or_o other_o do_v still_o hinder_v they_o from_o close_v with_o the_o invitation_n therefore_o my_o next_o business_n must_v be_v to_o show_v how_o incompetent_a and_o trifle_a man_n excuse_n be_v and_o i_o must_v do_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o shameful_a neglect_n which_o some_o be_v guilty_a of_o be_v very_o mischievous_a and_o scandalous_a to_o other_o so_o that_o they_o both_o judge_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v by_o their_o bad_a example_n do_v help_n to_o draw_v many_o more_o into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n and_o further_o the_o hurt_n of_o divers_a precious_a soul_n for_o who_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v content_a and_o desirous_a to_o die_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o people_n i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o 1._o such_o as_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o a_o course_n of_o life_n that_o be_v unbecoming_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o backward_o and_o unwilling_a to_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n 2._o such_o as_o live_v honest_o and_o fair_o before_o man_n but_o yet_o be_v such_o drudge_n to_o the_o world_n and_o so_o intent_n upon_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o family_n that_o their_o whole_a time_n be_v lay_v out_o upon_o secular_a affair_n and_o they_o have_v none_o leave_v they_o as_o they_o say_v for_o the_o business_n of_o preparation_n and_o therefore_o pretend_v they_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o come_v 3._o such_o as_o be_v willing_a and_o perhaps_o desirous_a to_o communicate_v and_o confess_v they_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o fit_v themselves_o by_o prayer_n fast_v and_o repentance_n but_o yet_o what_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o manifold_a fail_n and_o what_o out_o of_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mystery_n and_o what_o out_o of_o a_o mistrust_n of_o themselves_o for_o the_o future_a conceive_v themselves_o to_o be_v unworthy_a and_o unfit_a and_o therefore_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v 1._o now_o as_o for_o those_o in_o the_o first_o place_n who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n but_o live_v without_o have_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n i_o must_v premise_v that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o who_o have_v learned_a christ_n who_o have_v hear_v of_o his_o suffering_n of_o his_o law_n and_o of_o his_o threat_n shall_v presume_v in_o spite_n of_o all_o to_o live_v after_o this_o rate_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o who_o do_v live_v so_o shall_v be_v backward_o and_o unwilling_a to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n it_o will_v be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o they_o indeed_o to_o receive_v it_o because_o s._n paul_n have_v declare_v that_o he_o who_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o and_o such_o man_n as_o i_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v no_o more_o worthy_a to_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n than_o swine_n be_v fit_a to_o live_v of_o the_o altar_n to_o such_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v a_o dreadful_a thing_n indeed_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o a_o evil_a course_n they_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n drink_v down_o death_n with_o the_o wine_n and_o swallow_v the_o bread_n and_o the_o devil_n together_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o love_n with_o sin_n and_o obey_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o and_o yield_v their_o member_n as_o instrument_n of_o unrighteousness_n they_o must_v by_o all_o mean_n forbear_v come_v to_o this_o ordinance_n but_o then_o they_o must_v observe_v that_o this_o forbear_n or_o refrain_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n will_v be_v in_o no_o wise_a excusable_a in_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o god_n and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v so_o vain_a and_o foolish_a as_o to_o think_v so_o i_o will_v offer_v these_o follow_a thing_n to_o his_o most_o serious_a consideration_n 1._o that_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n he_o may_v neglect_v every_o other_o divine_a ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o he_o unless_o he_o repent_v and_o answer_v the_o great_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n unto_o the_o wicked_a god_n say_v why_o do_v thou_o preach_v my_o law_n and_o take_v my_o covenant_n into_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v ps_n 50._o 16_o 17._o in_o like_a manner_n why_o do_v such_o man_n call_v upon_o god_n name_n or_o please_v themselves_o that_o they_o hear_v his_o word_n nay_o why_o indeed_o do_v they_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n as_o long_o as_o they_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v for_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n be_v provoke_v throughout_o and_o god_n be_v their_o enemy_n and_o they_o be_v his_o as_o long_o as_o they_o thus_o continue_v in_o sin_n for_o all_o that_o such_o man_n do_v be_v leaven_v with_o hypocrisy_n and_o no_o monster_n be_v so_o hateful_a to_o god_n and_o man_n as_o a_o hypocrite_n he_o that_o pray_v with_o his_o mouth_n and_o have_v villainy_n in_o his_o heart_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n spit_v in_o god_n face_n he_o that_o hear_v the_o divine_a oracle_n with_o a_o uncircumcised_a ear_n do_v but_o make_v a_o mockery_n of_o religion_n and_o he_o that_o ow_v himself_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v a_o son_n of_o belial_n infinite_o affront_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o make_v he_o a_o friend_n to_o immorality_n and_o wickedness_n it_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o upright_a heart_n that_o render_v all_o our_o service_n acceptable_a and_o where_o that_o be_v want_v the_o sinner_n may_v as_o well_o forbear_v every_o exterior_a profession_n of_o religion_n as_o go_v from_o the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o both_o because_o he_o injure_v himself_o and_o draw_v a_o curse_n and_o judgement_n upon_o his_o head_n in_o other_o instance_n as_o well_o as_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o 2._o to_o refuse_v the_o communion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o extenuate_v that_o it_o aggravate_v the_o crime_n of_o a_o evil_a wretch_n because_o he_o thereby_o add_v one_o sin_n to_o another_o and_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a language_n of_o his_o heart_n i_o have_v break_v the_o rest_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v go_v on_o and_o break_v this_o too_o now_o i_o will_v beseech_v such_o to_o consider_v whether_o
and_o crevise_v in_o their_o floor_n and_o whatsoever_o leaven_n be_v find_v their_o custom_n be_v to_o burn_v it_o use_v this_o form_n of_o word_n let_v all_o the_o leaven_n and_o every_o leaven_a thing_n that_o be_v with_o i_o 12._o buxtorf_n synag_fw-mi cap._n 12._o whether_o i_o have_v see_v or_o not_o see_v it_o whether_o i_o have_v carry_v it_o forth_o or_o no_o be_v dissipate_v and_o destroy_v and_o account_v as_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o which_o solemn_a way_n of_o imprecation_n the_o jew_n do_v clear_v themselves_o of_o gild_n and_o protest_v their_o innocence_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o when_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v for_o the_o eat_v of_o the_o passover_n before_o they_o sit_v down_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o commmunicant_n be_v wash_v as_o at_o other_o feast_n only_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_a that_o at_o this_o banquet_n they_o wash_v twice_o to_o show_v the_o preeminence_n and_o great_a dignity_n of_o this_o religious_a solemnity_n above_o the_o rest_n see_v then_o this_o be_v the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n both_o it_o abundant_o argue_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o common_a sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n that_o great_a and_o strict_a preparation_n be_v necessary_a before_o they_o dare_v present_v any_o sacrifice_n unto_o god_n or_o feast_n together_o upon_o any_o part_n thereof_o and_o the_o correspondence_n that_o be_v between_o this_o and_o other_o ancient_a sacrifical_a banquet_n be_v enough_o to_o show_v how_o religious_a and_o strict_a the_o care_n of_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o prepare_v and_o fit_v themselves_o for_o so_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n before_o they_o presume_v to_o address_v themselves_o to_o the_o holy_a table_n to_o feast_n together_o upon_o a_o sacrifice_v saviour_n the_o spotless_a lamb_n of_o god_n which_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v a_o feast_n of_o the_o high_a and_o noble_a nature_n that_o ever_o be_v we_o have_v a_o altar_n whereof_o neither_o heathen_a nor_o jew_n have_v any_o right_a to_o eat_v and_o we_o have_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o partake_v of_o which_o be_v infinite_o better_a than_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n for_o here_o we_o feed_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o christ_n our_o passover_n that_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o we_o who_o flesh_n be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o who_o blood_n be_v drink_v indeed_o here_o we_o enter_v into_o a_o close_a alliance_n with_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n we_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n by_o his_o spiritual_a body_n that_o be_v give_v we_o we_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o our_o adoption_n and_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o title_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o dare_v to_o celebrate_v it_o after_o a_o rude_a and_o rash_a manner_n but_o come_v unto_o it_o after_o great_a preparation_n have_v first_o search_v into_o our_o state_n and_o measure_v ourselves_o by_o the_o line_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v in_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n and_o so_o present_v ourselves_o before_o the_o holy_a table_n with_o clean_a hand_n and_o a_o pure_a heart_n and_o with_o soul_n full_a of_o god_n and_o in_o love_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o piety_n and_o goodness_n those_o ceremonial_a rite_n which_o be_v make_v necessary_a preparative_n in_o order_n to_o a_o due_a celebration_n of_o the_o paschal_n feast_n be_v of_o mystical_a signification_n point_v out_o that_o inward_a and_o substantial_a purity_n which_o be_v now_o require_v of_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n by_o take_v the_o pledge_n of_o his_o covenant_n into_o their_o mouth_n they_o must_v circumcise_v their_o heart_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v their_o flesh_n they_o shall_v examine_v their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v their_o chamber_n they_o shall_v keep_v the_o feast_n not_o with_o the_o old_a leaven_n neither_o with_o the_o leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n but_o with_o the_o unleavened_a bread_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n they_o shall_v purge_v and_o sanctify_v their_o affection_n as_o jew_n and_o pagan_n be_v wont_a to_o wash_v their_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o so_o compass_v the_o altar_n of_o god_n have_v first_o cleanse_v their_o body_n and_o spirit_n in_o innocence_n these_o be_v the_o moral_a duty_n which_o those_o ritual_a ordinance_n do_v signify_v and_o which_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o inside_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n deliver_v no_o particular_a rule_n that_o we_o read_v of_o about_o this_o matter_n because_o those_o purification_n which_o be_v every_o where_n in_o the_o world_n use_v in_o order_n to_o a_o right_a participation_n of_o sacrifical_a feast_n do_v plain_o indicate_v to_o all_o christian_n what_o their_o duty_n be_v and_o do_v speak_v enough_o to_o inform_v we_o all_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v religious_o qualify_v prepare_a and_o dispose_a before_o we_o approach_v unto_o his_o table_n and_o thus_o much_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v intimate_v when_o he_o wash_v his_o disciple_n foot_n with_o his_o own_o hand_n before_o he_o proceed_v to_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o solemnity_n 2._o now_o though_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o due_a preparation_n in_o order_n to_o a_o worthy_a receive_v of_o this_o sacrament_n yet_o for_o further_a proof_n hereof_o we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o add_v these_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 28._o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup._n there_o be_v not_o a_o text_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o only_a which_o give_v we_o a_o command_n and_o direction_n concern_v this_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v full_a and_o comprehensive_a if_o we_o understand_v it_o in_o its_o just_a latitude_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a greek_a and_o it_o signify_v two_o thing_n 1._o first_o it_o import_v search_v and_o try_v every_o one_o shall_v look_v into_o his_o breast_n and_o see_v how_o his_o heart_n stand_v affect_v and_o dispose_v before_o he_o go_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n seldom_o be_v a_o man_n so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o himself_o but_o that_o he_o have_v often_o reason_n especial_o before_o he_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n to_o contract_n for_o a_o eternity_n to_o ask_v his_o conscience_n serious_o be_v there_o not_o any_o wickedness_n in_o i_o the_o great_a sage_n of_o old_a thought_n it_o one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v himself_o thorough_o for_o such_o be_v the_o pravity_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o be_v common_o very_o loath_a to_o search_v into_o our_o bosom_n for_o fear_v we_o shall_v discover_v some_o ugly_a monster_n there_o like_o ill_a husband_n that_o be_v afraid_a to_o look_v over_o the_o account_n of_o their_o debt_n lest_o their_o mind_n shall_v be_v disquiet_v at_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o and_o when_o we_o do_v take_v ourselves_o to_o task_n such_o be_v our_o partiality_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n we_o pass_v too_o favourable_a judgement_n in_o our_o own_o case_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v ourselves_o clean_a though_o our_o defilement_n be_v more_o than_o the_o spot_n of_o the_o sun_n consider_v therefore_o that_o at_o this_o sacrament_n we_o present_v ourselves_o before_o that_o great_a god_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o the_o reins_o and_o the_o rewarder_n of_o all_o evil_a we_o be_v very_o high_o concern_v to_o rip_v open_a our_o heart_n before_o hand_n and_o to_o examine_v every_o angle_n of_o our_o soul_n lest_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o answer_n which_o that_o rude_a guest_n receive_v who_o come_v unprepared_a to_o the_o wedding_n feast_n friend_n how_o come_v thou_o hither_o matth._n 22._o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v needful_a for_o we_o be_v we_o not_o christian_n but_o man_n only_o to_o cast_v our_o eye_n back_o upon_o our_o way_n every_o night_n and_o see_v how_o we_o have_v pass_v over_o the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n before_o we_o climb_v up_o into_o our_o bed_n for_o this_o be_v the_o grave_a advice_n even_o of_o a_o pagan_a philosopher_n that_o ever_o we_o suffer_v our_o eye_n to_o sleep_n we_o shall_v thrice_o run_v over_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n pythag._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d work_n of_o the_o day_n past_a and_o ask_v ourselves_o where_o we_o have_v be_v what_o we_o have_v do_v what_o necessary_a thing_n we_o have_v omit_v so_o reckon_v up_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o our_o life_n from_o the_o first_o dawn_n of_o the_o light_n as_o
not_o now_o in_o a_o due_a manner_n nay_o 2_o such_o bold_a and_o presumptuous_a person_n do_v draw_v a_o curse_n down_o upon_o their_o head_n even_o in_o this_o world_n for_o this_o cause_n say_v st._n paul_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o sleep_n whence_o come_v many_o linger_a disease_n many_o sudden_a death_n why_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o irreverent_a use_n of_o this_o bleâ—â—ed_a sacrament_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o as_o god_n threaten_v under_o the_o law_n exod._n 12._o 15._o to_o cut_v off_o those_o soul_n that_o shall_v eat_v leaven_v bread_n at_o the_o passover_n so_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o christianity_n many_o be_v remarkable_o visit_v with_o plague_n and_o sundry_a kind_n of_o death_n and_o some_o people_n be_v possess_v with_o the_o devil_n too_o by_o reason_n that_o they_o come_v not_o to_o this_o mystery_n well_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v for_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o upon_o this_o theme_n suppose_v that_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v now_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o due_a preparation_n and_o i_o have_v scarce_o say_v so_o much_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o lie_v before_o we_o in_o our_o way_n and_o i_o can_v not_o leap_v over_o it_o with_o a_o honest_a conscience_n in_o many_o other_o case_n man_n need_v a_o bridle_n rather_o than_o a_o spur_n but_o in_o this_o case_n a_o spur_n seem_v to_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o a_o bridle_n because_o such_o be_v the_o shameful_a neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n which_o many_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o we_o shall_v rather_o use_v protreptic_o to_o provoke_v man_n unto_o their_o duty_n than_o threat_n and_o menace_n to_o deter_v they_o from_o receive_v however_o that_o they_o may_v not_o make_v more_o haste_n than_o good_a speed_n it_o behove_v i_o to_o show_v what_o caution_n they_o be_v to_o take_v along_o with_o they_o lest_o they_o take_v a_o step_n towards_o their_o perdition_n keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n as_o the_o royal_a preacher_n say_v eccles_n 4._o 1._o thus_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v strict_o bind_v to_o communicate_v and_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o right_o and_o due_o in_o order_n to_o a_o profitable_a communion_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n i_o be_v to_o discourse_v of_o upon_o this_o point_n i_o shall_v now_o go_v on_o according_a to_o this_o plain_a method_n and_o treat_v in_o the_o next_o place_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o this_o preparation_n and_o show_v you_o wherein_o that_o do_v consist_v chap._n iu._n of_o the_o nature_n of_o preparation_n in_o general_a and_o in_o particular_a this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o consideration_n though_o a_o very_a slight_a account_n be_v make_v of_o it_o by_o those_o who_o great_a care_n and_o solicitude_n seem_v to_o be_v to_o whisper_v their_o crime_n to_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o confessor_n and_o to_o undergo_v or_o promise_v some_o trifle_a penance_n and_o if_o after_o these_o little_a practice_n they_o have_v the_o absolution_n of_o a_o priest_n who_o yet_o perhaps_o be_v equal_o involve_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o gild_n with_o his_o penitent_n they_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o purge_v from_o the_o conscience_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v perfect_o innocent_a and_o this_o natural_o follow_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o doctor_n who_o teach_v that_o confession_n and_o penance_n be_v the_o necessary_a preparative_n before_o the_o sacrament_n without_o make_v any_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o although_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o contrition_n or_o attrition_n at_o least_o yet_o by_o those_o word_n they_o understand_v no_o more_o but_o a_o little_a grief_n for_o sin_n with_o some_o few_o purpose_n at_o present_a to_o amend_v hereafter_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v sufficient_a because_o according_a to_o their_o fancy_n the_o work_n of_o the_o priest_n supply_v and_o make_v amends_o for_o the_o want_n of_o a_o true_a and_o manly_a repentance_n of_o the_o heart_n now_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o due_a preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a and_o trifle_a method_n make_v up_o of_o lucrative_a art_n and_o absurd_a performance_n and_o serve_v to_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_v christianity_n and_o to_o encourage_v people_n in_o a_o wicked_a and_o irreligious_a course_n of_o life_n as_o any_o man_n may_v discern_v that_o will_v but_o observe_v the_o natural_a consequence_n thereof_o 1._o therefore_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o point_n and_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n conscience_n in_o this_o particular_a we_o be_v first_o to_o note_n in_o the_o general_n that_o universal_a sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o mind_n be_v require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o a_o profitable_a and_o comfortable_a communion_n it_o be_v the_o opinion_n even_o of_o a_o pagan_a that_o such_o as_o meddle_v with_o thing_n sacred_a aught_o to_o be_v chaste_a and_o holy_a not_o timocrat_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n demoth_n cont._n timocrat_n for_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o day_n only_o but_o throughout_o their_o whole_a life_n and_o certain_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o holiness_n be_v the_o best_a prepaparative_n for_o a_o due_a celebration_n of_o this_o mystery_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v so_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n as_o a_o life_n of_o innocence_n yet_o if_o a_o man_n have_v lose_v his_o innocence_n either_o through_o the_o practice_n of_o habitual_a sin_n or_o through_o the_o commission_n of_o some_o unlawful_a act_n his_o repentance_n nevertheless_o be_v for_o christ_n sake_n accept_v of_o in_o lieu_n of_o it_o if_o that_o repentance_n be_v hearty_a and_o sincere_a now_o repentance_n can_v be_v right_a unless_o the_o heart_n be_v entire_o good_a so_o as_o to_o be_v out_o of_o love_n with_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v base_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n religion_n and_o therefore_o a_o communicant_n mind_n and_o purpose_n must_v be_v resolute_o fix_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o universal_a christian_a piety_n though_o some_o particular_a virtue_n be_v here_o more_o especial_o to_o be_v exercise_v because_o there_o be_v at_o this_o time_n particular_a reason_n and_o special_a object_n to_o exercise_n his_o faith_n charity_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o habitual_a presence_n of_o other_o virtue_n too_o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o spirit_n must_v be_v such_o as_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n bonum_fw-la ex_fw-la integris_fw-la malum_fw-la ex_fw-la quolibet_fw-la defectu_fw-la he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o entire_a good_a man_n nor_o a_o right_n good_a communicant_a that_o have_v not_o a_o entire_a and_o universal_a love_n of_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n be_v now_o accept_v of_o each_o divine_a grace_n must_v contribute_v something_o to_o make_v up_o our_o wedding_n apparel_n the_o cover_n of_o charity_n the_o ornament_n of_o a_o meek_a and_o gentle_a spirit_n the_o clothing_n of_o humility_n the_o sackcloth_n of_o repentance_n and_o self-denial_n the_o long_a robe_n of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n the_o new_a apparel_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n in_o a_o word_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o perfect_a as_o to_o be_v sincere_a and_o to_o be_v ready_a unto_o every_o good_a work_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n all_o affection_n and_o love_n to_o sin_n must_v be_v cast_v off_o and_o man_n heart_n must_v be_v devote_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o the_o law_n of_o our_o redeemer_n as_o his_o spirit_n shall_v enable_v we_o by_o work_v in_o we_o and_o with_o we_o and_o by_o help_v our_o infirmity_n he_o that_o be_v not_o thus_o dispose_v can_v communicate_v worthy_o and_o so_o as_o to_o obtain_v a_o blessing_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v clear_a because_o as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a this_o be_v a_o covenant_n feast_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o paschal_n supper_n and_o other_o sacrifical_a banquet_n be_v under_o the_o law_n by_o taste_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o wine_n we_o enter_v into_o solemn_a engagement_n unto_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v by_o eat_v of_o the_o lamb._n as_o they_o do_v by_o that_o holy_a rite_n addict_v themselves_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o engage_v their_o obedience_n to_o he_o conformable_a to_o those_o law_n and_o ordinance_n which_o be_v enact_v then_o even_o so_o do_v we_o christian_n
consecrate_v ourselves_o by_o this_o evangelical_n solemnity_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o vow_v obedience_n to_o he_o answerable_a to_o that_o way_n and_o platform_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v before_o we_o now_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o sacrament_n because_o it_o be_v like_o the_o old_a military_a oath_n bind_v all_o of_o we_o to_o be_v faithful_a and_o true_a to_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v we_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o apostle_n that_o as_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a so_o we_o also_o shall_v be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 15._o and_o this_o we_o undertake_v to_o do_v when_o we_o eat_v and_o drink_v here_o before_o the_o lord_n if_o we_o right_o understand_v what_o we_o do_v we_o stipulate_v and_o vow_v to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o promise_v solemn_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o in_o express_a term_n do_v offer_v and_o present_v unto_o god_n ourselves_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o be_v a_o holy_a reasonable_a and_o lively_a sacrifice_n unto_o he_o now_o unless_o we_o real_o intend_v what_o we_o do_v profess_v and_o do_v steadfast_o purpose_n and_o diligent_o endeavour_v to_o make_v all_o our_o promise_n good_a what_o else_o can_v we_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v but_o to_o set_v forth_o our_o own_o shameful_a hypocrisy_n instead_o of_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n therefore_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n with_o profit_n and_o to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o must_v resolve_v with_o ourselves_o to_o be_v upright_o and_o sincere_a in_o heart_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o take_v to_o ourselves_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o quit_v and_o behave_v ourselves_o like_a men._n we_o must_v resolve_v to_o serve_v god_n all_o our_o day_n with_o reverence_n and_o fear_n and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o the_o portion_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o our_o affection_n to_o be_v humble_a in_o soul_n to_o be_v meek_a and_o peaceable_a in_o spirit_n to_o be_v sober_a and_o temperate_a in_o our_o delight_n to_o be_v content_v in_o all_o condition_n and_o to_o be_v patient_n under_o our_o cross_n as_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n be_v under_o he_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o our_o affliction_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o firm_a in_o our_o trial_n and_o to_o be_v charitable_a in_o all_o our_o prayer_n as_o he_o himself_o be_v who_o pray_v unto_o his_o father_n at_o the_o very_a last_o gasp_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o enemy_n man_n must_v not_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v if_o they_o do_v but_o find_v within_o themselves_o some_o present_a rapture_n and_o liquorish_a apprehension_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n if_o they_o can_v but_o breathe_v out_o some_o groan_n or_o dissolve_v themselves_o into_o a_o shower_n of_o water_n no_o the_o right_a preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n consist_v in_o the_o entire_a love_n of_o virtue_n of_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o honest_a and_o just_o and_o pure_a and_o lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 4._o 8._o and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v brief_o of_o the_o quality_n and_o nature_n of_o due_a preparation_n in_o general_a it_o must_v be_v a_o universal_a rectitude_n and_o holiness_n of_o heart_n a_o entire_a goodness_n of_o disposition_n a_o sincere_a love_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a and_o such_o a_o divine_a frame_n and_o bent_n of_o soul_n as_o utter_o abhor_v all_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o destructive_a of_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a both_o to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n 2._o but_o then_o we_o must_v note_n in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o as_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v this_o general_a and_o habitual_a preparation_n so_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a and_o special_a duty_n which_o be_v now_o to_o be_v perform_v because_o as_o i_o say_v here_o be_v special_a object_n and_o reason_n to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o here_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n be_v represent_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v tender_v and_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o god_n be_v exhibit_v to_o we_o and_o according_o we_o be_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n merit_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n because_o his_o merit_n be_v available_a to_o such_o only_a as_o do_v believe_v we_o be_v true_o and_o earnest_o to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n because_o sin_n be_v that_o which_o christ_n die_v for_o and_o it_o be_v upon_o our_o repentance_n that_o our_o pardon_n be_v seal_v and_o moreover_o we_o be_v to_o express_v our_o entire_a love_n to_o our_o brethren_n in_o all_o its_o act_n and_o office_n because_o if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 11._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o divine_v common_o prescribe_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o charity_n as_o most_o necessary_a preparative_n in_o order_n to_o a_o worthy_a receive_v not_o as_o if_o other_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v exclude_v but_o because_o these_o be_v special_o to_o be_v exercise_v forasmuch_o as_o this_o great_a solemnity_n do_v afford_v we_o special_a and_o eminent_a object_n for_o the_o exercise_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v the_o usual_a method_n be_v now_o to_o show_v how_o prepare_v you_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o preparation_n be_v sufficient_a and_o for_o your_o more_o profitable_a instruction_n i_o shall_v discourse_v particular_o of_o those_o three_o qualification_n in_o their_o due_a order_n 1._o and_o first_o of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n by_o faith_n i_o mean_v here_o in_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o it_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o our_o belief_n by_o divine_a revelation_n distinguish_v faith_n from_o hope_n and_o obedience_n and_o other_o act_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a and_o more_o comprehensive_a sense_n now_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o first_o show_v why_o faith_n be_v require_v in_o a_o communicant_a that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n 2._o what_o faith_n be_v require_v or_o what_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v i_o know_v not_o what_o more_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o be_v speak_v touch_v this_o matter_n 1._o why_o faith_n be_v require_v in_o a_o communicant_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v obvious_a because_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n that_o do_v influence_n move_v and_o govern_v our_o action_n it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v wrought_v upon_o either_o to_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o god_n or_o to_o forsake_v his_o impiety_n or_o to_o do_v any_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n unless_o he_o be_v first_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v authority_n from_o god_n to_o exact_v these_o thing_n at_o our_o hand_n and_o that_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o god_n if_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o punishment_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v if_o we_o neglect_v and_o despise_v so_o great_a salvation_n so_o that_o without_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o this_o ordinance_n and_o consequent_o the_o element_n that_o be_v take_v by_o a_o unbeliever_n can_v do_v he_o no_o more_o good_a than_o a_o morsel_n put_v into_o a_o dead_a man_n mouth_n even_o the_o word_n that_o be_v preach_v do_v not_o profit_n at_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o heb._n 4._o 2._o a_o thousand_o homily_n of_o righteousness_n be_v no_o more_o to_o such_o than_o metaphysical_a discourse_n to_o a_o brute_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n though_o to_o well-prepared_n soul_n it_o be_v the_o communication_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n yet_o it_o avail_v not_o except_o there_o be_v a_o disposition_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o while_o
faith_n be_v as_o unalterable_a as_o the_o author_n of_o it_o who_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o if_o in_o that_o plain_a and_o easy_a belief_n the_o church_n go_v to_o heaven_n of_o old_a why_o may_v we_o not_o do_v so_o still_o and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o to_o heaven-gate_n by_o that_o faith_n whereby_o so_o many_o thousand_o have_v all_o along_o enter_v into_o paradise_n 3._o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o 3_o d_o place_n the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o present_a solemnity_n it_o be_v the_o evangelical_n feast_n by_o partake_v whereof_o we_o do_v renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v by_o eat_v of_o the_o passover_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o which_o capacitates_fw-la a_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n first_o of_o all_o be_v sufficient_a to_o qualify_v and_o fit_v he_o for_o the_o renew_n of_o that_o covenant_n now_o because_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v all_o along_o the_o same_o and_o what_o we_o do_v at_o our_o baptism_n and_o do_v now_o again_o be_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n act_v over_o and_o over_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o cordial_a belief_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v account_v enough_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o the_o admission_n of_o people_n unto_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o initiate_a mystery_n at_o which_o god_n and_o man_n do_v interchangeable_o seal_v indenture_n first_o of_o all_o in_o act._n 8._o we_o find_v philip_n preach_v to_o the_o ethiopian_a eunuch_n and_o require_v a_o confession_n of_o his_o creed_n that_o he_o may_v be_v baptise_a and_o when_o the_o eunuch_n make_v this_o short_a confession_n i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v think_v enough_o to_o give_v he_o a_o right_a to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o straightway_o philip_n go_v down_o into_o the_o water_n and_o baptise_a he_o v._o 38._o the_o like_a we_o read_v of_o paul_n and_o silas_n how_o they_o direct_v the_o fright_a jailer_n to_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n act._n 16._o 33._o and_o instant_o upon_o that_o confession_n baptise_a he_o now_o we_o do_v not_o any_o where_o read_v or_o find_v any_o reason_n to_o conjecture_v that_o the_o apostle_n demand_v any_o other_o faith_n of_o their_o convert_v before_o the_o communion_n than_o what_o they_o have_v deliver_v unto_o they_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o baptism_n the_o same_o belief_n which_o qualify_v they_o for_o that_o do_v also_o qualify_v they_o for_o this_o other_o sacrament_n for_o in_o act._n 2._o where_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o first_o convert_v and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o even_o three_o thousand_o soul_n st._n luke_n relate_v that_o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n v._o 42._o and_o by_o the_o story_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v intimate_v that_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n after_o they_o be_v baptise_a they_o be_v all_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n i_o add_v to_o this_o in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n require_v this_o of_o communicant_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o pastor_n for_o so_o justin_n martyr_v express_o tell_v we_o and_o those_o thing_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n in_o all_o age_n and_o which_o in_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n be_v call_v the_o catholic_n faith_n consist_v of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v ancient_o draw_v up_o into_o short_a summary_n and_o by_o a_o passage_n in_o st._n ambrose_n it_o do_v appear_v that_o baptise_a person_n be_v not_o prohibit_v from_o come_v to_o the_o communion_n but_o for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o few_o day_n after_o their_o baptism_n and_o this_o prohibition_n be_v intend_v not_o that_o they_o may_v in_o that_o time_n learn_v a_o new_a creed_n but_o only_o gain_v some_o further_a knowledge_n touch_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o religious_a mystery_n still_o the_o faith_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o even_o a_o comfortable_a belief_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a to_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o office_n of_o public_a and_o private_a baptism_n in_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o catechism_n as_o also_o in_o that_o old_a useful_a book_n call_v the_o institution_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n in_o all_o which_o no_o more_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o necessary_a but_o a_o hearty_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o common_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n contain_v in_o the_o apostolical_a symbol_n by_o what_o then_o have_v be_v thus_o particular_o show_v any_o ordinary_a communicant_a may_v easy_o discern_v whether_o his_o faith_n be_v genuine_a and_o right_a and_o approve_v and_o such_o as_o the_o gospel_n do_v require_v in_o short_a do_v you_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o his_o father_n that_o his_o great_a errand_n be_v to_o redeem_v a_o undo_v and_o without_o he_o a_o lose_a world_n that_o he_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o this_o purpose_n that_o his_o blood_n be_v shed_v as_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o that_o he_o pay_v a_o price_n even_o for_o thy_o poor_a soul_n and_o that_o for_o his_o sake_n thou_o may_v find_v mercy_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v thy_o faith_n thou_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o thy_o faith_n be_v as_o right_a and_o true_a as_o ever_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o apostle_n though_o thou_o can_v not_o remove_v mountain_n nor_o heal_n the_o sick_a with_o thy_o shadow_n and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v thus_o far_o well_o prepare_v to_o be_v a_o receiver_n because_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o every_o christian_n faith_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o believe_v thus_o much_o with_o a_o particular_a application_n of_o christ_n merit_n to_o thy_o own_o soul_n so_o that_o thou_o can_v believe_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o cast_v thyself_o on_o he_o with_o a_o humble_a confidence_n and_o trust_v to_o he_o for_o thy_o present_a pardon_n and_o future_a felicity_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o a_o worthy_a communicant_a chap._n v._o of_o repentance_n there_o be_v another_o special_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o not_o only_o every_o communicant_a but_o indeed_o every_o christian_a ought_v to_o employ_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o care_n about_o and_o that_o be_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o faith_n towards_o god_n in_o discourse_v of_o this_o it_o be_v requisite_a for_o i_o to_o show_v 1._o first_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o repentance_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v two_o upon_o what_o special_a ground_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a before_o we_o go_v to_o the_o communion_n and_o three_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o degree_n it_o be_v necessary_a 1._o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o repentance_n we_o must_v not_o rely_v upon_o the_o groundless_a nay_o superstitious_a conceit_n of_o the_o schoolman_n who_o place_n the_o whole_a work_n of_o repentance_n in_o contrition_n confession_n and_o satisfaction_n meaning_n that_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o break_v in_o heart_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o a_o right_a penitent_n nor_o fit_a for_o the_o communion_n till_o he_o have_v private_o make_v a_o enumeration_n of_o his_o sin_n to_o a_o priest_n and_o do_v undergo_v at_o least_o do_v vow_n and_o promise_v to_o undergo_v some_o ritual_a penance_n to_o expiate_v his_o offence_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o doctrine_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o trick_n and_o artifice_n which_o be_v quite_o foreign_a to_o the_o design_n and_o business_n of_o christianity_n for_o christ_n religion_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o admirable_a method_n to_o make_v man_n universal_o good_a and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o love_n of_o solid_a and_o substantial_a virtue_n that_o we_o may_v live_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n pure_a and_o holy_a as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o mortal_a men._n according_o repentance_n mean_v a_o zealous_a and_o passionate_a abhorrence_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n the_o common_a notion_n of_o repentance_n impli_v thus_o much_o that_o
what_o a_o man_n have_v do_v he_o wish_v be_v undo_v and_o resolve_v to_o do_v so_o no_o more_o and_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n which_o the_o christian_a doctor_n of_o old_a entertain_v of_o this_o matter_n as_o vana_fw-la as_o lombard_n lib._n 4._o do_v 14._o est_fw-la autem_fw-la poenitentia_fw-la ut_fw-la dit_fw-fr ambrose_n mala_fw-la praeterita_fw-la plangere_fw-la &_o plangenda_fw-la iterum_fw-la non_fw-la committere_fw-la haec_fw-la vera_fw-la est_fw-la poenitentia_fw-la cessare_fw-la a_o peccato_fw-la id._n item_n gregorius_n poenitere_fw-la est_fw-la anteacta_fw-la peccata_fw-la deflere_fw-la &_o slendâ—_n non_fw-la committere_fw-la ita_fw-la &_o isidorus_n irrisor_fw-la est_fw-la &_o non_fw-la poenitens_fw-la qui_fw-la adhuc_fw-la agit_fw-fr quod_fw-la poenitet_fw-la item_n augustinus_n inanis_fw-la est_fw-la poenitentia_fw-la quam_fw-la sequens_fw-la culpa_fw-la coinquinat_fw-la quibus_fw-la addendum_fw-la illud_fw-la tertulliani_n ubi_fw-la emendatio_fw-la nulla_fw-la poenitentia_fw-la vana_fw-la peter_n lombard_n himself_o do_v very_o plain_o acknowledge_v that_o true_a repentance_n lie_v in_o a_o sincere_a sorrow_n for_o all_o past_a miscarriage_n and_o in_o a_o resolution_n never_o to_o return_v again_o with_o the_o dog_n to_o his_o vomit_n or_o with_o the_o sow_n that_o be_v wash_v to_o her_o wallow_n in_o the_o mire_n the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o in_o this_o and_o all_o other_o necessary_a speculation_n be_v our_o only_a sure_a and_o infallible_a guide_n give_v we_o this_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o repentance_n that_o it_o be_v the_o eschew_v of_o evil_a and_o the_o do_v of_o good_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a change_n of_o a_o man_n purpose_n and_o course_n the_o forsake_v of_o all_o iniquity_n a_o new_a state_n a_o life_n of_o sanctity_n and_o goodness_n and_o they_o that_o place_v it_o in_o a_o little_a sorrow_n of_o the_o mind_n join_v with_o auricular_a confession_n and_o the_o outward_a austerity_n and_o chastisement_n of_o the_o body_n show_v more_o their_o love_n of_o childishness_n and_o a_o regard_n for_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o authority_n over_o poor_a people_n than_o their_o skill_n in_o sound_a divinity_n to_o repent_v signify_v in_o the_o sacred_a dialect_n to_o become_v a_o new_a man_n to_o have_v a_o heart_n renew_v and_o transform_v and_o to_o follow_v a_o new_a that_o be_v a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n the_o scripture_n indeed_o have_v several_a expression_n that_o signify_v this_o change_n it_o be_v call_v a_o new_a creature_n the_o renovation_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n the_o put_v on_o of_o the_o new_a man_n the_o purge_n of_o the_o heart_n from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n the_o abhor_v of_o evil_n and_o cleave_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a the_o turn_n to_o god_n the_o die_v to_o sin_n the_o mortify_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o affection_n repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o many_o more_o the_o like_a expression_n there_o be_v but_o these_o be_v only_o various_a delineation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n several_a word_n and_o phrase_n proper_a to_o divinity_n whereby_o be_v mean_v the_o total_a rectify_v of_o a_o man_n temper_n and_o life_n or_o as_o even_o a_o heathen_a hierocles_n 166._o hierocles_n hieroc_n in_o pythag._n p._n 166._o describe_v it_o the_o recover_n of_o that_o clean_a life_n which_o by_o a_o mixture_n of_o passion_n be_v defile_v the_o correct_v of_o all_o inconsiderate_a course_n the_o shun_v of_o all_o foolish_a action_n and_o word_n and_o the_o institution_n of_o such_o a_o life_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o for_o our_o nature_n be_v vitiate_a and_o deprave_a the_o business_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o new-mould_v our_o temper_n to_o take_v away_o every_o thing_n that_o sower_n humanity_n and_o unbecome_v creature_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o right_a reason_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n to_o bring_v we_o as_o near_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o christ_n religion_n be_v to_o make_v we_o perfect_o happy_a in_o another_o world_n in_o order_n whereunto_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o god_n in_o goodness_n and_o purity_n for_o all_o happiness_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o which_o answer_v once_o desire_n which_o agree_v with_o his_o mind_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o faculty_n which_o give_v he_o all_o manner_n of_o satisfaction_n so_o that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n that_o be_v not_o of_o a_o heavenly_a mind_n and_o temper_v the_o condition_n of_o that_o place_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o any_o filthy_a heart_n and_o therefore_o every_o evil_a man_n that_o die_v before_o his_o heart_n be_v change_v must_v be_v miserable_a of_o course_n for_o he_o carry_v a_o hell_n along_o with_o he_o he_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n with_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o make_v he_o fit_v only_o for_o the_o society_n and_o conversation_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n man_n that_o be_v fierce_a haughty_a and_o froward_a man_n that_o be_v full_a of_o malice_n and_o bitterness_n man_n that_o hate_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a man_n that_o delight_v in_o cruelty_n and_o bloodshed_n man_n that_o be_v contentious_a vexatious_a and_o troublesome_a man_n that_o be_v in_o love_n with_o mischief_n that_o live_v without_o god_n that_o mind_n only_o earthly_a and_o wicked_a thing_n and_o that_o wallow_v in_o sensuality_n and_o uncleanness_n whither_o can_v we_o suppose_v such_o devilish_a temper_n fit_a to_o go_v but_o to_o the_o company_n of_o devil_n and_o spirit_n like_v unto_o themselves_o it_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o care_n and_o pain_n to_o mend_v a_o man_n nature_n to_o rectify_v and_o regulate_v his_o temper_n so_o as_o to_o dispose_v he_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v he_o receptive_a and_o capable_a of_o the_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a expression_n that_o of_o st._n paul_n col._n 1._o 12._o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o father_n who_o have_v make_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o have_v make_v we_o fit_a for_o a_o portion_n of_o that_o inheritance_n that_o have_v so_o wrought_v upon_o our_o heart_n that_o we_o be_v prepare_v and_o qualify_v right_o fit_v and_o condition_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n now_o all_o this_o be_v do_v by_o a_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n when_o a_o man_n reflect_v upon_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o the_o folly_n turpitude_n and_o heinousness_n of_o his_o own_o sin_n be_v break_v in_o heart_n through_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o they_o and_o from_o that_o hour_n vow_n and_o resolve_v upon_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a will._n according_o he_o enter_v present_o upon_o a_o new_a state_n of_o life_n govern_v his_o desire_n with_o a_o strong_a hand_n check_v his_o former_a inclination_n keep_v his_o lust_n and_o affection_n under_o command_n and_o steadfast_o resist_v those_o temptation_n which_o betray_v he_o before_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o destroyer_n by_o this_o mean_n he_o extirpate_v by_o degree_n those_o vicious_a habit_n which_o once_o be_v not_o only_o his_o life_n but_o his_o plague_n too_o and_o by_o use_v himself_o to_o a_o course_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n which_o he_o find_v to_o be_v infinite_o more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a as_o well_o as_o safe_a he_o soon_o come_v to_o be_v out_o of_o love_n with_o sin_n and_o be_v so_o renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o the_o great_a care_n and_o employment_n of_o his_o life_n be_v to_o reform_v himself_o universal_o and_o to_o yield_v up_o his_o member_n as_o the_o servant_n and_o instrument_n of_o righteousness_n this_o be_v brief_o the_o nature_n of_o repentance_n a_o perfect_a and_o total_a change_n and_o they_o be_v very_o dangerous_o mistake_v who_o be_v teach_v to_o believe_v that_o if_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o some_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n some_o trouble_n of_o mind_n together_o with_o general_a and_o imperfect_a purpose_n of_o amendment_n their_o penitence_n be_v sufficient_a as_o long_o as_o they_o have_v the_o priest_n absolution_n alas_o all_o this_o come_v vast_o short_a of_o reformation_n without_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v unprofitable_a for_o all_o the_o absolution_n in_o the_o world_n will_v do_v no_o good_a without_o a_o utter_a detestation_n and_o forsake_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o penitent_a nor_o will_v all_o his_o fear_n all_o his_o remorse_n all_o his_o confession_n avail_v he_o if_o when_o he_o go_v for_o absolution_n he_o look_v with_o a_o
corruption_n of_o soul_n along_o with_o they_o and_o never_o be_v it_o more_o necessary_a for_o man_n to_o lay_v their_o impurity_n aside_o than_o when_o they_o come_v to_o this_o christian_a sacrifice_n the_o body_n of_o the_o lamb_n be_v a_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n and_o as_o we_o can_v refuse_v eat_v without_o be_v guilty_a as_o well_o as_o foolish_a and_o improvident_a so_o neither_o can_v we_o be_v innocent_a if_o we_o eat_v with_o our_o uncleanness_n about_o we_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o ourselves_o 1_o cor._n 11._o 2._o beside_o two_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n be_v well_o to_o be_v consider_v for_o as_o i_o have_v show_v it_o be_v the_o covenant_n feast_n under_o the_o gospel_n even_o as_o the_o paschal_n supper_n and_o other_o sacrifical_a banquet_n be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o repentance_n be_v indispensable_o require_v of_o all_o that_o come_v to_o contract_n with_o god_n there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a place_n in_o psal_n 10._o 16_o 17._o unto_o the_o wicked_a god_n say_v why_o do_v thou_o preach_v my_o law_n and_o take_v my_o covenant_n into_o thy_o mouth_n whereas_o thou_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v the_o psalmist_n do_v manifest_o allude_v to_o a_o ancient_a custom_n of_o make_v covenant_n with_o god_n by_o sacrifice_n as_o it_o be_v v._o 5._o for_o the_o offer_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o altar_n and_o part_n of_o it_o be_v burn_v as_o god_n portion_n the_o remainder_n be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o covenant_a party_n as_o their_o share_n and_o their_o manner_n be_v to_o eat_v it_o together_o before_o the_o lord_n thereby_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v now_o in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n with_o he_o and_o this_o the_o psalmist_n call_v the_o take_n of_o god_n covenant_n in_o their_o mouth_n for_o it_o be_v the_o eat_v of_o his_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n and_o token_n of_o the_o covenant_n now_o what_o they_o do_v of_o old_a when_o they_o do_v communicate_v of_o the_o flesh_n of_o beast_n that_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n we_o christian_n do_v now_o when_o we_o partake_v of_o bread_n and_o wine_n we_o do_v solemn_o profess_v that_o we_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o solemn_o confirm_v this_o covenant_n at_o his_o table_n now_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o the_o gospel_n be_v these_o on_o our_o part_n that_o we_o will_v serve_v god_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n and_o if_o our_o inward_a intention_n be_v not_o according_a to_o our_o outward_a profession_n but_o we_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v what_o horrible_a presumption_n be_v it_o to_o take_v the_o symbol_n and_o seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n into_o our_o mouth_n all_o this_o be_v mockage_n and_o hypocrisy_n a_o solemn_a and_o theatrical_a kind_n of_o jeer_n if_o man_n do_v not_o stedfaly_a resolve_n and_o purpose_n in_o their_o heart_n to_o become_v new_a man_n and_o for_o ever_o to_o please_v god_n in_o newness_n of_o life_n 3._o add_v to_o this_o in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o the_o blessing_n tender_v we_o at_o this_o sacrament_n be_v such_o as_o do_v require_v a_o sincere_a repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n as_o a_o qualification_n and_o disposition_n to_o make_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o they_o for_o here_o christ_n be_v tender_v with_o all_o the_o fruit_n and_o benefit_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o once_o for_o all_o offer_v up_o to_o his_o father_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o of_o these_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v one_o great_a blessing_n but_o there_o be_v no_o pardon_n to_o the_o wicked_a to_o such_o as_o be_v still_o in_o love_n with_o their_o abomination_n and_o intend_v to_o persist_v and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o wickedness_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o a_o due_a celebration_n of_o this_o mystery_n as_o every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v so_o every_o heart_n must_v be_v break_v and_o every_o filthy_a lust_n mortify_v for_o conversion_n go_v before_o forgiveness_n as_o the_o condition_n that_o capacitates_fw-la the_o receiver_n and_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v conquer_a before_o the_o gild_n of_o it_o can_v be_v remove_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o vice_n and_o grace_n to_o reign_v together_o or_o that_o god_n and_o belial_n shall_v sit_v together_o in_o the_o same_o throne_n it_o be_v repentance_n that_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o mercy_n and_o make_v room_n for_o that_o pardon_n which_o we_o beg_v for_o at_o the_o altar_n and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o forgiveness_n we_o must_v so_o condemn_v all_o our_o impiety_n as_o to_o forsake_v they_o and_o so_o to_o grieve_v for_o they_o as_o to_o detest_v and_o abhor_v they_o for_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a but_o a_o conditional_a saviour_n nor_o do_v he_o ransom_v any_o by_o his_o blood_n from_o eternal_a death_n but_o who_o he_o redeem_v first_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n from_o those_o iniquity_n whereof_o death_n be_v the_o wage_n all_o that_o bliss_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v reserve_v for_o we_o in_o heaven_n and_o whereof_o we_o have_v a_o foretaste_n and_o earnest_n at_o this_o sacrament_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o holy_a soul_n only_o that_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o sincerity_n and_o resolve_v to_o obey_v he_o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o repentance_n according_a as_o man_n sin_n be_v of_o unwilful_a sin_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n in_o order_n to_o a_o due_a communion_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v what_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o too_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n consider_v the_o different_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o sin_n because_o repentance_n must_v bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o the_o offence_n and_o as_o a_o man_n sin_n be_v of_o a_o great_a or_o a_o lesser_a nature_n so_o must_v his_o repentance_n be_v also_o now_o consider_v that_o the_o act_n and_o consent_n of_o a_o man_n will_n be_v that_o which_o render_v a_o action_n formal_o sinful_a and_o the_o more_o wilful_a any_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o it_o rise_v and_o swell_v in_o greatness_n we_o must_v first_o distinguish_v between_o wilful_a and_o vnwilful_a sin_n for_o so_o it_o will_v the_o more_o full_o and_o evident_o appear_v what_o degree_n that_o repentance_n must_v be_v of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v proportionable_a and_o suitable_a to_o both_o wilful_a sin_n than_o be_v such_o as_o be_v commit_v with_o a_o man_n full_a approbation_n and_o choice_n when_o he_o deliberate_v upon_o it_o or_o at_o least_o have_v mean_n and_o time_n to_o deliberate_v and_o resolve_v with_o himself_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n either_o for_o the_o gratify_n of_o some_o lust_n or_o for_o the_o procure_n of_o some_o worldly_a end_n though_o he_o know_v the_o action_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n law_n and_o may_v refrain_v from_o it_o if_o he_o will_v make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o that_o strength_n which_o god_n have_v either_o fix_v in_o his_o nature_n or_o add_v by_o his_o grace_n such_o a_o action_n be_v right_o say_v to_o be_v wilful_a because_o a_o man_n will_n have_v the_o great_a hand_n and_o stroke_n in_o it_o for_o we_o suppose_v in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o understanding_n be_v or_o may_v be_v sufficient_o inform_v and_o that_o the_o inclination_n be_v not_o so_o strong_a nor_o the_o temptation_n so_o great_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v victorious_o resist_v if_o the_o party_n will_v but_o give_v his_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o set_v his_o heart_n to_o employ_v his_o power_n and_o ability_n and_o therefore_o the_o sin_n be_v call_v wilful_a because_o though_o some_o little_a fault_n may_v perchance_o lie_v both_o in_o his_o understanding_n and_o affection_n too_o yet_o the_o main_a blame_n lie_v upon_o the_o will_n for_o carry_v the_o action_n on_o with_o resolution_n and_o obstinacy_n because_o he_o be_v set_v upon_o frowardness_n vnwilful_a sin_n be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o consent_n or_o not_o the_o full_a consent_n of_o the_o will_n but_o proceed_v rather_o from_o some_o natural_a and_o hereditary_a imperfection_n either_o from_o a_o defect_n of_o knowledge_n by_o mean_n whereof_o a_o man_n either_o want_v light_a in_o his_o understanding_n or_o look_v upon_o thing_n in_o a_o wrong_a light_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n or_o else_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o defect_n of_o strength_n from_o some_o inability_n and_o lameness_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o mean_n whereof_o his_o own_o corrupt_a inclination_n within_o be_v too_o quick_a for_o he_o or_o some_o temptation_n from_o without_o be_v so_o sudden_a so_o thick_a so_o violent_a against_o he_o that_o he_o can_v hold_v out_o against_o himself_o as_o
likely_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o high_a aggravation_n any_o action_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o that_o let_v he_o palliate_v it_o as_o he_o can_v it_o be_v undoubted_o a_o wilful_a habit._fw-la and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o such_o a_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a as_o change_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n such_o a_o repentance_n as_o make_v a_o man_n lie_v aside_o utter_o every_o vicious_a custom_n such_o a_o repentance_n as_o effectual_o bend_v his_o mind_n to_o a_o entire_a practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n for_o the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o transform_v every_o one_o into_o the_o divine_a image_n to_o make_v he_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o render_v he_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a nature_n holy_a and_o pure_a as_o god_n himself_o be_v and_o sorrow_n for_o what_o be_v past_a be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o such_o a_o godlike_a life_n that_o repentance_n must_v needs_o be_v trifle_a and_o impertinent_a which_o do_v not_o powerful_o carry_v on_o those_o divine_a purpose_n and_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o one_o that_o persist_v in_o a_o evil_a state_n and_o course_n to_o be_v a_o true_a penitent_a at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v hell_n and_o heaven_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o repentance_n be_v a_o high_a and_o noble_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o sob_n and_o groan_n nor_o mere_o in_o the_o anguish_n and_o throw_v of_o a_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o rack_n for_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o gild_n and_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o inward_a torment_n may_v proceed_v pure_o from_o a_o present_a apprehension_n of_o vengeance_n which_o every_o man_n will_v willing_o avoid_v though_o he_o delight_v in_o that_o which_o bring_v it_o upon_o he_o no_o repentance_n that_o be_v genuine_a work_v a_o total_a change_n turn_v the_o desire_v towards_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n improve_v and_o raise_v up_o the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o man_n to_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o god_n of_o who_o glory_n those_o divine_a grace_n which_o religion_n propose_v to_o our_o practice_n be_v a_o copy_n and_o transcript_n infinite_o distant_a from_o this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o that_o man_n who_o love_v to_o wallow_v in_o vice_n sensuality_n and_o corruption_n people_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o temper_v be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v tender_v by_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n and_o which_o be_v seal_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o the_o scripture_n plain_o threaten_v indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n to_o every_o soul_n that_o work_v evil_a after_o this_o manner_n to_o such_o as_o obey_v vnrighteousness_n to_o such_o as_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n to_o such_o as_o let_v sin_n reign_v in_o their_o mortal_a body_n to_o such_o as_o yield_v themselves_o up_o to_o vnrighteousness_n to_o such_o as_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o such_o as_o obey_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o to_o such_o as_o walk_v on_o in_o darkness_n and_o lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o conform_v themselves_o to_o this_o world_n by_o all_o which_o expression_n and_o many_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o scripture_n mean_v such_o as_o continue_v and_o persist_v in_o a_o ungodly_a course_n in_o a_o crooked_a way_n in_o a_o vicious_a manner_n and_o habit_n of_o life_n for_o which_o reason_n when_o man_n intend_v to_o go_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n where_o every_o one_o be_v sure_a to_o receive_v something_o either_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n to_o himself_o they_o shall_v take_v themselves_o to_o a_o very_a strict_a account_n and_o impartial_o observe_v what_o that_o way_n be_v wherein_o they_o be_v use_v to_o go_v and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o so_o ill_o give_v as_o that_o they_o willing_o follow_v their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o resolve_v to_o do_v so_o still_o in_o spite_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o check_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o must_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a present_v themselves_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o utter_o forbear_v till_o they_o have_v true_o humble_v themselves_o under_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o impiety_n as_o work_v that_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o entrance_n upon_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o true_a religion_n if_o there_o be_v not_o this_o divine_a disposition_n of_o soul_n in_o they_o they_o be_v no_o more_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n than_o judas_n that_o betray_v he_o or_o pilate_n that_o condemn_v he_o or_o the_o jew_n that_o mock_v he_o or_o the_o soldier_n that_o stick_v a_o spear_n into_o his_o side_n and_o if_o he_o go_v to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n while_o he_o go_v on_o still_o in_o his_o wickedness_n he_o do_v but_o take_v a_o large_a step_n towards_o his_o own_o destruction_n such_o a_o one_o despise_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n trample_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o account_v it_o a_o unholy_a thing_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o refreshment_n for_o a_o beast_n and_o he_o be_v like_o one_o that_o bring_v a_o swine_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o feed_v upon_o the_o bread_n of_o eternal_a life_n therefore_o before_o we_o celebrate_v so_o great_a a_o mystery_n we_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o strict_a engagement_n to_o bind_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o most_o serious_a vow_n and_o to_o set_v up_o very_o strong_a and_o powerful_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n lest_o in_o make_v too_o great_a haste_n to_o so_o divine_a and_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n we_o make_v haste_n to_o perish_v and_o to_o be_v undo_v for_o nothing_o make_v we_o capable_a without_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n as_o 2._o as_o justin_n mart._n apol._n 2._o justin_n martyr_v say_v the_o food_n at_o the_o eucharist_n be_v not_o lawful_a to_o be_v receive_v but_o by_o such_o as_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v true_a and_o have_v be_v wash_v in_o the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n and_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o christ_n prescription_n 53._o prescription_n habentem_fw-la adhuc_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la peccandi_fw-la gravari_fw-la magis_fw-la dico_fw-la eucharistiae_fw-la perceptione_n quam_fw-la purificari_fw-la s._n aug._n de_fw-fr eccles_n dogmat._n c._n 53._o and_o he_o that_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o a_o design_n and_o purpose_n to_o sin_n on_o still_o instead_o of_o be_v refresh_v and_o purify_v by_o receive_v be_v the_o more_o heavy_o lade_v and_o receive_v a_o cup_n of_o bitterness_n instead_o of_o a_o salutary_a cordial_n here_o a_o question_n may_v arise_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o one_o to_o communicate_v upon_o serious_a vow_n and_o resolution_n only_o that_o be_v before_o he_o have_v try_v the_o strength_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n who_o have_v lead_v a_o dissolute_a life_n to_o be_v through_o the_o pierce_a power_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n strike_v so_o on_o a_o sudden_a into_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o gild_n and_o danger_n as_o to_o resolve_v and_o undertake_v present_o to_o forsake_v his_o impiety_n and_o perhaps_o too_o his_o outward_a circumstance_n may_v be_v such_o that_o if_o he_o miss_v the_o opportunity_n he_o have_v now_o before_o he_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a danger_n of_o not_o meet_v with_o another_o in_o which_o particular_a case_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o debar_v he_o from_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ordinance_n which_o effectual_o give_v the_o benefit_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n to_o every_o true_a penitent_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v they_o to_o that_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n who_o be_v convert_v in_o a_o moment_n indeed_o where_o man_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v straighten_a in_o their_o circumstance_n but_o have_v probable_o time_n before_o they_o to_o make_v some_o experiment_n of_o their_o resolution_n it_o be_v very_o expedient_a for_o they_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o retirement_n to_o weep_v bitter_o to_o observe_v what_o ground_n they_o be_v able_a to_o gain_v of_o their_o habitual_a vice_n what_o victory_n they_o get_v over_o their_o own_o heart_n by_o suitable_a act_n of_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v undertake_v for_o the_o eradicate_v of_o inveterate_a habit_n by_o these_o mean_n they_o will_v afterward_o come_v to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n with_o better_a advantage_n because_o with_o more_o comfort_n with_o more_o confidence_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n than_o such_o as_o have_v not_o make_v any_o trial_n of_o the_o firmness_n and_o
manner_n in_o that_o country_n fall_v down_o before_o his_o foot_n so_o that_o st._n peter_n himself_o do_v it_o upon_o the_o miraculous_a draught_n of_o fish_n luke_n 5._o and_o why_o may_v not_o all_o the_o disciple_n do_v this_o at_o his_o institution_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n which_o he_o tell_v they_o be_v the_o representation_n of_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o blood_n especial_o after_o he_o himself_o have_v preach_v unto_o they_o a_o lecture_n of_o humility_n when_o he_o have_v wash_v their_o foot_n indeed_o the_o sacred_a story_n give_v we_o no_o authority_n to_o affirm_v this_o positive_o and_o dogmatical_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v probable_a argument_n for_o man_n conjecture_n this_o way_n and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v all_o other_o opinion_n be_v but_o conjecture_n and_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o opine_n as_o well_o as_o other_o men._n but_o we_o can_v be_v so_o confident_a as_o to_o determine_v this_o matter_n in_o regard_n that_o we_o want_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n though_o reason_n may_v be_v on_o our_o side_n and_o herein_o we_o will_v give_v a_o pattern_n to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o be_v modest_a in_o opinion_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o solid_a foundation_n where_o i_o pray_v be_v the_o ground_n they_o go_v upon_o touch_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o kneel_v as_o a_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n since_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v what_o that_o example_n be_v it_o may_v be_v a_o posture_n of_o kneel_v and_o adoration_n for_o aught_o they_o know_v sit_v it_o be_v not_o i_o dare_v confident_o affirm_v in_o all_o probability_n it_o be_v not_o a_o stand_a posture_n neither_o perhaps_o it_o be_v the_o posture_n which_o we_o customary_o use_v if_o not_o it_o be_v a_o lean_a posture_n upon_o pallet_n and_o no_o body_n now_o insi_v upon_o that_o for_o a_o example_n to_o we_o 3._o and_o yet_o three_o be_v the_o example_n both_o of_o christ_n disciple_n and_o of_o christ_n himself_o apparent_o such_o as_o some_o man_n conjecture_v they_o will_v not_o yet_o be_v lead_v and_o authoritative_a precedent_n to_o we_o in_o this_o point_n for_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v by_o all_o christian_a divine_n that_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o universal_o to_o be_v follow_v much_o less_o the_o example_n of_o his_o disciple_n in_o some_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o proper_a in_o many_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o follow_v that_o copy_n where_o we_o have_v the_o example_n and_o the_o precept_n too_o there_o indeed_o we_o be_v bind_v and_o i_o wish_v man_n will_v consider_v of_o those_o weighty_a thing_n rather_o than_o of_o matter_n of_o slender_a importance_n but_o where_o we_o have_v no_o command_n there_o to_o take_v a_o example_n for_o our_o rule_n be_v to_o make_v ourselves_o guilty_a in_o some_o instance_n of_o folly_n and_o in_o some_o of_o superstition_n and_o presumption_n the_o practice_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v no_o rule_n for_o we_o in_o circumstantial_o and_o rite_n unless_o they_o be_v make_v necessary_o practical_a by_o some_o positive_a direction_n and_o command_n now_o we_o have_v no_o command_n in_o this_o case_n the_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o no_o not_o evident_a example_n to_o direct_v we_o and_o therefore_o they_o talk_v vain_o and_o impertinent_o who_o condemn_v kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n as_o a_o unlawful_a posture_n since_o no_o law_n can_v be_v derive_v either_o from_o christ_n precept_n or_o from_o his_o or_o his_o disciple_n practise_v that_o do_v evident_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o it_o the_o church_n then_o be_v leave_v to_o her_o liberty_n what_o posture_n to_o use_v think_v fit_a to_o choose_v that_o of_o kneel_v for_o these_o three_o reason_n chief_o 1._o to_o testify_v our_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n godhead_n have_v he_o be_v a_o mere_a creature_n as_o all_o other_o man_n be_v we_o may_v have_v have_v some_o encouragement_n to_o present_v ourselves_o at_o his_o table_n as_o his_o fellow_n and_o in_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n as_o those_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v who_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o divinity_n but_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o equal_a to_o the_o father_n he_o have_v a_o right_a and_o claim_v to_o the_o humble_a service_n we_o can_v think_v of_o to_o express_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o sense_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o his_o infinite_a greatness_n and_o majesty_n especial_o at_o a_o ordinance_n which_o be_v institute_v in_o honour_n to_o he_o 2._o as_o a_o posture_n that_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mystery_n itself_o here_o we_o commemorate_v the_o lord_n infinite_a goodness_n and_o love_n his_o unexpressible_a suffering_n for_o we_o and_o his_o humble_v of_o himself_o to_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n here_o we_o feed_v upon_o the_o symbol_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n here_o we_o seal_v anew_o unto_o god_n our_o covenant_n of_o faith_n mortification_n and_o obedience_n and_o god_n renew_v unto_o we_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o morcy_n here_o all_o that_o we_o do_v be_v divine_a worship_n the_o mystery_n be_v a_o most_o solemn_a encharist_n or_o thanksgiving_n a_o real_a and_o lively_a form_n of_o praise_v god_n as_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n be_v at_o other_o time_n and_o all_o this_o be_v attend_v with_o devout_a prayer_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n the_o whole_a congregation_n pray_v for_o all_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n the_o minister_n pray_v for_o every_o particular_a communicant_a and_o each_o particular_a communicant_a consent_n to_o the_o prayer_n join_v his_o own_o suffrage_n and_o pray_v in_o his_o own_o person_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o that_o adoration_n and_o worship_n be_v our_o whole_a work_n at_o this_o time_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o adore_a posture_n not_o only_o with_o eye_n and_o hand_n lift_v up_o but_o with_o bend_a knee_n too_o which_o all_o nation_n have_v ever_o think_v the_o most_o solemn_a and_o suitable_a posture_n of_o adoration_n 3._o the_o church_n have_v choose_v it_o as_o a_o posture_n that_o be_v most_o expressive_a of_o our_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o the_o astonish_a mercy_n which_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n receive_v at_o this_o great_a solemnity_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n peace_n with_o god_n the_o increase_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n divine_a influence_n from_o above_o from_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n with_o a_o earnest_n and_o pledge_n of_o a_o happy_a resurrection_n and_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n from_z all_o which_o consideration_n every_o pious_a and_o humble_a soul_n may_v argue_v after_o this_o manner_n since_o this_o be_v the_o symbol_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o i_o and_o for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n shall_v i_o not_o receive_v it_o upon_o my_o knee_n since_o heaven_n be_v his_o throne_n and_o the_o earth_n his_o footstool_n what_o place_n can_v be_v too_o vile_a or_o what_o gesture_n too_o lowly_a for_o sinful_a dust_n and_o ash_n since_o we_o be_v now_o admit_v to_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n and_o fall_v down_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n if_o the_o bless_a jesus_n in_o his_o agony_n fall_v down_o with_o his_o knee_n place_v on_o the_o bare_a ground_n how_o can_v i_o now_o begrudge_v the_o bow_n of_o i_o since_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v now_o to_o be_v in_o my_o mouth_n what_o better_a example_n can_v i_o follow_v than_o those_o elder_n in_o heaven_n who_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o worship_v he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o say_v holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a which_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v since_o my_o bless_a redeemer_n be_v please_v to_o humble_v himself_o even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n what_o humility_n can_v be_v great_a enough_o for_o i_o who_o be_o now_o to_o gather_v up_o my_o life_n and_o happiness_n at_o his_o foot_n since_o i_o be_o now_o to_o beg_v for_o a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o my_o whole_a self_n a_o reasonable_a holy_a and_o live_v sacrifice_n what_o more_o reasonable_a for_o i_o than_o to_o beg_v god_n acceptance_n of_o my_o prayer_n and_o oblation_n upon_o my_o bend_a knee_n and_o since_o my_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v a_o pledge_n of_o so_o many_o stupendous_a mercy_n to_o come_v how_o can_v i_o choose_v but_o kneel_v when_o i_o take_v the_o seal_n of_o his_o
promise_n at_o his_o hand_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v what_o a_o become_a and_o suitable_a posture_n kneel_v be_v at_o this_o great_a solemnity_n and_o how_o natural_o it_o follow_v where_o people_n entertain_v right_a notion_n of_o it_o and_o come_v unto_o it_o with_o humble_a mind_n nor_o can_v i_o sufficient_o admire_v that_o of_o all_o the_o usage_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o so_o significant_a so_o decent_a a_o ceremony_n shall_v ever_o become_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o matter_n of_o dispute_n certain_o it_o must_v be_v a_o ill_a sign_n of_o very_o lofty_a imagination_n when_o there_o be_v such_o stiffness_n in_o man_n knee_n but_o it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o i_o to_o proceed_v chap._n xii_o of_o our_o behaviour_n after_o receive_v when_o we_o have_v thus_o devout_o employ_v this_o bless_a hour_n we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o our_o great_a business_n be_v at_o a_o end_n that_o we_o may_v now_o drop_v those_o religious_a consideration_n which_o hitherto_o take_v up_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n that_o we_o may_v now_o go_v home_o leave_v our_o vow_n and_o resolution_n behind_o we_o in_o the_o church_n much_o less_o may_v we_o think_v ourselves_o free_a to_o fall_v afresh_o upon_o our_o former_a course_n of_o life_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o business_n be_v yet_o before_o we_o and_o to_o stop_v and_o rest_v here_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v hitherto_o employ_v our_o mind_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o unravel_v our_o whole_a work_n and_o to_o defeat_v the_o design_n of_o this_o heavenly_a ordinance_n for_o this_o rite_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n though_o it_o be_v of_o admirable_a use_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o natural_o and_o intrinsical_o good_a as_o those_o act_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v wherein_o the_o substance_n and_o excellence_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v but_o it_o iâ—_n a_o relative_n thing_n institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o promote_v and_o carry_v on_o that_o noble_a end_n for_o which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 12._o here_o indeed_o we_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n by_o devote_v unto_o god_n the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n but_o as_o the_o groundwork_n be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o superstructure_n so_o be_v our_o action_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o further_o edify_v and_o perfect_v of_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v build_v up_o more_o and_o more_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o be_v sit_o frame_v together_o and_o compact_a may_v grow_v and_o rise_v up_o by_o degree_n to_o a_o holy_a temple_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n this_o you_o will_v easy_o perceive_v if_o you_o observe_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n itself_o it_o be_v first_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o very_a death_n of_o christ_n a_o representation_n exhibit_v to_o our_o sense_n by_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o wine_n and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a but_o to_o awaken_v our_o fear_n by_o show_v we_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o for_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o world_n gild_n spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n nor_o will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o world_n at_o a_o low_a rate_n than_o by_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o torment_n and_o death_n for_o we_o all_o what_o do_v it_o mean_v but_o to_o set_v our_o zeal_n a_o work_n upon_o mortify_v all_o our_o lust_n and_o affection_n and_o upon_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n what_o do_v it_o mean_v but_o to_o make_v we_o ever_o watchful_a and_o circumspect_a lest_o we_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n heb._n 10._o 26._o it_o be_v second_o a_o memorial_n of_o christ_n love_n love_v strong_a than_o death_n that_o make_v he_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o the_o ungodly_a and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a but_o to_o kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o most_o ardent_a affection_n to_o he_o again_o who_o so_o love_v we_o as_o to_o die_v for_o we_o the_o great_a affection_n this_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o mortal_a man_n to_o express_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n but_o yet_o infinite_o short_a of_o that_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n express_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o his_o enemy_n in_o this_o he_o commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o above_o all_o proportion_n and_o comparison_n in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a it_o be_v three_o a_o foederal_a solemnity_n whereby_o we_o renew_v the_o covenant_n we_o enter_v into_o at_o our_o baptism_n vow_v promise_v and_o engage_v over_o the_o symbol_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n and_o swear_v as_o it_o be_v with_o our_o hand_n lay_v upon_o the_o redeemer_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o will_v henceforth_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a but_o to_o bind_v we_o with_o the_o most_o solemn_a security_n and_o under_o the_o most_o dreadful_a penalty_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n to_o deny_v all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o as_o not_o to_o follow_v or_o be_v lead_v by_o they_o and_o not_o only_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o purity_n but_o to_o present_v even_o our_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o for_o the_o farther_n of_o all_o these_o noble_a end_n this_o mystery_n be_v in_o the_o four_o place_n the_o very_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n a_o instrument_n that_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o all_o necessary_a and_o suitable_a assistance_n and_o a_o title_n under_o seal_n to_o all_o the_o evangelical_n promise_v and_o particular_o to_o this_o that_o he_o that_o persever_v unto_o the_o end_n the_o same_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n god_n will_v render_v eternal_a life_n rom._n 2._o 7._o and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a too_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v grow_v in_o grace_n that_o we_o must_v not_o grieve_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o may_v and_o give_v all_o manner_n of_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n unto_o grace_n sure_a and_o effectual_a by_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n or_o courage_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n charity_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n to_o all_o mankind_n and_o even_o to_o our_o enemy_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n itself_o be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o high_o useful_a for_o the_o present_a but_o of_o mighty_a importance_n for_o the_o future_a it_o have_v a_o tendency_n forward_o and_o it_o drive_v at_o mighty_a end_n which_o our_o endeavour_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v about_o after_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o be_v over_o that_o we_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o come_v every_o day_n near_o and_o near_o to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v this_o still_o we_o may_v observe_v second_o that_o those_o very_a preparation_n which_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o worthy_a communicate_v do_v all_o look_v the_o same_o way_n and_o have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n thus_o faith_n or_o the_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n upon_o those_o evidence_n and_o motive_n it_o carry_v with_o it_o be_v natural_o productive_a of_o constant_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n for_o as_o it_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o folly_n the_o shamefulness_n and_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o sin_n so_o it_o show_v
we_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o excellence_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n it_o propose_v christ_n yoke_n as_o a_o easy_a thing_n especial_o to_o such_o as_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o the_o spirit_n assistance_n and_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o the_o familiar_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o though_o at_o the_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o life_n of_o holiness_n there_o may_v be_v many_o difficulty_n for_o we_o to_o grapple_v with_o affection_n to_o be_v regulate_v evil_a habit_n to_o be_v eradicate_v pleasure_n and_o secular_a advantage_n to_o be_v deny_v when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o duty_n and_o though_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o life_n many_o temptation_n from_o within_o and_o without_o we_o be_v to_o be_v resist_v many_o hardship_n and_o trial_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o abundance_n of_o discouragement_n of_o several_a kind_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o before_o we_o die_v yet_o we_o learn_v from_o our_o religion_n that_o the_o present_a satisfaction_n which_o attend_v a_o course_n of_o virtue_n be_v so_o great_a and_o the_o future_a reward_n which_o be_v to_o crown_v it_o be_v so_o endless_a and_o unspeakable_a that_o upon_o weigh_v the_o one_o against_o the_o other_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o neither_o the_o pleasure_n nor_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n be_v worthy_a in_o the_o least_o measure_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v now_o if_o we_o bring_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o with_o we_o to_o the_o sacrament_n if_o we_o be_v strong_a and_o establish_v in_o it_o this_o alone_a will_v natural_o serve_v to_o defend_v we_o as_o with_o a_o shield_n from_o all_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o render_v we_o puissant_a enough_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 5._o but_o to_o prepare_v we_o the_o better_a still_o for_o a_o uninterrupted_a course_n of_o virtue_n we_o be_v moreover_o to_o repent_v we_o thorough_o for_o all_o our_o past_a sin_n and_o to_o present_v ourselves_o before_o god_n with_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n which_o be_v not_o require_v as_o a_o temporary_a disposition_n to_o be_v bring_v only_o at_o this_o time_n before_o the_o altar_n there_o to_o languish_v and_o die_v with_o vow_n that_o be_v abortive_a and_o that_o yield_v either_o no_o fruit_n at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o not_o perfect_a fruit_n of_o repentance_n no_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n the_o first_o rise_v and_o start_n towards_o the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o as_o we_o run_v it_o our_o repentance_n must_v improve_v and_o grow_v from_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n to_o a_o hatred_n of_o it_o from_o this_o hatred_n of_o it_o to_o strong_a resolution_n against_o it_o and_o from_o those_o resolution_n against_o it_o to_o a_o utter_a abandon_v and_o forsake_v of_o it_o abstain_v not_o only_a from_o all_o sort_n but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 22._o in_o like_a manner_n those_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n which_o we_o put_v on_o at_o this_o time_n be_v to_o entender_v our_o nature_n for_o ever_o and_o to_o produce_v in_o we_o such_o large_a and_o generous_a affection_n as_o may_v extend_v not_o only_o to_o our_o brethren_n and_o friend_n and_o to_o the_o family_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a offspring_n of_o adam_n to_o who_o we_o be_v so_o to_o open_v our_o compassion_n that_o such_o as_o be_v within_o our_o reach_n may_v participate_v those_o of_o our_o bread_n those_o of_o our_o instruction_n all_o of_o our_o good_a wish_n and_o prayer_n in_o imitation_n of_o that_o most_o bless_a pattern_n and_o idea_n of_o charity_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a heb._n 10._o 38._o brief_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o humility_n meekness_n patience_n self-denial_n heavenly-mindedness_a and_o the_o like_a wherewith_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v array_v and_o adorn_v at_o this_o solemnity_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o tendency_n of_o they_o they_o be_v so_o many_o initial_a virtue_n to_o be_v improve_v and_o heighten_v still_o by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o they_o so_o that_o from_o act_n they_o may_v turn_v into_o disposition_n and_o from_o disposition_n may_v grow_v into_o habit_n which_o will_v quite_o change_v purify_v and_o raise_v our_o nature_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4._o 13._o i_o have_v the_o more_o particular_o insist_v upon_o this_o to_o show_v you_o the_o necessity_n of_o your_o watchfulness_n and_o industry_n after_o this_o bless_a solemnity_n be_v over_o you_o must_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n sit_v down_o present_o as_o if_o the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n and_o the_o business_n of_o your_o soul_n be_v quite_o do_v you_o must_v ever_o bear_v it_o in_o your_o mind_n that_o christianity_n require_v a_o life_n of_o virtue_n you_o must_v carry_v a_o steady_a eye_n upon_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o employ_v all_o your_o utmost_a endeavour_n in_o the_o vigorous_a pursuit_n of_o its_o noble_a end_n brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n i_o count_v not_o myself_o to_o have_v apprehend_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 3._o 13_o 14._o and_o as_o it_o follow_v there_o let_v we_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v still_o run_v and_o stretch_v as_o hard_o as_o we_o can_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n by_o a_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a and_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n phil._n 4._o 8._o remember_v i_o beseech_v you_o that_o this_o and_o other_o institute_v ordinance_n though_o they_o bring_v great_a peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o pious_a soul_n by_o the_o present_a administration_n of_o they_o they_o be_v still_o instrumental_a help_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o main_a purpose_n and_o will_n of_o god_n even_o our_o sanctification_n so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o use_v this_o ordinance_n as_o a_o instrument_n of_o improve_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o as_o a_o mean_n pursuant_n thereunto_o whatever_o relish_v and_o pleasure_n it_o carry_v with_o it_o for_o the_o present_a it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o as_o to_o the_o main_a for_o the_o benefit_n which_o be_v convey_v to_o all_o well-disposed_a heart_n by_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o only_o the_o enliven_a influence_n of_o christ_n spirit_n call_v christ_n spiritual_a body_n and_o blood_n because_o they_o flow_v and_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o disposer_n of_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o intercession_n but_o moreover_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n past_a and_o a_o title_n to_o a_o happy_a resurrection_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o come_v now_o as_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o influence_n of_o christ_n spirit_n be_v intend_v to_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o to_o con-naturalize_a our_o spirit_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n so_o be_v the_o latter_a the_o effect_n of_o his_o pure_a love_n and_o goodness_n whereby_o he_o reward_v those_o that_o resemble_v he_o by_o a_o similitude_n of_o nature_n i_o speak_v now_o not_o of_o god_n general_a love_n of_o benevolence_n which_o move_v he_o to_o do_v good_a to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v mere_o his_o creature_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o our_o probity_n or_o improbity_n in_o which_o sense_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v love_v the_o world_n joh._n 3._o 16._o but_o of_o that_o particular_a love_n which_o divine_v call_v love_n of_o friendship_n and_o complacency_n the_o formal_a object_n whereof_o be_v righteousness_n or_o a_o rectitude_n of_o nature_n conformable_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o his_o own_o as_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o ps_n 11._o 7._o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a this_o be_v a_o ray_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o correspondence_n thereof_o to_o his_o own_o divine_a perfection_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o that_o especial_a love_n he_o bear_v to_o some_o more_o than_o he_o bear_v to_o other_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o he_o must_v love_v the_o image_n of_o