gospel_n and_o if_o they_o be_v in_o any_o sense_n such_o believer_n as_o be_v entitle_v to_o salvation_n they_o be_v such_o believer_n as_o have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n if_o the_o estate_n belong_v to_o a_o child_n in_o the_o cradle_n the_o indenture_n and_o seal_n of_o that_o estate_n belong_v to_o he_o likewise_o the_o child_n of_o a_o believer_n may_v as_o well_o be_v call_v a_o believer_n as_o the_o child_n of_o a_o proselyte_n be_v call_v a_o proselyte_n if_o god_n give_v child_n but_o the_o denomination_n of_o believer_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o entitle_v they_o to_o baptism_n 5._o those_o that_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n this_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a argument_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o those_o that_o be_v serious_a and_o considerate_a and_o not_o conceit_v and_o resolute_a in_o a_o case_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o live_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o case_n so_o i_o may_v say_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o their_o unsuccessfulness_n in_o all_o their_o attempt_n to_o establish_v their_o opinion_n do_v show_v that_o god_n do_v not_o nor_o ever_o do_v show_v any_o such_o favour_n to_o they_o as_o may_v give_v any_o sober_a person_n cause_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v god_n church_n and_o people_n however_o they_o plead_v his_o word_n to_o be_v their_o rule_n but_o that_o infant-baptism_n be_v a_o ordinance_n which_o god_n allow_v of_o and_o have_v countenance_v ever_o since_o there_o be_v any_o opposition_n make_v to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o writer_n yet_o alive_a who_o give_v a_o large_a and_o strange_a account_n of_o the_o mischievous_a practice_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o germany_n and_o other_o place_n what_o disturber_n and_o not_o promoter_n of_o religion_n they_o have_v be_v wheresoever_o they_o have_v come_v but_o i_o wave_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o they_o either_o in_o this_o nation_n or_o beyond_o the_o sea_n and_o will_v only_o say_v that_o if_o i_o have_v the_o high_a opinion_n of_o they_o for_o their_o moral_n that_o i_o have_v for_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o i_o can_v never_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o own_v and_o practise_v infant-baptism_n and_o the_o martyr_n in_o all_o age_n be_v not_o member_n right_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o not_o only_o the_o papist_n but_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v mistake_v in_o this_o point_n and_o that_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o rightful_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n he_o must_v be_v very_o weak_a and_o notorous_o partial_a who_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o do_v not_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v a_o sect_n that_o separate_a from_o the_o true_a church_n which_o god_n have_v own_v in_o all_o age_n and_o not_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o mention_v in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o argument_n by_o which_o many_o waver_a mind_n have_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o god_n grant_v there_o may_v be_v the_o like_a success_n to_o those_o in_o the_o like_a case_n who_o shall_v read_v they_o v._o those_o excuse_n which_o man_n general_o make_v for_o their_o not_o receive_v be_v so_o far_o from_o justify_v their_o neglect_n that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o extenuate_v it_o nay_o they_o exceed_o aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o most_o non-communicants_a the_o truth_n be_v no_o excuse_n must_v be_v make_v in_o such_o a_o weighty_a matter_n as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v there_o may_v be_v interruption_n but_o there_o must_v be_v no_o excuse_n a_o interruption_n be_v when_o a_o man_n real_o intend_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o somewhat_o happen_v by_o which_o he_o be_v prevent_v and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a trouble_n to_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o be_v so_o it_o be_v with_o christian_n in_o this_o case_n as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o israelite_n which_o we_o read_v of_o num._n 9.6_o 7._o who_o be_v hinder_v from_o eat_v the_o passover_n by_o the_o legal_a defilement_n of_o a_o dead_a corpse_n be_v extreme_o trouble_v and_o come_v to_o moses_n to_o know_v what_o they_o shall_v do_v there_o be_v certain_a man_n who_o be_v defile_v by_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o a_o man_n that_o they_o can_v not_o keep_v the_o passover_n on_o that_o day_n and_o they_o come_v before_o moses_n and_o before_o aaron_n on_o that_o day_n and_o those_o man_n say_v unto_o he_o we_o be_v defile_v by_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o a_o man_n wherefore_o be_v we_o keep_v back_o that_o we_o may_v not_o offer_v a_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o appoint_a season_n among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n observe_v how_o far_o those_o man_n be_v from_o make_v excuse_n for_o neglect_v god_n ordinance_n in_o that_o they_o be_v extreme_o trouble_v at_o a_o interruption_n which_o probable_o they_o can_v not_o help_v for_o he_o that_o be_v in_o a_o tent_n in_o which_o a_o man_n die_v or_o come_v into_o it_o be_v unclean_a chap._n 19.14_o and_o continue_v so_o seven-day_n this_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n moses_n say_v unto_o they_o stand_v still_o and_o i_o will_v hear_v what_o the_o lord_n will_v command_v concern_v you_o and_o we_o read_v that_o god_n in_o that_o case_n appoint_v that_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o passover_n the_o next_o month._n god_n allow_v of_o the_o interruption_n for_o that_o time_n but_o there_o must_v be_v no_o excuse_n we_o read_v num._n 9.13_o that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v not_o thus_o hinder_v if_o he_o do_v not_o keep_v the_o passover_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v the_o same_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n because_o he_o bring_v not_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o lord_n on_o his_o appoint_a season_n a_o place_n of_o scripture_n very_o fit_a for_o non-communicants_a to_o consider_v who_o if_o they_o have_v no_o impediment_n will_v make_v excuse_n instead_o of_o they_o they_o will_v pretend_v somewhat_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o neglect_n which_o be_v not_o real_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o little_a regard_n which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o neglect_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v what_o the_o general_a excuse_n be_v and_o then_o consider_v some_o more_o special_a case_n 1._o some_o pretend_v that_o the_o solemninity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o neglect_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a ordinance_n and_o they_o dare_v not_o adventure_v to_o make_v their_o approach_n to_o it_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o very_a good_a christian_n to_o who_o this_o be_v not_o a_o excuse_n but_o be_v a_o real_a cause_n of_o their_o absent_v from_o the_o sacrament_n they_o think_v that_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o adventure_n for_o such_o as_o they_o be_v to_o come_v to_o their_o lord_n supper_n although_o they_o be_v such_o as_o love_v he_o and_o do_v sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v may_v give_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n viz._n that_o humility_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n be_v a_o good_a qualification_n for_o a_o communicant_a and_o that_o as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o great_a and_o solemn_a ordinance_n so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a duty_n to_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o christian_n must_v take_v care_n that_o they_o do_v not_o compliment_v our_o saviour_n but_o that_o the_o examine_v themselves_o and_o reverent_o observe_v his_o institution_n great_a man_n do_v sometime_o allow_v of_o such_o excuse_n when_o they_o make_v invitation_n but_o the_o great_a god_n command_v when_o he_o invite_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o neglect_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n i_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n my_o design_n be_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o make_v this_o a_o pretence_n for_o their_o noncommunicating_a they_o say_v the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o solemn_a ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o it_o but_o i_o will_v have_v such_o person_n to_o consider_v whither_o they_o go_v when_o they_o turn_v away_o from_o this_o solemn_a ordinance_n if_o it_o be_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o a_o continuance_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n their_o condition_n be_v unspeakable_o miserable_a what_o a_o affront_n be_v this_o to_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o may_v say_v to_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v
they_o though_o he_o know_v that_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n either_o try_v to_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o atheistical_a hope_n that_o there_o be_v no_o world_n but_o this_o or_o else_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o after_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o common_a snare_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o person_n can_v not_o be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a for_o he_o be_v at_o enmity_n with_o god_n in_o his_o mind_n he_o be_v a_o rebel_n against_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o his_o intention_n to_o repent_v afterward_o do_v suppose_v he_o be_v one_o who_o can_v not_o think_v himself_o welcome_a to_o christ_n because_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v his_o lord_n to_o rule_v over_o he_o there_o be_v unworthiness_n likewise_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o receive_v and_o that_o be_v when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o receive_v with_o reverence_n as_o become_v he_o in_o that_o solemn_a approach_n to_o god_n this_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n which_o the_o corinthian_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o come_v unreverent_o and_o disorderly_o to_o the_o sacrament_n from_o their_o love-feast_n forget_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o house_n but_o in_o god_n house_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o eat_v at_o their_o own_o table_n but_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n expression_n in_o the_o next_o word_n not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n a_o expression_n which_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o papist_n make_v use_n of_o for_o their_o whimsy_n of_o transubstantiation_n as_o if_o they_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o who_o do_v not_o discern_v by_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a body_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v another_o meaning_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v both_o to_o discriminate_a and_o to_o sanctify_v and_o so_o the_o proper_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o be_v that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o receive_v after_o a_o devout_a and_o religious_a manner_n be_v unworthy_a i_o hope_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o take_v off_o the_o unnecessary_a and_o causeless_a fear_n of_o those_o who_o be_v humble_a christian_n &_o that_o they_o will_v not_o any_o long_o give_v the_o enemy_n of_o their_o salvation_n this_o advanvantage_n against_o they_o but_o that_o they_o will_v take_v right_a measure_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o they_o think_v themselves_o unworthy_a that_o they_o will_v account_v it_o a_o good_a qualification_n for_o their_o welcome_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n let_v such_o person_n look_v into_o the_o holy_a gospel_n and_o they_o will_v find_v that_o such_o person_n as_o they_o be_v be_v not_o only_o accept_v of_o christ_n but_o high_o commend_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o most_o welcome_o guest_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n which_o be_v the_o affright_a expression_n that_o make_v thousand_o afraid_a to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n the_o tremble_a sinner_n be_v afraid_a that_o this_o bring_v man_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o have_v commit_v a_o sin_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v they_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v unworthy_o be_v irrecoverable_o lose_v and_o ruin_v that_o they_o have_v swallow_v down_o poison_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o can_v never_o vomit_v it_o up_o again_o and_o if_o these_o be_v the_o interpretation_n that_o sinner_n make_v of_o those_o expression_n that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o say_v who_o be_v worthy_a to_o receive_v and_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o unworthy_a receiver_n he_o be_v from_o thenceforth_o in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v so_o few_o communicant_n that_o i_o may_v therefore_o rectify_v these_o mistake_n i_o desire_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o this_o expression_n to_o scare_v the_o wicked_a man_n among_o christian_n from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o come_v to_o it_o he_o do_v not_o suppose_v that_o what_o he_o say_v he_o will_v make_v any_o afraid_a to_o perform_v their_o duty_n in_o observe_v this_o ordinance_n nor_o have_v it_o any_o such_o effect_n upon_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n he_o be_v a_o more_o faithful_a steward_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o design_n to_o discourage_v those_o from_o come_v to_o his_o master_n table_n who_o be_v invite_v to_o prepare_v &_o to_o come_v to_o it_o if_o he_o have_v he_o have_v be_v as_o unworthy_a a_o minister_n as_o the_o worst_a sinner_n can_v be_v a_o unworthy_a communicant_a it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o may_v exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a when_o they_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o consider_v well_o what_o the_o design_n of_o the_o penman_n be_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v prevent_v misapplication_n which_o be_v of_o very_o ill_a consequence_n 2._o the_o word_n which_o be_v translate_v damnation_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v judgement_n and_o do_v as_o well_o signify_v any_o temporal_a evil_n which_o befall_v man_n in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o punishment_n in_o the_o hellish_a state_n and_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o and_o no_o more_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o offend_v god_n and_o provoke_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o himself_o 3._o the_o case_n of_o the_o corinthian_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o that_o may_v tend_v exceed_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o affright_v 1._o they_o have_v receive_v unworthy_o but_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v damn_v or_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o lose_a condition_n and_o must_v now_o perish_v for_o ever_o but_o admonish_v they_o to_o be_v more_o careful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v come_v with_o better_a preparation_n than_o they_o have_v before_o 2._o in_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o they_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n they_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o this_o cause_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o sleep_n from_o which_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o god_n send_v a_o plague_n at_o corinth_n for_o their_o unworthy_a receive_v 3._o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n only_o blame_v the_o corinthian_n for_o that_o fault_n which_o they_o be_v then_o guilty_a of_o which_o be_v their_o unworthy_a receive_v there_o be_v no_o christian_n in_o those_o day_n that_o be_v non-communicants_a they_o general_o value_v the_o sacrament_n above_o their_o life_n and_o a_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v though_o it_o be_v administer_v every_o day_n in_o the_o week_n above_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o occasion_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o tell_v they_o the_o danger_n of_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n if_o there_o have_v no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v threaten_v damnation_n as_o well_o to_o unworthy_a neglecter_n as_o he_o do_v to_o unworthy_a receiver_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n 4._o if_o this_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n be_v afraid_a to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n they_o may_v for_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v afraid_a to_o perform_v other_o duty_n of_o religion_n if_o any_o impenitent_a sinner_n pray_v to_o god_n without_o a_o resolution_n to_o avoid_v the_o same_o course_n of_o life_n he_o can_v think_v but_o his_o prayer_n will_v provoke_v god_n to_o punish_v he_o rather_o than_o obtain_v favour_n to_o he_o that_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v shall_v be_v the_o consequent_a of_o it_o he_o be_v one_o who_o confess_v his_o sin_n to_o god_n but_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intend_v to_o forsake_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o this_o must_v certain_o be_v a_o great_a provocation_n of_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n for_o a_o man_n to_o pretend_v that_o he_o be_v sorry_a for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v when_o he_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o amend_v if_o a_o earthly_a king_n can_v know_v that_o the_o malefactor_n who_o beg_v his_o life_n intend_v to_o do_v the_o same_o wickedness_n for_o which_o
of_o god_n &_o destroy_v their_o own_o soul_n which_o let_v we_o see_v what_o fool_n the_o devil_n make_v they_o that_o forsake_v religion_n sometime_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n laughter_n and_o swear_v go_v together_o as_o if_o to_o abuse_v the_o holy_a name_n of_o god_n be_v a_o help_n to_o mirth_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v this_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o have_v his_o servant_n to_o have_v innocent_a mirth_n if_o they_o shall_v their_o damnation_n will_v not_o be_v increase_v as_o he_o will_v have_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n sometime_o we_o observe_v man_n swear_v in_o their_o ordinary_a converse_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o grace_n to_o their_o speech_n of_o which_o the_o true_a account_n that_o i_o can_v give_v be_v that_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o full_a of_o wickedness_n &_o of_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n that_o it_o continual_o as_o a_o thing_n in_o course_n run_v out_o at_o their_o mouth_n i_o may_v add_v another_o impiety_n which_o do_v exceed_o increase_v and_o that_o be_v contempt_n of_o religion_n upon_o the_o lord_n day_n man_n of_o other_o religion_n may_v call_v it_o the_o devil_n day_n consider_v what_o horrid_a wickedness_n man_n be_v guilty_a of_o on_o that_o day_n he_o have_v more_o service_n do_v he_o on_o that_o day_n than_o in_o all_o the_o week_n beside_o it_o be_v become_v the_o ale-house-keeper_n market_n or_o rather_o fair-day_n if_o christian_n shall_v regard_v their_o soul_n on_o that_o day_n they_o can_v not_o pay_v their_o rent_n these_o wickedness_n and_o many_o more_o have_v abound_v since_o the_o day_n of_o noncommunicating_a if_o these_o ungodly_a wretch_n have_v not_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o the_o sacrament_n at_o first_o when_o they_o be_v of_o year_n in_o which_o they_o may_v have_v be_v capable_a of_o receive_v it_o and_o the_o church_n require_v it_o if_o they_o have_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o receive_v it_o no_o man_n can_v imagine_v that_o they_o can_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o horrid_a sin_n and_o have_v live_v such_o wicked_a life_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v in_o a_o sinful_a state_n and_o so_o have_v be_v unworthy_a communicant_n and_o thereby_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o themselves_o but_o now_o they_o do_v most_o apparent_o damn_v their_o own_o soul_n to_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o destruction_n and_o they_o damn_v the_o soul_n of_o other_o and_o in_o a_o sense_n they_o may_v be_v say_v to_o damn_v all_o religion_n if_o these_o profligate_v wretch_n be_v strict_o require_v to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n they_o will_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o reform_v that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o it_o there_o will_v be_v a_o admonition_n from_o the_o minister_n there_o will_v be_v trerible_a check_n from_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o the_o sacrament_n will_v rouse_v and_o cause_v to_o terrify_v they_o and_o if_o after_o upon_o their_o promise_n of_o amendment_n they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n they_o shall_v return_v to_o their_o former_a course_n other_o communicant_n will_v take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o give_v they_o friendly_a and_o godly_a admonition_n and_o if_o those_o prevail_v not_o they_o will_v at_o length_n complain_v to_o the_o church_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o live_v better_o or_o be_v abandon_v the_o society_n of_o christian_n but_o when_o man_n turn_v their_o back_n upon_o the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v then_o stranger_n to_o their_o neighbour_n or_o at_o least_o there_o be_v no_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o as_o they_o be_v christian_n they_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o concern_v with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o they_o be_v reprove_v they_o answer_v to_o the_o reprover_n that_o he_o be_v nothing_o concern_v with_o they_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v if_o they_o communicate_v together_o at_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n there_o be_v a_o great_a complaint_n of_o unworthy_a communicant_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v great_a than_o there_o be_v cause_n for_o but_o what_o a_o fearful_a cause_n be_v there_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o horrid_a and_o shameful_a wickedness_n of_o non-communicants_a the_o consequence_n of_o noncommunicating_a may_v come_v likewise_o under_o a_o more_o special_a consideration_n there_o be_v thousand_o that_o be_v not_o open_o scandalous_a and_o profane_a who_o condition_n will_v not_o be_v so_o bad_a as_o it_o be_v if_o they_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o guilt_n and_o trouble_n in_o their_o mind_n when_o they_o be_v in_o health_n nor_o so_o much_o fear_v and_o disquietment_n when_o sickness_n come_v this_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n and_o almost_o every_o day_n experience_n prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o let_v every_o man_n who_o live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n examine_v his_o own_o mind_n whether_o if_o he_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n he_o will_v not_o be_v more_o afraid_a to_o commit_v that_o sin_n whether_o he_o will_v not_o be_v more_o afraid_a to_o neglect_v his_o duty_n to_o god_n both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a and_o when_o he_o have_v receive_v after_o a_o solemn_a and_o devout_a manner_n and_o know_v that_o he_o must_v short_o renew_v his_o engagement_n to_o god_n again_o he_o will_v not_o be_v more_o careful_a of_o his_o way_n i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o if_o they_o examine_v themselves_o and_o serious_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o will_v have_v cause_n to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v from_o a_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o he_o make_v they_o afraid_a to_o receive_v that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o less_o afraid_a to_o sin_n he_o may_v be_v unworthy_a who_o do_v receive_v he_o may_v be_v one_o that_o live_v a_o sinful_a life_n but_o we_o have_v much_o more_o cause_n to_o think_v he_o unworthy_a and_o in_o a_o sinful_a state_n who_o receive_v not_o at_o all_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o more_o dreadful_a consequence_n in_o respect_n of_o grief_n and_o sorrow_n when_o the_o non-communicant_a be_v sick_a and_o force_v to_o look_v back_o upon_o his_o former_a life_n which_o i_o have_v have_v such_o frequent_a occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o i_o visit_v the_o sick_a with_o some_o kind_n of_o fear_n lest_o i_o shall_v find_v their_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n torment_v their_o conscience_n i_o never_o yet_o hear_v any_o say_v that_o they_o have_v damn_v their_o soul_n by_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n although_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v hear_v some_o lament_n that_o they_o do_v not_o come_v to_o it_o so_o qualify_v as_o they_o may_v have_v do_v i_o never_o yet_o hear_v any_o say_v i_o wish_v i_o have_v never_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n although_o in_o some_o case_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v there_o may_v be_v cause_n for_o person_n to_o wish_v so_o but_o that_o man_n and_o woman_n have_v not_o receive_v be_v the_o torment_n of_o their_o depart_a soul_n because_o than_o their_o guilty_a mind_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o may_v have_v do_v it_o to_o their_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n i_o late_o hear_v this_o expression_n from_o a_o sick_a bed_n which_o i_o mention_v because_o i_o think_v very_o useful_a as_o for_o the_o sacrament_n i_o be_v afraid_a in_o my_o health_n to_o receive_v it_o but_o i_o think_v if_o i_o have_v receive_v it_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v more_o careful_a of_o my_o way_n than_o i_o have_v be_v we_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n find_v that_o person_n be_v comfort_v or_o torment_v upon_o their_o sick-bed_n according_a to_o their_o communicate_v or_o noncommunicating_a in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o health_n i_o know_v not_o which_o be_v more_o rare_a in_o visit_v the_o sick_a to_o find_v a_o communicant_a trouble_v in_o mind_n or_o a_o non-communicant_a that_o be_v not_o there_o be_v another_o dreadful_a evil_n which_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o noncommunicating_a which_o i_o may_v have_v mention_v under_o the_o former_a head_n and_o that_o be_v most_o gross_a and_o scandalous_a ignorance_n there_o never_o be_v any_o age_n in_o which_o there_o be_v minister_n more_o able_a to_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v their_o way_n of_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v most_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n and_o yet_o the_o people_n perish_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n in_o many_o place_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o vast_a number_n of_o inhabitant_n it_o be_v impossible_a there_o can_v be_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o converse_n with_o they_o in_o private_a which_o be_v of_o great_a necessity_n
who_o for_o some_o additional_a advantage_n will_v not_o find_v time_n to_o spare_v from_o his_o necessary_a occasion_n there_o be_v many_o who_o will_v work_v hard_a than_o ordinary_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o little_a liberty_n other_o to_o gain_v some_o profit_n and_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o sure_o such_o person_n if_o they_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o pleasant_a way_n of_o religion_n may_v make_v haste_n to_o dispatch_v their_o business_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o little_a time_n to_o examine_v themselves_o to_o bethink_v themselves_o of_o the_o state_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o how_o the_o great_a affair_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n they_o may_v find_v time_n to_o consider_v what_o sin_n they_o have_v to_o repent_v of_o and_o hearty_o to_o beg_v god_n grace_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v they_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o they_o be_v worthy_a communicant_n though_o they_o have_v have_v but_o little_a time_n for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o these_o great_a concern_v i_o can_v think_v there_o be_v any_o man_n so_o employ_v but_o he_o may_v find_v time_n in_o the_o morning_n &_o evening_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n &_o if_o he_o can_v make_v it_o a_o set_a duty_n &_o be_v alone_o and_o be_v undisturbed_a yet_o there_o may_v be_v fervent_a ejaculation_n by_o which_o he_o may_v lift_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n which_o god_n will_v hear_v and_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o and_o by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v keep_v in_o such_o a_o religious_a frame_n and_o temper_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a and_o a_o welcome_a guest_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n 5._o let_v those_o who_o make_v this_o excuse_n that_o they_o want_v time_n to_o prepare_v consider_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n they_o that_o complain_v they_o want_v time_n to_o prepare_v for_o the_o sacrament_n find_v time_n enough_o to_o commit_v those_o sin_n which_o make_v they_o unfit_a for_o that_o or_o any_o other_o religious_a duty_n whatever_o business_n they_o have_v to_o do_v they_o find_v time_n to_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o god_n and_o against_o religion_n so_o that_o no_o impression_n of_o good_a may_v be_v make_v in_o they_o he_o that_o at_o first_o think_v he_o may_v not_o come_v because_o he_o want_v time_n to_o prepare_v will_v afterward_o refuse_v to_o come_v though_o he_o have_v more_o time_n than_o he_o know_v what_o to_o do_v with_o nay_o he_o will_v rather_o throw_v it_o away_o and_o his_o soul_n with_o it_o by_o spend_v it_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o devil_n than_o in_o prepare_v that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a there_o be_v another_o pretence_n for_o unpreparedness_n and_o that_o be_v the_o temptation_n which_o attend_v the_o dispatch_n of_o necessary_a business_n man_n say_v they_o be_v force_v to_o converse_v with_o sinful_a man_n and_o be_v unavoidable_o betray_v to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o think_v of_o prepare_v for_o the_o sacrament_n i_o desire_v such_o to_o consider_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v they_o complain_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o that_o in_o dispatch_n of_o their_o business_n they_o be_v not_o tempt_v to_o that_o which_o be_v real_o evil._n it_o may_v be_v this_o man_n think_v that_o he_o can_v prepare_v because_o his_o business_n will_v unhinge_v the_o devotion_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o put_v it_o out_o of_o that_o religious_a frame_n and_o temper_v which_o he_o will_v keep_v it_o in_o if_o he_o intend_v to_o partake_v he_o think_v that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n unless_o he_o can_v for_o some_o time_n keep_v his_o mind_n so_o free_a from_o such_o encumbrance_n as_o not_o to_o have_v a_o thought_n of_o worldly_a business_n entertain_v by_o he_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o this_o shall_v hinder_v his_o receive_v the_o lawful_a dispatch_n of_o worldly_a business_n must_v not_o hinder_v man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n nor_o must_v the_o sacrament_n hinder_v man_n from_o the_o dispatch_n of_o worldly_a business_n we_o have_v no_o such_o rule_n if_o a_o man_n spend_v that_o time_n with_o his_o customer_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o spend_v with_o god_n in_o secret_a devotion_n and_o there_o have_v be_v innocent_a mirth_n this_o be_v no_o offence_n to_o god_n only_o it_o be_v adviseable_a that_o at_o his_o return_n he_o reduce_v his_o mind_n to_o seriousness_n and_o devotion_n in_o order_n to_o his_o receive_v and_o then_o he_o need_v not_o fear_v but_o he_o shall_v be_v welcome_a at_o the_o lord_n table_n 2._o if_o in_o the_o dispatch_n of_o business_n man_n do_v that_o which_o be_v real_o evil_a if_o they_o defraud_v or_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o drunkeness_n which_o be_v become_v such_o a_o concomitant_a with_o trade_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o dispatch_v their_o business_n with_o their_o customer_n unless_o they_o dispatch_v their_o business_n with_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o it_o happen_v some_o day_n before_o the_o sacrament_n let_v he_o repent_v and_o humble_a his_o soul_n to_o god_n to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v forget_v god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v prepare_v for_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o if_o he_o be_v sincere_o penitent_a he_o need_v not_o omit_v it_o nay_o he_o have_v the_o more_o need_n to_o receive_v it_o by_o how_o much_o he_o see_v how_o prone_a he_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o temptation_n that_o he_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o they_o and_o if_o this_o have_v happen_v a_o little_a before_o the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o near_o to_o it_o that_o he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v of_o his_o repentance_n so_o as_o to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n the_o next_o time_n of_o administration_n let_v he_o go_v to_o his_o minister_n and_o bewail_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o not_o receive_v let_v he_o think_v how_o happy_a they_o be_v that_o be_v worthy_a communicant_n and_o what_o a_o sad_a thing_n it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o he_o dare_v not_o appear_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n that_o he_o have_v neglect_v to_o receive_v and_o hope_n that_o this_o will_v excuse_v he_o if_o he_o be_v not_o in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n i_o be_o sure_a no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v he_o may_v as_o well_o speak_v plain_o and_o say_v i_o love_v my_o sin_n better_o than_o the_o sacrament_n and_o sinful_a companion_n better_a than_o pious_a communicant_n and_o i_o suppose_v these_o be_v the_o man_n as_o well_o as_o other_o who_o keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n to_o avoid_v damnation_n 3._o if_o worldly_a business_n bring_v man_n into_o ill_a company_n and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n let_v they_o make_v haste_n to_o dispatch_v it_o and_o tell_v the_o company_n that_o they_o be_v to_o communicate_v our_o saviour_n say_v if_o any_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o before_o man_n of_o he_o will_v i_o be_v ashamed_a before_o my_o father_n he_o doubtless_o speak_v it_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o derision_n with_o which_o jew_n and_o heathen_n think_v to_o make_v man_n ashamed_a of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n but_o in_o our_o age_n we_o have_v need_n make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o encourage_v one_o christian_a who_o another_o deride_v for_o observe_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o be_v so_o ashamed_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o ordinance_n that_o they_o will_v rather_o go_v on_o to_o commit_v sin_n for_o company_n sake_n than_o give_v such_o a_o reason_n they_o be_v unworthy_a indeed_o for_o it_o appear_v plain_o that_o they_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o not_o of_o their_o sin_n the_o sacrament_n be_v appoint_v to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n but_o if_o they_o may_v not_o both_o be_v entertain_v the_o sacrament_n must_v keep_v off_o 4._o let_v these_o person_n consider_v what_o manifest_a contempt_n they_o cast_v upon_o all_o other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v go_v to_o prayer_n and_o sermon_n all_o the_o year_n long_o and_o it_o signify_v nothing_o but_o they_o can_v go_v to_o their_o sinful_a companion_n all_o the_o week_n after_o and_o it_o may_v be_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o public_a service_n be_v do_v as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o defiance_n of_o those_o little_a thing_n of_o religion_n they_o can_v confess_v their_o sin_n and_o instead_o of_o forsake_v run_v to_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v do_v they_o can_v pray_v to_o the_o great_a king_n of_o