of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v say_v that_o since_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o have_v turn_v aside_o from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21._o i_o confess_v he_o speak_v there_o of_o their_o apostasy_n from_o christ_n religion_n to_o those_o abominable_a impurity_n which_o they_o have_v customary_o practise_v while_o they_o be_v yet_o pagan_n which_o be_v wickedness_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n far_o beyond_o any_o vice_n i_o hope_v that_o have_v be_v act_v by_o any_o who_o have_v be_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o yet_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n applicable_a to_o those_o who_o have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o this_o federal_n mystery_n take_v the_o confidence_n afterward_o to_o let_v themselves_o loose_v again_o to_o their_o enormity_n wherewith_o they_o have_v pollute_v their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n before_o the_o last_o state_n of_o those_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o first_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o hereby_o vice_n become_v familiar_a with_o they_o it_o lose_v that_o ugly_a and_o ghastly_a aspect_n which_o at_o first_o make_v it_o appear_v very_o shameful_a and_o frightful_a their_o acquaintance_n with_o it_o make_v it_o the_o more_o friendly_a and_o free_a like_a one_o converse_v with_o the_o devil_n that_o by_o degree_n wear_v off_o that_o horror_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o strike_v another_o through_o at_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o his_o appear_v there_o be_v natural_o such_o turpitude_n in_o wickedness_n and_o so_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n that_o a_o innocent_a person_n when_o solicit_v to_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v startle_v at_o the_o first_o motion_n and_o if_o he_o be_v persuade_v to_o act_v it_o he_o can_v but_o feel_v great_a remorse_n and_o anguish_n in_o his_o mind_n after_o the_o commission_n but_o custom_n and_o familiarity_n direct_o tend_v not_o only_o to_o remove_v that_o fear_n and_o shame_n which_o be_v once_o such_o guard_n to_o the_o mind_n but_o moreover_o to_o make_v the_o conscience_n hard_a and_o crusty_a like_o flesh_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n so_o that_o it_o lose_v the_o faculty_n of_o sensation_n and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v come_v to_o such_o a_o wretched_a pass_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o repent_v and_o come_v to_o himself_o again_o without_o the_o mighty_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o it_o be_v to_o live_v and_o move_v and_o breathe_v in_o a_o grave_a and_o what_o reason_n and_o ground_n be_v there_o to_o expect_v that_o extraordinary_a assistance_n after_o such_o monstrous_a provocation_n give_v notwithstanding_o the_o strict_a tie_n and_o engagement_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o resist_v of_o grieve_v and_o of_o quench_v the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v at_o the_o other_o sacrament_n and_o afterward_o at_o this_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a i_o say_v for_o such_o to_o fall_v of_o to_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n but_o by_o contumelious_o entreat_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n by_o offer_v great_a violence_n against_o his_o strive_n by_o spoil_v his_o holy_a workmanship_n and_o by_o bring_v to_o nought_o those_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o result_v and_o effect_n of_o his_o divine_a operation_n and_o what_o be_v all_o this_o but_o the_o next_o way_n to_o stifle_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o his_o motion_n and_o to_o force_v he_o utter_o to_o depart_v because_o these_o hostility_n thus_o act_v against_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o loud_a clamour_n of_o conscience_n can_v proceed_v from_o any_o other_o cause_n but_o from_o will_n that_o be_v obstinate_o set_v upon_o evil_a and_o from_o affection_n that_o be_v desperate_o in_o love_n with_o that_o which_o necessary_o lead_v to_o destruction_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o whoever_o come_v to_o this_o tremendous_a mystery_n must_v if_o he_o come_v with_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n carry_v with_o he_o these_o conviction_n that_o the_o religion_n he_o profess_v be_v of_o god_n that_o christ_n seal_v it_o upon_o the_o cross_n with_o that_o blood_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o representation_n in_o this_o mystery_n that_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o mankind_n be_v immutable_a that_o eternal_a life_n therein_o promise_v be_v to_o be_v choose_v before_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o a_o life_n of_o sanctity_n be_v the_o certain_a way_n to_o it_o that_o virtue_n be_v eligible_a of_o itself_o and_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n it_o reward_v they_o with_o in_o this_o life_n beyond_o the_o gross_a and_o transient_a pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o extreme_a folly_n for_o a_o man_n to_o choose_v those_o course_n which_o bring_v a_o kind_n of_o hell_n to_o he_o before_o he_o arrive_v at_o that_o which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n there_o be_v no_o understanding_n and_o serious_a person_n but_o must_v grant_v all_o this_o and_o more_o and_o therefore_o to_o relapse_n into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n after_o so_o many_o vow_n after_o so_o many_o conviction_n and_o consequent_o after_o so_o many_o reluctancy_n and_o struggle_n of_o conscience_n can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o the_o strong_a malignity_n of_o a_o carnal_a mind_n which_o be_v perfect_a enmity_n against_o god_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o these_o be_v the_o reproach_n and_o danger_n of_o relapse_v into_o a_o wicked_a state_n of_o life_n after_o the_o reception_n of_o this_o sacrament_n and_o shall_v a_o man_n die_v in_o such_o a_o wretched_a condition_n i_o tremble_v to_o consider_v what_o a_o endless_a state_n of_o misery_n he_o must_v drop_v into_o next_o because_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v nothing_o but_o entire_a probity_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o virtuous_a temper_n can_v capacitate_v or_o dispose_v we_o for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n of_o inadvertency_n of_o infirmity_n and_o humane_a weakness_n for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a sufficient_a fence_n against_o they_o so_o there_o be_v no_o strict_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a entire_o from_o they_o nor_o be_v these_o the_o sin_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n cry_v out_o upon_o so_o as_o to_o threaten_v they_o with_o eternal_a death_n or_o with_o the_o dereliction_n of_o christ_n spirit_n no_o it_o be_v sin_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n and_o against_o a_o honest_a conscience_n and_o against_o stipulation_n and_o promise_n which_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o perform_v this_o be_v that_o presumptuous_a act_n which_o lay_v man_n naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n and_o leave_v they_o expose_v to_o god_n everlasting_a displeasure_n in_o the_o next_o you_o have_v therefore_o great_a need_n as_o soon_o as_o this_o solemnity_n be_v over_o as_o to_o bow_v your_o knee_n to_o the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v that_o he_o will_v now_o hold_v up_o your_o go_n in_o his_o path_n that_o your_o footstep_n may_v not_o slide_v so_o to_o be_v very_o circumspect_a and_o diligent_a yourselves_o to_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v lest_o any_o man_n shall_v fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v turn_v fornicator_n or_o profane_a person_n as_o esau_n who_o for_o one_o morsel_n of_o bread_n sell_v his_o birthright_n for_o you_o know_v how_o that_o afterward_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n he_o be_v reject_v for_o he_o find_v no_o place_n of_o repentance_n no_o way_n of_o change_v his_o father_n mind_n though_o he_o seek_v it_o earnest_o with_o tear_n heb._n 12._o chap._n xiii_o of_o perseverance_n i_o have_v discourse_v against_o relapse_v into_o a_o sinful_a course_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o forbear_v go_v backward_o or_o to_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n but_o because_o in_o order_n
this_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o their_o great_a condemnation_n instead_o of_o amount_v to_o a_o just_a excuse_n for_o a_o man_n to_o shed_v his_o neighbour_n blood_n and_o then_o to_o plead_v that_o he_o have_v malice_n in_o his_o heart_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n not_o to_o lessen_v but_o to_o heighten_v his_o offence_n and_o so_o for_o a_o man_n to_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o in_o some_o sense_n do_v that_o slight_a and_o vilify_v this_o ordinance_n and_o then_o to_o pretend_v in_o his_o excuse_n that_o he_o be_v a_o impenitent_a sinner_n be_v to_o be_v guilty_a in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o crucify_a the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n because_o he_o upbraid_v they_o with_o their_o incorrigibleness_n be_v man_n allow_v to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n with_o their_o impiety_n about_o they_o we_o shall_v have_v communicants_a enough_o but_o because_o this_o holy_a rite_n be_v a_o adversary_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o be_v intend_v to_o bring_v man_n under_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o new_a law_n therefore_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a and_o resolve_v to_o be_v so_o draw_v back_o and_o keep_v themselves_o off_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o it_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o the_o trouble_n of_o repent_v and_o then_o they_o make_v that_o their_o apology_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v their_o crime_n viz_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o very_a ill_a state_n a_o thing_n which_o instead_o of_o be_v any_o tolerable_a plea_n be_v a_o most_o inexcusable_a pretence_n because_o three_o it_o be_v a_o brutish_a and_o unreasonable_a contempt_n of_o that_o which_o be_v a_o certain_a remedy_n if_o due_o use_v against_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n do_v licentious_a man_n reject_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o remedy_n now_o who_o will_v pity_v a_o man_n that_o will_v not_o go_v to_o the_o fire_n because_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o starve_v with_o cold_a or_o that_o refuse_v to_o eat_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n because_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o starve_v with_o hunger_n why_o such_o be_v the_o contumacious_a folly_n of_o those_o who_o contemn_v god_n pardon_n at_o the_o sacrament_n because_o they_o need_v it_o and_o refuse_v to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o fountain_n of_o life_n because_o they_o be_v filthy_a and_o reject_v the_o mean_n of_o recovery_n because_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o death_n in_o this_o case_n every_o refractory_a person_n plead_v his_o disease_n to_o excuse_v his_o unwillingness_n to_o accept_v of_o help_n such_o a_o upardonable_a act_n of_o stubborness_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v he_o be_v in_o extremity_n of_o sickness_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o a_o physician_n it_o be_v true_a most_o do_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o contempt_n but_o out_o of_o reverence_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o approach_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n they_o have_v a_o dread_n upon_o they_o and_o be_v afraid_a as_o they_o say_v of_o incur_v god_n displeasure_n and_o of_o damn_v their_o own_o soul_n by_o receive_v unworthy_o but_o then_o i_o will_v entreat_v they_o to_o ask_v their_o conscience_n why_o and_o how_o it_o come_v about_o that_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o sin_n and_o why_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o transgress_v other_o divine_a law_n as_o well_o as_o to_o violate_v this_o be_v man_n so_o foolish_a as_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v only_o one_o path_n which_o lead_v to_o hell_n and_o that_o nothing_o will_v bring_v they_o to_o perdition_n but_o unworthy_a receive_v or_o that_o they_o may_v sin_n safe_o as_o long_o as_o they_o sin_n and_o do_v not_o eat_v there_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o much_o danger_n by_o a_o evil_a course_n of_o life_n as_o by_o undue_a participation_n and_o a_o man_n may_v drink_v his_o own_o damnation_n at_o a_o tavern_n or_o in_o his_o own_o house_n as_o well_o as_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n so_o that_o when_o he_o dread_v to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o be_v command_v to_o do_v often_o he_o shall_v examine_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o dread_v not_o that_o which_o he_o be_v require_v never_o to_o do_v 4._o it_o be_v not_o the_o stay_n from_o the_o sacrament_n that_o will_v serve_v a_o ill_a man_n turn_n it_o be_v a_o addition_n to_o his_o gild_n but_o no_o diminution_n of_o his_o wickedness_n and_o whether_o he_o communicate_v or_o forbear_v his_o case_n be_v very_o bad_a till_o he_o make_v his_o peace_n with_o god_n by_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o his_o life_n into_o such_o a_o wretched_a strait_n and_o snare_n do_v ungodly_a and_o irreligious_a course_n draw_v man_n that_o whether_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n or_o no_o they_o be_v miserable_a they_o perish_v without_o the_o holy_a food_n and_o they_o perish_v by_o eat_v it_o too_o so_o that_o they_o have_v only_o this_o one_o way_n leave_v they_o to_o secure_v they_o from_o final_a ruin_n viz._n to_o repent_v they_o serious_o of_o all_o their_o wickedness_n and_o so_o to_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o to_o drink_v of_o this_o cup._n what_o say_v they_o will_v you_o have_v we_o be_v damn_v by_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n when_o we_o be_v not_o in_o a_o fit_a condition_n for_o it_o no_o but_o we_o will_v have_v you_o fit_v yourselves_o and_o then_o receive_v we_o will_v have_v you_o neglect_v neither_o but_o do_v both_o because_o your_o unfitness_n be_v no_o excuse_n or_o bar_n against_o your_o duty_n by_o reason_n that_o your_o unfitness_n be_v wilful_a and_o your_o failure_n in_o one_o instance_n can_v excuse_v but_o must_v needs_o aggravate_v your_o failure_n in_o another_o he_o that_o eat_v unworthy_o be_v guilty_a in_o eat_v because_o he_o profane_v christ_n body_n and_o he_o that_o eat_v not_o at_o all_o be_v guilty_a in_o not_o eat_v because_o he_o despise_v christ_n body_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o those_o that_o neglect_v the_o communion_n through_o a_o evil_a conscience_n 2._o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o crime_n but_o upon_o different_a reason_n at_o least_o they_o pretend_v so_o such_o as_o pass_v for_o fair_a and_o just_a man_n but_o yet_o be_v so_o entangle_v with_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o excuse_v their_o absence_n from_o the_o sacrament_n by_o plead_v that_o they_o want_v time_n as_o if_o they_o live_v in_o some_o strange_a and_o unknown_a country_n where_o there_o be_v not_o any_o hour_n in_o the_o day_n now_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o secular_a concernment_n do_v hinder_v many_o from_o this_o and_o other_o office_n of_o religion_n upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v the_o prime_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o die_v unto_o the_o world_n and_o so_o much_o christ_n intimate_v when_o divide_v his_o benediction_n he_o bless_v those_o in_o the_o first_o place_n who_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n as_o you_o find_v by_o those_o evangelist_n who_o have_v record_v his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o matth._n 6._o 24._o because_o we_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n too_o and_o we_o see_v it_o by_o every_o day_n experience_n that_o the_o love_n of_o greatness_n and_o riches_n and_o the_o inordinate_a care_n of_o this_o life_n be_v apt_a to_o outweigh_v all_o other_o consideration_n but_o then_o if_o we_o speak_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o their_o excuse_n who_o time_n after_o time_n refuse_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n under_o a_o pretence_n that_o they_o have_v not_o leisure_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o it_o there_o be_v many_o consideration_n to_o be_v offer_v which_o show_n that_o this_o plea_n will_v rather_o condemn_v than_o acquit_v they_o for_o brevity_n sake_n i_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o these_o 1._o that_o this_o plea_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v suspect_v and_o question_v whether_o it_o be_v real_a or_o only_o a_o pretext_n and_o a_o cloak_n to_o cover_v their_o disobedience_n 2._o but_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o some_o ingenuity_n who_o pretend_v variety_n or_o multiplicity_n of_o business_n man_n that_o be_v honest_a and_o conscientious_a in_o their_o calling_n but_o yet_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o hurry_n of_o affair_n and_o be_v trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n as_o be_v say_v of_o martha_n luke_n 10._o 41._o yet_o they_o shall_v often_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o next_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v rich_a but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v religious_a and_o worldly_a matter_n must_v ever_o give_v place_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n when_o they_o stand_v
consecrate_v ourselves_o by_o this_o evangelical_n solemnity_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o vow_v obedience_n to_o he_o answerable_a to_o that_o way_n and_o platform_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v before_o we_o now_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o sacrament_n because_o it_o be_v like_o the_o old_a military_a oath_n bind_v all_o of_o we_o to_o be_v faithful_a and_o true_a to_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v we_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o apostle_n that_o as_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a so_o we_o also_o shall_v be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 15._o and_o this_o we_o undertake_v to_o do_v when_o we_o eat_v and_o drink_v here_o before_o the_o lord_n if_o we_o right_o understand_v what_o we_o do_v we_o stipulate_v and_o vow_v to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o promise_v solemn_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o in_o express_a term_n do_v offer_v and_o present_v unto_o god_n ourselves_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o be_v a_o holy_a reasonable_a and_o lively_a sacrifice_n unto_o he_o now_o unless_o we_o real_o intend_v what_o we_o do_v profess_v and_o do_v steadfast_o purpose_n and_o diligent_o endeavour_v to_o make_v all_o our_o promise_n good_a what_o else_o can_v we_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v but_o to_o set_v forth_o our_o own_o shameful_a hypocrisy_n instead_o of_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n therefore_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n with_o profit_n and_o to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o must_v resolve_v with_o ourselves_o to_o be_v upright_o and_o sincere_a in_o heart_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o take_v to_o ourselves_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o quit_v and_o behave_v ourselves_o like_a men._n we_o must_v resolve_v to_o serve_v god_n all_o our_o day_n with_o reverence_n and_o fear_n and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o the_o portion_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o our_o affection_n to_o be_v humble_a in_o soul_n to_o be_v meek_a and_o peaceable_a in_o spirit_n to_o be_v sober_a and_o temperate_a in_o our_o delight_n to_o be_v content_v in_o all_o condition_n and_o to_o be_v patient_n under_o our_o cross_n as_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n be_v under_o he_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o our_o affliction_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o firm_a in_o our_o trial_n and_o to_o be_v charitable_a in_o all_o our_o prayer_n as_o he_o himself_o be_v who_o pray_v unto_o his_o father_n at_o the_o very_a last_o gasp_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o enemy_n man_n must_v not_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v if_o they_o do_v but_o find_v within_o themselves_o some_o present_a rapture_n and_o liquorish_a apprehension_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n if_o they_o can_v but_o breathe_v out_o some_o groan_n or_o dissolve_v themselves_o into_o a_o shower_n of_o water_n no_o the_o right_a preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n consist_v in_o the_o entire_a love_n of_o virtue_n of_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o honest_a and_o just_o and_o pure_a and_o lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 4._o 8._o and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v brief_o of_o the_o quality_n and_o nature_n of_o due_a preparation_n in_o general_a it_o must_v be_v a_o universal_a rectitude_n and_o holiness_n of_o heart_n a_o entire_a goodness_n of_o disposition_n a_o sincere_a love_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a and_o such_o a_o divine_a frame_n and_o bent_n of_o soul_n as_o utter_o abhor_v all_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o destructive_a of_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a both_o to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n 2._o but_o then_o we_o must_v note_n in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o as_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v this_o general_a and_o habitual_a preparation_n so_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a and_o special_a duty_n which_o be_v now_o to_o be_v perform_v because_o as_o i_o say_v here_o be_v special_a object_n and_o reason_n to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o here_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n be_v represent_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v tender_v and_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o god_n be_v exhibit_v to_o we_o and_o according_o we_o be_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n merit_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n because_o his_o merit_n be_v available_a to_o such_o only_a as_o do_v believe_v we_o be_v true_o and_o earnest_o to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n because_o sin_n be_v that_o which_o christ_n die_v for_o and_o it_o be_v upon_o our_o repentance_n that_o our_o pardon_n be_v seal_v and_o moreover_o we_o be_v to_o express_v our_o entire_a love_n to_o our_o brethren_n in_o all_o its_o act_n and_o office_n because_o if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 11._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o divine_v common_o prescribe_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o charity_n as_o most_o necessary_a preparative_n in_o order_n to_o a_o worthy_a receive_v not_o as_o if_o other_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v exclude_v but_o because_o these_o be_v special_o to_o be_v exercise_v forasmuch_o as_o this_o great_a solemnity_n do_v afford_v we_o special_a and_o eminent_a object_n for_o the_o exercise_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v the_o usual_a method_n be_v now_o to_o show_v how_o prepare_v you_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o preparation_n be_v sufficient_a and_o for_o your_o more_o profitable_a instruction_n i_o shall_v discourse_v particular_o of_o those_o three_o qualification_n in_o their_o due_a order_n 1._o and_o first_o of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n by_o faith_n i_o mean_v here_o in_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o it_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o our_o belief_n by_o divine_a revelation_n distinguish_v faith_n from_o hope_n and_o obedience_n and_o other_o act_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a and_o more_o comprehensive_a sense_n now_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o first_o show_v why_o faith_n be_v require_v in_o a_o communicant_a that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n 2._o what_o faith_n be_v require_v or_o what_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v i_o know_v not_o what_o more_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o be_v speak_v touch_v this_o matter_n 1._o why_o faith_n be_v require_v in_o a_o communicant_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v obvious_a because_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n that_o do_v influence_n move_v and_o govern_v our_o action_n it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v wrought_v upon_o either_o to_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o god_n or_o to_o forsake_v his_o impiety_n or_o to_o do_v any_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n unless_o he_o be_v first_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v authority_n from_o god_n to_o exact_v these_o thing_n at_o our_o hand_n and_o that_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o god_n if_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o punishment_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v if_o we_o neglect_v and_o despise_v so_o great_a salvation_n so_o that_o without_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o this_o ordinance_n and_o consequent_o the_o element_n that_o be_v take_v by_o a_o unbeliever_n can_v do_v he_o no_o more_o good_a than_o a_o morsel_n put_v into_o a_o dead_a man_n mouth_n even_o the_o word_n that_o be_v preach_v do_v not_o profit_n at_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o heb._n 4._o 2._o a_o thousand_o homily_n of_o righteousness_n be_v no_o more_o to_o such_o than_o metaphysical_a discourse_n to_o a_o brute_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n though_o to_o well-prepared_n soul_n it_o be_v the_o communication_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n yet_o it_o avail_v not_o except_o there_o be_v a_o disposition_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o while_o