those_o who_o have_v better_a opportunity_n for_o such_o performance_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o impediment_n three_o some_o pretend_v that_o when_o they_o do_v endeavour_v to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o holy_a communion_n they_o find_v they_o can_v do_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o come_v to_o the_o several_a scruple_n of_o which_o sort_n of_o man_n i_o shall_v return_v brief_a and_o distinct_a answer_n some_o than_o do_v apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o come_v because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o not_o well_o ground_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o indeed_o if_o a_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v ordinary_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o every_o christian_a it_o be_v evident_o not_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n until_o such_o time_n as_o he_o be_v better_o instruct_v but_o such_o instruction_n as_o this_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o be_v have_v at_o least_o among_o we_o that_o it_o must_v be_v every_o man_n be_v own_o fault_n if_o he_o want_v it_o for_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o every_o man_n who_o either_o read_v the_o scripture_n or_o hear_v it_o read_v and_o expound_v in_o our_o congregation_n sufficient_o to_o learn_v all_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a thing_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o for_o example_n that_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o to_o suffer_v for_o our_o redemption_n that_o after_o he_o have_v suffer_v he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n where_o he_o remain_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n make_v eternal_a intercession_n for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v come_v again_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o judge_v both_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a who_o shall_v at_o that_o time_n be_v raise_v again_o and_o to_o sentence_v every_o man_n either_o to_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o eternal_a misery_n that_o every_o christian_a be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o spiritual_a life_n unto_o we_o that_o we_o be_v alone_o enable_v to_o perform_v these_o duty_n and_o last_o that_o in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v command_v to_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o which_o be_v the_o communion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o do_v communicate_v in_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n which_o he_o offer_v and_o in_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o passion_n which_o he_o undergo_v in_o his_o body_n and_o by_o the_o shed_v of_o his_o blood_n for_o our_o sake_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o easy_a to_o be_v learn_v and_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a shame_n for_o any_o one_o who_o live_v in_o a_o christian_a country_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o he_o who_o be_v thus_o far_o instruct_v in_o his_o religion_n and_o endeavour_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n to_o increase_v his_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o hereunto_o add_v the_o honest_a and_o sincere_a practice_n of_o what_o he_o understand_v needs_o never_o fear_v that_o god_n will_v reject_v he_o for_o want_n of_o more_o knowledge_n for_o although_o we_o must_v according_a to_o our_o capacity_n add_v to_o our_o virtue_n knowledge_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o abundance_n of_o knowledge_n but_o much_o honesty_n charity_n and_o true_a piety_n that_o render_v we_o acceptable_a and_o please_a to_o god_n see_v 1._o cor._n 1._o 19_o to_o the_o seven_o verse_n of_o the_o 2_o d._n chapter_n again_o some_o do_v find_v their_o faith_n to_o be_v weak_a and_o waver_a and_o perplex_v with_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o indeed_o the_o strong_a and_o firm_a a_o man_n faith_n be_v so_o much_o the_o better_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v that_o our_o faith_n may_v ever_o be_v build_v upon_o sure_a and_o solid_a principle_n as_o well_o for_o our_o own_o comfort_n &_o satisfaction_n as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a upon_o occasion_n to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o who_o shall_v ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o 1._o pet._n 3._o 15._o but_o when_o a_o man_n have_v do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v his_o faith_n if_o it_o still_o continue_v infirm_a and_o weak_a yet_o if_o he_o be_v honest_a and_o pious_a in_o his_o life_n and_o practice_n he_o be_v never_o the_o less_o acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o faith_n for_o strength_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o thing_n in_o our_o own_o power_n and_o therefore_o not_o so_o much_o a_o duty_n in_o we_o as_o a_o reward_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a upon_o those_o who_o be_v sincere_a and_o diligent_a in_o his_o service_n and_o he_o that_o be_v weak_a in_o the_o faith_n may_v yet_o be_v a_o very_a good_a christian_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n although_o he_o be_v not_o qualify_v for_o doubtful_a disputation_n ro._n 14._o 1._o as_o long_o as_o a_o tree_n continue_v to_o bring_v forth_o plenty_n of_o fruit_n we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v alive_a nor_o do_v we_o present_o cut_v it_o down_o and_o cast_v it_o into_o the_o fire_n because_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o so_o well_o fix_v at_o the_o root_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o be_v shake_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o the_o weak_a faith_n if_o it_o produce_v abundance_n of_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v accept_v by_o god_n when_o the_o strong_a faith_n if_o barren_a and_o unfruitful_a shall_v be_v reject_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o by_o he_o see_v jam._n 2._o 14._o etc._n etc._n whenever_o therefore_o a_o honest_a and_o well_o dispose_v man_n find_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v any_o way_n weak_a and_o waver_a let_v he_o take_v up_o the_o good_a man_n speech_n in_o the_o gospel_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n mar._n 9_o 24._o and_o let_v he_o never_o fear_v but_o that_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a will_v accept_v of_o he_o some_o again_o be_v afraid_a that_o they_o do_v not_o love_n god_n as_o well_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o fear_n be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v in_o themselves_o such_o warm_a and_o affectionate_a motion_n of_o their_o mind_n towards_o he_o as_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o goodness_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n they_o dare_v not_o venture_v to_o come_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o indeed_o the_o more_o ardent_a and_o affectionate_a our_o love_n to_o god_n be_v so_o much_o the_o better_a be_v that_o as_o well_o as_o our_o faith_n for_o be_v strong_a and_o unshaken_a but_o as_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o its_o fruitfulness_n rather_o than_o its_o firmness_n as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o show_v so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n consist_v altogether_o in_o keep_v his_o commandment_n 1._o joh._n 5._o 3._o some_o people_n be_v natural_o of_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o more_o easy_o to_o be_v move_v with_o a_o passionate_a affection_n towards_o those_o they_o love_v then_o other_o be_v and_o yet_o other_o who_o do_v not_o find_v such_o warm_a motion_n within_o themselves_o may_v be_v as_o ready_a and_o willing_a as_o they_o to_o do_v act_n of_o kindness_n where_o they_o profess_v a_o friendship_n nor_o be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o late_a sort_n ever_o the_o less_o to_o be_v value_v because_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v seat_v and_o fix_v more_o in_o the_o judgement_n and_o will_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o less_o alteration_n than_o the_o affection_n as_o the_o true_a love_n of_o a_o wife_n to_o her_o husband_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o her_o readiness_n to_o obey_v and_o please_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n much_o rather_o then_o by_o the_o fondness_n which_o she_o express_v to_o his_o person_n if_o therefore_o a_o man_n find_v himself_o steadfast_o
fair_o examine_v and_o i_o hope_v effectual_o confute_v under_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o particular_n 1._o then_o some_o man_n may_v say_v that_o they_o be_v great_a sinner_n and_o therefore_o upon_o that_o account_n dare_v not_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n for_o fear_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v unworthy_a receiver_n and_o so_o instead_o of_o obtain_v any_o benefit_n thereby_o shall_v only_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o a_o man_n lie_v under_o the_o guilt_n of_o any_o sin_n and_o do_v not_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o hearty_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v and_o amend_v it_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o presumption_n and_o a_o sin_n for_o such_o a_o person_n while_o he_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n to_o come_v to_o the_o communion_n but_o then_o i_o must_v tell_v he_o also_o that_o not_o only_o his_o come_n to_o the_o holy_a communion_n but_o even_o his_o very_a prayer_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o god_n prov._n 28._o 9_o for_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o a_o perfect_a affront_n and_o even_o a_o mock_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o a_o man_n to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o worship_n and_o honour_n to_o he_o while_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o go_v on_o in_o wilful_a disobedience_n to_o his_o know_a command_n which_o i_o wish_v be_v well_o and_o serious_o consider_v by_o those_o man_n who_o make_v no_o scruple_n of_o address_v themselves_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n while_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n of_o which_o they_o have_v not_o repent_v they_o dare_v not_o approach_v unto_o his_o holy_a table_n but_o whatever_o sin_n a_o man_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o in_o time_n past_a if_o he_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o hearty_o forsake_v they_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v god_n have_v so_o often_o and_o so_o plain_o promise_v in_o this_o case_n to_o grant_v a_o full_a and_o free_a pardon_n of_o they_o that_o they_o can_v just_o be_v pretend_v as_o any_o obstacle_n which_o shall_v hinder_v we_o from_o approach_v to_o he_o in_o any_o of_o his_o ordinance_n since_o than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o every_o man_n at_o least_o of_o every_o one_o who_o by_o a_o long_a course_n of_o wickedness_n have_v not_o provoke_v god_n whole_o to_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o he_o by_o that_o grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o god_n continual_o offer_v unto_o we_o to_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o amend_v his_o life_n if_o such_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o his_o sin_n as_o a_o bar_n between_o he_o and_o the_o holy_a communion_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_o such_o a_o bar_n as_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o remove_v and_o therefore_o can_v never_o just_o be_v plead_v as_o a_o excuse_n in_o his_o behalf_n but_o some_o man_n perhaps_o may_v say_v that_o though_o he_o shall_v beg_v god_n pardon_n for_o his_o sin_n past_a and_o sincere_o resolve_v to_o forsake_v they_o yet_o he_o fear_v that_o be_v frail_a he_o may_v some_o time_n or_o other_o be_v prevail_v on_o by_o his_o own_o weakness_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o temptation_n to_o break_v those_o resolution_n which_o he_o have_v make_v and_o return_v again_o to_o his_o sin_n and_o if_o this_o shall_v ever_o be_v the_o case_n with_o he_o he_o doubt_v whether_o god_n will_v ever_o again_o admit_v he_o to_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o therefore_o he_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o abstain_v from_o the_o holy_a communion_n rather_o than_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o be_v for_o ever_o exclude_v from_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v offer_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o although_o a_o man_n do_v plain_o foresee_v that_o hereafter_o he_o shall_v be_v most_o likely_a sometime_o to_o fall_v into_o some_o sin_n of_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n such_o as_o a_o hasty_a word_n or_o a_o sudden_a and_o unadvised_a action_n yet_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o hinder_v he_o from_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n for_o as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o ja._n 3._o 2._o so_o be_v there_o not_o any_o man_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o can_v be_v absolute_o sure_a that_o he_o shall_v always_o hereafter_o keep_v himself_o free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o what_o have_v his_o share_n more_o or_o less_o of_o human_a infirmity_n so_o be_v it_o most_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n these_o will_v sometime_o unavoidable_o surprise_v and_o betray_v he_o into_o some_o sin_n against_o these_o our_o infirmity_n therefore_o we_o must_v continual_o strive_v and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o hope_v that_o by_o god_n grace_n and_o our_o own_o diligent_a and_o careful_a endeavour_n we_o may_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o prevail_v against_o they_o but_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n for_o abstain_v from_o the_o holy_a communion_n because_o a_o man_n can_v at_o once_o get_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a victory_n over_o they_o i_o can_v see_v how_o even_o the_o best_a of_o man_n who_o can_v pretend_v to_o absolute_a perfection_n can_v safe_o venture_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o consequent_o this_o will_v be_v the_o way_n whole_o to_o lay_v aside_o and_o abolish_v the_o very_a ordinance_n itself_o second_o but_o as_o for_o wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n or_o return_v again_o unto_o a_o habitual_a course_n of_o wickedness_n there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o endeavour_n may_v if_o he_o please_v for_o ever_o secure_v himself_o against_o it_o for_o however_o god_n may_v think_v it_o fit_a for_o our_o great_a humility_n and_o a_o far_a trial_n of_o we_o to_o leave_v we_o still_o expose_v to_o some_o of_o the_o common_a infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o habitual_a or_o deliberate_a sin_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o that_o we_o be_v able_a but_o will_v with_o the_o temptation_n also_o make_v a_o way_n to_o escape_v that_o we_o may_v if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o 1_o cor._n 10._o 13._o nor_o will_v he_o fail_v to_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o we_o while_o we_o continue_v careful_a to_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o he_o jam._n 4._o 8._o let_v we_o then_o but_o steadfast_o resolve_v that_o we_o will_v be_v hearty_a and_o industrious_a in_o do_v what_o lie_v in_o our_o own_o power_n and_o we_o need_v not_o be_v discourage_v by_o any_o such_o fear_n as_o these_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v secure_v that_o god_n will_v never_o let_v we_o want_v his_o assistance_n but_o three_o let_v we_o put_v the_o case_n as_o bad_a as_o may_v be_v that_o after_o a_o serious_a repentance_n and_o most_o steadfast_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n as_o to_o return_v again_o to_o his_o former_a wickedness_n in_o as_o high_a or_o a_o high_a degree_n than_o before_o yet_o even_o in_o this_o case_n we_o can_v conclude_v that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v forever_o exclude_v by_o god_n from_o all_o possibility_n of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o do_v represent_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o a_o one_o to_o be_v very_o dreadful_a and_o dangerous_a as_o heb._n 6._o 4_o 5._o 6._o and_o chap._n 10._o 26._o 27._o 2._o pet._n 2._o 20._o 21._o but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o consider_v how_o often_o and_o how_o high_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v set_v forth_o and_o magnify_v even_o towards_o the_o great_a sinner_n upon_o their_o true_a repentance_n that_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v ezek._n 33._o 11._o that_o he_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o we_o ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n 2._o pet._n 3._o 9_o that_o thou_o our_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_n or_o as_o red_a as_o crimson_a yet_o god_n be_v most_o ready_a upon_o our_o repentance_n to_o make_v they_o as_o white_a as_o wool_n or_o snow_n isai_n 1._o 18._o from_o these_o and_o many_o such_o passage_n of_o scripture_n i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o gather_v that_o if_o the_o most_o profligate_v and_o relapse_v sinner_n do_v even_o after_o a_o long_a time_n come_v at_o last_o to_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o condition_n as_o thorough_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o
when_o they_o come_v from_o such_o a_o person_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o natural_a frailty_n and_o infirmity_n be_v not_o so_o well_o able_a to_o make_v long_a prayer_n again_o some_o there_o be_v who_o be_v give_v to_o mirth_n and_o company_n keep_v and_o know_v not_o how_o well_o to_o become_v serious_a and_o reserve_v enough_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o come_v i_o answer_v that_o a_o cheerful_a and_o pleasant_a disposition_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v unlawful_a or_o any_o way_n displease_v to_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a where_o it_o be_v right_o manage_v and_o keep_v within_o due_a bound_n it_o be_v common_o very_o serviceable_a to_o the_o promote_a of_o peace_n and_o love_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a end_n of_o christian_a religion_n let_v then_o a_o man_n but_o take_v strict_a care_n that_o his_o mirth_n be_v not_o sinful_a in_o its_o self_n nor_o instrumental_a to_o promote_v wickedness_n in_o the_o world_n let_v he_o not_o droll_n upon_o religion_n and_o piety_n nor_o make_v a_o mock_n at_o sin_n let_v no_o jest_n that_o be_v bitter_a or_o sarcastical_a or_o tend_v to_o the_o discredit_n or_o undervalue_v of_o his_o neighbour_n or_o which_o be_v any_o way_n profane_a filthy_a or_o obscene_a come_v forth_o of_o his_o lip_n nor_o let_v he_o show_v any_o manner_n of_o delight_n or_o satisfaction_n when_o such_o thing_n be_v vent_v by_o other_o let_v he_o abstain_v from_o all_o debauch_a song_n or_o story_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v contrive_v on_o purpose_n to_o corrupt_v the_o world_n and_o let_v he_o never_o promote_v but_o always_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v discountenance_v all_o manner_n of_o riot_v drunkness_n lewdness_n and_o profaneness_n in_o a_o word_n let_v he_o be_v sure_a that_o his_o mirth_n betray_v neither_o himself_n nor_o other_o to_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o piety_n charity_n or_o sobriety_n and_o as_o long_o as_o he_o keep_v himself_o within_o such_o bound_n as_o these_o which_o be_v plain_o very_o possible_a to_o every_o man_n who_o will_v hearty_o resolve_v it_o he_o need_v not_o fear_v that_o a_o cheerful_a and_o facetious_a behaviour_n will_v render_v he_o ever_o the_o the_o worse_a a_o christian_n or_o the_o less_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n and_o last_o of_o all_o that_o i_o may_v conclude_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v under_o this_o head_n some_o there_o be_v who_o have_v meet_v with_o many_o cross_n and_o affliction_n in_o the_o world_n have_v their_o mind_n so_o discompose_v and_o their_o thought_n distract_v with_o care_n grief_n or_o trouble_v that_o they_o can_v settle_v their_o mind_n as_o they_o think_v they_o ought_v for_o the_o holy_a communion_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o come_v to_o it_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o any_o trouble_n or_o affliction_n provoke_v a_o man_n to_o impatience_n and_o prevail_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v he_o murmur_v and_o repine_v against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o must_v and_o may_v as_o all_o other_o sin_n be_v repent_v of_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v under_o the_o first_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o it_o then_o this_o that_o the_o cross_n and_o vexation_n under_o which_o a_o man_n lie_v do_v so_o discompose_v his_o mind_n as_o that_o he_o can_v not_o keep_v his_o thought_n from_o wander_v when_o he_o be_v at_o his_o devotion_n to_o this_o case_n i_o have_v but_o just_a now_o speak_v and_o need_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v upon_o it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o last_o do_v with_o the_o three_o impediment_n upon_o which_o i_o have_v be_v force_v the_o long_a to_o dwell_v because_o of_o the_o many_o scruple_n and_o objection_n which_o it_o afford_v i_o shall_v need_v to_o speak_v but_o a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o the_o four_o impediment_n which_o some_o man_n pretend_v namely_o that_o have_v former_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n they_o find_v themselves_o never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o and_o therefore_o think_v it_o to_o no_o purpose_n to_o come_v again_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o a_o man_n reap_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n the_o fault_n be_v altogether_o his_o own_o because_o either_o he_o do_v not_o due_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o or_o else_o do_v not_o receive_v it_o so_o often_o as_o he_o shall_v some_o body_n be_v so_o distemper_v and_o stomach_n vitiate_v that_o they_o turn_v the_o best_a food_n into_o corrupt_a and_o evil_a nourishment_n and_o if_o a_o man_n of_o the_o most_o healthy_a constitution_n shall_v eat_v but_o one_o meal_n in_o a_o week_n it_o will_v never_o keep_v he_o in_o health_n and_o strength_n but_o let_v the_o stomach_n be_v cleanse_v and_o the_o body_n bring_v into_o good_a order_n and_o then_o let_v the_o man_n eat_v his_o constant_a and_o daily_a meal_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v both_o his_o health_n and_o strength_n increase_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o case_n be_v just_a the_o same_o with_o this_o spiritual_a food_n which_o be_v exhibit_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n while_o the_o soul_n be_v pollute_v and_o distemper_v with_o sin_n unrepented_a of_o it_o will_v certain_o rather_o do_v we_o hurt_v than_o good_a to_o receive_v it_o and_o when_o man_n partake_v of_o it_o but_o once_o in_o a_o year_n or_o two_o or_o it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o often_o whatever_o strength_n or_o refreshment_n their_o soul_n begin_v to_o find_v thereby_o be_v lose_v and_o forget_v before_o it_o come_v again_o to_o be_v renew_v by_o the_o same_o ordinance_n but_o let_v a_o man_n thorough_o cleanse_v and_o purge_v his_o soul_n from_o sin_n by_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o with_o a_o honest_a heart_n and_o mind_n well_o prepare_v let_v he_o come_v as_o often_o as_o he_o can_v to_o god_n holy_a table_n and_o by_o the_o frequent_a and_o constant_a use_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n he_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o he_o shall_v find_v himself_o continual_o to_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o in_o grace_n become_v still_o better_a and_o better_o enable_v to_o resist_v all_o temptation_n and_o daily_o find_v more_o and_o more_o quiet_a and_o comfort_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o four_o impediment_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n of_o all_o to_o speak_v a_o word_n or_o two_o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o manner_n of_o celebrate_v the_o holy_a communion_n in_o our_o church_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o join_v with_o our_o congregation_n in_o it_o two_o thing_n there_o be_v which_o they_o chief_o object_n against_o we_o in_o this_o case_n one_o that_o we_o make_v use_v of_o such_o ceremony_n as_o they_o can_v comply_v with_o and_o in_o particular_a that_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v among_o we_o to_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o posture_n of_o kneel_v and_o the_o other_o be_v that_o we_o administer_v it_o to_o a_o mix_a congregation_n without_o a_o strict_a enquiry_n into_o the_o qualification_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v to_o it_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o answer_v that_o no_o man_n can_v say_v that_o either_o kneel_v at_o the_o holy_a communion_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n which_o we_o use_v at_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o be_v sinful_a or_o unlawful_a because_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o god_n have_v any_o where_n forbid_v they_o the_o utmost_a then_o that_o they_o can_v pretend_v be_v only_o that_o they_o be_v improper_a and_o inconvenient_a now_o beside_o that_o other_o who_o may_v be_v as_o good_a judge_n be_v of_o a_o different_a opinion_n i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v whether_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o sinful_a but_o only_o improper_a and_o inconvenient_a can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o any_o man_n to_o separate_v himself_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o a_o orthodox_n establish_v church_n if_o not_o then_o they_o have_v no_o just_a reason_n upon_o this_o account_n to_o separate_v from_o we_o but_o if_o they_o be_v than_o i_o will_v far_o demand_v which_o be_v the_o great_a inconveniency_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o communion_n or_o to_o make_v a_o schism_n in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o two_o inconvenience_n whether_o we_o ought_v not_o always_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o least_o to_o the_o other_o objection_n i_o answer_v that_o where_o any_o man_n open_o appear_v to_o be_v wicked_a and_o scandalous_a in_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n by_o the_o discipline_n of_o our_o church_n we_o be_v require_v to_o exclude_v such_o a_o person_n from_o the_o holy_a communion_n until_o he_o give_v good_a evidence_n of_o his_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n but_o where_o nothing_o outward_o appear_v against_o a_o man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o heart_n for_o which_o he_o be_v accountable_a only_o to_o god_n and_o if_o our_o saviour_n christ_n do_v not_o exclude_v even_o judas_n himself_o from_o the_o holy_a communion_n because_o at_o that_o time_n he_o have_v do_v nothing_o open_o although_o christ_n well_o know_v that_o he_o have_v make_v a_o private_a agreement_n with_o the_o chief_n priest_n to_o betray_v he_o why_o shall_v we_o take_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v more_o strict_a in_o this_o matter_n or_o who_o have_v give_v we_o any_o authority_n so_o to_o be_v and_o thus_o have_v i_o examine_v and_o i_o hope_v sufficient_o answer_v all_o the_o pretence_n which_o man_n do_v ordinary_o make_v for_o neglect_v the_o holy_a communion_n i_o have_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n to_o add_v and_o i_o have_v do_v namely_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n to_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n unworthy_o that_o be_v to_o say_v without_o true_a repentance_n so_o certain_o be_v it_o no_o less_o a_o sin_n to_o slight_a and_o neglect_v that_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n himself_o have_v express_o appoint_v and_o command_v in_o remembrance_n of_o that_o death_n and_o passion_n which_o he_o under_o go_v for_o we_o let_v we_o therefore_o take_v the_o matter_n into_o our_o serious_a consideration_n and_o while_o we_o be_v so_o very_o cautious_a to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n let_v we_o not_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o run_v ourselves_o into_o as_o great_a a_o hazard_n on_o the_o other_o for_o as_o he_o who_o presume_v to_o come_v to_o the_o nuptial_a feast_n without_o a_o wedding_n garment_n be_v severe_o punish_v for_o his_o presumption_n matt._n 22._o 13._o so_o they_o who_o neglect_v to_o come_v at_o all_o and_o slight_v the_o invitation_n which_o be_v give_v they_o be_v account_v as_o unworthy_a person_n and_o receive_v their_o doom_n according_o v._n 7._o 8._o finis_fw-la