he_o deserve_v to_o die_v before_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o grant_v his_o petition_n that_o he_o will_v hasten_v his_o execution_n the_o almighty_a god_n the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n know_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sinner_n case_n that_o although_o he_o stand_v condemn_v for_o his_o evil_a deed_n yet_o he_o beg_v pardon_n only_o as_o a_o thing_n in_o course_n without_o any_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o damnation_n shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o sinner_n there_o be_v one_o case_n in_o which_o the_o sinner_n do_v direct_o pray_v damnation_n to_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n phrase_n and_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a sinner_n he_o prayer_n to_o god_n to_o forgive_v he_o his_o trespress_n as_o he_o forgive_v other_o that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v lord_n be_v thou_o revenge_v on_o i_o for_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o be_v revenge_v on_o my_o brother_n beside_o there_o be_v no_o more_o cause_n of_o terror_n from_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o which_o sinner_n be_v scare_v from_o the_o sacrament_n than_o there_o be_v in_o that_o of_o solomon_n by_o which_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v afraid_a to_o pray_v prov._n 15.8_o the_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n he_o that_o do_v that_o which_o god_n loathe_v that_o which_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o certain_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o damnation_n to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o the_o non-communicant_a whether_o if_o the_o apostle_n expression_n have_v be_v he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o solomon_n expression_n have_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a bring_v damnation_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v have_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o never_o pray_v to_o god_n i_o may_v likewise_o instance_n in_o that_o great_a duty_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n certain_o every_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o for_o a_o man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v what_o god_n require_v of_o he_o without_o any_o intent_n to_o do_v it_o and_o according_o come_v from_o hear_v god_n command_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o break_v they_o can_v expect_v nothing_o less_o than_o damnation_n to_o be_v the_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o although_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o thousand_o of_o sinner_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o hear_v god_n word_n there_o be_v no_o more_o cause_n of_o terror_n from_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o unworthy_a communicant_n than_o there_o be_v from_o many_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n concern_v unworthy_a hearer_n of_o god_n word_n i_o may_v instance_n first_o in_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n luk._n 8.18_o take_v heed_n therefore_o how_o you_o hear_v whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o whosoever_o have_v not_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v even_o that_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v if_o our_o saviour_n have_v only_o give_v the_o caution_n take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v it_o may_v startle_v the_o unprofitable_a hearer_n and_o give_v he_o just_a cause_n to_o expect_v judgement_n if_o he_o be_v not_o careful_a but_o our_o saviour_n add_v for_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o expression_n which_o signify_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o careless_a hearer_n to_o be_v so_o forlorn_a that_o it_o may_v make_v every_o such_o sinner_n afraid_a to_o enter_v into_o god_n house_n the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o that_o proverbial_a say_n be_v he_o that_o be_v a_o obedient_a hearer_n shall_v grow_v in_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n and_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o rich_a man_n who_o increase_v his_o riches_n to_o a_o great_a estate_n but_o the_o careless_a hearer_n who_o do_v not_o give_v diligent_a attention_n and_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v without_o resolution_n to_o practise_v be_v like_o a_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n who_o by_o take_v no_o care_n to_o improve_v his_o stock_n lose_v that_o little_a that_o he_o have_v and_o come_v to_o intolerable_a beggary_n and_o misery_n how_o dreadful_a be_v the_o condition_n of_o that_o man_n who_o may_v be_v say_v to_o hear_v away_o all_o that_o be_v good_a who_o the_o long_o he_o hear_v the_o less_o he_o regard_v and_o the_o worse_o he_o be_v i_o may_v instance_n likewise_o in_o the_o comparison_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v between_o a_o disobedient_a hearer_n and_o the_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n mat._n 7.26_o of_o which_o he_o say_v great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o we_o can_v not_o imagine_v the_o great_a fall_n of_o a_o disobedient_a hearer_n to_o be_v any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o fall_n into_o damnation_n and_o everlasting_a misery_n and_o yet_o man_n be_v not_o therefore_o afraid_a to_o hear_v god_n word_n who_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o i_o may_v instance_n likewise_o in_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n james_n say_v chap._n 1._o v._n 22._o be_v you_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v your_o own_o self_n how_o do_v man_n deceive_v themselves_o but_o by_o expect_v salvation_n from_o hear_v and_o damnation_n must_v be_v their_o portion_n for_o not_o do_v and_o yet_o the_o sinner_n do_v not_o say_v i_o shall_v but_o deceive_v myself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o i_o to_o go_v to_o god_n house_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n there_o be_v another_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o to_o the_o one_o we_o be_v a_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n be_v speak_v concern_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o different_a effectswhich_n it_o have_v upon_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o another_o world_n it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n a_o expression_n allude_v to_o strong_a perfume_n which_o be_v pleasant_a to_o some_o but_o be_v like_o poison_n sudden_o destructive_a to_o other_o it_o be_v as_o if_o the_o apostle_n shall_v have_v say_v though_o to_o some_o our_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v exceed_o beneficial_a yet_o to_o other_o who_o regard_v it_o not_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o destructive_a for_o it_o bring_v eternal_a death_n there_o be_v more_o terror_n in_o this_o expression_n than_o there_o be_v in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n for_o that_o as_o i_o have_v show_v signify_v any_o temporal_a evil_n as_o well_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o another_o state_n but_o this_o of_o the_o apostle_n signify_v only_o the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o another_o world_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o man_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o by_o this_o i_o hope_v it_o have_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n why_o christian_n shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n from_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o perform_v other_o duty_n of_o religion_n consider_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v concern_v those_o that_o be_v unworthy_a performer_n of_o they_o 5._o i_o may_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o severe_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v be_v no_o part_n of_o reveal_v religion_n proper_o so_o call_v reveal_v religion_n be_v that_o of_o god_n which_o we_o can_v not_o know_v if_o it_o be_v not_o tell_v we_o but_o this_o of_o unworthy_a communicant_a eat_n and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o themselves_o be_v that_o which_o the_o corinthian_a and_o all_o christians_n may_v know_v though_o the_o apostle_n have_v never_o say_v it_o every_o man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n know_v that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o god_n or_o come_v unreverent_o before_o he_o be_v not_o accept_v of_o he_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a do_v provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n and_o consequent_o to_o punish_v that_o offender_n who_o do_v thus_o disobey_v and_o contemn_v he_o if_o heathen_n have_v be_v negligent_a or_o unreverent_a in_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o plague_n have_v happen_v among_o they_o as_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o corinthian_n they_o will_v doubtless_o have_v conclude_v that_o the_o plague_n come_v because_o of_o their_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o afraid_a of_o the_o sacrament_n because_o they_o be_v tell_v
of_o a_o danger_n which_o heathen_n themselves_o may_v have_v know_v in_o the_o like_a case_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o corinthian_n be_v so_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o benefit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o this_o ordinance_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o well_o aware_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v as_o they_o may_v have_v be_v and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a to_o give_v they_o this_o admonition_n by_o which_o they_o may_v understand_v that_o although_o the_o benefit_n be_v great_a to_o the_o worthy_a receiver_n yet_o a_o man_n must_v not_o be_v so_o presumptuous_o confident_a of_o it_o as_o to_o think_v that_o he_o may_v come_v to_o it_o without_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o and_o preparation_n for_o such_o a_o near_a and_o solemn_a approach_n to_o god_n iii_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a neglect_v the_o sacrament_n be_v general_o great_a than_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v i_o know_v that_o this_o assertion_n will_v seem_v strange_a to_o many_o and_o may_v be_v very_o offensive_a to_o some_o who_o for_o many_o year_n have_v hear_v the_o duty_n of_o prepare_v mighty_o urge_v but_o have_v never_o hear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o partake_v they_o have_v hear_v the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v strain_v beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n and_o limit_n but_o have_v hear_v nothing_o of_o the_o danger_n of_o live_v in_o the_o continue_a neglect_n of_o this_o ordinance_n but_o though_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o great_a many_o in_o this_o vicious_a and_o divide_a age_n yet_o i_o hope_v every_o one_o will_v grant_v that_o i_o speak_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o all_o former_a age_n in_o reference_n to_o divine_a and_o positive_a institution_n those_o who_o of_o old_a be_v call_v god_n people_n because_o they_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o have_v positive_a institution_n from_o god_n which_o they_o be_v due_o to_o observe_v and_o to_o sanctify_v themselves_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o they_o think_v their_o external_a sanctification_n be_v enough_o but_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o inward_a sanctification_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o which_o the_o other_o do_v relate_v and_o although_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o this_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a complaint_n which_o god_n make_v against_o they_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o dare_v to_o neglect_v the_o observance_n of_o god_n positive_a institution_n but_o all_o the_o people_n be_v careful_a to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v as_o to_o the_o outward_a act_n though_o they_o be_v negligent_a as_o to_o the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o preparation_n for_o it_o when_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o passover_n be_v due_o observe_v by_o those_o who_o he_o condemn_v as_o the_o worst_a man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o he_o no_o where_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v observe_v it_o or_o that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a that_o the_o ordinance_n have_v be_v whole_o lay_v aside_o though_o all_o be_v not_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n yet_o all_o account_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n if_o we_o likewise_o consider_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o account_v noncommunicating_a to_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n if_o they_o have_v account_v that_o there_o be_v less_o danger_n in_o be_v non-communicants_a or_o that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v very_o good_a christian_n though_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n or_o that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o great_a danger_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o they_o will_v not_o have_v lie_v prostrate_a at_o the_o church_n door_n beg_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o have_v live_v very_o content_o without_o it_o as_o a_o great_a many_o do_v in_o our_o day_n who_o it_o may_v be_v will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o ignorance_n of_o those_o christian_n which_o make_v they_o so_o fond_o desirous_a of_o it_o excommunication_n by_o which_o they_o be_v debar_v from_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n will_v have_v be_v no_o trouble_n to_o they_o but_o they_o will_v have_v live_v very_o content_o without_o it_o beside_o we_o find_v that_o when_o the_o corinthian_n have_v receive_v unworthy_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o to_o examine_v themselves_o that_o they_o may_v be_v better_o prepare_v but_o afterward_o when_o christian_n begin_v to_o be_v so_o remiss_a as_o not_o to_o receive_v at_o all_o it_o be_v determine_v in_o a_o council_n at_o antioch_n that_o all_o non-communicants_a shall_v be_v excommunicate_v they_o be_v not_o think_v worthy_a of_o the_o name_n or_o society_n of_o christian_n who_o shall_v turn_v their_o back_n upon_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n as_o if_o it_o be_v unnecessary_a to_o observe_v it_o doubtless_o the_o most_o wicked_a christian_a in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o be_v punish_v for_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n simple_o consider_v but_o because_o he_o do_v not_o prepare_v his_o mind_n by_o leave_v off_o his_o wickedness_n he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v require_v of_o he_o as_o to_o the_o outward_a act_n only_o he_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o but_o more_o particular_o 1._o noncommunicating_a be_v a_o more_o manifest_a contempt_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n a_o lawgiver_n be_v exceed_o despise_v when_o his_o law_n be_v not_o observe_v it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o his_o authority_n be_v dispute_v or_o that_o those_o who_o he_o command_v be_v not_o oblige_v to_o obey_v he_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o uuworthy_a non-communicant_a own_v that_o god_n have_v exalt_v christ_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n and_o that_o he_o have_v give_v he_o a_o nome_n above_o every_o name_n when_o he_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o his_o institution_n as_o if_o it_o be_v some_o usurper_n that_o have_v say_v do_v this_o and_o one_o who_o man_n need_v not_o own_o as_o their_o prince_n and_o as_o their_o saviour_n this_o be_v such_o a_o contempt_n of_o christ_n authority_n and_o such_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o i_o may_v say_v tell_v it_o not_o in_o gath_n etc._n etc._n let_v not_o the_o heathen_n hear_v that_o christian_n have_v so_o little_a regard_n to_o their_o christ_n as_o that_o they_o do_v not_o obey_v he_o in_o that_o command_n which_o have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o what_o they_o say_v he_o do_v for_o they_o they_o have_v more_o reverence_n and_o show_v more_o regard_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o god_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n let_v not_o the_o mahometan_n hear_v of_o it_o they_o be_v diligent_a to_o observe_v the_o command_n of_o their_o mahomet_n in_o abstain_v from_o what_o he_o have_v forbid_v and_o in_o their_o religious_a duty_n pray_v five_o time_n every_o day_n because_o they_o say_v that_o he_o have_v authority_n from_o god_n and_o what_o he_o command_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v tell_v it_o not_o to_o the_o jew_n they_o observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o moses_n to_o this_o day_n in_o many_o thing_n because_o they_o own_o his_o authority_n from_o god_n these_o man_n of_o other_o religion_n shame_v christian_n and_o may_v conclude_v if_o they_o hear_v of_o non-communicants_a that_o there_o be_v many_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o their_o christ_n come_v from_o god_n for_o they_o do_v not_o account_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o observe_v his_o rite_n and_o institution_n this_o contempt_n of_o christ_n authority_n can_v be_v so_o deep_o charge_v upon_o the_o unworthy_a receiver_n that_o servant_n who_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o do_v his_o duty_n after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o his_o master_n require_v of_o he_o be_v not_o so_o guilty_a of_o contempt_n as_o he_o that_o turn_v his_o back_n and_o do_v not_o do_v it_o at_o all_o that_o christian_n because_o christ_n require_v they_o to_o be_v christian_n indeed_o his_o disciple_n and_o because_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o punishment_n if_o they_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o perform_v their_o duty_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o as_o they_o may_v do_v shall_v think_v to_o avoid_v punishment_n by_o not_o do_v their_o duty_n at_o all_o be_v such_o a_o way_n to_o avoid_v punishment_n as_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o think_v of_o and_o nothing_o but_o the_o delusion_n of_o the_o devil_n can_v ever_o put_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n 2._o it_o be_v a_o great_a contempt_n of_o the_o
say_v be_v that_o you_o do_v very_o reverent_o mock_v christ_n and_o his_o ordinance_n you_o be_v afraid_a to_o come_v to_o such_o a_o solemn_a ordinance_n and_o you_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o it_o and_o therefore_o you_o rather_o choose_v to_o live_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o commandment_n which_o you_o find_v yourselves_o more_o fit_a for_o this_o be_v hail_n master_n this_o be_v to_o crucify_v christ_n from_o a_o reverent_a respect_n to_o he_o and_o as_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a contempt_n of_o god_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o reverence_n to_o he_o so_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o most_o prodigious_a folly_n o_o foolish_a non-communicants_a who_o have_v bewitch_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v think_v to_o avoid_v danger_n by_o neglect_v a_o great_a and_o solemn_a duty_n that_o you_o shall_v turn_v from_o the_o sacrament_n to_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n to_o avoid_v damnation_n the_o scripture_n say_v he_o that_o comit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n the_o non-communicant_a absent_v from_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n &_o go_v to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o avoid_v damnation_n all_o man_n shall_v consider_v that_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n be_v as_o well_o a_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n shall_v partake_v as_o it_o be_v why_o they_o shall_v prepare_v because_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o god_n expect_v the_o observance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o his_o heart_n be_v the_o more_o set_v upon_o it_o when_o servant_n be_v negligent_a of_o their_o duty_n they_o hope_v to_o come_v off_o best_o by_o neglect_v that_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v of_o least_o moment_n no_o man_n ever_o say_v i_o omit_v my_o duty_n and_o i_o hope_v to_o be_v excuse_v because_o it_o be_v a_o great_a command_n and_o i_o be_v require_v to_o take_v great_a care_n in_o the_o observance_n of_o it_o let_v not_o any_o therefore_o think_v that_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n will_v be_v their_o excuse_n for_o not_o observe_v it_o but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v their_o great_a condemnation_n 2._o a_o second_o pretence_n which_o be_v a_o consequent_a of_o the_o former_a be_v that_o man_n be_v not_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o have_v better_o let_v it_o alone_o i_o earnest_o desire_v such_o person_n to_o consider_v that_o 1._o this_o can_v be_v no_o plea_n because_o they_o may_v be_v prepare_v if_o they_o please_v i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o will_v charge_v the_o sin_n of_o noncommunicating_a upon_o almighty_a god_n pretend_v that_o he_o must_v prepare_v they_o for_o it_o or_o else_o they_o can_v receive_v worthy_o but_o let_v i_o tell_v the_o sinner_n that_o his_o contempt_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v destruction_n to_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o though_o no_o man_n can_v be_v prepare_v without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o be_v unprepared_a for_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v it_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o every_o sinner_n who_o be_v not_o strange_o harden_v in_o his_o impiety_n cell_n he_o that_o in_o this_o he_o do_v exceed_o provoke_v god_n because_o he_o know_v that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v want_v to_o he_o that_o he_o do_v secret_o solicit_v he_o to_o prepare_v that_o he_o may_v worthy_o partake_v and_o he_o will_v not_o that_o sinner_n be_v in_o a_o very_a evil_a condition_n who_o charge_v god_n of_o require_v that_o of_o he_o which_o he_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n perform_v 2._o be_v not_o be_v prepare_v be_v of_o itself_o a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v not_o be_v plead_v for_o a_o neglect_n of_o your_o duty_n this_o be_v to_o excuse_v one_o sin_n with_o another_o it_o be_v as_o well_o a_o duty_n to_o prepare_v as_o to_o partake_v and_o the_o neglect_v of_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n which_o god_n do_v as_o sure_o punish_v luke_n 12.47_o that_o servant_n that_o know_v his_o lord_n will_v and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o come_v to_o the_o feast_n without_o the_o wedding_n garment_n be_v speechless_a no_o man_n must_v plead_v unpreparedness_n because_o he_o may_v be_v prepare_v and_o it_o be_v his_o sin_n if_o he_o be_v not_o 3._o this_o be_v be_v a_o mere_a delusion_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o which_o he_o will_v keep_v man_n secure_a in_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n this_o be_v not_o a_o unpreparedness_n which_o bring_v grief_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o mind_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o content_a unpreparedness_n the_o people_n love_n to_o have_v it_o so_o he_o that_o search_v the_o heart_n know_v that_o the_o language_n there_o be_v i_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v prepare_v and_o that_o render_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o non-communicant_a to_o be_v very_o dreadful_a 4._o this_o pretence_n be_v endless_a be_v thou_o unprepared_a when_o will_v it_o be_v otherwise_o the_o long_a that_o any_o one_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n the_o more_o unprepared_a he_o be_v for_o it_o there_o be_v many_o who_o when_o they_o be_v young_a plead_v they_o be_v not_o prepare_v be_v prepare_v now_o but_o it_o be_v to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n and_o to_o contemn_v all_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o those_o that_o be_v not_o open_o profane_a be_v more_o unprepared_a than_o they_o be_v by_o a_o increase_n of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o fix_v of_o evil_a habit_n the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o ordinance_n which_o come_v to_o pluck_v up_o sin_n at_o the_o root_n and_o if_o that_o be_v keep_v off_o sin_n must_v needs_o grow_v apace_o he_o that_o be_v desire_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n plead_v that_o he_o be_v unprepared_a may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o receive_v for_o he_o be_v more_o unprepared_a now_o than_o he_o be_v former_o and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v more_o unprepared_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v than_o he_o be_v now_o but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o will_v plead_v that_o though_o every_o one_o may_v prepare_v and_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v and_o his_o sin_n if_o he_o do_v not_o yet_o the_o case_n of_o many_o be_v such_o that_o they_o can_v find_v time_n to_o prepare_v there_o have_v need_n be_v some_o day_n set_v a_o part_n on_o purpose_n for_o preparation_n what_o shall_v servant_n do_v that_o work_v all_o the_o week_n from_o morning_n till_o night_n &_o have_v no_o more_o than_o time_n enough_o for_o the_o necessary_a support_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v force_v to_o rise_v early_o and_o go_v to_o bed_n late_o and_o what_o shall_v those_o do_v that_o have_v nothing_o but_o from_o hand_n to_o mouth_n must_v they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o sacrament_n suffer_v their_o family_n to_o want_v to_o this_o i_o must_v answer_v that_o every_o man_n have_v or_o may_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o prepare_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o his_o worldly_a affair_n though_o the_o servant_n do_v not_o steal_v time_n from_o his_o master_n nor_o the_o poor_a man_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o family_n and_o that_o may_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v 1._o that_o which_o bespeak_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a be_v not_o so_o much_o his_o particular_a act_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n as_o the_o general_a habit_n and_o bend_v of_o his_o mind_n the_o great_a question_n be_v whether_o a_o man_n real_o fear_v god_n and_o whether_o he_o be_v spiritual_o mind_v he_o that_o live_v in_o know_a sin_n without_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n and_o intend_v to_o continue_v so_o can_v be_v prepare_v for_o the_o sacrament_n though_o he_o spend_v never_o so_o much_o time_n in_o religious_a duty_n because_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o religious_o disspose_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v for_o many_o day_n and_o week_n abstain_v from_o sinful_a act_n which_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o and_o if_o he_o shall_v spend_v as_o much_o time_n in_o religious_a service_n both_o public_a and_o private_a as_o preparatory_a to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o a_o resolution_n not_o to_o return_v to_o the_o same_o course_n of_o life_n again_o it_o will_v not_o render_v he_o a_o worthy_a communicant_a this_o be_v but_o for_o a_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o dress_v himself_o in_o the_o counterfeit_a habit_n of_o god_n child_n and_o then_o to_o return_v to_o his_o father_n again_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n he_o that_o be_v religious_a and_o fear_n god_n in_o the_o general_n course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v more_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n without_o any_o special_a preparation_n for_o it_o than_o the_o other_o can_v be_v
who_o for_o some_o additional_a advantage_n will_v not_o find_v time_n to_o spare_v from_o his_o necessary_a occasion_n there_o be_v many_o who_o will_v work_v hard_a than_o ordinary_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o little_a liberty_n other_o to_o gain_v some_o profit_n and_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o sure_o such_o person_n if_o they_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o pleasant_a way_n of_o religion_n may_v make_v haste_n to_o dispatch_v their_o business_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o little_a time_n to_o examine_v themselves_o to_o bethink_v themselves_o of_o the_o state_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o how_o the_o great_a affair_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n they_o may_v find_v time_n to_o consider_v what_o sin_n they_o have_v to_o repent_v of_o and_o hearty_o to_o beg_v god_n grace_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v they_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o they_o be_v worthy_a communicant_n though_o they_o have_v have_v but_o little_a time_n for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o these_o great_a concern_v i_o can_v think_v there_o be_v any_o man_n so_o employ_v but_o he_o may_v find_v time_n in_o the_o morning_n &_o evening_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n &_o if_o he_o can_v make_v it_o a_o set_a duty_n &_o be_v alone_o and_o be_v undisturbed_a yet_o there_o may_v be_v fervent_a ejaculation_n by_o which_o he_o may_v lift_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n which_o god_n will_v hear_v and_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o and_o by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v keep_v in_o such_o a_o religious_a frame_n and_o temper_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a and_o a_o welcome_a guest_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n 5._o let_v those_o who_o make_v this_o excuse_n that_o they_o want_v time_n to_o prepare_v consider_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n they_o that_o complain_v they_o want_v time_n to_o prepare_v for_o the_o sacrament_n find_v time_n enough_o to_o commit_v those_o sin_n which_o make_v they_o unfit_a for_o that_o or_o any_o other_o religious_a duty_n whatever_o business_n they_o have_v to_o do_v they_o find_v time_n to_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o god_n and_o against_o religion_n so_o that_o no_o impression_n of_o good_a may_v be_v make_v in_o they_o he_o that_o at_o first_o think_v he_o may_v not_o come_v because_o he_o want_v time_n to_o prepare_v will_v afterward_o refuse_v to_o come_v though_o he_o have_v more_o time_n than_o he_o know_v what_o to_o do_v with_o nay_o he_o will_v rather_o throw_v it_o away_o and_o his_o soul_n with_o it_o by_o spend_v it_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o devil_n than_o in_o prepare_v that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a there_o be_v another_o pretence_n for_o unpreparedness_n and_o that_o be_v the_o temptation_n which_o attend_v the_o dispatch_n of_o necessary_a business_n man_n say_v they_o be_v force_v to_o converse_v with_o sinful_a man_n and_o be_v unavoidable_o betray_v to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o think_v of_o prepare_v for_o the_o sacrament_n i_o desire_v such_o to_o consider_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v they_o complain_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o that_o in_o dispatch_n of_o their_o business_n they_o be_v not_o tempt_v to_o that_o which_o be_v real_o evil._n it_o may_v be_v this_o man_n think_v that_o he_o can_v prepare_v because_o his_o business_n will_v unhinge_v the_o devotion_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o put_v it_o out_o of_o that_o religious_a frame_n and_o temper_v which_o he_o will_v keep_v it_o in_o if_o he_o intend_v to_o partake_v he_o think_v that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n unless_o he_o can_v for_o some_o time_n keep_v his_o mind_n so_o free_a from_o such_o encumbrance_n as_o not_o to_o have_v a_o thought_n of_o worldly_a business_n entertain_v by_o he_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o this_o shall_v hinder_v his_o receive_v the_o lawful_a dispatch_n of_o worldly_a business_n must_v not_o hinder_v man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n nor_o must_v the_o sacrament_n hinder_v man_n from_o the_o dispatch_n of_o worldly_a business_n we_o have_v no_o such_o rule_n if_o a_o man_n spend_v that_o time_n with_o his_o customer_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o spend_v with_o god_n in_o secret_a devotion_n and_o there_o have_v be_v innocent_a mirth_n this_o be_v no_o offence_n to_o god_n only_o it_o be_v adviseable_a that_o at_o his_o return_n he_o reduce_v his_o mind_n to_o seriousness_n and_o devotion_n in_o order_n to_o his_o receive_v and_o then_o he_o need_v not_o fear_v but_o he_o shall_v be_v welcome_a at_o the_o lord_n table_n 2._o if_o in_o the_o dispatch_n of_o business_n man_n do_v that_o which_o be_v real_o evil_a if_o they_o defraud_v or_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o drunkeness_n which_o be_v become_v such_o a_o concomitant_a with_o trade_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o dispatch_v their_o business_n with_o their_o customer_n unless_o they_o dispatch_v their_o business_n with_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o it_o happen_v some_o day_n before_o the_o sacrament_n let_v he_o repent_v and_o humble_a his_o soul_n to_o god_n to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v forget_v god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v prepare_v for_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o if_o he_o be_v sincere_o penitent_a he_o need_v not_o omit_v it_o nay_o he_o have_v the_o more_o need_n to_o receive_v it_o by_o how_o much_o he_o see_v how_o prone_a he_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o temptation_n that_o he_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o they_o and_o if_o this_o have_v happen_v a_o little_a before_o the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o near_o to_o it_o that_o he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v of_o his_o repentance_n so_o as_o to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n the_o next_o time_n of_o administration_n let_v he_o go_v to_o his_o minister_n and_o bewail_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o not_o receive_v let_v he_o think_v how_o happy_a they_o be_v that_o be_v worthy_a communicant_n and_o what_o a_o sad_a thing_n it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o he_o dare_v not_o appear_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n that_o he_o have_v neglect_v to_o receive_v and_o hope_n that_o this_o will_v excuse_v he_o if_o he_o be_v not_o in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n i_o be_o sure_a no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v he_o may_v as_o well_o speak_v plain_o and_o say_v i_o love_v my_o sin_n better_o than_o the_o sacrament_n and_o sinful_a companion_n better_a than_o pious_a communicant_n and_o i_o suppose_v these_o be_v the_o man_n as_o well_o as_o other_o who_o keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n to_o avoid_v damnation_n 3._o if_o worldly_a business_n bring_v man_n into_o ill_a company_n and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n let_v they_o make_v haste_n to_o dispatch_v it_o and_o tell_v the_o company_n that_o they_o be_v to_o communicate_v our_o saviour_n say_v if_o any_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o before_o man_n of_o he_o will_v i_o be_v ashamed_a before_o my_o father_n he_o doubtless_o speak_v it_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o derision_n with_o which_o jew_n and_o heathen_n think_v to_o make_v man_n ashamed_a of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n but_o in_o our_o age_n we_o have_v need_n make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o encourage_v one_o christian_a who_o another_o deride_v for_o observe_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o be_v so_o ashamed_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o ordinance_n that_o they_o will_v rather_o go_v on_o to_o commit_v sin_n for_o company_n sake_n than_o give_v such_o a_o reason_n they_o be_v unworthy_a indeed_o for_o it_o appear_v plain_o that_o they_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o not_o of_o their_o sin_n the_o sacrament_n be_v appoint_v to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n but_o if_o they_o may_v not_o both_o be_v entertain_v the_o sacrament_n must_v keep_v off_o 4._o let_v these_o person_n consider_v what_o manifest_a contempt_n they_o cast_v upon_o all_o other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v go_v to_o prayer_n and_o sermon_n all_o the_o year_n long_o and_o it_o signify_v nothing_o but_o they_o can_v go_v to_o their_o sinful_a companion_n all_o the_o week_n after_o and_o it_o may_v be_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o public_a service_n be_v do_v as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o defiance_n of_o those_o little_a thing_n of_o religion_n they_o can_v confess_v their_o sin_n and_o instead_o of_o forsake_v run_v to_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v do_v they_o can_v pray_v to_o the_o great_a king_n of_o