beare me witnes and acquite me before Gods tribunal it would auail me nothing at all So then whether we consider that euery mans estate is best knowne vnto himselfe or that euery man shall answere for his owne sinnes vnto God we conclude the necessity of this duety that if a man would haue comfort in comming to this sacrament and come prepared as hee ought this duty is to be performed by him he must examin himselfe Vse 1 This serues to reproue many in these dayes and times wherin we liue For reprofe that are very forwarde and busie in prying into other men pursuing them with their examinations and that through a glassie spectacle wherein euery mole seemes a mountaine and euery more a beame heerein they are Eagle eyed and quicke sighted but in the meane time doe vtterly neglect themselues and those great corruptions and maine deformities that are in themselues and breake out in their liues they cannot behold But what are they that for the most part are so forward to prye into the faults of their brethren but such as seldome or neuer behold their owne deformities But who art thou that iudgest another mans seruant Rom. 14.4 seeing he standeth or falleth to his master The Lorde hath commaunded thee to Examine thy selfe hee doth not require that thou shouldst so strictly examin the wayes of thy brother the Lord hath reserued that to himselfe Let such remember our Sauiour his checke to Peter for his busie inquisition concerning Iohn Ioh. 21.22 What is that to thee follow thou me We are carefully to heede our owne wayes and our owne walking It is no wisedome to neglect our selues and to bee ignorant of our owne estates and to bee so curious in prying into other mens wayes Quest But may we not examin others at all Answ Men are to be considered two wayes either as publike or as priuate persons Publike persons may ought to examine others and thus Ministers in a speciall manner are bound to take tryall of the estate of the flocke that is committed vnto them the Lord himselfe doth will it so when he sayth The Priests lips shal preserue knowledg Mal. 2.7 the people shal seek the law at his mouth And so are Parents Masters of families bound vnto the same duty to examin the children and families for their relation to their congregations and families makes them publike persons and bindes them to this dutie But now for a priuate person he ought not so to do vnlesse by way of conference so to helpe to confirme and strengthen their brethren Luk. 22.32 vnto which duty al are bound And so to giue testimony of our obedience we are likewise bound to giue an answer to all that shall aske vs not being ashamed of Christ or his word according to that of the Apostle Be ready alwayes to giue an answere to euery man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you 1. Pet. 3.15 and that with meeknesse and reuerence Vse 2 Secondly seeing this duety is so needefull and necessary For instruction it shal be our wisdome to put the same in execution that euery one doe search and examine his owne wayes who will bee so faithfull to thee in this duety as thy selfe How can hee bee faithfull to another that is carelesse of himselfe Loue euer begins with a mans selfe Simile If a mans house bee on fire with his neighbours will a man be so careful of his neighbours as to neglect his owne I trow not Oh my brethren our soules are set on fire with sinne why then should any man so neglect himselfe and the welfare of his owne soule and seeme to bee so mindefull of another mans of such a one it may bee truely sayd that he doth little mind the eternall good of either It is no poynt of good husbandry for a man to acquaint himselfe with the nature of other mens grounds goods or chattels and in the meane time to be altogether ignorant of his owne Bee diligent to know the state of thy owne flocke sayth Salomon hee giues not the like charge in any place concerning our neighbours So then wouldst thou haue any comfort in the vse of this Sacrament wouldest thou not haue thy hearing reading praying receiuing and the like holy dueties holy I say in themselues layd vnto thy charge and put in the score amongst the bedrole of thy sinnes against the day of reckoning learne then betimes to make more conscience of this duety of examining thy selfe see what leades thee to the performance of them whether thou doest them in faith repentance and obedience or for custome â—ake and betimes learne to â—udge thy selfe that thou bee â—ot iudged of the Lord. And thus much conserning â—he subiect of this examination and that is a mans selfe the duty followes which wee referre to another time ⸪ Let vs pray The Second Sermon 1. Cor. 11.28 Let a man therefore examine himselfe HITHERTO wee haue spoken of the necessity of Examination godly preparation that ought to be made of euery christian before hee come to the Lords Table as also of the Subiect of it Himselfe We are now in order to treat of the third circumstance that is the duty it selfe layde â—owne in this word Examine Let â— man therefore examine himselfe Heere is the duty that euery â—hristian must performe that â—omes to partake of this Sacrament and desires to be a fit guest â—or the Lords Table he must first Examine himselfe There is no man that will vnâ—ertake a businesse of any imâ—ortance but hee makes some â—ind of preparation there-vnto â—f it be but to goe to the market â— a Faire or to his Meales how â—uch more in a matter of this â—ature that so highly concernes â—ods glory and the saluation of â—ur own Soules we are not to go â—bout this lightly and vnaduiâ—dly but with great care and due â—xamination of our selues least â— seeking Comfort in comming â—nto this so holy an ordinance wee bring vpon our owne headâ— swift damnation Most men fayle in the manner of performing most duties It is an vsuall and common practise of the most to fayle cheefely in the manner of performing of any duty vnto God by reason of that ignorance that is in them their vnderstandingâ— being not inlightned and their iudgements informed in the truth And as in al other duties oâ— Gods worship and seruice so especially in this Examination of themselues either in being ignorant wherein it consisteth of in performing the same according to the truth What examination is We are therefore to know that to examine our selues is to make a narrow and strict search into our owne hartâ— not in a formal maner but substantially as a matter of the greateâ— consequence importance that sâ— â—ow we may vncouer and make â—aked things that are secret and â—idden and finde out how the â—ause stands betwixt God and vs what sins we are
CHRISTS LAST Supper OR The Doctrine of the Sacrament of Christs Supper set forth in fiue Sermons Wherein is taught the great necessitie of a godly preparation before men come to the Sacrament Wherein it doth consist with the condemnation threatned against the vnworthy receiuer of the same BY SAMVEL SMITH Minister of Gods word at Prittlewell in Essex IOHN 6.27 Labour not for the Meate that perisheth but for the Meate that indureth vnto euerlasting life which the Sonne of Man shall giue vnto you LONDON Printed by T. D. for Iohn Bellamie and are to bee sold at the South Entrance of the Royall Exchange 1620. TO THE HONORABLE Sir FERDINANDO DVDLEY Knight of the Noble order of the Bath and Sonne and Heiâ—e vnto the Right Honorable Edward L. Dudley And to the Honorable and vertuous Lady the Lady Honor Dudley his wife S. S. wisheth the increase of all true Honour in this life and eternal Glory in the life to come HONORABLE IF the Lord did not like that men should sorake and gather their fields as nothing might remaine for the poore to glean after Assuredly himself suffereth not the great and glorious Field of his Word to be so reaped downe by any beeing a Fountain of liuing waters neuer to be drawn dry and containing in it the very hid wisdom of God But something remaineth which the poore may come after and gather vp I confesse that many of Gods worthy Seruants haue taken paines in this kind and that vpon this subiect The Doctrin of the Sacrament to the great benefit of those who desire to be acquainted with the same how to come prepared vnto the Lords Table yet as a poore man and one that hath a great charge I haue come after and gathered a gleane or two out of the Lords field for me and mine from the which none are forbidden but rather inuited to come and take freely And albeit it be but a little that I haue gathered yet with the VViddowes Oyle and Meale which also was but little may notwithstanding by Gods blessing bee good releefe vnto the poorer sort that want better prouision Whatsoeuer it be to your Honors it comes for shelter and protection And why should I any whit doubt of your Honourable acceptance hauing known you Syr from your youth to be both religiously educated and for your sober studious and most religious Conuersation worthily held your Countries Honour And for your Honourable LADY aboue many of her ranke especially in those partes God hath seasoned her affection with loue to the Trueth and tender respect vnto the despised Ministery amongst you who reioyce in you both and expect that as God hath honoured you aboue others so you shold still countenance his seruants and shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and peruerse generation And when the Lorde shall call you Syr into greater imployment in the Common-wealth the Church will expect you should promote her causes and stand still in the maintenance of pure religion Goe on therefore I beseech you still in that good way you haue begun VVhat though ye find little encouragement from the World your reward is with the Lord. It was the great prayse of Righteous Lot that he liued Righteously in that age and in that place I leaue the application These beeing the dayes fore-tolde by our blessed Sauiour wherein men as in the dayes of Noah Luk. 17.26.27 and Lot doe Eate and Drinke Buy Build and Plant c. Altogether vnmindfull of him who is readie to come as a Theefe in the Night At what time they onely shall be blessed that watch I haue endeauoured in the Sermons following to shew men the way how to perfourme aright one of the most excellent partes of Gods worship the receiuing of the Sacrament of Christs Supper wherein I haue laboured to proue the great necessi-of a godly preparation that must be made thereunto wherein it doeth consist the mâ—anes to be vsed to Communicate worthily As also the great hurt and danger that is like to follow the vnworthy receiuing of the same These are the things that are here offered vnto you I confesse you deserue a better oblation then the tender of this small Booke But may I adde but one graine to your godly care of a Christian life with which I offer my most inward affections I haue my expectation I know your sufficiencie in this kind aboue many of my profession yet I rest assured you will not refuse the helpe of those whose function and calling it is to attend thereon and in an humble maner offers the same vnto you And so I commend you both to that God Iude 24 who is able to keepe you that you fall not and to that VVorde of his grace Act. 20.32 Luk. 10.42 which as it hath taught you to chuse the good part that shal not be taken from you so is able to build you vp further and to giue you an inheritance amongst those that are sanctified And rest Prittlewell this 18. of Nouember 1620. Your HONORS in the Lord Iesus to be commaunded SAMVEL SMITH A Table of the principall matters contained in these Sermons following The first Sermon page 1 The Text. 1. Cor. 11.28.29 Let a man therefore examine himselfe ver 28. and so let him eate of this Bread and drinke of this Cup. Verse 29. For he that eateth and drinketh vnworthily ver 29. eateth and drinketh his owne damnation because he discerneth not the Lords body THe order of the Apostle in this Chapter Page 2 Christs order in the Institution of this Sacrament Page 3 He breakes the Bread and Wine ibid He blesseth them page 4 He breakes the Bread and poureth out the Wine ibid Hee giues them page 5 He shewes the end of all viz. to shewe forth the Lords death ibid The occasion of this Scripture page 7 The Text deuided page 8 Reasons shewing the necessitie of Examination page 10 It is Gods commandement ibid The Lord hath promised to blesse it page 11 The reuerence wee owe to these holy things doth require it page 12 The Lords Table represents the kingdome of Heauen page 13 The practise of the primitiue Church page 15 The benefit and profit by so doing doth bind vs to this dutie page 16 The benefite that comes by due receiuing page 17 It is a prop to the weake ibid It seales vp vnto vs Christ and his righteousnesse page 18 It quickens vs to all good dueties page 19 Reason 5 The hurt and daunger which otherwisâ— will ensue doeth shew the necessity of the same page 20 The vses of the Doctrine Teacheth Ministers their duety to prepare men for the Lords Table page 23 Shewes what manner of persons ought not to be admitted thereunto page 24 As first Children page 25 Secondly Mad-men Ideots ibid Vse 3 Is for tryall of our estates page 26 Doct. Euery man must be diligent to know his owne estate page 30 Reasons First euery man is best acquainted with
c. In the first of these we haue 2. things 1. A preparation 2. A participation In the preparation we are to obserue 1. The Necessitie of the preparation 2. The Subiect of it a Man 's owne selfe 3. The duty it selfe Examination And first for the Necessitie of this preparation and examination of our selues 1 A Preparation before wee pertake of this holy Sacrament it appeares in the words of the precept Let a man examine himselfe The word Let may seeme in our English phrase to be a thing leaft as indifferent to be done or not to be done Let a man if hee will examin himself But it is not indeede so indifferent a thing neither is it least as a thing arbritrary but propounded as a precept and implies the necessitie of obedience thereto and so not a matter of indifferency 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the word it selfe in the originall it seemes to import so much for it is vsed in the imperatiue moode and implies a dutie as if the holy Ghost should haue said doe thou examine thy selfe And so the phrase runnes as in the Princes Lawes and act of Parliament Be it enacted so that it is a flat precept or commandement implying a necessitie of obedience that if any looke to reape any good or benefit by the vse of this Sacrament he must Examine himselfe Reasons shewing the necessitie of examination And that the necessitie of this duty may the more clearely appeare wee are to consider the reason which may mooue vs to this examination and godly preparation and the reasons are these First of all Gods Commandement then the which what may be more effectuall to perswade vs to this duty the Lord hath commanded it 1 It is Gods Commandement must be obeyed in this as in al other his Commandements it is not leaft as a thing indifferent for a man to examine himselfe or not to examine himselfe to come or not to come But it is a dutie imposed vpon all to examine themselues now then seeing it is the Lords commandement and hee hath power ouer his Church to commaund it is our duty to obey And as he that sweareth or killeth or breaketh any of the commaundements of almightie God is in danger of Gods wrath So is hee that doth willingly and wilfully breake this commaundement of God Secondly the Lord hath promised to blesse it 2 The Lord hath promised to blesse it as a speciall meanes of good vnto our soules so as if wee come fitted and prepared in a holy manner in faith repentance loue reuerence and and obedience and seeke to sanctifie the Lord in his ordinance wee shall then finde and feele to our endelesse comfort the sweetenesse and comfort of this Sacrament The Lord hath promised to blesse his owne ordinance and will bee found of them that seeke him in the conscionable vse of the meanes hee hath appoynted 3 The reuerence wee owe to these holy things doth require it Thirdly the reuerence we owe vnto these holy things may mooue vs to this duty to examine our hearts and to prepare our selues for if when wee come to the table of an earthly Prince or ruler Pro. 23.1 wee will consider diligently what is set before vs and be so carefull vnto our selues that we doe nothing vnbeseeming so great a presence Oh how much more carefull ought wee to be to prepare our selues when wee come to the Lords Table who is Lord of heauen and earth with whome we are there present and and with whome we sit And indeede this table represents the kingdome of heauen The Lords Table represents the kingdome of heauen and as wee sit heere with our bodies so ought wee to set our hearts there in the company of God the Father Sonne and holy Ghost with the most blessed Saints and Angels we are therefore to come prepared Did Ioseph shaue himselfe and chang his rayment Gen. 41.14 when he was to come before Pharaoh an earthly king and sinfull man and shall not wee when we come before the king of glory and Prince of power much more out of our sinful lusts chang our former conditions and be cloathed with the robes of Christ our righteousnesse Did the people of the Iewes in a solemne maner prepare themselues vnto the Passeouer Exod. 12. 2. Chro. 35. as that the Priests were to sanctifie themselues and to prepare the people before they came there-vnto which Passouer was but a signe of this Sacrament and shall we dare to come carelessely vnreuerently in our old sinnes without faith repentance and loue vnto this Sacrament of the Lords Supper which is the substance We vse greate care about our common meat we will haue our dishes cups and platters cleane and scoured and our hands and face washed before we eate and shall wee not much more cleanse our heartes Iames 4. and prepare our selues to the receiuing of these holy Mysteries that we receiue them not into vncleane hearts and polluted soules Oh the daunger is great to such an vnworthy receiuer Sancta Sanctis sayth a Father holy things belong to holy men And the very heathen themselues in their Sacrifices when they went about them and the dueties of their false religion to their gods they euer proclaimed and cryed out before procul hÃc este prophani Depart away from hence ye prophane And in the Primitiue Church it was the practice of the faithfull at this time when they were about to administer this holy Sacrament to say Who are here The practise of the Primitiue Church and the answer was made None but good and honest men and women As if none but good and honest men and women should partake of such a holy thing And this was the charge that Almighty God gaue vnto Moses and Aaron Exo. 12.48 Leuit. 7.20 that no vncircumcised person should be admitted to partake of the Passouer and the very Leuites were to prepare themselues before they came vnto it yet all this was but for the figure type of this Sacrament how much more ought wee to prepare our selues when we come to the substance for no vnclean person must dare to touch or come neare these holy things Paul would not suffer an vncleane person in the Church much lesse may such be admitted to partake of the most excellent priueledge of the Church 4. The benefit and profit by so doing doth bind vs to this duty Fourthly we must examine our selues and prepare our hearts in regard of the great benefite and profite that by so doing we shall receiue Mat. 9.20 For if the woman in the Gospell that did but touch the hem of Christs garment was healed of her infirmity and brought such a benefite vnto her that had faith what benefite shall the true beleeuer receiue who in this Sacrament doth feede on Christ Surely the benefite and profite that wee shall reape heere-hence will be wondrous great for First The
Eate Drinke 2. The Qualification of the person implyed in this word So. 3. What hee must Eate and Drinke This Bread Of this Cup. And first for the dutie it selfe As before he was inioyned to examine himselfe So heere by no â—esse straight an iniunction to Eate and to Drinke The Doctrine is Doct. 1 That it is not leaft to our â—hoyce To receiue thâ—s Sacrament is not a thing indifferent whether we wil come to â—his Sacrament or not to receiue â—t or not to receiue it but it is the will of God and his commandement that we should come vnto it as often as conueniently vvee may And so let him Eat c. This is not a bare permission but rather a precept and binds all vnto obedience therevnto And therfore as it is our duty to heare the Worde to pray to sanctifie the Lords Sabboths c. because the Lord hath so commanded euen so hath the Lord commanded vs this dutie likewise to come and partake of this holy Sacrament And the necessity of this wil appeare if we do but consider how straightly the Lord inioyned the people of the Iewes the obseruation of the types of both the Sacraments Such as was Circumcision vnder the Lawe when the Lord commanded the vncircumcised Man-child that was not circumcised according to the ordinance of the Lorde to bee cut off from his people Gen. 17.1 Exo. 3.24.5 Num. 9.13 as one that had broken the Couenant And so for the Passeouer he that did not keepe it solemnly according to the law was to be cut off from Gods people now then if it hold so in the ceremony then how much more in the Substance But the Reasons that followe will shewe the necessity of the same more clearâ—y Reason 1 First the receiuing of this Saâ—rament in a holy manner is a â—rincipall part of Gods worship â—nd seruice which euery Christiâ—n is bounde to perfourme Now â—he Lorde will bee serued accorâ—ing to his will prescribed in his Worde It resteth not in man to â—rescribe or appoynt but to reâ—aine and embrace that which is taught by him For in vain do they worship me Esa 29.13 14 teaching for Doctrine men precepts Mat. 7.7 Now one principal part of his worship consists in the due receiuing of this sacrament and therfore in obedience to so holy an ordinance of God men must com therevnto Reason 2 Secondly it is an holy helpe and meanes to increase grace howsoeuer of it selfe it cannot conferre grace for vnto some both the worde and Sacraments are but the sauour of death vnto death 2. Cor. 2.16 Yet notwithstanding this Sacrament may truely be sayde to bee a Conduit to conuay the grace of regeneration and remission of sins vnto the true beleeuer Simile Euen as the Princes Letters are saide to saue the life of a malefactor whereas indeede they doe but signifie the Princes pleasure that he shall be saued And â—he Lord working grace in the hearts of his seruants hath â—n his wisedome appoynted the â—ord Sacraments prayer c. to â—e the meanes for the effecting of â—he same Reason 3 Thirdly this Sacrament is a â—onfirmation of our couenant â—nd serues to bee a seale of the â—ame betweene God and vs Gen. 17.1 that â—e will be our God Esay 43.25 and wee will â—ecome his people by the which â—s by a most sure and certaine â—ledge giuen on Gods part Ier. 31.31 and â—eceiued on ours Zach. 8.8 God of his â—reat mercy doth as it were â—â—nd himself to vs by an euerlastâ—g decree to bee our God and â—ee againe binde our selues vnâ—â— him to remaine his people â—nd to keepe a constant course of obedience before him Vse 1 And surely this condemnes those as do wittingly and wilfully abstaine from the Lords Supper For reprofe As many do offend in comming vnworthily and vnprepared so many offend in comming not at all when occasion opportunitie is offered vnto them to come Doth not the practice of such men beray that they do lightly esteeme of Gods ordinance Simile If the King or some other greate parsonage should haue graunted vnto a man the lease of some goodly Mannor vppon very reasonable conditions and appoint a day to seale the writinges who woulde not giue attendance or rather what great ingratitude were it for a man not to come at the time appointed but â—ilfully to refuse and contemne 〈◊〉 friendly an offer Oh beloued â—he Lord of heauen and earth he â—ath promised to giue vnto vs Christ and with him al things Rom. 8.32 Heaâ—en eternall life and the saluatiâ—n of our Soules The very day â—nd time of the Administration â—f this Sacrament of the Lords â—upper what is it but the seaâ—ng day wherein the Lord offers â—o confirme his graunt vnto vs â—nd to stablish that his couenant â—hat ingratitude then shall wee â—e guiltie off if wee neglect so â—reat saluation And surely this Sinne of wilâ—ll refusing or abstaining from â—e Lords Table is not all one â—ut it hath many other sinnes atâ—nding vpon it and accompaâ—ying it First such men as doe wilfully abstaine and absent themselues doe contemne and despise the commandement of Christ himselfe What sins they are guilty of that neglect to tome to the Lords Supper who hath commanded al to doe this To examine to take and tâ— eate Now to rebel against God Christ is noe small sinne Since herein they cannot but declare what a light esteeme they hauâ— of the couenant God hath madâ— with them the seale of the same Secondly such make light account and despise the memorâ— of the blessed death and passioâ— of Iesus Christ which hee sâ— straightly commaunded vs to keepe in memory as whereiâ— wee shall shew forth his death vâ—till his comming againe For so ofteâ— as ye shall eate this bread and drinkâ— this cup ye shew the Lords death tâ— he come Thirdly this wilfull conâ—empt in any doth manifestly â—eclare the great vnthankefullâ—esse of such vnto God Vnthankefullnesse in a great measure Who â— great measure and deepe comâ—assion towards our poore soules â—oth afforde vs such props and â—ayes to support our weake â—ith as this Sacrament is For â—ch is our weakenesse while we â—e here euen when wee haue â—ained vnto the greatest meaâ—re of grace and assurance of â—r Saluation that wee stand in â—ede dayly of the word and Saâ—â—â—ments as to beget so to conâ—me and strengthen vs in the â—ce receiued And therefore 〈◊〉 neglect the same when the â—rd doth offer it vnto vs doth â—â—nifestly declare great ingratiâ—e against God Fourthly such bee guiltie of 〈◊〉 contempte of the price of their redemption euen the most precious body and bloud of Christ which is offered in this sacrament vnto euery true beleeuer Mat. 26.2 28 6. This is my body which is giueâ— for you c And the very foode of their soules Ioh. 6.55 men so loath so lightly regard Fiftly such men
pleased â—ith his owne sacrifice and acâ—ept of the obedience of Christ â—nasmuch as he appoynted him 〈◊〉 suffer for the same end Reason 3 Thirdly the infinit power â—at is in Christ Iesus and the â—onderfull validitie that is in his â—bedience and sufferings doth â—eare this truth and to the endâ—sse comfort of euery christian â—ule may settle our iudgements â—â—d comfort our consciences â—â—at Christ is euery way a sufficiâ—t Sauiour vnto the true beleeâ—r that As by ones mans disobediâ—ce many became sinners euen so Rom. 5.19 〈◊〉 the obedience of one many be made righteous The meanes that Christ hath vsed being more forceable to repaire our breaches and to set vs at libertie then Adams siâ— could be to procure our misery and to keepe vs in bondage Reason 4 And vnto all that hath beeâ— said may be added the wonderfull loue of Iesus Christ toward his Church and people who aâ— hee is a Prince of wonderfulâ— riches power and glory beinâ— the Soueraigne Lord of al thingâ— and hath in his power and poâ—session great varitie of all gooâ— things So is hee ready and wiâ—ling to communicate the samâ— vnto others calling vpon men â—â— come and to Eate and to Refreâ—â— themselues with good things Anâ— who can doubt of this that heâ— that was so willing to lay downâ— his life a ransome for vs when wâ— were his enemies can deny vs any good thing inasmuch as we are now reconciled vnto him Oh no the Lord is very bountifull and needes not to be sparing as man in his gifts in asmuch as in him lie hid all the treasures of life and of happinesse Vse 1 This serues to refute that horrible doctrine and practice of â—he Church of Rome that leaue â—he fountaine dig vnto themselues cisternes that can holde â—o water I meane which leaue â—esus Christ in whome all the â—reasures of happinesse are hid â—nd through whose sufferings aâ—one we come to haue life and â—o relye vppon the merits of â—aints and Angels and so patch â—nd peece out their owne merits â—ith others denying the free iuâ—ification of a sinner by Christ alone a Doctrine then the which what can bee more derogatory to the bloud of Christ when men shall mingle heauen and earth together the merits of fraile men with the al-sufficient sufferings of Iesus Christ Vse 2 Secondly this may minister matter of singuler ioy and consolation vnto the Godly thaâ— Christ is euery way a sufficienâ—â—au iour Whatsoeuer then ouâ— wants and necessities are Leâ— Christ be our refuge and to him let vs goe heere wee may hauâ— supply made vnto them all Christ is a gracious helpe anâ— remedy vnto all afflicted consciences hee hath promised tâ— satisfie the hungry and to refresâ— the thirstie soule yea hee will fiâ— vs with all good things anâ— neuer send vs away emptie Of this Bread Of this Cup. Doct. 7 Note further heere that the true Communicant is not onely to Eate but to Eate and Drinke Christ deliuered both these signes not onely the Bread but the Wine also vnto the Disciples So that the instruction is That both kinds by the Minister are to be deliuered Communicants are to partake of both kinds and both kindes by the Communicant are to bee receiued not Bread onely nor Wine onely but Bread and Wine And great Reason Reason 1 For first it is Christs commandement that wee should doe â—o After a man hath examined â—imselfe he is inioyned To Eate â—f this Bread and Drink of this Cup. Luk. 22.19 1. Cor. 11.24 Luk. 22.20 Ioh. 6.54 And often are these words vsed â—y Christ Take eate this is my boâ—y which is giuen for you and â—hich is broken for you And so for the Wine Drinke ye all of this and This is my bloud which is shed for you This then being Christs commaundement and his owne ordinance doeth bind all to this duety Reason 2 Secondly the true communicant ought to partake of both signes and communicate vnder both kinds in regard that Christs bloud was indifferently shed for all the faithfull for the Layetie aswell as the Clergie and All are commaunded to shewe foorth Christs death vntil he come and how shall this bee done but by eating of the Bread drinking of the Wine for so sayth the Apostle 1. Cor 11.26 As often aâ— yee shall eate oâ— this Bread and drinke of this Cup ye shew the Lords death till he come And againe of the Wine Chrisâ— sayth thus This is my body whicâ— is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins Mat. 26.28 Why then should the bloud of Christ or the Cup which doth represent the same vnto vs bee denied them vnto whom Christ hath giuen it If â—hey haue part in Christs death which is the thing signified why â—hen not in the Signe and Seale â—hereof Reason 3 Thirdly to receiue this Sacrament vnder one kind is to make â—he condition of Christians vnâ—er the Gospell inferiour to the â—state of the people of Israell vnâ—er the Law For what sayth the â—postle 1. Cor. 10.4 They did all drink of that â—iritual Rocke that followed them â—â—d that Rocke was Christ But â—â—at were absurd to make the â—â—ndition of such that liued vnâ—er the shadow to excel the conâ—â—tion of such as liue vnder and enioy the substance no no the Lord doth more highly honour his Church vnder the Gospell then so to keepe them back from any priuiledge they enioyed vnder the Law Vse 1 This doth shew how sacrilegiously the Church of Rome doth deale with the people who will not suffer them to partake of this Sacrament in both kindes but depriue them altogether of the Cup separating those thingeâ— which God hath ioyned together and so bereaue the poore people of GOD of the sweetâ— comfort of this Sacrament making them but a dry feast only oâ— Bread whereas Christ hath instituted and appointed Wine asweâ—â— as Bread to be vsed in this Sacrament of all such as come prepared thereunto Now if any should aske Why Bread and Wine why Christ should make choyce of Bread and Wine rather then any other creature to represent his death and passion in this Sacrament I answer because it is his will and if there were no other reason to be assigned this were sufficient and with this we ought â—o rest contented it is his pleasure it is his will As it is sayde â—oncerning the preaching of the Gospell 1. Cor. 1.21 It pleased God by the fooâ—â—shnesse of preaching to saue them â—hat beleeue Yet there may bee other reaâ—ons giuen wherefore Christ in â— speciall manner might make â—hoyce of these signes in this Saâ—rament Because Bread is the most ordiâ—ary food of the body and therfore called the Staffe of mans life So is Christ the foode of the soul by the which we are nourished vnto eternall life Howbeit these elements doe but in part shadow out the same the one being earthly the other heauenly the one
iudgement of affliction that is such stir vp the Lord to wrath as this Church of Corinâ— did For whose vnreuerent paâ— taking of this holy ordinancâ— the Apostle saith in the verâ— following that many were weaâ— sicke and some of them taken away by death But as for the punishment of wicked and vngodly men it is certaine that such vnworthy receiuers eate and drinke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 condemnation iudgement of eternall condemnation vnto themselues that is by that their vnreuerent and vnworthy receiuing of this so holy an ordinance they sinne highly against God which sinne of theirs shall bee punished with no lesse punishment then with eternall condemnation Before I enter into these parâ—iculers I will propound one inâ—truction from the scope of the holy Ghost in this text and that â— Seeing the Apostle hath beâ—ore exhorted vnto that christian â—uty of godly examination and preparation that euery christian ought to make before hee come to partake of this holy ordinance and now vseth such a reason to inforce the duety as is taken from Gods Iustice and Iudgments which for want thereof hee will execute and inflict vpon them Doct. 2 We learne that the consideration of Gods iudgements should make men performe holy duties in an holy manner The consideration of Gods iudgments shold make men perfourme holy duties holily And hence it is that it is very vsuall with the Lord by his seruants when hee hath exhorted vnto any one holy duety to annexe vnto the same some forcible reason to perswade therevnto This is cleare by the practice of Almighty God himselfe with our first parents Adam and Euah Gen. 2.18 who hauing giuen them but one Commandement to obserue hee vseth a reason to bind vnto obedience and that is taken from Gods Iustice The day thou eatest therof thou shalt die the death And thus doeth Almighty God deale with Cain Gen. 4. one of the Sonnes of Adam perswading him first to wel-doing to breake off his sinne by repentance euen that malice hee had conceiued against his innocent Brother But if that woulde not serue the Lord addes one reason more and that is taken from Gods iustice and vengeance which otherwise will bee sure to follow If thou do ill sinne lyeth at â—hy doore And this is that one â—y Reason that Moses doeth â—se vnto the people of Israell That they should hearken vnto â—he voice of the Lord their God which if they would it shoulde then goe well with them and with their children after them If not what then It shall come to passe Deu. 28.15 16.17 c. if thou wilt not hearken vnto the voyce of the Lord thy God to obserue and to doe all his commaundements and his statutes which I command thee this day that all these curses shal come vpon thee and ouertake thee Cursed shalt thou bee in the Citie and cursed shalt thou be in the field Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store c. And this is the order that Dauid vseth in his exhortation vnto Salomon And thou Salomon my Sonne 2. Cro. 28.9 know thou the God of thy fathers and serue him with a perfect heart and with a willing minde And he adds a reason to inforce his exhortation and that is taken from Gods Iustice If thou forsake him hee will forsake thee and cast thee off for euer And what thing else did our Sauiour intende when hee bade Remember Lots wife Luk. 17.32 but to mooue all men to consider her sinne and her punishment that so fearing the one we might learne to take heed of the other And why doeth the Spirit of God in the Scriptures lay down so many examples before vs of Gods iustice and vengeance vppon the Angels which â—ept not their first estate 1. Cor. 10.6 11. 2. Pet. 2.4 Iude 6. Pro. 14.16 Vpon â—he worlde of vngodly men In â—he dayes of Noah Vpon the Citâ—ies of Sodome and Gomorrah turâ—ing them into ashes but to this â—nd that all men might feare And this is the reason why the â—postle heere doeth propounde â—he iudgements of God vpon the â—orinths for that their vnreueâ—â—nt receiuing of this sacrament to this ende that all men that heare of the same might learne to feare and to come more reuerently and prepared there-vnto And great reason that the consideration of Gods iudgements shoulde worke this effect in vs For Reason 1 First because of the certainety of Gods iudgements and vengeance which otherwise will not be auoyded The Lord is euer the same God iust righteous vnchangeable in iudgment and the same sinnes doe euer procure the same iudgements Did the Lord strike the Corinths some with feeblenesse some with sicknesse and some with death because of their vnworthy receiuing of this Sacrament and shall wee thinke to escape It cannot be Their iudgements must we lay to heart and be warned by them Reason 2 Secondly the consideration of Gods iudgments should make vs come prepared vnto this ordinance because they are insufferable and intollerable Heb. 12. vlt. Our God is a consuming fire If man will not turne he wil whet his sword and make ready his bow and the sinner shall not escape This is cleared by the Author of the Epistle to the Hebrewes where he sayth Heb. 10.28 29. that If he that despised Moses Law dyed without mercy vnder two or three witnesses Of how much sorer punishment shall he be worthy which treadeth vnder foote the Sonne of God counteth the Bloud of the Newe Testament as an vnholy thing and so despites the spirit of grace Where hee shewes that Gods iudgements must needes be heauie vpon such as abuse this holy ordinance by comparing their sinne with those that despised Moses Law Vse 1 And surely this may serue to discouer the wonderful hardnes of their hearts For reprofe that are no whit mooued with Gods iudgements vpon others nor those fearefull threatenings that are dayly denounced against themselues nothing can terrifie them from sinning It fareth with such as with the Sonnes in law of Lot when Lot spake vnto them he seemed vnto them as if he had mocked They are ready still to skinne ouer the deadly woundes of their Soules with peace peace and secure themselues against the iudgment to come Poore soules their damnation doth not sleepe the Lord will one day visit for these things and pay and repay tribuâ—ation anguish and sorrow vpon â—hem when hee shall come to make good his threatnings and â—ccomplish his iudgements vpon them which will prooue so much the more intollerable by â—ow much the lesse they euer â—eared them Vse 2 Secondly this may serue to â—dmonish vs all in the feare of God For instruction that we doe not lightly eâ—â—eeme of Gods iudgements eiâ—her executed vpon others or â—hreatened against our selues â—ut make this vse of them that â—hey may inforce vs vnto good â—ueties and binde vs vnto obeâ—ence I confesse that this ought â—ot to be the