a_o practical_a discourse_n upon_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n show_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o communicant_a before_o at_o and_o after_o the_o eucharist_n by_o edw._n pelling_a d._n d._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n the_o duke_n of_o somerset_n and_o rector_n of_o petworth_n in_o sussex_n london_n print_v for_o w._n crook_n at_o the_o green-dragon_n without_o temple-barr_n near_o devereux-court_n 1692._o imprimatur_fw-la exit_fw-la aedibus_fw-la lamb-hithanis_a ap._n 25._o 1692._o ra._n barker_n r._n r._n in_o christo_n p._n ac_fw-la d._n d._n johanni_n archiep._n cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la domesticis_fw-la to_o her_o grace_n the_o most_o noble_a most_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a lady_n elizabeth_z lady_n duchess_n of_o somerset_n may_v it_o please_v your_o grace_n the_o kind_a acceptance_n which_o my_o former_a discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_a find_v at_o your_o grace_n hand_n have_v give_v i_o encouragement_n and_o confidence_n to_o prefix_v your_o great_a name_n to_o this_o which_o indeed_o shall_v have_v be_v present_v to_o your_o noble_a patronage_n long_o ago_o but_o that_o the_o late_a controversy_n with_o the_o romanist_n wherein_o i_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o take_v my_o share_n and_o a_o great_a many_o unexpected_a accident_n since_o have_v hitherto_o hinder_v i_o from_o bring_v it_o even_o to_o that_o little_a perfection_n wherein_o it_o now_o appear_v beside_o madam_n the_o subject_a be_v altogether_o practical_a and_o directive_n of_o the_o conscience_n a_o little_a time_n be_v not_o enough_o for_o that_o consideration_n and_o care_n which_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o a_o tender_a and_o weighty_a nature_n must_v require_v especial_o since_o my_o design_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v not_o only_o to_o inform_v communicant_n but_o moreover_o to_o lend_v such_o assistance_n to_o all_o other_o in_o order_n to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o their_o duty_n as_o i_o hope_v may_v serve_v to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v somewhat_o large_o and_o particular_o discourse_v of_o these_o thing_n which_o concern_v all_o sort_n and_o rank_n of_o christian_n as_o faith_n repentance_n charity_n and_o perseverance_n to_o which_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n a_o short_a platform_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n collect_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o digest_v into_o little_a that_o every_o one_o may_v see_v as_o it_o be_v at_o one_o view_n the_o nature_n excellence_n and_o easiness_n of_o that_o universal_a obedience_n which_o the_o new_a covenant_n exact_v at_o all_o our_o hand_n and_o all_o this_o i_o resolve_v and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v in_o such_o a_o plain_a and_o clear_a manner_n that_o i_o may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o those_o of_o the_o most_o ordinary_a and_o vulgar_a capacity_n because_o they_o need_v instruction_n most_o of_o all_o i_o confess_v madam_n that_o in_o say_v this_o i_o seem_v to_o have_v make_v a_o objection_n against_o myself_o as_o to_o this_o dedication_n and_o fear_v that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o know_v your_o grace_n will_v be_v startle_v to_o see_v a_o little_a book_n intend_v for_o ordinary_a capacity_n present_v to_o a_o person_n of_o such_o eminent_a part_n and_o judgement_n as_o well_o as_o quality_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o wonder_n will_v cease_v when_o once_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o this_o piece_n be_v to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v man_n to_o a_o serious_a practice_n of_o religion_n i_o can_v not_o but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o your_o grace_n due_a be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o that_o your_o grace_n be_v a_o great_a example_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o true_o christian_a life_n in_o all_o particular_n which_o god_n be_v thank_v i_o can_v very_o safe_o affirm_v and_o tell_v the_o whole_a world_n without_o the_o least_o guilt_n of_o flattery_n but_o beside_o madam_n my_o personal_a obligation_n to_o both_o your_o grace_n for_o your_o great_a and_o continual_a favour_n to_o i_o and_o i_o and_o the_o tenderness_n you_o be_v please_v to_o show_v we_o daily_o do_v challenge_n from_o i_o all_o possible_a expression_n of_o honour_n and_o dutiful_a affection_n and_o all_o too_o little_a i_o be_o sure_a not_o any_o thing_n indeed_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o service_n which_o i_o shall_v and_o with_o all_o my_o heart_n will_v do_v be_v it_o in_o my_o power_n among_o some_o discouragement_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n i_o bless_v god_n the_o great_a comfort_n of_o my_o life_n be_v that_o i_o enjoy_v so_o plentiful_a a_o share_n of_o your_o grace_n goodness_n with_o all_o freedom_n and_o gratitude_n i_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n as_o happy_a a_o man_n as_o life_n the_o station_n i_o be_o now_o in_o i_o be_v unexpect_o put_v into_o by_o the_o desire_n of_o both_o your_o grace_n and_o by_o your_o zealous_a application_n to_o some_o great_a friend_n who_o can_v have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o consider_v i_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o your_o grace_n who_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o gratify_v for_o your_o be_v such_o true_a friend_n and_o ornament_n to_o our_o church_n and_o the_o whole_a protestant_a religion_n your_o thus_o transplant_n i_o into_o your_o grace_n own_o neighbourhood_n as_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o most_o kind_a intention_n that_o i_o shall_v spring_v and_o thrive_v afresh_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o your_o favour_n so_o be_v it_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o my_o ministry_n which_o be_v now_o assist_v with_o such_o noble_a comment_n upon_o christianity_n and_o example_n of_o it_o as_o may_v prove_v more_o operative_a than_o any_o discourse_n of_o i_o upon_o these_o account_n madam_n all_o the_o labour_n i_o can_v bestow_v can_v be_v but_o so_o many_o expression_n of_o thankfulness_n which_o i_o humble_o entreat_v both_o your_o grace_n to_o accept_v of_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v tender_v beside_o my_o earnest_a supplication_n to_o almighty_a god_n evermore_o to_o continue_v and_o increase_v his_o goodness_n to_o your_o grace_n and_o your_o noble_a issue_n and_o to_o enrich_v you_o with_o all_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o be_v madam_n the_o daily_a affectionate_a prayer_n of_o petworth_n feb_n 20._o 1691_o 2_o your_o grace_n most_o humble_a faithful_a and_o obedient_a servant_n and_o chaplain_n edw._n pelling_a the_o content_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o necessity_n we_o be_v under_o to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n pag._n 1._o chap._n ii_o several_a excuse_n consider_v at_o large_a p._n 25._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o preparation_n p._n 42._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o nature_n of_o preparation_n in_o general_n and_o in_o particular_a of_o faith_n p._n 60._o chap._n v._o of_o repentance_n p._n 84._o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o repentance_n according_a as_o man_n sin_n be_v of_o unwilful_a sin_n p._n 100_o chap._n vii_o of_o wilful_a sin_n p._n 123._o chap._n viii_o of_o charity_n p._n 142._o chap._n ix_o of_o brotherly_a forgiveness_n p._n 160._o chap._n x._o of_o our_o behaviour_n at_o the_o time_n of_o receive_v p._n 183._o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o kneel_v when_o we_o receive_v p._n 192._o chap._n xii_o of_o our_o behaviour_n after_o receive_v p._n 215._o chap._n xiii_o of_o perseverance_n a_o short_a platform_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 237._o chap._n i._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n tho_o notion_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n more_o difficult_a and_o of_o far_o less_o concernment_n for_o man_n to_o understand_v than_o their_o duty_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o general_a curiosity_n of_o people_n that_o they_o be_v more_o intent_n upon_o speculation_n than_o upon_o practice_n and_o study_v more_o to_o be_v master_n of_o a_o opinion_n than_o to_o inform_v and_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n however_o in_o regard_n that_o knowledge_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o action_n and_o man_n be_v so_o govern_v by_o their_o persuasion_n that_o their_o practice_n be_v ever_o suitable_a to_o their_o sentiment_n the_o most_o natural_a way_n of_o prevail_v upon_o they_o to_o comply_v with_o their_o duty_n be_v to_o instruct_v their_o understanding_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o to_o furnish_v they_o with_o such_o notion_n as_o may_v have_v a_o due_a influence_n upon_o they_o and_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o prompt_v they_o on_o to_o that_o business_n which_o lie_v before_o they_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o when_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n i_o think_v it_o advisable_v for_o i_o to_o divide_v my_o meditation_n so_o that_o i_o may_v first_o dispatch_v the_o notional_a part_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o then_o proceed_v to_o the_o practical_a which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a
and_o go_v 2._o we_o undertake_v to_o live_v godly_a life_n for_o the_o future_a mean_v as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n grace_n consider_v the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o profess_v and_o undertake_v these_o thing_n at_o other_o time_n we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o indeed_o as_o christian_n and_o if_o we_o do_v they_o sincere_o now_o we_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v communicant_o so_o that_o i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o reason_n any_o conscientious_a and_o good_a heart_a man_n have_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o this_o ordinance_n rather_o it_o shall_v be_v his_o comfort_n and_o joy_n that_o he_o have_v liberty_n to_o use_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o those_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o every_o break_a heart_n no_o scruple_n therefore_o be_v sufficient_a to_o beat_v off_o any_o pious_a and_o penitent_a soul_n for_o if_o man_n do_v not_o repent_v and_o reform_v they_o be_v not_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o they_o do_v they_o be_v in_o a_o good_a condition_n to_o be_v guest_n at_o christ_n table_n i_o have_v more_o to_o say_v concern_v this_o matter_n when_o i_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o preparation_n which_o be_v necessary_a but_o this_o i_o hope_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a chap._n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o preparation_n the_o necessity_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v thus_o prove_v it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o consider_v those_o dispositition_n and_o preparation_n wherewith_o all_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n that_o they_o may_v eat_v and_o drink_v aftr_v a_o worthy_a manner_n and_o here_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o for_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o man_n conscience_n 1._o first_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o hand_n how_o that_o do_v appear_v 2._o second_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o preparation_n wherein_o that_o do_v consist_v 1._o first_o touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o presume_v to_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o to_o drink_v of_o this_o cup._n it_o be_v observable_a that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o give_v his_o disciple_n no_o particular_a instruction_n about_o this_o matter_n when_o he_o institute_v this_o solemnity_n he_o command_v they_o indeed_o to_o do_v this_o and_o to_o celebrate_v this_o mystery_n in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o but_o we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o express_a direction_n he_o give_v touch_v preparation_n thereunto_o however_o that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v embolden_v to_o use_v this_o ordinance_n after_o a_o irreligious_a or_o rash_a manner_n the_o necessity_n of_o prepare_v ourselves_o will_v evident_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o analogy_n which_o this_o mystery_n bear_v to_o those_o ancient_a sacrfical_a feast_n that_o be_v celebrate_v by_o all_o mankind_n these_o i_o have_v treat_v of_o at_o large_a because_o the_o full_a knowledge_n thereof_o be_v very_o serviceable_a in_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v both_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o feast_n and_o our_o own_o duty_n too_o in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o which_o probable_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o lord_n silence_n in_o this_o point_n because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o give_v particular_a instruction_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o all_o that_o man_n can_v easy_o be_v lead_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o those_o common_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n which_o both_o heathen_n and_o jew_n have_v of_o banquet_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o for_o the_o heathen_a part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o holy_a thing_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reverence_n and_o by_o man_n of_o holiness_n and_o purity_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n their_o constant_a custom_n be_v before_o they_o go_v to_o their_o sacrifical_a banquet_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o with_o many_o previous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n suppose_v that_o thereby_o they_o do_v sanctify_v and_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o service_n of_o their_o deity_n thus_o the_o pagan_a priest_n be_v wont_a to_o forbear_v the_o very_a touch_v of_o 17._o farinam_fw-la fermento_fw-la imbutam_fw-la attingere_fw-la ei_fw-la fas_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la aul._n gell._n de_fw-fr flam._n dial._n noct._n attic._n lib._n 10._o c._n 15._o of_o these_o preparatory_a rite_n see_v stuckius_n in_o sacror_fw-la &_o sacrificior_fw-la descrip_n pag._n 79._o etc._n etc._n gyrald_n hist_o diorum_fw-la syntag._n 17._o p._n 497._o natal_n mythol_n lib._n 1._o c._n 9_o &_o 14._o alex._n ab_fw-la alex._n gen._n dier_z l._n 4._o c._n 17._o any_o bread_n that_o be_v leaven_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v pollute_v they_o use_v many_o sort_n of_o lustration_n and_o wash_n cleanse_v as_o well_o their_o clothes_n as_o their_o body_n especial_o their_o hand_n with_o the_o pure_a water_n that_o be_v appropriate_v to_o that_o purpose_n they_o abstain_v for_o many_o day_n before_o hand_n from_o eat_v of_o flesh_n and_o from_o drink_v of_o wine_n they_o refrain_v from_o the_o nuptial_a bed_n and_o from_o all_o carnal_a pleasure_n use_v many_o artificial_a method_n to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o when_o the_o time_n for_o sacrifice_v be_v come_v they_o array_v themselves_o with_o clean_a and_o spotless_a garment_n which_o they_o call_v their_o holy_a and_o religious_a dress_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o priest_n only_o for_o all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v before_o their_o deity_n be_v require_v also_o to_o prepare_v and_o purify_v themselves_o thorough_o after_o their_o way_n believe_v that_o the_o outward_a sanctification_n of_o their_o body_n do_v serve_v to_o sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v their_o very_a soul_n and_o spirit_n thus_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o wash_v themselves_o often_o to_o give_v themselves_o to_o fast_n and_o much_o abstinence_n to_o deny_v themselves_o those_o fleshly_a satisfaction_n which_o at_o other_o time_n be_v lawful_a their_o custom_n too_o be_v to_o make_v solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o life_n pray_v to_o their_o god_n not_o to_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o they_o if_o any_o man_n have_v his_o hand_n defile_v with_o blood_n or_o be_v pollute_v and_o stain_v with_o any_o gross_a wickedness_n he_o be_v not_o to_o come_v to_o the_o altar_n and_o when_o their_o service_n be_v mention_v see_v the_o author_n above_o mention_v beginning_n proclamation_n be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v here_o whereunto_o they_o answer_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v many_o and_o good_a man_n and_o if_o any_o be_v find_v there_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o gild_n he_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o company_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o very_a heathen_n believe_v that_o none_o be_v fit_a to_o meddle_v with_o thing_n 492._o in_o sacrificiis_fw-la rite_n celebrandis_fw-la majorem_fw-la nullam_fw-la ceremoniam_fw-la fuisse_fw-la videmus_fw-la quam_fw-la nihil_fw-la sibi_fw-la conscire_fw-la bonos_fw-es ac_fw-la pios_fw-la esse_fw-la gyrald_n syntag._n 17._o pag._n 492._o sacrifice_v but_o such_o as_o be_v upright_o in_o mind_n and_o void_a of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o as_o touch_v the_o jew_n every_o one_o know_v how_o strict_o they_o be_v command_v to_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o law_n before_o they_o presume_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v before_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n especial_o at_o the_o paschal_n supper_n in_o lieu_n whereof_o this_o christian_a solemnity_n be_v substitute_v and_o appoint_v no_o man_n be_v permit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o passover_n that_o be_v not_o due_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o the_o rite_n of_o circumcision_n no_o proselyte_n be_v suffer_v to_o come_v that_o be_v not_o first_o sanctify_v and_o fit_v for_o it_o according_a as_o the_o law_n direct_v in_o that_o case_n none_o that_o be_v in_o their_o uncleanness_n or_o in_o any_o respect_n legal_o impure_a whether_o man_n or_o woman_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v till_o they_o be_v cleanse_v from_o their_o pollution_n nay_o not_o the_o people_n themselves_o only_o but_o their_o very_a house_n also_o be_v to_o be_v free_a from_o all_o defilement_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o day_n before_o the_o feast_n they_o purge_v all_o manner_n of_o leaven_n out_o of_o their_o room_n and_o for_o fear_v any_o ferment_n shall_v remain_v in_o any_o part_n of_o their_o dwelling_n they_o be_v wont_a the_o night_n before_o the_o passover_n to_o search_v with_o a_o candle_n into_o every_o hole_n in_o their_o wall_n and_o into_o every_o chink_n
consecrate_v ourselves_o by_o this_o evangelical_n solemnity_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o vow_v obedience_n to_o he_o answerable_a to_o that_o way_n and_o platform_n which_o he_o have_v lay_v before_o we_o now_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o mystery_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o sacrament_n because_o it_o be_v like_o the_o old_a military_a oath_n bind_v all_o of_o we_o to_o be_v faithful_a and_o true_a to_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n now_o this_o be_v that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v we_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o apostle_n that_o as_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a so_o we_o also_o shall_v be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 15._o and_o this_o we_o undertake_v to_o do_v when_o we_o eat_v and_o drink_v here_o before_o the_o lord_n if_o we_o right_o understand_v what_o we_o do_v we_o stipulate_v and_o vow_v to_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o promise_v solemn_o to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o in_o express_a term_n do_v offer_v and_o present_v unto_o god_n ourselves_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o be_v a_o holy_a reasonable_a and_o lively_a sacrifice_n unto_o he_o now_o unless_o we_o real_o intend_v what_o we_o do_v profess_v and_o do_v steadfast_o purpose_n and_o diligent_o endeavour_v to_o make_v all_o our_o promise_n good_a what_o else_o can_v we_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v but_o to_o set_v forth_o our_o own_o shameful_a hypocrisy_n instead_o of_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n therefore_o if_o we_o intend_v to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n with_o profit_n and_o to_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n we_o must_v resolve_v with_o ourselves_o to_o be_v upright_o and_o sincere_a in_o heart_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n to_o take_v to_o ourselves_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o quit_v and_o behave_v ourselves_o like_a men._n we_o must_v resolve_v to_o serve_v god_n all_o our_o day_n with_o reverence_n and_o fear_n and_o to_o make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o our_o desire_n and_o the_o portion_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o be_v holy_a in_o our_o affection_n to_o be_v humble_a in_o soul_n to_o be_v meek_a and_o peaceable_a in_o spirit_n to_o be_v sober_a and_o temperate_a in_o our_o delight_n to_o be_v content_v in_o all_o condition_n and_o to_o be_v patient_n under_o our_o cross_n as_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n be_v under_o he_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o our_o affliction_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o firm_a in_o our_o trial_n and_o to_o be_v charitable_a in_o all_o our_o prayer_n as_o he_o himself_o be_v who_o pray_v unto_o his_o father_n at_o the_o very_a last_o gasp_n for_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o enemy_n man_n must_v not_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v if_o they_o do_v but_o find_v within_o themselves_o some_o present_a rapture_n and_o liquorish_a apprehension_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n if_o they_o can_v but_o breathe_v out_o some_o groan_n or_o dissolve_v themselves_o into_o a_o shower_n of_o water_n no_o the_o right_a preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n consist_v in_o the_o entire_a love_n of_o virtue_n of_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o honest_a and_o just_o and_o pure_a and_o lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v phil._n 4._o 8._o and_o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v brief_o of_o the_o quality_n and_o nature_n of_o due_a preparation_n in_o general_a it_o must_v be_v a_o universal_a rectitude_n and_o holiness_n of_o heart_n a_o entire_a goodness_n of_o disposition_n a_o sincere_a love_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v pure_a and_o undefiled_a and_o such_o a_o divine_a frame_n and_o bent_n of_o soul_n as_o utter_o abhor_v all_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o destructive_a of_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a both_o to_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n 2._o but_o then_o we_o must_v note_n in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o as_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v this_o general_a and_o habitual_a preparation_n so_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a and_o special_a duty_n which_o be_v now_o to_o be_v perform_v because_o as_o i_o say_v here_o be_v special_a object_n and_o reason_n to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o here_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n be_v represent_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v tender_v and_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o god_n be_v exhibit_v to_o we_o and_o according_o we_o be_v to_o lay_v hold_n on_o christ_n merit_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n because_o his_o merit_n be_v available_a to_o such_o only_a as_o do_v believe_v we_o be_v true_o and_o earnest_o to_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n because_o sin_n be_v that_o which_o christ_n die_v for_o and_o it_o be_v upon_o our_o repentance_n that_o our_o pardon_n be_v seal_v and_o moreover_o we_o be_v to_o express_v our_o entire_a love_n to_o our_o brethren_n in_o all_o its_o act_n and_o office_n because_o if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 1_o joh._n 4._o 11._o hence_o it_o be_v that_o divine_v common_o prescribe_v faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o charity_n as_o most_o necessary_a preparative_n in_o order_n to_o a_o worthy_a receive_v not_o as_o if_o other_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v exclude_v but_o because_o these_o be_v special_o to_o be_v exercise_v forasmuch_o as_o this_o great_a solemnity_n do_v afford_v we_o special_a and_o eminent_a object_n for_o the_o exercise_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v the_o usual_a method_n be_v now_o to_o show_v how_o prepare_v you_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o what_o preparation_n be_v sufficient_a and_o for_o your_o more_o profitable_a instruction_n i_o shall_v discourse_v particular_o of_o those_o three_o qualification_n in_o their_o due_a order_n 1._o and_o first_o of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o mother_n and_o nurse_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n by_o faith_n i_o mean_v here_o in_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o it_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o our_o belief_n by_o divine_a revelation_n distinguish_v faith_n from_o hope_n and_o obedience_n and_o other_o act_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o large_a and_o more_o comprehensive_a sense_n now_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o first_o show_v why_o faith_n be_v require_v in_o a_o communicant_a that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o necessity_n of_o this_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n 2._o what_o faith_n be_v require_v or_o what_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v i_o know_v not_o what_o more_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o be_v speak_v touch_v this_o matter_n 1._o why_o faith_n be_v require_v in_o a_o communicant_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v obvious_a because_o it_o be_v the_o principle_n that_o do_v influence_n move_v and_o govern_v our_o action_n it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v wrought_v upon_o either_o to_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o god_n or_o to_o forsake_v his_o impiety_n or_o to_o do_v any_o other_o act_n of_o religion_n unless_o he_o be_v first_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v authority_n from_o god_n to_o exact_v these_o thing_n at_o our_o hand_n and_o that_o there_o be_v mercy_n with_o god_n if_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o punishment_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v if_o we_o neglect_v and_o despise_v so_o great_a salvation_n so_o that_o without_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o this_o ordinance_n and_o consequent_o the_o element_n that_o be_v take_v by_o a_o unbeliever_n can_v do_v he_o no_o more_o good_a than_o a_o morsel_n put_v into_o a_o dead_a man_n mouth_n even_o the_o word_n that_o be_v preach_v do_v not_o profit_n at_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o hear_v it_o heb._n 4._o 2._o a_o thousand_o homily_n of_o righteousness_n be_v no_o more_o to_o such_o than_o metaphysical_a discourse_n to_o a_o brute_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o administration_n of_o this_o sacrament_n though_o to_o well-prepared_n soul_n it_o be_v the_o communication_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n yet_o it_o avail_v not_o except_o there_o be_v a_o disposition_n and_o principle_n of_o faith_n in_o they_o that_o receive_v it_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o while_o
steadfastness_n of_o their_o vow_n and_o resolution_n and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o even_o these_o may_v come_v with_o safety_n especial_o if_o as_o i_o say_v they_o find_v themselves_o straighten_a in_o their_o circumstance_n and_o very_o believe_v their_o resolution_n to_o be_v sincere_a in_o itself_o and_o such_o as_o will_v be_v productive_a of_o good_a fruit_n for_o all_o perseverance_n do_v suppose_v a_o beginning_n and_o a_o continue_a state_n of_o repentance_n be_v found_v upon_o some_o forego_v act_n and_o the_o very_a first_o act_n of_o repentance_n begin_v and_o work_v in_o the_o mind_n so_o that_o if_o that_o be_v sincere_a and_o genuine_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v very_o acceptable_a with_o god_n but_o because_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o sincerity_n depend_v upon_o experience_n and_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n to_o skip_v in_o a_o instant_n from_o a_o course_n of_o immorality_n to_o a_o life_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n to_o use_v all_o possible_a mean_n to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n before_o they_o presume_v to_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o to_o drink_v of_o this_o wine_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o repentance_n from_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v habitual_a 2._o the_o other_o sort_n of_o wilful_a sin_n i_o call_v occasional_a because_o they_o be_v not_o a_o settle_a trade_n but_o the_o contingent_a effect_n of_o some_o emergent_a and_o occasional_a temptation_n which_o a_o foolish_a and_o negligent_a wretch_n do_v not_o exert_v his_o strength_n and_o courage_n to_o overcome_v nor_o perhaps_o endeavour_v to_o resist_v by_o reason_n of_o some_o base_a advantage_n which_o be_v offer_v he_o upon_o his_o wicked_a compliance_n a_o man_n who_o life_n be_v unblameable_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o usual_a tenor_n and_o course_n may_v fall_v in_o some_o single_a instance_n and_o that_o deliberate_o witness_v king_n david_n who_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o great_a character_n of_o as_o to_o the_o main_a and_o yet_o we_o know_v how_o miserable_o he_o sin_v first_o in_o the_o case_n of_o bathsheba_n who_o embrace_n he_o long_v after_o so_o passionate_o though_o he_o know_v the_o thing_n to_o have_v be_v most_o plain_o forbid_v by_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n and_o then_o in_o the_o case_n of_o her_o husband_n vriah_n a_o faithful_a subject_n that_o have_v so_o merit_v of_o he_o by_o the_o most_o eminent_a service_n and_o yet_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v david_n at_o last_o but_o vriah_n ruin_n a_o horrible_a sin_n against_o another_o express_a law_n of_o god_n and_o to_o aggravate_v it_o a_o sin_n which_o he_o bring_v about_o after_o the_o base_a manner_n by_o dissimulation_n hypocrisy_n perfidiousness_n and_o in_o cold_a blood_n too_o and_o with_o all_o the_o deliberation_n that_o usual_o attend_v such_o politic_a but_o barbarous_a artifices_fw-la i_o call_v these_o wilful_a occasional_a wickedness_n because_o they_o be_v do_v with_o his_o consent_n and_o he_o become_v voluntary_o guilty_a of_o they_o upon_o some_o special_a emergency_n and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v those_o wickedness_n which_o be_v act_v by_o person_n who_o be_v in_o other_o instance_n man_n of_o a_o fair_a reputation_n and_o of_o tolerable_o good_a conscience_n and_o yet_o for_o some_o carnal_a or_o worldly_a end_n do_v base_o yield_v themselves_o up_o by_o occasion_n of_o some_o occurrence_n to_o commit_v such_o iniquity_n as_o make_v the_o world_n to_o ring_v and_o all_o but_o themselves_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o qvestionless_a such_o sin_n as_o these_o be_v both_o for_o the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o they_o of_o a_o very_a criminal_a nature_n and_o a_o very_a deep_a die_n and_o therefore_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o very_a deep_a repentance_n if_o god_n peradventure_o shall_v grant_v it_o for_o the_o recovery_n of_o such_o man_n out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o such_o impiety_n as_o these_o though_o but_o occasional_a one_o do_v strange_o waste_v and_o make_v havoc_n of_o the_o conscience_n make_v the_o heart_n callous_a and_o crusty_a be_v vocal_a and_o obstreperous_a cry_v aloud_o to_o heaven_n for_o vengeance_n grieve_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o if_o not_o thorough_o and_o timely_o retract_v by_o degree_n quench_v he_o they_o be_v horrible_o scandalous_a to_o religion_n injuririous_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o because_o they_o be_v do_v deliberate_o and_o of_o set_a purpose_n be_v very_o high_a affront_v and_o contumely_n to_o god_n himself_o nor_o will_v it_o mend_v the_o matter_n to_o pretend_v that_o they_o do_v these_o thing_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reluctancy_n for_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o if_o man_n have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o conscience_n leave_v they_o that_o be_v not_o quite_o sear_v and_o past_a feel_n conscience_n will_v recoil_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o smother_v or_o drown_v and_o the_o sin_n the_o great_a still_o because_o act_v against_o conscience_n the_o resistance_n of_o conscience_n argue_v the_o opposition_n against_o it_o to_o be_v the_o strong_a and_o the_o more_o violent_a and_o consequent_o render_v the_o act_n itself_o the_o more_o malicious_a and_o deadly_a therefore_o before_o such_o man_n presume_v to_o go_v to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n it_o vast_o concern_v they_o to_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n with_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o with_o the_o world_n too_o by_o a_o pungent_a and_o proportionable_a repentance_n for_o without_o this_o their_o case_n be_v equal_o as_o bad_a and_o dangerous_a as_o the_o most_o habitual_a offender_n repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n be_v equal_o prescribe_v unto_o all_o nor_o will_v it_o be_v so_o much_o consider_v in_o the_o dreadful_a day_n of_o judgement_n who_o sin_v often_o for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o harden_a wretch_n let_v his_o sin_n be_v many_o or_o few_o habitual_a or_o occasional_a his_o impenitence_n must_v necessary_o throw_v he_o into_o a_o place_n of_o everlasting_a torment_n now_o that_o repentance_n for_o these_o occasional_a wickedness_n may_v be_v adequate_a and_o full_a it_o must_v have_v as_o i_o conceive_v these_o follow_a qualification_n with_o which_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o subject_a 1._o it_o must_v be_v as_o speedy_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o the_o importunity_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n he_o put_v his_o repentance_n off_o what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o plain_a approbation_n of_o what_o he_o do_v which_o approbation_n continue_v the_o sin_n become_v habitual_a though_o it_o be_v a_o single_a act_n and_o though_o you_o suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o and_o only_a sin_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n though_o it_o be_v not_o repeat_v yet_o not_o be_v repent_v of_o it_o be_v belove_v which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o god_n account_n as_o if_o it_o be_v act_v over_o and_o over_o again_o for_o which_o reason_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o one_o occasional_a wickedness_n unrepented_a of_o do_v sometime_o by_o degree_n and_o delay_n harden_v the_o heart_n strange_o and_o embolden_v the_o man_n to_o go_v on_o so_o that_o have_v once_o violate_v his_o conscience_n presumptuous_o he_o stick_v not_o to_o violate_v and_o wound_v it_o still_o and_o thus_o one_o wickedness_n draw_v on_o another_o god_n deliver_v he_o up_o to_o himself_o for_o his_o first_o presumption_n and_o subsequent_a impenitence_n the_o wretch_n run_v on_o headlong_o till_o his_o conscience_n prove_v deaf_a and_o his_o case_n become_v very_o deplorable_a like_o some_o obstinate_a fool_n that_o have_v make_v but_o one_o false_a step_n pursue_v their_o error_n and_o trudge_v forward_o through_o thick_a and_o thin_a have_v not_o the_o heart_n to_o retreat_n though_o there_o be_v a_o fatal_a precipice_n before_o they_o and_o thus_o the_o man_n break_v his_o neck_n in_o the_o end_n and_o fall_v into_o ruin_n which_o at_o first_o he_o do_v not_o foresee_v or_o suspect_v and_o all_o by_o mean_n of_o one_o occasional_a wickedness_n not_o retract_v not_o repent_v of_o in_o time_n 2._o this_o repentance_n ought_v to_o be_v not_o only_o speedy_a but_o also_o vigorous_a extensive_a and_o commensurate_a to_o the_o sin_n for_o as_o it_o be_v presumptuous_a in_o the_o commission_n so_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o circumstance_n and_o manifold_a enormity_n it_o may_v be_v exceed_o sinful_a perhaps_o it_o be_v act_v by_o one_o who_o place_n office_n and_o dignity_n render_v it_o the_o more_o open_a the_o more_o foul_a and_o the_o more_o infectious_a perhaps_o it_o be_v a_o complicate_v sin_n against_o god_n and_o against_o man_n too_o a_o act_n of_o impiety_n and_o of_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n perhaps_o it_o be_v high_o
before_o he_o chap._n xi_o of_o kneel_v when_o people_n receive_v any_o reasonable_a and_o humble_a man_n may_v think_v that_o of_o those_o few_o ceremony_n which_o be_v enjoin_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n none_o can_v be_v less_o liable_a to_o objection_n than_o the_o posture_n of_o kneel_v at_o the_o celebration_n of_o this_o mystery_n where_o we_o poor_a sinful_a wretch_n be_v to_o receive_v so_o many_o stupendous_a mercy_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o consider_v the_o scruple_n which_o have_v be_v create_v in_o some_o people_n mind_n about_o this_o ceremony_n and_o that_o many_o have_v run_v away_o from_o this_o great_a christian_a ordinance_n upon_o pretence_n that_o kneel_v be_v unlawful_a i_o have_v think_v it_o needful_a to_o insert_v here_o a_o short_a discourse_n to_o undeceive_v well_o dispose_v person_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a for_o your_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n i_o must_v lay_v down_o this_o principle_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v unlawful_a must_v be_v contrary_a to_o some_o law_n or_o other_o either_o moral_a or_o positive_a either_o natural_a or_o reveal_v for_o a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v a_o unlawful_a action_n if_o that_o which_o he_o do_v be_v not_o against_o some_o rule_n because_o sin_n be_v the_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n 1_o joh._n 3._o 4._o so_o that_o where_o no_o law_n be_v there_o be_v no_o transgression_n say_v st._n paul_n rom._n 4._o 15._o and_o again_o sin_n be_v not_o impute_v where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n rom._n 5._o 13._o if_o then_o the_o posture_n of_o kneel_v when_o we_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v unlawful_a we_o must_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o violation_n of_o some_o law_n and_o then_o these_o three_o thing_n must_v be_v suppose_v also_o 1._o that_o the_o law_n against_o kneel_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o be_v plain_a for_o every_o law_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o action_n of_o necessity_n it_o be_v require_v that_o it_o must_v be_v evident_a because_o otherwise_o we_o can_v know_v when_o we_o go_v right_a or_o when_o we_o go_v wrong_v which_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o govern_v we_o that_o it_o will_v hinder_v we_o from_o act_v at_o all_o because_o in_o all_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a case_n infinite_a scruple_n must_v arise_v which_o will_v render_v our_o duty_n impracticable_a as_o for_o instance_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a law_n about_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o posture_n unless_o i_o can_v clear_o discover_v and_o see_v the_o law_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o tell_v what_o posture_n i_o be_o to_o use_v and_o consequent_o i_o must_v be_v discourage_v from_o receive_v at_o all_o because_o if_o i_o shall_v i_o must_v act_v whole_o upon_o uncertainty_n my_o conscience_n be_v utter_o unresolved_a whether_o i_o use_v the_o right_n or_o wrong_a posture_n a_o law_n must_v be_v discernible_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v find_v out_o especial_o in_o this_o case_n wherein_o all_o christian_n whatsoever_o both_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a be_v equal_o concern_v 2._o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v that_o this_o law_n lie_v in_o some_o positive_a precept_n or_o other_o or_o else_o be_v fetch_v from_o some_o lead_n and_o authoritative_a example_n for_o consider_v that_o every_o posture_n be_v indifferent_a in_o itself_o neither_o absolute_o necessary_a nor_o absolute_o sinful_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o i_o shall_v be_v determine_v and_o bind_v up_o to_o the_o use_n of_o one_o rather_o than_o another_o but_o by_o some_o command_n that_o peremptory_o require_v my_o obedience_n or_o by_o some_o overrule_a example_n that_o exact_v my_o imitation_n one_o of_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v the_o law_n in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v none_o 3._o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v too_o that_o this_o law_n whether_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o some_o positive_a precept_n or_o upon_o authoritative_a example_n be_v clear_o and_o evident_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o to_o make_v that_o unlawful_a which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v be_v to_o say_v in_o effect_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n we_o be_v to_o go_v by_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v scanty_a and_o imperfect_a as_o to_o the_o definition_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o there_o be_v another_o standard_n of_o our_o duty_n over_o and_o above_o that_o law_n of_o liberty_n which_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o the_o great_a lawgiver_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o make_v sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o information_n and_o government_n of_o man_n conscience_n and_o then_o the_o next_o thing_n be_v that_o man_n will_v set_v up_o any_o pretence_n against_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_a according_a as_o their_o fancy_n be_v and_o just_a as_o the_o humour_n take_v they_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v premise_v we_o now_o desire_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o show_v we_o where_o any_o law_n against_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v plain_o deliver_v in_o the_o whole_a word_n of_o god_n if_o they_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v unlawful_a when_o there_o be_v no_o law_n against_o it_o all_o their_o talk_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o nonsense_n if_o they_o suppose_v such_o a_o law_n but_o can_v tell_v where_o to_o find_v it_o clear_o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o doubtful_a supposition_n and_o uncertain_a conjecture_n be_v no_o rule_n of_o conscience_n nor_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o separation_n from_o a_o church_n that_o can_v be_v prove_v a_o transgressor_n if_o they_o will_v ingenious_o confess_v as_o they_o ought_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n that_o condemn_v a_o kneel_a posture_n we_o shall_v take_v it_o as_o a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o our_o innocence_n and_o thank_v they_o for_o be_v so_o just_a to_o we_o but_o withal_o must_v leave_v it_o to_o their_o serious_a consideration_n whether_o they_o have_v not_o forsake_v the_o protestant_a principle_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o make_v that_o to_o be_v sinful_a when_o in_o the_o account_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o so_o but_o to_o bring_v the_o controversy_n to_o a_o full_a issue_n in_o this_o case_n we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v go_v upon_o three_o sure_a principle_n 1._o that_o christ_n give_v no_o positive_a command_n that_o we_o read_v of_o about_o any_o one_o particular_a kind_n of_o posture_n 2._o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v clear_o against_o our_o kneel_a posture_n from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o of_o his_o apostle_n 3._o that_o be_v we_o sure_a what_o their_o posture_n be_v at_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o mystery_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v a_o lead_n and_o authoritative_a example_n nevertheless_o 1._o first_o we_o say_v that_o christ_n give_v no_o positive_a command_n that_o we_o read_v of_o about_o any_o one_o particular_a kind_n of_o posture_n of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o any_o man_n may_v be_v satisfy_v present_o by_o look_v into_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o this_o sacrament_n for_o neither_o do_v the_o evangelist_n nor_o st._n paul_n speak_v one_o word_n of_o any_o particular_a posture_n that_o be_v order_v at_o the_o celebration_n of_o this_o mystery_n indeed_o our_o saviour_n say_v do_v this_o mean_v what_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n do_v then_o as_o st._n luke_n and_o st._n paul_n affirm_v but_o that_o command_n relate_v only_o to_o the_o action_n of_o minister_a and_o receive_v of_o christ_n passion_n it_o do_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a respect_n a_o posture_n for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n mark_n render_v it_o take_v eat_v and_o drink_v you_o all_o of_o this_o as_o st._n matthew_n speak_v of_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o cup_n so_o that_o by_o do_v this_o must_v be_v mean_v only_o the_o sacramental_a action_n beside_o it_o be_v not_o say_v simple_o do_v this_o but_o do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o which_o manifest_o relate_v to_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o to_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wine_n whereby_o the_o passion_n be_v represent_v and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o posture_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v but_o the_o ministration_n that_o be_v the_o memorial_n of_o a_o break_a and_o crucify_a jesus_n last_o the_o posture_n be_v a_o circumstance_n only_o and_o if_o man_n suppose_v that_o the_o command_n do_v this_o respect_v that_o circumstance_n they_o may_v as_o well_o suppose_v that_o it_o respect_v all_o the_o other_o circumstance_n too_o and_o then_o they_o must_v think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o celebrate_v the_o lord_n supper_n at_o night_n too_o and_o after_o a_o meal_n and_o in_o
enough_o because_o we_o can_v suppose_v whatever_n st._n austin_n do_v imagine_v that_o when_o christ_n speak_v those_o word_n he_o intend_v that_o even_o those_o shall_v communicate_v who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o preparation_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o eat_v his_o flesh_n nor_o drink_v his_o blood_n after_o a_o due_a manner_n however_o it_o seem_v most_o manifest_a that_o the_o word_n do_v refer_v to_o this_o sacrament_n in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n and_o construction_n primary_o they_o mean_v the_o eat_n of_o christ_n spiritual_a flesh_n and_o the_o drink_n of_o his_o spiritual_a blood_n and_o that_o after_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n and_o this_o a_o man_n may_v do_v though_o he_o can_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n all_o divine_n do_v affirm_v that_o christ_n may_v be_v receive_v spiritual_o when_o he_o be_v not_o receive_v sacramental_o meaning_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v vital_a influence_n from_o he_o which_o be_v his_o spiritual_a body_n though_o we_o do_v not_o communicate_v of_o the_o sacred_a element_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o child_n and_o young_a member_n of_o the_o church_n do_v so_o but_o this_o be_v no_o encouragement_n for_o any_o adult_n person_n who_o be_v not_o under_o any_o incapacity_n this_o be_v no_o encouragement_n to_o such_o to_o despise_v or_o neglect_v this_o ordinance_n for_o to_o such_o as_o these_o the_o receive_v of_o the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o wine_n be_v the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o receive_v christ_n without_o use_v these_o mean_n they_o can_v have_v any_o reasonable_a assurance_n of_o so_o great_a a_o blessing_n nor_o such_o solid_a ground_n as_o other_o have_v for_o their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n people_z may_v build_v their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n upon_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o like_a and_o the_o truth_n be_v these_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o everlasting_a peace_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o well_o deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o the_o promise_n of_o salvation_n upon_o faith_n and_o repentance_n do_v suppose_v that_o man_n be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o they_o express_v and_o show_v that_o communion_n by_o a_o regular_a use_n of_o this_o and_o all_o other_o religious_a ordinance_n for_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v this_o as_o well_o as_o to_o believe_v and_o reform_v his_o life_n 2._o that_o man_n faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v suspect_v who_o refuse_v to_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o to_o drink_v of_o this_o cup._n for_o how_o can_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o faith_n appear_v to_o himself_o that_o do_v not_o own_o and_o confess_v christ_n authority_n over_o he_o by_o his_o subjection_n to_o it_o in_o this_o particular_a or_o if_o he_o believe_v this_o ordinance_n to_o be_v necessary_a and_o himself_o to_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o observance_n of_o it_o then_o how_o can_v the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o repentance_n appear_v when_o he_o continue_v in_o that_o which_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o sin_n obedience_n to_o the_o evangelical_n command_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o try_v a_o man_n and_o show_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o real_o be_v and_o he_o hardly_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o decline_v a_o duty_n which_o be_v so_o easy_a so_o comfortable_a so_o advantageous_a to_o every_o one_o that_o be_v a_o penitent_a indeed_o suppose_v such_o a_o man_n lie_v upon_o his_o sick_a bed_n with_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n about_o he_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o he_o can_v satisfy_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v a_o convert_n in_o truth_n and_o reality_n see_v he_o have_v live_v in_o a_o continual_a breach_n and_o defiance_n of_o christ_n law_n 3._o but_o suppose_v his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v such_o as_o be_v require_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n because_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o he_o to_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o that_o righteousness_n which_o he_o have_v by_o faith_n we_o know_v that_o abraham_n believe_v and_o find_v favour_n with_o god_n before_o he_o be_v circumcise_a and_o yet_o by_o circumcision_n he_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n favour_n in_o like_a manner_n suppose_v a_o believer_n to_o be_v forgive_v before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n yet_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o forgiveness_n by_o come_v to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o people_n ever_o to_o take_v that_o course_n which_o be_v most_o for_o their_o safety_n and_o satisfaction_n every_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v so_o in_o civil_a contract_n so_o that_o though_o a_o deed_n be_v draw_v and_o agree_v to_o yet_o they_o think_v themselves_o not_o sure_a enough_o till_o the_o wax_n and_o the_o seal_n be_v add_v and_o true_o if_o the_o child_n of_o light_n be_v as_o wise_a in_o their_o generation_n as_o the_o child_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o their_o kind_n of_o wisdom_n they_o will_v think_v every_o thing_n necessary_a that_o help_v to_o give_v they_o the_o more_o and_o more_o assurance_n now_o this_o bless_a ordinance_n have_v such_o a_o effect_n and_o tendency_n so_o that_o let_v a_o penitent'_v condition_n be_v never_o so_o good_a a_o honest-hearted_a communicant_n be_v much_o better_o his_o confidence_n be_v better_a ground_v his_o hope_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o sure_a basis_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o heart_n must_v be_v strong_a and_o the_o peace_n of_o his_o conscience_n must_v be_v great_a and_o his_o condition_n must_v needs_o be_v every_o way_n much_o safe_a than_o his_o can_v be_v who_o from_o time_n to_o time_n neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n for_o in_o the_o four_o place_n it_o be_v upon_o the_o due_a use_n of_o god_n ordinance_n that_o he_o entitle_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n though_o he_o be_v love_v unto_o every_o man_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v every_o true_a penitent_n yet_o have_v he_o set_v we_o our_o way_n to_o obtain_v our_o pardon_n he_o have_v direct_v a_o method_n and_o course_n in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n and_o man_n must_v observe_v that_o method_n and_o take_v that_o course_n if_o they_o will_v be_v happy_a it_o be_v not_o people_n fancy_n that_o can_v save_v they_o nor_o must_v they_o think_v to_o capitulate_v with_o almighty_a god_n or_o to_o prescribe_v he_o condition_n but_o with_o all_o heartiness_n and_o readiness_n observe_v those_o condition_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v we_o now_o this_o be_v god_n method_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o happiness_n upon_o a_o due_a use_n of_o sacrament_n as_o well_o as_o by_o other_o performance_n and_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o he_o who_o require_v those_o duty_n we_o owe_v our_o self_n and_o our_o neighbour_n will_v also_o and_o much_o rather_o exact_v that_o duty_n we_o owe_v his_o son_n in_o short_a man_n must_v go_v in_o god_n way_n and_o follow_v god_n direction_n and_o then_o depend_v upon_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n in_o so_o do_v if_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o wilderness_n intend_v to_o be_v heal_v of_o their_o wound_n they_o must_v look_v upon_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n indeed_o god_n may_v have_v make_v they_o whole_a and_o sound_a only_o by_o a_o word_n from_o his_o mouth_n but_o this_o be_v not_o his_o way_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o other_o way_n that_o he_o have_v order_v they_o numb_a 21._o and_o so_o if_o naaman_n will_v be_v heal_v of_o his_o leprosy_n he_o must_v go_v down_o into_o jordan_n and_o wash_v seven_o time_n indeed_o he_o mutter_v at_o the_o prophet_n because_o he_o do_v not_o strike_v his_o hand_n over_o the_o place_n as_o he_o may_v have_v do_v and_o he_o brag_v of_o abana_n and_o pharphar_n that_o they_o be_v as_o good_a water_n as_o any_o river_n in_o judea_n as_o perhaps_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o prophet_n hand_n must_v not_o heal_v he_o nor_o will_v all_o the_o river_n of_o damascus_n do_v he_o good_a but_o to_o jordan_n he_o must_v go_v or_o else_o return_v a_o leper_n as_o he_o go_v 2_o king_n 5._o why_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n god_n have_v promise_v to_o pardon_v all_o penitent_a people_n and_o to_o heal_v they_o of_o their_o wound_n and_o leprosy_n but_o withal_o he_o have_v show_v they_o whither_o they_o must_v go_v and_o what_o mean_v they_o must_v make_v use_n of_o he_o have_v order_v we_o to_o do_v this_o to_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o to_o drink_v of_o this_o cup_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o begrudge_v our_o duty_n but_o to_o follow_v god_n method_n and_o command_n and_o so_o to_o expect_v his_o blessing_n man_n must_v not_o hold_v off_o and_o forbear_v because_o god_n can_v pardon_v they_o
without_o these_o mean_n or_o because_o such_o great_a thing_n be_v speak_v of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n they_o must_v not_o let_v go_v certainty_n and_o trust_v to_o possibility_n nor_o slight_a any_o ordinance_n as_o if_o it_o be_v unnecessary_a upon_o a_o presumption_n that_o god_n mercy_n and_o power_n be_v all-sufficient_a no_o they_o must_v show_v their_o obedience_n and_o have_v recourse_n to_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o this_o be_v one_o and_o a_o principal_a one_o viz._n the_o receive_v of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n chap._n ii_o several_a excuse_n consider_v what_o have_v be_v thus_o deliver_v will_v i_o hope_v prevail_v with_o those_o who_o will_v be_v wise_a for_o themselves_o who_o study_n to_o be_v blameless_a and_o harmless_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n but_o it_o be_v a_o most_o difficult_a matter_n to_o persuade_v especial_o to_o action_n that_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n though_o interest_n be_v common_o the_o most_o powerful_a rhetoric_n in_o the_o world_n and_o man_n great_a interest_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o case_n yet_o because_o they_o do_v not_o discern_v with_o their_o eye_n either_o the_o advantage_n that_o be_v receive_v by_o a_o worthy_a use_n or_o the_o loss_n that_o be_v sustain_v by_o a_o unworthy_a contempt_n of_o this_o ordinance_n such_o be_v the_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n of_o many_o people_n that_o any_o pretence_n almost_o serve_v as_o a_o excuse_n and_o plea_n sufficient_a as_o they_o think_v to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n that_o great_a person_n luke_n 14._o that_o make_v a_o costly_a supper_n and_o invite_v many_o guest_n receive_v very_o rude_a return_v when_o they_o present_o pretend_v one_o that_o he_o have_v buy_v a_o farm_n another_o that_o he_o go_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o his_o ox_n a_o three_o that_o he_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n come_v it_o be_v call_v a_o parable_n but_o if_o you_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a history_n of_o the_o improvidence_n and_o unthankfulness_n of_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o will_v fain_o come_v off_o handsome_o if_o they_o can_v with_o several_a excuse_n that_o something_o or_o other_o do_v still_o hinder_v they_o from_o close_v with_o the_o invitation_n therefore_o my_o next_o business_n must_v be_v to_o show_v how_o incompetent_a and_o trifle_a man_n excuse_n be_v and_o i_o must_v do_v this_o the_o rather_o because_o the_o shameful_a neglect_n which_o some_o be_v guilty_a of_o be_v very_o mischievous_a and_o scandalous_a to_o other_o so_o that_o they_o both_o judge_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v by_o their_o bad_a example_n do_v help_n to_o draw_v many_o more_o into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n and_o further_o the_o hurt_n of_o divers_a precious_a soul_n for_o who_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v content_a and_o desirous_a to_o die_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o matter_n there_o be_v several_a sort_n of_o people_n i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o 1._o such_o as_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o a_o course_n of_o life_n that_o be_v unbecoming_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o backward_o and_o unwilling_a to_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n 2._o such_o as_o live_v honest_o and_o fair_o before_o man_n but_o yet_o be_v such_o drudge_n to_o the_o world_n and_o so_o intent_n upon_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o family_n that_o their_o whole_a time_n be_v lay_v out_o upon_o secular_a affair_n and_o they_o have_v none_o leave_v they_o as_o they_o say_v for_o the_o business_n of_o preparation_n and_o therefore_o pretend_v they_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o come_v 3._o such_o as_o be_v willing_a and_o perhaps_o desirous_a to_o communicate_v and_o confess_v they_o have_v time_n enough_o to_o fit_v themselves_o by_o prayer_n fast_v and_o repentance_n but_o yet_o what_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o manifold_a fail_n and_o what_o out_o of_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o mystery_n and_o what_o out_o of_o a_o mistrust_n of_o themselves_o for_o the_o future_a conceive_v themselves_o to_o be_v unworthy_a and_o unfit_a and_o therefore_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v 1._o now_o as_o for_o those_o in_o the_o first_o place_n who_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o their_o way_n but_o live_v without_o have_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n i_o must_v premise_v that_o though_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o who_o have_v learned_a christ_n who_o have_v hear_v of_o his_o suffering_n of_o his_o law_n and_o of_o his_o threat_n shall_v presume_v in_o spite_n of_o all_o to_o live_v after_o this_o rate_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o who_o do_v live_v so_o shall_v be_v backward_o and_o unwilling_a to_o receive_v this_o sacrament_n it_o will_v be_v very_o dangerous_a for_o they_o indeed_o to_o receive_v it_o because_o s._n paul_n have_v declare_v that_o he_o who_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o himself_o and_o such_o man_n as_o i_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v no_o more_o worthy_a to_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n than_o swine_n be_v fit_a to_o live_v of_o the_o altar_n to_o such_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v a_o dreadful_a thing_n indeed_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o a_o evil_a course_n they_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n drink_v down_o death_n with_o the_o wine_n and_o swallow_v the_o bread_n and_o the_o devil_n together_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o love_n with_o sin_n and_o obey_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o and_o yield_v their_o member_n as_o instrument_n of_o unrighteousness_n they_o must_v by_o all_o mean_n forbear_v come_v to_o this_o ordinance_n but_o then_o they_o must_v observe_v that_o this_o forbear_n or_o refrain_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n will_v be_v in_o no_o wise_a excusable_a in_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o god_n and_o if_o any_o man_n be_v so_o vain_a and_o foolish_a as_o to_o think_v so_o i_o will_v offer_v these_o follow_a thing_n to_o his_o most_o serious_a consideration_n 1._o that_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n he_o may_v neglect_v every_o other_o divine_a ordinance_n as_o well_o as_o this_o for_o there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o he_o unless_o he_o repent_v and_o answer_v the_o great_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n unto_o the_o wicked_a god_n say_v why_o do_v thou_o preach_v my_o law_n and_o take_v my_o covenant_n into_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v ps_n 50._o 16_o 17._o in_o like_a manner_n why_o do_v such_o man_n call_v upon_o god_n name_n or_o please_v themselves_o that_o they_o hear_v his_o word_n nay_o why_o indeed_o do_v they_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n as_o long_o as_o they_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v for_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n be_v provoke_v throughout_o and_o god_n be_v their_o enemy_n and_o they_o be_v his_o as_o long_o as_o they_o thus_o continue_v in_o sin_n for_o all_o that_o such_o man_n do_v be_v leaven_v with_o hypocrisy_n and_o no_o monster_n be_v so_o hateful_a to_o god_n and_o man_n as_o a_o hypocrite_n he_o that_o pray_v with_o his_o mouth_n and_o have_v villainy_n in_o his_o heart_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n spit_v in_o god_n face_n he_o that_o hear_v the_o divine_a oracle_n with_o a_o uncircumcised_a ear_n do_v but_o make_v a_o mockery_n of_o religion_n and_o he_o that_o ow_v himself_o a_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v a_o son_n of_o belial_n infinite_o affront_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o make_v he_o a_o friend_n to_o immorality_n and_o wickedness_n it_o be_v a_o honest_a and_o upright_a heart_n that_o render_v all_o our_o service_n acceptable_a and_o where_o that_o be_v want_v the_o sinner_n may_v as_o well_o forbear_v every_o exterior_a profession_n of_o religion_n as_o go_v from_o the_o sacrament_n there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o both_o because_o he_o injure_v himself_o and_o draw_v a_o curse_n and_o judgement_n upon_o his_o head_n in_o other_o instance_n as_o well_o as_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o 2._o to_o refuse_v the_o communion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o extenuate_v that_o it_o aggravate_v the_o crime_n of_o a_o evil_a wretch_n because_o he_o thereby_o add_v one_o sin_n to_o another_o and_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a language_n of_o his_o heart_n i_o have_v break_v the_o rest_n of_o god_n commandment_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v go_v on_o and_o break_v this_o too_o now_o i_o will_v beseech_v such_o to_o consider_v whether_o