that_o a_o general_a decay_n of_o piety_n come_v in_o afterward_o and_o luxury_n eat_v out_o the_o vital_n of_o religion_n and_o these_o holy_a duty_n which_o have_v be_v the_o great_a comfort_n and_o desire_v of_o their_o soul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o affliction_n become_v to_o be_v neglect_v and_o the_o pleasure_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n have_v dull_v their_o appetite_n that_o they_o no_o long_o relish_v this_o heavenly_a food_n this_o bread_n of_o angel_n and_o if_o they_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v only_o at_o the_o solemn_a time_n of_o the_o year_n as_o at_o christmas_n and_o easter_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n where_o they_o live_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o scandalous_a omission_n of_o a_o duty_n so_o necessary_a rather_o than_o out_o of_o a_o thirsty_a desire_n and_o longing_n after_o it_o but_o if_o we_o can_v have_v the_o patience_n to_o compare_v the_o forwardness_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n with_o the_o dulness_n and_o stupidity_n of_o this_o age_n how_o ready_a and_o desirous_a they_o be_v to_o embrace_v all_o opportunity_n of_o commemorate_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o appointment_n and_o how_o will_v most_o of_o we_o be_v to_o decline_v they_o and_o that_o upon_o very_o slight_a and_o oftentimes_o unreasonable_a pretence_n if_o we_o dare_v compare_v their_o mortification_n and_o severity_n in_o order_n to_o a_o due_a preparation_n with_o our_o slight_a and_o perfunctory_a performance_n how_o we_o be_v force_v to_o do_v that_o twice_o or_o thrice_o in_o a_o year_n which_o they_o earnest_o long_v for_o almost_o every_o day_n it_o will_v make_v we_o tremble_v to_o consider_v how_o much_o we_o be_v degenerate_v and_o be_v fall_v short_a of_o those_o glorious_a example_n which_o those_o ancient_a worthy_n set_v we_o and_o how_o little_a of_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v find_v at_o this_o time_n among_o christian_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o great_a noise_n and_o profession_n which_o be_v make_v of_o it_o our_o scholastical_a dispute_n and_o quarrel_n about_o the_o sacrament_n have_v destroy_v and_o swallow_v up_o our_o devotion_n and_o our_o charity_n and_o that_o which_o be_v design_v by_o christ_n for_o a_o instrument_n of_o unite_n man_n mind_n together_o in_o christian_a communion_n and_o love_n be_v now_o become_v a_o occasion_n of_o difference_n and_o irreconciliation_n they_o be_v not_o trouble_v with_o those_o hot_a debate_n which_o have_v since_o so_o miserable_o distract_v the_o peace_n of_o christendom_n they_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o simple_a belief_n of_o the_o mystery_n without_o busy_v their_o thought_n about_o nice_a and_o curious_a speculation_n whole_a church_n be_v not_o then_o excommunicate_v for_o not_o assent_v to_o a_o monstrous_a opinion_n contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o universal_a experience_n of_o mankind_n they_o do_v not_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o exalt_v the_o mystery_n destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n as_o now_o be_v do_v in_o the_o roman_a church_n it_o must_v now_o no_o long_o be_v a_o representative_a but_o a_o real_a propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o live_n and_o for_o the_o dead_a and_o christ_n natural_a body_n must_v be_v bring_v down_o from_o heaven_n upon_o a_o thousand_o altar_n at_o once_o and_o there_o real_o break_v and_o offer_v up_o again_o to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o his_o blood_n actual_o spill_v a_o thousand_o time_n every_o day_n and_o mix_v itself_o with_o we_o nor_o do_v they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n degrade_v it_o into_o a_o bare_a empty_a sign_n and_o entertain_v slight_a notion_n of_o it_o or_o approach_v it_o without_o a_o due_a and_o become_a reverence_n or_o abstain_v from_o it_o upon_o frivolous_a excuse_n as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v for_o have_v we_o that_o high_a value_n for_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n as_o we_o ought_v do_v we_o believe_v it_o necessary_a to_o receive_v it_o often_o not_o only_a necessitate_v proecepti_fw-la but_o medii_fw-la too_o do_v we_o believe_v serious_o and_o consider_v of_o what_o great_a use_n and_o benefit_n it_o will_v be_v to_o our_o soul_n we_o will_v be_v more_o diligent_a and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o think_v ourselves_o under_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n of_o frequent_a communion_n which_o arise_v also_o from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o bless_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o which_o be_v my_o second_o particular_a and_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v name_v only_o three_o 1._o by_o it_o we_o gain_v a_o close_a and_o intimate_a communion_n and_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n hereby_o we_o be_v one_o with_o christ_n and_o christ_n with_o we_o that_o be_v upon_o our_o humble_a and_o penitent_a and_o devout_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n he_o descend_v into_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n he_o be_v real_o present_a with_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o life_n which_o we_o now_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o and_o still_o give_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o these_o holy_a mystery_n for_o we_o must_v not_o fancy_n a_o immediate_a and_o personal_a union_n he_o indeed_o be_v please_v by_o assume_v the_o humane_a nature_n to_o unite_v the_o word_n to_o it_o whereby_o he_o become_v god_n and_o man_n which_o wonderful_a union_n be_v therefore_o call_v hypostatical_a because_o he_o have_v the_o two_o nature_n full_o with_o all_o their_o natural_a and_o essential_a quality_n concur_v in_o his_o own_o proper_a single_a person_n but_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o devout_a soul_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a not_o a_o union_n of_o his_o personal_a excellency_n and_o endowment_n but_o a_o communication_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v exalt_v above_o its_o natural_a capacity_n and_o be_v transform_v from_o glory_n to_o glory_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o be_v fill_v with_o love_n and_o purity_n and_o such_o godlike_a quality_n by_o this_o we_o be_v join_v and_o unite_v to_o he_o as_o member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n that_o be_v of_o his_o mystical_a body_n the_o church_n as_o the_o apostle_n explain_v himself_o col._n 1.18_o and_o not_o of_o his_o natural_a body_n on_o account_n of_o a_o concorporation_n or_o assimulation_n or_o conversion_n of_o the_o sacrament_n into_o our_o bodily_a substance_n thus_o as_o the_o apostle_n st._n john_n speak_v we_o have_v communion_n with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ._n by_o virtue_n of_o christ_n precious_a blood_n shed_v upon_o the_o cross_n we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n he_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o new_a covenant_n with_o we_o which_o christ_n have_v solemn_o ratify_v by_o his_o death_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v we_o to_o mercy_n and_o favour_n upon_o the_o condition_n of_o hearty_a sorrow_n for_o our_o sin_n wherewith_o we_o have_v offend_v the_o eye_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o through_o faith_n in_o his_o son_n we_o can_v put_v up_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o with_o some_o assurance_n that_o he_o will_v hear_v we_o and_o communicate_v his_o favour_n and_o blessing_n to_o we_o so_o far_o as_o he_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n see_v fit_a and_o give_v we_o of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o same_o communion_n we_o have_v with_o christ_n the_o soul_n be_v ravish_v with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n to_o lose_a man_n and_o to_o itself_o in_o particular_a and_o be_v fill_v with_o astonish_a reflection_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o be_v personal_o present_a upon_o earth_n again_o this_o indeed_o be_v better_o understand_v than_o express_v word_n be_v too_o scanty_a and_o the_o imagination_n not_o able_a to_o reach_v and_o comprehend_v what_o the_o pious_a soul_n know_v by_o experience_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o bless_a effect_n of_o our_o devotion_n and_o meditation_n if_o when_o we_o be_v upon_o our_o knee_n and_o be_v employ_v in_o holy_a thought_n we_o then_o seem_v to_o be_v out_o of_o our_o body_n and_o rapt_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o lie_v prostrate_a before_o the_o throne_n and_o the_o lamb_n how_o much_o more_o when_o we_o be_v kneel_v before_o the_o altar_n and_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o be_v perform_v the_o most_o solemn_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n exert_v with_o all_o possible_a vigour_n and_o intention_n of_o mind_n for_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v affect_v act_v of_o
we_o and_o baffle_v our_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n this_o drive_v we_o upon_o our_o knee_n again_o and_o we_o pray_v god_n not_o to_o leave_v we_o to_o ourselves_o and_o by_o degree_n we_o gain_v great_a measure_n of_o strength_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n get_v the_o mastery_n over_o the_o inclination_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n this_o hold_v much_o more_o in_o the_o sacrament_n when_o we_o go_v to_o it_o with_o fresh_a desire_n and_o more_o vigorous_a resolution_n of_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o true_o christian_a life_n and_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o fail_n and_o miscarriage_n since_o our_o last_o receive_n with_o deep_a humiliation_n and_o sorrow_n thou_o o_o lord_n god_n be_v full_a of_o compassion_n and_o mercy_n long_o suffer_v plenteous_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n o_o turn_v thou_o unto_o i_o and_o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o give_v thy_o strength_n unto_o thy_o servant_n and_o help_v the_o son_n of_o thy_o handmaid_n we_o need_v no_o invitation_n to_o satisfy_v the_o natural_a desire_n of_o the_o body_n which_o be_v nourish_v and_o cherish_v and_o oftentimes_o pamper_a by_o we_o nature_n have_v lay_v upon_o we_o a_o necessity_n of_o daily_a food_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n to_o repair_v those_o decay_n which_o we_o daily_o suffer_v without_o this_o we_o consume_v and_o die_v now_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n to_o be_v the_o food_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o we_o grow_v and_o be_v strengthen_v in_o grace_n by_o this_o bread_n of_o life_n the_o true_a spiritual_a manna_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n that_o be_v design_v by_o god_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o convey_v his_o blessing_n and_o sanctify_a grace_n to_o all_o worthy_a receiver_n that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o nourishment_n we_o either_o retain_v or_o recover_v our_o vigour_n and_o healthfulness_n of_o mind_n and_o that_o without_o it_o we_o languish_v and_o decay_v in_o the_o inward_a man_n there_o will_v be_v no_o keep_v we_o from_o this_o heavenly_a banquet_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n where_o there_o can_v be_v no_o fear_n of_o a_o furfeit_n where_o we_o eat_v and_o drink_v health_n and_o salvation_n and_o where_o christ_n himself_o be_v the_o entertainer_n and_o the_o entertainment_n 100_o for_o thou_o o_o christ_n as_o the_o greek_a priest_n pray_v in_o the_o liturgy_n of_o st._n chrysostome_n just_a before_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o they_o carry_v the_o gift_n from_o the_o prothesis_n to_o the_o altar_n where_o he_o consecrate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o offere_v and_o yet_o be_v offer_v up_o thou_o receive_v the_o element_n into_o thy_o holy_a hand_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n thy_o body_n and_o blood_n be_v distribute_v thou_o o_o christ_n make_v this_o bread_n in_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v thy_o flesh_n mystical_o which_o thou_o still_o give_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n can_v we_o eat_v too_o much_o or_o too_o often_o of_o this_o bread_n of_o life_n whereby_o we_o be_v nourish_v to_o immortality_n the_o holy_a element_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o so_o st._n clement_n in_o his_o former_a epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n must_v be_v understand_v that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o follow_a clause_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d much_o less_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o thing_n pertain_v to_o our_o bodily_a sustenance_n and_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n as_o junius_n think_v fit_a to_o explain_v but_o of_o the_o divine_a viaticum_fw-la of_o the_o sacrament_n that_o we_o may_v not_o faint_v in_o the_o journey_n which_o we_o be_v take_v to_o the_o other_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o it_o immediate_o follow_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o relative_a but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o express_a testimony_n of_o this_o apostolical_a writer_n for_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o can_v not_o but_o observe_v by_o the_o bye_n to_o help_v to_o confound_v the_o arrogance_n and_o blasphemy_n of_o that_o profess_a arian_n sandius_n so_o that_o these_o word_n seem_v clear_o to_o relate_v to_o the_o sacrament_n where_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o lively_o represent_v to_o our_o sight_n 3._o by_o frequent_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n we_o be_v more_o and_o more_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o benefit_n and_o blessing_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n holy_a passion_n and_o death_n it_o be_v the_o great_a artifice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o private_a mass_n to_o which_o antiquity_n be_v a_o mere_a stranger_n to_o make_v the_o people_n believe_v that_o the_o priest_n have_v a_o power_n of_o apply_v the_o efficacy_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n to_o their_o particular_a benefit_n for_o who_o he_o intend_v it_o so_o they_o contribute_v somewhat_o in_o the_o way_n of_o charity_n or_o gift_n and_o be_v but_o present_a in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o celebration_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o before_o superstition_n and_o corruption_n of_o doctrine_n have_v overspread_v that_o church_n and_o before_o they_o have_v pervert_v this_o most_o solemn_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a worship_n into_o a_o mere_a piece_n of_o pageantry_n and_o theatrical_a show_n all_o that_o be_v ancient_o design_v by_o the_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o the_o live_n to_o say_v nothing_o at_o present_a of_o the_o commemoration_n of_o the_o dead_a at_o that_o time_n as_o be_v clear_a from_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o mass_n still_o in_o use_n be_v only_o by_o way_n of_o intercession_n that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v for_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n death_n which_o they_o be_v then_o commemorate_n to_o have_v mercy_n on_o they_o to_o forgive_v they_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o pour_v down_o of_o his_o grace_n abundant_o upon_o they_o and_o not_o only_o upon_o they_o but_o upon_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_a people_n throughout_o the_o world_n but_o this_o can_v yield_v such_o peace_n and_o quiet_a and_o satisfaction_n to_o my_o conscience_n as_o my_o own_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n suffering_n to_o myself_o what_o another_o do_v for_o i_o can_v be_v my_o act_n when_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o do_v it_o in_o my_o own_o person_n and_o not_o by_o my_o representative_a i_o be_o to_o eat_v his_o flesh_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n if_o i_o will_v live_v in_o he_o and_o by_o he_o now_o christ_n by_o his_o death_n have_v satisfy_v the_o divine_a justice_n and_o reconcile_v we_o to_o the_o father_n who_o no_o long_o impute_v our_o sin_n to_o our_o charge_n and_o condemnation_n the_o blood_n that_o he_o spill_v upon_o the_o cross_n be_v the_o seal_n of_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o new_a covenant_n that_o by_o mean_n of_o death_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o transgression_n that_o be_v under_o the_o first_o covenant_n they_o which_o be_v call_v may_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o a_o everlasting_a inheritance_n heb._n 9.15_o so_o that_o now_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n be_v make_v over_o by_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o this_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n to_o all_o that_o true_o believe_v in_o his_o son_n name_n this_o sacrifice_n be_v make_v once_o for_o all_o upon_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o cross_n but_o the_o merit_n reach_v backward_o to_o the_o first_o be_v and_o original_n of_o thing_n and_o look_v forward_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o eternal_a age_n it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o fruit_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o as_o present_v to_o god_n as_o if_o christ_n be_v bear_v every_o day_n into_o the_o world_n again_o and_o real_o every_o day_n offer_v up_o or_o as_o if_o it_o be_v but_o yesterdy_o or_o but_o just_a now_o offer_v it_o be_v all-sufficient_a and_o of_o infinite_a value_n and_o full_o accept_v by_o god_n as_o a_o just_a price_n and_o ransom_n now_o that_o he_o suffer_v this_o bitter_a and_o curse_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o i_o and_o that_o i_o may_v apply_v all_o the_o save_a benefit_n of_o his_o passion_n to_o myself_o he_o assure_v i_o by_o give_v i_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n every_o time_n we_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n worthy_o there_o be_v a_o new_a confirmation_n of_o our_o pardon_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v his_o child_n and_o reinstate_v in_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n it_o be_v a_o infallible_a pledge_n of_o our_o immortality_n and_o that_o he_o will_v raise_v we_o up_o at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o much_o as_o if_o his_o natural_a flesh_n and_o
blood_n as_o a_o perpetual_a and_o visible_a representation_n of_o it_o he_o still_o present_v himself_o before_o we_o as_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n his_o body_n rend_v and_o tear_v with_o wound_n and_o his_o precious_a blood_n gush_v in_o a_o plentiful_a stream_n out_o of_o his_o side_n thus_o he_o be_v evident_o set_v forth_o before_o our_o eye_n crucify_v among_o we_o still_o gal._n 3.1_o as_o it_o be_v in_o effigy_n these_o memorial_n he_o have_v leave_v we_o of_o himself_o till_o his_o second_o come_v to_o put_v we_o continual_o in_o mind_n how_o much_o he_o suffer_v for_o we_o this_o be_v the_o grand_a reason_n of_o the_o institution_n the_o better_a to_o imprint_v it_o on_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v always_o have_v before_o our_o eye_n a_o lively_a image_n and_o figure_n of_o his_o suffering_n the_o mysterious_a rite_n use_v in_o the_o celebration_n be_v for_o this_o very_a end_n and_o purpose_n and_o the_o whole_a action_n solemn_a and_o full_o significant_a for_o as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o show_v the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v i_o shall_v comprise_v the_o full_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n in_o these_o four_o follow_a proposition_n i._o that_o the_o holy_a element_n after_o consecration_n retain_v their_o own_o proper_a essence_n and_o nature_n without_o any_o physical_a and_o substantial_a change_n make_v of_o they_o it_o be_v bread_n that_o we_o eat_v and_o wine_n that_o we_o drink_v but_o with_o a_o distinction_n and_o note_n of_o dignity_n and_o honour_n it_o be_v this_o bread_n and_o this_o cup_n that_o be_v of_o ordinary_a and_o common_a they_o become_v mystical_a and_o sacramental_a they_o be_v alter_v and_o change_v as_o to_o their_o use_n and_o effect_n and_o condition_n and_o not_o only_o a_o divine_a signification_n but_o a_o divine_a virtue_n be_v imprint_v upon_o they_o ii_o that_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o lord_n do_v very_o fit_o and_o full_o represent_v and_o set_v forth_o his_o death_n iii_o that_o it_o be_v of_o perpetual_a use_n and_o observation_n and_o to_o be_v continue_v till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n you_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v that_o be_v till_o he_o come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n at_o the_o last_o day_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n iv._o that_o all_o who_o profess_v their_o belief_n in_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n and_o expect_v the_o save_a benefit_n of_o his_o passion_n be_v oblige_v to_o a_o frequent_a celebration_n of_o this_o holy_a and_o tremendous_a mystery_n which_o be_v here_o plain_o suppose_v as_o often_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup._n which_o last_o proposition_n i_o intend_v to_o make_v the_o argument_n of_o my_o discourse_n at_o this_o time_n now_o the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o obligation_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n ii_o the_o bless_a consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o frequent_a communion_n 1._o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o everlasting_a memorial_n of_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n he_o be_v please_v after_o the_o consecration_n of_o both_o element_n to_o add_v particular_o and_o distinct_o not_o in_o the_o way_n of_o advice_n to_o be_v follow_v if_o we_o think_v fit_v ourselves_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o peremptory_a and_o absolute_a command_n v_o 24._o this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o v_o 25._o this_o do_v you_o as_o often_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o ought_v to_o remember_v the_o death_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n at_o other_o time_n as_o when_o we_o be_v upon_o our_o knee_n at_o our_o prayer_n he_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o a_o offering_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o a_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n ephes._n 5.2_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o our_o prayer_n wing_a with_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o with_o zeal_n ascend_v like_o a_o cloud_n of_o incense_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n and_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n we_o can_v employ_v our_o thought_n and_o meditation_n better_o when_o we_o be_v upon_o our_o bed_n or_o when_o we_o be_v in_o private_a and_o especial_o upon_o our_o day_n of_o fast_v and_o penitence_n when_o god_n only_o be_v witness_n to_o these_o spiritual_a exercise_n no_o argument_n can_v make_v we_o more_o and_o better_a sensible_a of_o the_o defile_n and_o damn_v nature_n of_o sin_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n that_o his_o blood_n be_v shed_v on_o purpose_n to_o expiate_v and_o atone_v it_o this_o will_v make_v we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o sin_n with_o a_o hearty_a sorrow_n and_o regret_n which_o bring_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o so_o sad_a and_o shameful_a a_o end_n how_o ought_v i_o to_o abhor_v and_o loathe_v myself_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o the_o sin_n which_o i_o have_v commit_v though_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n after_o contribute_v to_o his_o die_a and_o make_v i_o a_o accessary_n of_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o cruel_a instrument_n of_o his_o murder_n nothing_o can_v more_o and_o better_o inflame_v our_o zeal_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o christ_n than_o frequent_a meditation_n on_o our_o saviour_n death_n that_o god_n shall_v contrive_v this_o admirable_a way_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o only_a son_n who_o he_o send_v out_o of_o his_o own_o bosom_n on_o purpose_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n and_o who_o he_o set_v forth_o to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v pass_v through_o the_o forbearance_n of_o god_n rom._n 3.25_o and_o that_o christ_n shall_v willing_o undergo_v all_o this_o for_o our_o sake_n o_o bless_a saviour_n how_o can_v we_o recompense_v this_o thy_o infinite_a love_n towards_o fall_a man_n jesus_n god_n i_o can_v do_v i_o can_v suffer_v enough_o in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o just_a acknowledgement_n of_o thy_o inexpressible_a kindness_n and_o pity_n to_o my_o poor_a soul_n which_o thou_o have_v redeem_v from_o the_o nethermost_a hell_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o will_v have_v be_v the_o more_o intolerable_a the_o read_v also_o of_o the_o narrative_a and_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o death_n as_o they_o be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n together_o with_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o leave_v deep_a impression_n upon_o our_o memory_n this_o tragical_a story_n wherewith_o the_o heathen_a deo_fw-la of_o old_a use_v to_o upbraid_v the_o christian_n as_o votary_n and_o worshipper_n of_o a_o crucify_a god_n be_v so_o universal_o diffuse_v throughout_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v forget_v and_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o valesii_n cross_n which_o assoon_o as_o the_o roman_a empire_n turn_v christian_n become_v a_o ensign_n and_o trophy_n of_o honour_n every_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o 31._o in_o their_o banner_n and_o upon_o their_o condecorat_fw-la buckler_n and_o helmet_n upon_o the_o diadem_n of_o the_o emperor_n upon_o their_o medal_n upon_o their_o church_n and_o spire_n of_o their_o tower_n and_o in_o their_o solemn_a procession_n will_v quick_o refresh_v their_o memory_n and_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o great_a saviour_n of_o the_o world_n who_o hand_n and_o foot_n be_v nail_v to_o it_o and_o his_o arm_n extend_v upon_o it_o to_o receive_v and_o embrace_v all_o who_o fly_v to_o he_o for_o refuge_n from_o the_o assault_n and_o pursuit_n of_o offend_a justice_n but_o christ_n who_o know_v the_o best_a and_o most_o effectual_a method_n to_o keep_v alive_a for_o ever_o the_o memory_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o death_n have_v ordain_v this_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a instrument_n to_o make_v we_o true_o and_o real_o sensible_a and_o mindful_a of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o then_o a_o matter_n of_o mere_a indifference_n whether_o we_o will_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n or_o no_o we_o can_v with_o any_o pretence_n or_o show_v of_o reason_n take_v a_o liberty_n of_o dispense_n with_o this_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o if_o it_o be_v whole_o in_o our_o power_n to_o come_v and_o abstain_v as_o we_o please_v for_o certain_o all_o law_n be_v give_v with_o a_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v be_v observe_v and_o obey_v if_o they_o oblige_v to_o a_o duty_n and_o require_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v the_o omission_n be_v culpable_a and_o be_v more_o or_o less_o aggravate_v
which_o lie_v upon_o they_o of_o celebrate_v the_o eucharist_n frequent_o from_o the_o command_n of_o christ._n but_o this_o perchance_o may_v be_v the_o peculiar_a glory_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o time_n wherein_o devotion_n be_v at_o the_o high_a pitch_n and_o christianity_n flourish_v in_o its_o perfection_n and_o purity_n let_v we_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n inquire_v into_o the_o practice_n and_o behaviour_n of_o their_o successor_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o or_o how_o nigh_o they_o come_v up_o to_o their_o example_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o private_a meeting_n at_o night_n and_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o the_o light_n appear_v that_o they_o may_v serve_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o perform_v all_o the_o solemnity_n of_o their_o worship_n with_o less_o disturbance_n can_v not_o but_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o their_o pry_n and_o idolatrous_a neighbour_n among_o who_o they_o live_v who_o envy_v they_o these_o happy_a opportunity_n and_o the_o government_n be_v at_o last_o alarm_v with_o the_o number_n and_o frequency_n of_o these_o religious_a convention_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n than_o know_v how_o they_o be_v reproach_v and_o abuse_v for_o it_o by_o the_o opprobrious_a name_n of_o latebrosa_fw-la &_o lucifugax_fw-la natio_fw-la and_o what_o curse_a slander_n pass_v upon_o they_o among_o the_o credulous_a heathen_a from_o the_o misunderstanding_n of_o their_o solemn_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n at_o such_o time_n and_o the_o love-feast_n after_o dicimur_fw-la sceleratissimi_fw-la say_v tertullian_n in_o the_o seven_o chap._n of_o his_o apology_n de_fw-fr sacramento_fw-la infanticidii_fw-la &_o pabulo_fw-la inde_fw-la &_o post_fw-la convivium_fw-la incesto_fw-la which_o scandalous_a story_n they_o diffuse_v abroad_o with_o equal_a subtlety_n and_o malice_n and_o enlarge_v upon_o with_o particular_a circumstance_n that_o they_o may_v with_o the_o great_a hope_n of_o success_n blacken_v the_o great_a credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o it_o gain_v every_o where_o and_o hinder_v its_o progress_n but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o pure_a invention_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n the_o heathen_a priest_n their_o temple_n be_v thin_a of_o votary_n and_o their_o altar_n reek_v no_o long_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o sacrifice_n one_o of_o their_o writer_n and_o a_o proconsul_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n at_o least_o dcccliii_o a_o propraetor_n with_o consular_a power_n in_o â—â—_o a_o letter_n which_o he_o send_v to_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n who_o will_v have_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v find_v these_o story_n verify_v do_v full_o prove_v for_o he_o upon_o a_o diligent_a and_o severe_a enquiry_n for_o to_o some_o particular_o to_o two_o deaconness_n he_o give_v the_o question_n and_o put_v they_o upon_o the_o rack_n quid_fw-la esset_fw-la very_fw-la &_o per_fw-la tormenta_fw-mi quaerere_fw-la to_o know_v for_o certain_a what_o their_o behaviour_n be_v in_o private_a can_v only_o make_v this_o discovery_n that_o they_o meet_v stato_fw-it thy_fw-mi on_o a_o set_a day_n that_o be_v undoubted_o on_o a_o sunday_n to_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o to_o their_o god_n that_o they_o then_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o oath_n that_o be_v upon_o their_o solemn_a receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o sort_n of_o dishonesty_n and_o baseness_n and_o that_o they_o meet_v again_o and_o entertain_v one_o another_o with_o ordinary_a and_o innocent_a food_n which_o be_v a_o irrefragable_a confutation_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o devour_v the_o raw_a flesh_n of_o a_o infant_n impute_v to_o they_o by_o their_o enemy_n which_o may_v in_o probability_n partly_o if_o not_o chief_o arise_v from_o their_o gross_a and_o unnatural_a conception_n of_o the_o sacramental_a rite_n indeed_o these_o be_v time_n of_o persecution_n and_o great_a danger_n and_o bloody_a decree_n be_v oftentimes_o sign_v by_o the_o emperor_n for_o their_o execution_n and_o slaughter_n they_o be_v outlaw_v and_o proscribe_v and_o hunt_v after_o with_o violence_n and_o drag_v before_o tribunal_n and_o in_o hourly_a danger_n of_o their_o life_n they_o see_v that_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n be_v make_v a_o capital_a crime_n no_o less_o than_o treason_n against_o the_o state_n their_o enemy_n out_o of_o a_o impious_a zeal_n for_o their_o idolatry_n mad_a at_o they_o inexorable_a and_o void_a of_o all_o pity_n their_o malice_n and_o their_o cruelty_n be_v insatiable_a and_o know_v no_o bound_n they_o behold_v what_o great_a waste_v the_o sword_n the_o wheel_n the_o cross_n and_o the_o flame_n have_v already_o make_v of_o their_o fellow-christians_a and_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v their_o turn_n be_v next_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v the_o honour_n and_o be_v count_v worthy_a not_o only_o to_o suffer_v reproach_n but_o death_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o fear_n to_o fly_v for_o it_o that_o they_o seem_v ambitious_a of_o die_v and_o willing_o proffer_v themselves_o to_o the_o heathen_a judge_n this_o do_v not_o discompose_v or_o distract_v their_o thought_n but_o rather_o heighten_v their_o zeal_n and_o their_o devotion_n every_o day_n be_v to_o they_o their_o die_a day_n because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o least_o moral_a assurance_n that_o they_o shall_v live_v to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o yet_o they_o be_v man_n still_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o act_v above_o the_o power_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o have_v need_n of_o a_o continual_a support_n to_o bear_v they_o up_o against_o so_o fierce_a and_o great_a opposition_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n they_o look_v up_o to_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o their_o faith_n who_o for_o the_o glory_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n and_o despise_v the_o shame_n the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o death_n and_o in_o the_o sacrament_n especial_o where_o it_o be_v so_o lively_o set_v forth_o inspire_v they_o with_o more_o than_o humane_a courage_n they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o often_o as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o fortify_v their_o resolution_n of_o die_v for_o his_o name_n they_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o every_o day_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v and_o probable_o do_v actual_o receive_v it_o every_o day_n and_o so_o may_v we_o if_o our_o affection_n be_v as_o pure_a and_o vigorous_a and_o our_o life_n as_o mortify_v and_o as_o holy_a sometime_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o suspension_n of_o these_o sanguinary_a rescript_n and_o several_a act_n of_o grace_n be_v pass_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o poor_a christian_n the_o emperor_n notwithstanding_o those_o sudden_a fit_n and_o paroxysm_n of_o fury_n and_o madness_n have_v their_o lucid_a interval_n and_o see_v clear_o that_o it_o be_v against_o all_o law_n of_o humanity_n and_o equity_n and_o against_o reason_n of_o state_n to_o depopulate_v the_o empire_n of_o such_o useful_a subject_n and_o to_o butcher_n and_o massacre_v such_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o man_n who_o only_a fault_n be_v their_o religion_n during_o this_o uncertain_a state_n of_o thing_n the_o christian_n relax_v nothing_o of_o their_o piety_n and_o ancient_a discipline_n they_o go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o course_n and_o follow_v the_o footstep_n of_o their_o predecessor_n in_o the_o faith_n nobis_fw-la say_v 14._o tertullian_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr jejuniis_fw-la certè_fw-la omnis_fw-la dies_fw-la etiam_fw-la vulgatâ_fw-la consecratione_fw-la celebratur_fw-la but_o when_o they_o foresee_v a_o storm_n of_o persecution_n arise_v than_o the_o bishop_n and_o the_o christian_a people_n under_o they_o have_v 147._o daily_a sacrament_n and_o at_o such_o time_n they_o abate_v the_o rigour_n of_o the_o church-canon_n and_o admit_v the_o lapse_v person_n to_o the_o communion_n which_o otherwise_o be_v not_o allow_v they_o but_o sub_fw-la ictu_fw-la mortis_fw-la as_o armemus_fw-la st._n cyprian_n speak_v who_o tell_v we_o in_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o cornelius_n of_o his_o daily_a offer_v up_o this_o sacrifice_n and_o justify_v his_o deal_n thus_o merciful_o with_o his_o penitent_n or_o rather_o triumph_n and_o glory_n in_o it_o episcopatus_fw-la nostri_fw-la honour_n grandis_fw-la &_o gloria_fw-la est_fw-la pacem_fw-la dedisse_fw-la martyribus_fw-la ut_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la qui_fw-la sacrificia_fw-la deo_fw-la quotidie_fw-la celebramus_fw-la hostias_fw-la deo_fw-la &_o victimas_fw-la praeparemus_fw-la nor_o do_v this_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n cool_v of_o a_o sudden_a as_o soon_o as_o the_o flame_n be_v extinguish_v devout_a person_n keep_v up_o the_o custom_n of_o receive_v often_o in_o the_o flourish_a time_n of_o christianity_n when_o it_o be_v favour_v and_o cherish_v by_o the_o civil_a power_n and_o 〈◊〉_d st._n basil_n commend_v daily_a communion_n as_o useful_a and_o pious_a and_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o communicate_v four_o time_n a_o week_n and_o also_o upon_o the_o memorial_n of_o the_o martyr_n though_o it_o must_v be_v most_o sad_o confess_v