for_o here_o we_o commemorate_v the_o charity_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o though_o he_o be_v rich_a yet_o for_o our_o sake_n he_o become_v poor_a that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v rich_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 2_o cor._n 8._o 9_o here_o we_o see_v how_o he_o part_v with_o his_o heartblood_n and_o lay_v down_o his_o very_a life_n for_o we_o and_o here_o he_o feed_v we_o with_o food_n from_o heaven_n with_o that_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a nourishment_n whereof_o the_o manna_n in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v a_o poor_a type_n and_o figure_n with_o the_o true_a bread_n of_o life_n with_o his_o flesh_n which_o be_v meat_n indeed_o and_o with_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v drink_v indeed_o more_o strengthen_v than_o the_o manna_n more_o efficacious_a more_o durable_a for_o he_o that_o partake_v hereof_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o 2._o these_o consideration_n do_v of_o themselves_o natural_o tend_v to_o stir_v we_o all_o up_o to_o these_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n at_o this_o time_n a_o thing_n so_o universal_o so_o constant_o observe_v by_o all_o christian_a church_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n that_o we_o can_v show_v any_o one_o age_n when_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n be_v ever_o administer_v without_o it_o perhaps_o it_o be_v the_o only_a ecclesiastical_a right_n which_o have_v come_v down_o to_o we_o without_o any_o contradiction_n and_o because_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v of_o some_o considerable_a use_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o shall_v give_v this_o short_a account_n of_o it_o 1._o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o the_o mount_n have_v say_v if_o thou_o bring_v thy_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n and_o there_o remember_v that_o thy_o brother_n have_v aught_o against_o thou_o leave_v there_o thy_o gift_n before_o the_o altar_n and_o go_v thy_o way_n first_o be_v reconcile_v to_o thy_o brother_n and_o then_o come_v and_o offer_v thy_o gift_n mat._n 5._o 23_o 24._o the_o primitive_a christian_n understand_v these_o word_n to_o have_v be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n with_o respect_n to_o that_o charity_n which_o all_o be_v to_o express_v at_o this_o sacrament_n altar_n sacrament_n see_v mr._n mead_n be_v learned_a discourse_n of_o the_o altar_n because_o all_o legal_a sacrifice_n be_v now_o in_o a_o short_a time_n utter_o to_o cease_v they_o can_v not_o conceive_v why_o our_o saviour_n shall_v prescribe_v a_o new_a right_n and_o duty_n to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o present_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a oblation_n and_o that_o in_o a_o sermon_n which_o he_o purposely_o intend_v for_o the_o perpetual_a and_o stand_a use_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o therefore_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o stand_a law_n which_o he_o give_v occasional_o and_o beforehand_o to_o oblige_v all_o his_o follower_n to_o act_n of_o charity_n especial_o when_o they_o come_v to_o his_o own_o table_n hereupon_o arise_v two_o custom_n which_o all_o christian_n universal_o observe_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n and_o which_o have_v no_o other_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o warrant_v they_o but_o this_o text_n only_o one_o be_v in_o token_n of_o their_o mutual_a reconciliation_n and_o sincere_a love_n for_o as_o they_o be_v go_v to_o celebrate_v this_o divine_a mystery_n the_o deacon_n cry_v aloud_o to_o this_o purpose_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v no_o man_n have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o any_o whereupon_o the_o devout_a communicant_n present_o salute_v one_o another_o with_o a_o holy_a kiss_n the_o other_o custom_n be_v what_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v of_o of_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a none_o come_v before_o the_o altar_n with_o empty_a hand_n but_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n bring_v something_o to_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o holy_a table_n for_o the_o use_n of_o their_o indigent_a brethren_n part_n of_o the_o offering_n be_v first_o consecrate_a for_o the_o celebration_n of_o the_o present_a solemnity_n and_o these_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d holy_a gift_n according_a to_o our_o saviour_n language_n which_o custom_n be_v undoubted_o observe_v even_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n as_o you_o may_v see_v by_o these_o proof_n 1._o first_o say_v st._n paul_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n let_v every_o one_o of_o you_o lay_v by_o he_o in_o store_n as_o god_n have_v prosper_v he_o 1_o cor._n 16._o 2._o though_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v direct_o and_o chief_o of_o a_o special_a collection_n which_o be_v then_o to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o poor_a christian_n in_o judea_n yet_o because_o he_o direct_v the_o corinthian_n to_o lay_v by_o something_o in_o store_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n the_o day_n on_o which_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v constant_o administer_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n it_o seem_v high_o propable_a that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o a_o accumulation_n of_o charity_n over_o and_o above_o the_o ordinary_a proportion_n which_o they_o be_v wont_v on_o that_o day_n to_o present_v before_o the_o lord_n table_n 2._o but_o there_o be_v another_o passage_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_a same_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n which_o put_v the_o thing_n out_o of_o all_o controversy_n 1_o cor._n 11._o 20_o 21_o 22._o when_o you_o come_v together_o in_o one_o place_n this_o be_v not_o to_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n for_o in_o eat_v every_o one_o take_v before_o other_o his_o own_o supper_n and_o one_o be_v hungry_a and_o another_o be_v drunken_a what_o have_v you_o not_o house_n to_o eat_v and_o to_o drink_v in_o or_o despise_v you_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o shame_v they_o that_o have_v not_o here_o the_o apostle_n express_o speak_v of_o eat_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o that_o in_o the_o church_n the_o place_n of_o public_a religious_a assembly_n which_o he_o plain_o distinguish_v from_o their_o private_a house_n and_o he_o blame_v they_o for_o those_o disorder_n and_o profane_a extravagancy_n they_o commit_v in_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o i_o will_v represent_v the_o case_n in_o the_o word_n of_o our_o learned_a and_o incomparable_a paraphra_v dr._n hammond_n those_o public_a common_a meeting_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v as_o at_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o eat_v a_o church-meal_n a_o common_a christian_a feast_n be_v make_v by_o those_o corinthian_n much_o otherwise_o none_o of_o that_o communicativeness_n and_o charity_n be_v among_o they_o as_o be_v require_v in_o such_o for_o at_o their_o feast_n of_o charity_n accompany_v the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o wherein_o all_o the_o guest_n be_v to_o be_v equal_a no_o man_n to_o take_v place_n or_o eat_v before_o another_o no_o man_n to_o pretend_v any_o right_n to_o what_o he_o bring_v but_o every_o man_n to_o contribute_v to_o the_o common_a table_n and_o to_o eat_v in_o common_a with_o all_o other_o this_o custom_n be_v utter_o break_v among_o they_o he_o that_o bring_v a_o great_a deal_n fall_v to_o that_o as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o own_o house_n at_o his_o own_o meal_n and_o so_o feed_v to_o the_o full_a whereas_o another_o which_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v so_o much_o be_v fain_o to_o go_v hungry_a home_n and_o so_o their_o meeting_n be_v more_o to_o feed_v themselves_o than_o to_o practise_v a_o piece_n of_o christian_a charity_n to_o which_o those_o sacramental_a assembly_n be_v institute_v this_o certain_o be_v to_o do_v as_o they_o be_v wont_v at_o home_n and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o have_v stay_v there_o as_o have_v do_v thus_o this_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o church-meeting_n and_o not_o only_o to_o send_v away_o hungry_a but_o even_o to_o reproach_n and_o put_v to_o shame_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v any_o great_a offer_v along_o with_o they_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o regular_a way_n of_o celebrate_v the_o eucharist_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n be_v for_o all_o man_n especial_o for_o the_o rich_a and_o wealthy_a sort_n to_o bring_v liberal_a oblation_n with_o they_o to_o the_o church_n to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o upon_o part_n of_o those_o oblation_n to_o feed_v together_o with_o that_o humility_n impartiality_n and_o communicativeness_n of_o affliction_n which_o become_v a_o family_n whereof_o the_o tender-hearted_a jesus_n be_v the_o head_n 3._o and_o to_o confirm_v this_o thing_n further_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o these_o feast_n which_o accompany_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v call_v agapae_n or_o feast_n of_o love_n and_o st._n judas_n make_v express_v mention_n of_o they_o at_o the_o 12._o verse_n of_o his_o epistle_n where_o speak_v of_o the_o lewd_a gnostic_n he_o say_v these_o be_v spot_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
all_o such_o as_o at_o any_o time_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v if_o they_o stay_v not_o to_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n devotion_n which_o now_o be_v as_o it_o be_v vanish_v into_o smoak_n in_o those_o time_n shine_v in_o a_o mighty_a flame_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v on_o fire_n and_o their_o zeal_n be_v active_a and_o sprightly_a in_o this_o particular_a because_o they_o reckon_v it_o a_o necessary_a piece_n of_o religion_n i_o confess_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o that_o which_o make_v a_o thing_n necessary_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o strong_a argument_n of_o its_o necessity_n as_o be_v a_o good_a comment_n upon_o our_o lord_n command_n the_o continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n downward_o do_v show_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o do_v look_v upon_o themselves_o great_o oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o frequent_a participation_n of_o this_o mystery_n because_o he_o say_v do_v this_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o they_o conclude_v themselves_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o often_o and_o lest_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o often_o enough_o they_o do_v it_o daily_o but_o i_o will_v not_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o daily_a communion_n yet_o this_o we_o must_v affirm_v indefinite_o and_o in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o communicate_v often_o so_o that_o if_o nothing_o be_v want_v but_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n to_o omit_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n a_o violation_n of_o christ_n law_n and_o if_o we_o think_v the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v it_o too_o often_o they_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v follow_v yet_o than_o many_o now_o a_o day_n who_o either_o do_v it_o not_o at_o all_o or_o at_o most_o but_o once_o or_o twice_o a_o year_n and_o even_o then_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o something_o else_o beside_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o do_v constrain_v they_o 2._o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o necessity_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o our_o lord_n command_n but_o beside_o this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v evil_a not_o in_o itself_o only_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o very_a evil_a cause_n whence_o this_o shameful_a neglect_n come_v for_o that_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v any_o other_o than_o some_o lurk_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o man_n heart_n which_o make_v this_o sacrament_n so_o formidable_a in_o their_o eye_n since_o at_o this_o ordinance_n god_n offer_v to_o man_n all_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v the_o conveyance_n but_o a_o impenitent_a and_o wicked_a heart_n on_o the_o recipient_n part_n hardly_o will_v any_o man_n refuse_v so_o great_a salvation_n do_v not_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o love_n of_o sin_n he_o may_v take_v poison_n into_o his_o mouth_n instead_o of_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o the_o great_a contempt_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v cause_v most_o by_o some_o root_n of_o bitterness_n that_o be_v in_o man_n breast_n which_o render_v the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n very_o unsavoury_a and_o loathsome_a unto_o they_o the_o world_n general_o be_v evil_a and_o many_o love_n to_o be_v so_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n how_o else_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o crowd_n many_o time_n into_o the_o church_n in_o throng_n and_o multitude_n to_o prayer_n and_o especial_o with_o itch_a ear_n after_o a_o sermon_n when_o yet_o we_o see_v a_o very_a slender_a appearance_n especial_o in_o some_o place_n at_o the_o sacrament_n certain_o we_o must_v conclude_v or_o mistrust_v at_o least_o that_o people_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o many_o vice_n which_o they_o be_v fond_a of_o and_o willing_o allow_v and_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o and_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v forsake_v those_o vice_n they_o forbear_v this_o ordinance_n because_o they_o can_v live_v wicked_o and_o participate_v too_o without_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o most_o horrible_a crime_n to_o value_v a_o few_o paltry_a lust_n above_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o prefer_v some_o sensual_a and_o brutish_a enjoyment_n before_o those_o admirable_a and_o astonish_a blessing_n which_o be_v tender_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o which_o great_o kindle_v the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o they_o that_o they_o slight_v the_o manna_n which_o david_n call_v the_o food_n of_o angel_n and_o lust_v after_o the_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n the_o cucumber_n the_o melon_n the_o leek_n the_o onion_n and_o the_o garlic_n num._n 11._o much_o more_o will_v it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o intolerable_a crime_n in_o we_o if_o we_o make_v light_n of_o the_o great_a blessing_n that_o heaven_n can_v bestow_v as_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n a_o assurance_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o felicity_n of_o bless_a soul_n i_o say_v if_o we_o slight_a and_o reject_v all_o these_o out_o of_o favour_n to_o our_o sensitive_a appetite_n that_o we_o may_v still_o pursue_v the_o unprofitable_a work_n of_o darkness_n and_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v both_o beastly_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o very_o short_a for_o their_o continuance_n as_o maximus_n 20._o max._n tyr._n ser._n 20._o tyrius_n a_o heathen_a philosopher_n argue_v who_o be_v so_o mad_a so_o bewitch_v so_o bias_v by_o his_o affection_n that_o for_o the_o love_n of_o small_a and_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o uncertain_a enjoyment_n of_o doubtful_a hope_n and_o questionable_a prosperity_n will_v not_o change_v his_o life_n for_o a_o better_a and_o betake_v himself_o to_o that_o which_o be_v solid_a and_o unquestionable_a happiness_n yet_o of_o such_o corrupt_a and_o object_v spirit_n be_v they_o who_o neither_o love_n nor_o dare_v to_o partake_v of_o this_o covenant_n feast_n man_n of_o such_o debauch_a mind_n and_o impure_a conscience_n that_o they_o prize_v the_o most_o fordo_v consideration_n above_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o bless_a eternity_n like_o unclean_a swine_n that_o contemn_v the_o sweet_a repose_n in_o comparison_n of_o a_o dunghill_n and_o a_o bed_n of_o mire_n be_v not_o man_n earthly_a and_o sensual_a every_o one_o will_v strive_v to_o be_v a_o companion_n at_o the_o altar_n it_o be_v a_o pollute_v heart_n that_o hinder_v man_n approach_n because_o they_o that_o be_v wicked_a will_v be_v wicked_a still_o and_o that_o be_v a_o great_a reason_n why_o the_o neglect_v of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v sinful_a forasmuch_o as_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a cause_n a_o evil_a and_o a_o rot_a heart_n 3._o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o person_n who_o be_v concern_v will_v serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o be_v so_o provident_a too_o as_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o this_o neglect_n and_o see_v what_o a_o immediate_a and_o irreparable_a injury_n they_o be_v like_a to_o do_v to_o their_o own_o soul_n by_o it_o which_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o consideration_n for_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v plain_a joh._n 6._o except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n all_o the_o ancient_n do_v with_o one_o v._n one_o illud_fw-la in_o primis_fw-la animadvertendum_fw-la occurrit_fw-la quoties_fw-la apud_fw-la veteres_fw-la agitur_fw-la de_fw-la hoc_fw-la sacramento_n verba_fw-la domini_fw-la nostri_fw-la quae_fw-la joan._n cap._n 6._o referuntur_fw-la caro_fw-la mea_fw-la verè_fw-la est_fw-la cibus_fw-la &_o sanguis_fw-la meus_fw-la verè_fw-la est_fw-la potus_fw-la panis_n quem_fw-la ego_fw-la dabo_fw-la caro_fw-la mea_fw-la est_fw-la et_fw-la nisi_fw-la ederitis_fw-la carnem_fw-la silii_fw-la hominis_fw-la etc._n etc._n ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la sacramentum_fw-la omnes_fw-la applicant_n nec_fw-la audiendi_fw-la sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la tanta_fw-la nube_fw-la testium_fw-la refragante_fw-la negant_fw-la illud_fw-la caput_fw-la joannis_n huc_fw-la referendum_fw-la diallacticon_fw-la edit_fw-la londin_n 1688._o p._n 15._o 9_o v._n consent_n and_o mouth_n apply_v to_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o st._n austin_n himself_o urge_v it_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n even_o of_o infant_n communion_n which_o be_v then_o a_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n that_o indeed_o be_v a_o error_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o abundant_a piety_n of_o those_o time_n and_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o that_o custom_n be_v ground_v be_v not_o strong_a
be_v absolute_o assure_v of_o all_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a because_o we_o have_v no_o plain_a revelation_n to_o ground_n that_o assurance_n upon_o 2._o because_o such_o a_o assurance_n be_v i_o possess_v of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o divine_a but_o a_o humane_a faith_n and_o consequent_o it_o will_v be_v fallible_a and_o very_a uncertain_a for_o it_o must_v be_v ground_v mere_o on_o my_o reflect_v upon_o myself_o and_o upon_o my_o compare_v my_o condition_n with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o my_o judgement_n touch_v my_o own_o state_n be_v still_o but_o a_o humane_a act_n arise_v from_o those_o observation_n which_o i_o myself_o make_v and_o i_o can_v as_o firm_o and_o reasonable_o believe_v that_o i_o be_o a_o penitent_n as_o i_o do_v believe_v that_o god_n will_v pardon_v penitent_n because_o i_o have_v his_o word_n for_o the_o latter_a and_o only_o my_o own_o word_n for_o the_o former_a and_o we_o know_v that_o every_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o be_v partial_a to_o himself_o and_o natural_o apt_a to_o think_v better_a thing_n of_o himself_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v and_o to_o take_v every_o mole_n in_o his_o face_n for_o a_o beauty-spot_n therefore_o since_o a_o man_n can_v have_v any_o assurance_n of_o his_o state_n but_o by_o private_a reflection_n upon_o himself_o see_v such_o a_o reflection_n be_v a_o humane_a act_n and_o since_o every_o work_n of_o man_n be_v deceitful_a it_o plain_o follow_v that_o such_o a_o assurance_n be_v not_o necessary_a i_o wish_v therefore_o that_o man_n will_v be_v modest_a in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a case_n and_o not_o impose_v such_o burden_n upon_o their_o own_o and_o other_o man_n conscience_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o rack_v and_o disquiet_v their_o mind_n but_o can_v settle_v they_o upon_o a_o firm_a bottom_n the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v of_o a_o obvious_a nature_n and_o since_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v straight_o already_o man_n shall_v be_v very_o careful_a that_o they_o do_v not_o add_v to_o the_o difficulty_n by_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n and_o render_v that_o entrance_n impossible_a which_o already_o be_v so_o narrow_a that_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o in_o answer_n then_o to_o this_o enquiry_n what_o it_o be_v that_o every_o communicant_a be_v bind_v to_o believe_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o fair_a and_o satisfactory_a truth_n that_o the_o faith_n require_v be_v a_o cordial_n and_o comfortable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o christianity_n comprise_v in_o the_o creed_n and_o particular_o that_o christ_n be_v so_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v all_o to_o the_o uttermost_a that_o come_v unto_o god_n by_o he_o which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o article_n touch_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n these_o be_v plain_a assertion_n for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o when_o i_o call_v this_o a_o cordial_a and_o comfortable_a persuasion_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o steadfast_a belief_n in_o christ_n as_o serve_v to_o apply_v christ_n merit_n to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o self_n which_o divine_v call_v a_o particular_a faith_n to_o believe_v in_o christ_n comfortable_o be_v not_o only_o to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n at_o large_a and_o in_o a_o general_n proposition_n but_o moreover_o to_o believe_v for_o one_o self_n to_o be_v thorough_o satisfy_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n that_o come_v to_o seek_v and_o to_o save_v that_o which_o be_v lose_v and_o to_o save_v even_o i_o among_o other_o that_o he_o taste_v death_n for_o every_o man_n and_o in_o particular_a for_o i_o that_o his_o blood_n be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o even_o for_o i_o that_o he_o be_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n for_o my_o brethren_n and_o for_o i_o also_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n to_o all_o that_o do_v obey_v he_o and_o that_o even_o i_o shall_v have_v benefit_n by_o his_o promise_n if_o i_o make_v good_a the_o condition_n in_o a_o word_n that_o he_o be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o with_o he_o there_o be_v plenteous_a redemption_n for_o i_o and_o for_o thou_o and_o for_o we_o all_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o to_o be_v thus_o persuade_v be_v enough_o for_o any_o communicant_a in_o genere_fw-la fidei_fw-la and_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n indeed_o in_o genere_fw-la morum_fw-la as_o to_o matter_n of_o practice_n repentance_n and_o universal_a obedience_n be_v necessary_a too_o but_o now_o we_o be_v consider_v not_o how_o much_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o communicant_a to_o practice_n but_o how_o much_o be_v needful_a for_o he_o to_o believe_v and_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o i_o have_v now_o describe_v be_v sufficient_a if_o man_n do_v but_o add_v to_o this_o faith_n virtue_n 1._o that_o this_o be_v so_o will_v easy_o appear_v if_o we_o impartial_o consider_v first_o that_o this_o be_v the_o faith_n which_o be_v necessary_o require_v of_o all_o christian_n and_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o this_o be_v eternal_a life_n that_o they_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o joh._n 17._o 3._o the_o sense_n of_o which_o place_n be_v that_o the_o sincere_a and_o hearty_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o his_o holy_a child_n jesus_n be_v the_o infallible_a way_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n there_o be_v many_o truth_n wrap_v and_o fold_v up_o in_o the_o bosom_n of_o that_o text_n which_o the_o compiler_n of_o the_o apostolical_a creed_n have_v draw_v out_o into_o several_a article_n to_o know_v jesus_n or_o to_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n signify_v in_o the_o dialect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o own_v he_o to_o have_v be_v send_v by_o god_n commission_n that_o he_o come_v to_o redeem_v we_o and_o to_o bless_v we_o and_o to_o die_v for_o we_o to_o have_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o his_o merit_n to_o believe_v that_o all_o power_n both_o to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v be_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o to_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o in_o and_o through_o he_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n may_v be_v obtain_v by_o all_o that_o will_v lay_v hold_n on_o he_o and_o love_v he_o in_o sincerity_n now_o if_o this_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a as_o touch_v matter_n of_o faith_n to_o entitle_v a_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v it_o be_v than_o it_o be_v enough_o also_o to_o give_v a_o man_n the_o liberty_n of_o communicate_v because_o more_o can_v be_v require_v to_o admit_v we_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n than_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o admission_n into_o heaven_n certain_o that_o faith_n which_o suffice_v to_o bring_v we_o hereafter_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lamb_n must_v be_v sufficient_a to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o that_o be_v not_o a_o confident_a presumption_n of_o a_o man_n absolute_a pardon_n and_o election_n unto_o happiness_n but_o a_o firm_a and_o comfortable_a persuasion_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_o sinner_n which_o be_v a_o most_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n say_v st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 15._o 2._o that_o this_o faith_n be_v enough_o for_o a_o communicant_a will_v appear_v second_o from_o its_o anaglogy_n and_o proportion_n to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o first_o disciple_n it_o be_v st._n peter_n confession_n for_o which_o he_o be_v call_v bless_v thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n matth._n 16._o 16._o it_o be_v martha_n confession_n lord_n i_o believe_v that_o thou_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n joh._n 11._o 27._o it_o be_v the_o eunuch_n confession_n i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n act._n 8._o 37._o nay_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o confession_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n before_o every_o particular_a be_v extract_v which_o lie_v hide_v and_o fold_v up_o in_o it_o we_o believe_v and_o be_v sure_a that_o thou_o be_v that_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n joh._n 6._o 69._o now_o do_v but_o consider_v and_o judge_v in_o yourselves_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o ratianal_a man_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o faith_n which_o serve_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o those_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o dispose_v and_o fit_v we_o for_o the_o sacrament_n certain_o by_o the_o same_o faith_n whereby_o the_o disciple_n of_o old_a feel_v and_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o life_n we_o may_v also_o feed_v on_o he_o for_o this_o
likely_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o high_a aggravation_n any_o action_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o that_o let_v he_o palliate_v it_o as_o he_o can_v it_o be_v undoubted_o a_o wilful_a habit._fw-la and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o such_o a_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a as_o change_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n such_o a_o repentance_n as_o make_v a_o man_n lie_v aside_o utter_o every_o vicious_a custom_n such_o a_o repentance_n as_o effectual_o bend_v his_o mind_n to_o a_o entire_a practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n for_o the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o transform_v every_o one_o into_o the_o divine_a image_n to_o make_v he_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o render_v he_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a nature_n holy_a and_o pure_a as_o god_n himself_o be_v and_o sorrow_n for_o what_o be_v past_a be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o such_o a_o godlike_a life_n that_o repentance_n must_v needs_o be_v trifle_a and_o impertinent_a which_o do_v not_o powerful_o carry_v on_o those_o divine_a purpose_n and_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o one_o that_o persist_v in_o a_o evil_a state_n and_o course_n to_o be_v a_o true_a penitent_a at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v hell_n and_o heaven_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o repentance_n be_v a_o high_a and_o noble_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o sob_n and_o groan_n nor_o mere_o in_o the_o anguish_n and_o throw_v of_o a_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o rack_n for_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o gild_n and_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o inward_a torment_n may_v proceed_v pure_o from_o a_o present_a apprehension_n of_o vengeance_n which_o every_o man_n will_v willing_o avoid_v though_o he_o delight_v in_o that_o which_o bring_v it_o upon_o he_o no_o repentance_n that_o be_v genuine_a work_v a_o total_a change_n turn_v the_o desire_v towards_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n improve_v and_o raise_v up_o the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o man_n to_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o god_n of_o who_o glory_n those_o divine_a grace_n which_o religion_n propose_v to_o our_o practice_n be_v a_o copy_n and_o transcript_n infinite_o distant_a from_o this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o that_o man_n who_o love_v to_o wallow_v in_o vice_n sensuality_n and_o corruption_n people_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o temper_v be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v tender_v by_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n and_o which_o be_v seal_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o the_o scripture_n plain_o threaten_v indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n to_o every_o soul_n that_o work_v evil_a after_o this_o manner_n to_o such_o as_o obey_v vnrighteousness_n to_o such_o as_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n to_o such_o as_o let_v sin_n reign_v in_o their_o mortal_a body_n to_o such_o as_o yield_v themselves_o up_o to_o vnrighteousness_n to_o such_o as_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o such_o as_o obey_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o to_o such_o as_o walk_v on_o in_o darkness_n and_o lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o conform_v themselves_o to_o this_o world_n by_o all_o which_o expression_n and_o many_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o scripture_n mean_v such_o as_o continue_v and_o persist_v in_o a_o ungodly_a course_n in_o a_o crooked_a way_n in_o a_o vicious_a manner_n and_o habit_n of_o life_n for_o which_o reason_n when_o man_n intend_v to_o go_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n where_o every_o one_o be_v sure_a to_o receive_v something_o either_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n to_o himself_o they_o shall_v take_v themselves_o to_o a_o very_a strict_a account_n and_o impartial_o observe_v what_o that_o way_n be_v wherein_o they_o be_v use_v to_o go_v and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o so_o ill_o give_v as_o that_o they_o willing_o follow_v their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o resolve_v to_o do_v so_o still_o in_o spite_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o check_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o must_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a present_v themselves_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o utter_o forbear_v till_o they_o have_v true_o humble_v themselves_o under_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o impiety_n as_o work_v that_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o entrance_n upon_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o true_a religion_n if_o there_o be_v not_o this_o divine_a disposition_n of_o soul_n in_o they_o they_o be_v no_o more_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n than_o judas_n that_o betray_v he_o or_o pilate_n that_o condemn_v he_o or_o the_o jew_n that_o mock_v he_o or_o the_o soldier_n that_o stick_v a_o spear_n into_o his_o side_n and_o if_o he_o go_v to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n while_o he_o go_v on_o still_o in_o his_o wickedness_n he_o do_v but_o take_v a_o large_a step_n towards_o his_o own_o destruction_n such_o a_o one_o despise_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n trample_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o account_v it_o a_o unholy_a thing_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o refreshment_n for_o a_o beast_n and_o he_o be_v like_o one_o that_o bring_v a_o swine_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o feed_v upon_o the_o bread_n of_o eternal_a life_n therefore_o before_o we_o celebrate_v so_o great_a a_o mystery_n we_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o strict_a engagement_n to_o bind_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o most_o serious_a vow_n and_o to_o set_v up_o very_o strong_a and_o powerful_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n lest_o in_o make_v too_o great_a haste_n to_o so_o divine_a and_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n we_o make_v haste_n to_o perish_v and_o to_o be_v undo_v for_o nothing_o make_v we_o capable_a without_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n as_o 2._o as_o justin_n mart._n apol._n 2._o justin_n martyr_v say_v the_o food_n at_o the_o eucharist_n be_v not_o lawful_a to_o be_v receive_v but_o by_o such_o as_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v true_a and_o have_v be_v wash_v in_o the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n and_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o christ_n prescription_n 53._o prescription_n habentem_fw-la adhuc_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la peccandi_fw-la gravari_fw-la magis_fw-la dico_fw-la eucharistiae_fw-la perceptione_n quam_fw-la purificari_fw-la s._n aug._n de_fw-fr eccles_n dogmat._n c._n 53._o and_o he_o that_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o a_o design_n and_o purpose_n to_o sin_n on_o still_o instead_o of_o be_v refresh_v and_o purify_v by_o receive_v be_v the_o more_o heavy_o lade_v and_o receive_v a_o cup_n of_o bitterness_n instead_o of_o a_o salutary_a cordial_n here_o a_o question_n may_v arise_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o one_o to_o communicate_v upon_o serious_a vow_n and_o resolution_n only_o that_o be_v before_o he_o have_v try_v the_o strength_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n who_o have_v lead_v a_o dissolute_a life_n to_o be_v through_o the_o pierce_a power_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n strike_v so_o on_o a_o sudden_a into_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o gild_n and_o danger_n as_o to_o resolve_v and_o undertake_v present_o to_o forsake_v his_o impiety_n and_o perhaps_o too_o his_o outward_a circumstance_n may_v be_v such_o that_o if_o he_o miss_v the_o opportunity_n he_o have_v now_o before_o he_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a danger_n of_o not_o meet_v with_o another_o in_o which_o particular_a case_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o debar_v he_o from_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ordinance_n which_o effectual_o give_v the_o benefit_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n to_o every_o true_a penitent_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v they_o to_o that_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n who_o be_v convert_v in_o a_o moment_n indeed_o where_o man_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v straighten_a in_o their_o circumstance_n but_o have_v probable_o time_n before_o they_o to_o make_v some_o experiment_n of_o their_o resolution_n it_o be_v very_o expedient_a for_o they_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o retirement_n to_o weep_v bitter_o to_o observe_v what_o ground_n they_o be_v able_a to_o gain_v of_o their_o habitual_a vice_n what_o victory_n they_o get_v over_o their_o own_o heart_n by_o suitable_a act_n of_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v undertake_v for_o the_o eradicate_v of_o inveterate_a habit_n by_o these_o mean_n they_o will_v afterward_o come_v to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n with_o better_a advantage_n because_o with_o more_o comfort_n with_o more_o confidence_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n than_o such_o as_o have_v not_o make_v any_o trial_n of_o the_o firmness_n and_o
promise_n at_o his_o hand_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v what_o a_o become_a and_o suitable_a posture_n kneel_v be_v at_o this_o great_a solemnity_n and_o how_o natural_o it_o follow_v where_o people_n entertain_v right_a notion_n of_o it_o and_o come_v unto_o it_o with_o humble_a mind_n nor_o can_v i_o sufficient_o admire_v that_o of_o all_o the_o usage_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o so_o significant_a so_o decent_a a_o ceremony_n shall_v ever_o become_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o matter_n of_o dispute_n certain_o it_o must_v be_v a_o ill_a sign_n of_o very_o lofty_a imagination_n when_o there_o be_v such_o stiffness_n in_o man_n knee_n but_o it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o i_o to_o proceed_v chap._n xii_o of_o our_o behaviour_n after_o receive_v when_o we_o have_v thus_o devout_o employ_v this_o bless_a hour_n we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o our_o great_a business_n be_v at_o a_o end_n that_o we_o may_v now_o drop_v those_o religious_a consideration_n which_o hitherto_o take_v up_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n that_o we_o may_v now_o go_v home_o leave_v our_o vow_n and_o resolution_n behind_o we_o in_o the_o church_n much_o less_o may_v we_o think_v ourselves_o free_a to_o fall_v afresh_o upon_o our_o former_a course_n of_o life_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o business_n be_v yet_o before_o we_o and_o to_o stop_v and_o rest_v here_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v hitherto_o employ_v our_o mind_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o unravel_v our_o whole_a work_n and_o to_o defeat_v the_o design_n of_o this_o heavenly_a ordinance_n for_o this_o rite_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n though_o it_o be_v of_o admirable_a use_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o natural_o and_o intrinsical_o good_a as_o those_o act_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v wherein_o the_o substance_n and_o excellence_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v but_o it_o iâ—_n a_o relative_n thing_n institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o promote_v and_o carry_v on_o that_o noble_a end_n for_o which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 12._o here_o indeed_o we_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n by_o devote_v unto_o god_n the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n but_o as_o the_o groundwork_n be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o superstructure_n so_o be_v our_o action_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o further_o edify_v and_o perfect_v of_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v build_v up_o more_o and_o more_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o be_v sit_o frame_v together_o and_o compact_a may_v grow_v and_o rise_v up_o by_o degree_n to_o a_o holy_a temple_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n this_o you_o will_v easy_o perceive_v if_o you_o observe_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n itself_o it_o be_v first_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o very_a death_n of_o christ_n a_o representation_n exhibit_v to_o our_o sense_n by_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o wine_n and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a but_o to_o awaken_v our_o fear_n by_o show_v we_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o for_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o world_n gild_n spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n nor_o will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o world_n at_o a_o low_a rate_n than_o by_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o torment_n and_o death_n for_o we_o all_o what_o do_v it_o mean_v but_o to_o set_v our_o zeal_n a_o work_n upon_o mortify_v all_o our_o lust_n and_o affection_n and_o upon_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n what_o do_v it_o mean_v but_o to_o make_v we_o ever_o watchful_a and_o circumspect_a lest_o we_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n heb._n 10._o 26._o it_o be_v second_o a_o memorial_n of_o christ_n love_n love_v strong_a than_o death_n that_o make_v he_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o the_o ungodly_a and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a but_o to_o kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o most_o ardent_a affection_n to_o he_o again_o who_o so_o love_v we_o as_o to_o die_v for_o we_o the_o great_a affection_n this_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o mortal_a man_n to_o express_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n but_o yet_o infinite_o short_a of_o that_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n express_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o his_o enemy_n in_o this_o he_o commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o above_o all_o proportion_n and_o comparison_n in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a it_o be_v three_o a_o foederal_a solemnity_n whereby_o we_o renew_v the_o covenant_n we_o enter_v into_o at_o our_o baptism_n vow_v promise_v and_o engage_v over_o the_o symbol_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n and_o swear_v as_o it_o be_v with_o our_o hand_n lay_v upon_o the_o redeemer_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o will_v henceforth_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a but_o to_o bind_v we_o with_o the_o most_o solemn_a security_n and_o under_o the_o most_o dreadful_a penalty_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n to_o deny_v all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o as_o not_o to_o follow_v or_o be_v lead_v by_o they_o and_o not_o only_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o purity_n but_o to_o present_v even_o our_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o for_o the_o farther_n of_o all_o these_o noble_a end_n this_o mystery_n be_v in_o the_o four_o place_n the_o very_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n a_o instrument_n that_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o all_o necessary_a and_o suitable_a assistance_n and_o a_o title_n under_o seal_n to_o all_o the_o evangelical_n promise_v and_o particular_o to_o this_o that_o he_o that_o persever_v unto_o the_o end_n the_o same_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n god_n will_v render_v eternal_a life_n rom._n 2._o 7._o and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a too_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v grow_v in_o grace_n that_o we_o must_v not_o grieve_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o may_v and_o give_v all_o manner_n of_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n unto_o grace_n sure_a and_o effectual_a by_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n or_o courage_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n charity_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n to_o all_o mankind_n and_o even_o to_o our_o enemy_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n itself_o be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o high_o useful_a for_o the_o present_a but_o of_o mighty_a importance_n for_o the_o future_a it_o have_v a_o tendency_n forward_o and_o it_o drive_v at_o mighty_a end_n which_o our_o endeavour_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v about_o after_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o be_v over_o that_o we_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o come_v every_o day_n near_o and_o near_o to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v this_o still_o we_o may_v observe_v second_o that_o those_o very_a preparation_n which_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o worthy_a communicate_v do_v all_o look_v the_o same_o way_n and_o have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n thus_o faith_n or_o the_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n upon_o those_o evidence_n and_o motive_n it_o carry_v with_o it_o be_v natural_o productive_a of_o constant_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n for_o as_o it_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o folly_n the_o shamefulness_n and_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o sin_n so_o it_o show_v
we_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o excellence_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n it_o propose_v christ_n yoke_n as_o a_o easy_a thing_n especial_o to_o such_o as_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o the_o spirit_n assistance_n and_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o the_o familiar_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o though_o at_o the_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o life_n of_o holiness_n there_o may_v be_v many_o difficulty_n for_o we_o to_o grapple_v with_o affection_n to_o be_v regulate_v evil_a habit_n to_o be_v eradicate_v pleasure_n and_o secular_a advantage_n to_o be_v deny_v when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o our_o duty_n and_o though_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o our_o life_n many_o temptation_n from_o within_o and_o without_o we_o be_v to_o be_v resist_v many_o hardship_n and_o trial_n to_o be_v expect_v and_o abundance_n of_o discouragement_n of_o several_a kind_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o before_o we_o die_v yet_o we_o learn_v from_o our_o religion_n that_o the_o present_a satisfaction_n which_o attend_v a_o course_n of_o virtue_n be_v so_o great_a and_o the_o future_a reward_n which_o be_v to_o crown_v it_o be_v so_o endless_a and_o unspeakable_a that_o upon_o weigh_v the_o one_o against_o the_o other_o we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o neither_o the_o pleasure_n nor_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n be_v worthy_a in_o the_o least_o measure_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v now_o if_o we_o bring_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o with_o we_o to_o the_o sacrament_n if_o we_o be_v strong_a and_o establish_v in_o it_o this_o alone_a will_v natural_o serve_v to_o defend_v we_o as_o with_o a_o shield_n from_o all_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o render_v we_o puissant_a enough_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 5._o but_o to_o prepare_v we_o the_o better_a still_o for_o a_o uninterrupted_a course_n of_o virtue_n we_o be_v moreover_o to_o repent_v we_o thorough_o for_o all_o our_o past_a sin_n and_o to_o present_v ourselves_o before_o god_n with_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n which_o be_v not_o require_v as_o a_o temporary_a disposition_n to_o be_v bring_v only_o at_o this_o time_n before_o the_o altar_n there_o to_o languish_v and_o die_v with_o vow_n that_o be_v abortive_a and_o that_o yield_v either_o no_o fruit_n at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o not_o perfect_a fruit_n of_o repentance_n no_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n the_o first_o rise_v and_o start_n towards_o the_o race_n that_o be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o as_o we_o run_v it_o our_o repentance_n must_v improve_v and_o grow_v from_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n to_o a_o hatred_n of_o it_o from_o this_o hatred_n of_o it_o to_o strong_a resolution_n against_o it_o and_o from_o those_o resolution_n against_o it_o to_o a_o utter_a abandon_v and_o forsake_v of_o it_o abstain_v not_o only_a from_o all_o sort_n but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 22._o in_o like_a manner_n those_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n and_o kindness_n which_o we_o put_v on_o at_o this_o time_n be_v to_o entender_v our_o nature_n for_o ever_o and_o to_o produce_v in_o we_o such_o large_a and_o generous_a affection_n as_o may_v extend_v not_o only_o to_o our_o brethren_n and_o friend_n and_o to_o the_o family_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o the_o whole_a offspring_n of_o adam_n to_o who_o we_o be_v so_o to_o open_v our_o compassion_n that_o such_o as_o be_v within_o our_o reach_n may_v participate_v those_o of_o our_o bread_n those_o of_o our_o instruction_n all_o of_o our_o good_a wish_n and_o prayer_n in_o imitation_n of_o that_o most_o bless_a pattern_n and_o idea_n of_o charity_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a heb._n 10._o 38._o brief_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o humility_n meekness_n patience_n self-denial_n heavenly-mindedness_a and_o the_o like_a wherewith_o our_o soul_n be_v to_o be_v array_v and_o adorn_v at_o this_o solemnity_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o tendency_n of_o they_o they_o be_v so_o many_o initial_a virtue_n to_o be_v improve_v and_o heighten_v still_o by_o the_o continual_a practice_n of_o they_o so_o that_o from_o act_n they_o may_v turn_v into_o disposition_n and_o from_o disposition_n may_v grow_v into_o habit_n which_o will_v quite_o change_v purify_v and_o raise_v our_o nature_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n unto_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n ephes_n 4._o 13._o i_o have_v the_o more_o particular_o insist_v upon_o this_o to_o show_v you_o the_o necessity_n of_o your_o watchfulness_n and_o industry_n after_o this_o bless_a solemnity_n be_v over_o you_o must_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n sit_v down_o present_o as_o if_o the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n and_o the_o business_n of_o your_o soul_n be_v quite_o do_v you_o must_v ever_o bear_v it_o in_o your_o mind_n that_o christianity_n require_v a_o life_n of_o virtue_n you_o must_v carry_v a_o steady_a eye_n upon_o the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o employ_v all_o your_o utmost_a endeavour_n in_o the_o vigorous_a pursuit_n of_o its_o noble_a end_n brethren_n say_v the_o apostle_n i_o count_v not_o myself_o to_o have_v apprehend_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n i_o do_v forget_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o and_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o i_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o prize_n of_o the_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 3._o 13_o 14._o and_o as_o it_o follow_v there_o let_v we_o as_o many_o as_o be_v perfect_a be_v thus_o mind_v still_o run_v and_o stretch_v as_o hard_o as_o we_o can_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n by_o a_o earnest_a pursuit_n of_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a and_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n phil._n 4._o 8._o remember_v i_o beseech_v you_o that_o this_o and_o other_o institute_v ordinance_n though_o they_o bring_v great_a peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o pious_a soul_n by_o the_o present_a administration_n of_o they_o they_o be_v still_o instrumental_a help_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o main_a purpose_n and_o will_n of_o god_n even_o our_o sanctification_n so_o that_o if_o we_o do_v not_o use_v this_o ordinance_n as_o a_o instrument_n of_o improve_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o as_o a_o mean_n pursuant_n thereunto_o whatever_o relish_v and_o pleasure_n it_o carry_v with_o it_o for_o the_o present_a it_o will_v not_o avail_v we_o as_o to_o the_o main_a for_o the_o benefit_n which_o be_v convey_v to_o all_o well-disposed_a heart_n by_o this_o sacrament_n be_v not_o only_o the_o enliven_a influence_n of_o christ_n spirit_n call_v christ_n spiritual_a body_n and_o blood_n because_o they_o flow_v and_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o disposer_n of_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o intercession_n but_o moreover_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n past_a and_o a_o title_n to_o a_o happy_a resurrection_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o come_v now_o as_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o influence_n of_o christ_n spirit_n be_v intend_v to_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o to_o con-naturalize_a our_o spirit_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n so_o be_v the_o latter_a the_o effect_n of_o his_o pure_a love_n and_o goodness_n whereby_o he_o reward_v those_o that_o resemble_v he_o by_o a_o similitude_n of_o nature_n i_o speak_v now_o not_o of_o god_n general_a love_n of_o benevolence_n which_o move_v he_o to_o do_v good_a to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v mere_o his_o creature_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o our_o probity_n or_o improbity_n in_o which_o sense_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v love_v the_o world_n joh._n 3._o 16._o but_o of_o that_o particular_a love_n which_o divine_v call_v love_n of_o friendship_n and_o complacency_n the_o formal_a object_n whereof_o be_v righteousness_n or_o a_o rectitude_n of_o nature_n conformable_a in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o his_o own_o as_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o ps_n 11._o 7._o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a this_o be_v a_o ray_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o correspondence_n thereof_o to_o his_o own_o divine_a perfection_n be_v the_o true_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o that_o especial_a love_n he_o bear_v to_o some_o more_o than_o he_o bear_v to_o other_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o he_o must_v love_v the_o image_n of_o
of_o which_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v say_v that_o since_o after_o they_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v again_o entangle_v therein_o and_o overcome_v the_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a with_o they_o than_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o have_v turn_v aside_o from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o 2_o pet._n 2._o 20_o 21._o i_o confess_v he_o speak_v there_o of_o their_o apostasy_n from_o christ_n religion_n to_o those_o abominable_a impurity_n which_o they_o have_v customary_o practise_v while_o they_o be_v yet_o pagan_n which_o be_v wickedness_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n far_o beyond_o any_o vice_n i_o hope_v that_o have_v be_v act_v by_o any_o who_o have_v be_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o yet_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n applicable_a to_o those_o who_o have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o god_n by_o this_o federal_n mystery_n take_v the_o confidence_n afterward_o to_o let_v themselves_o loose_v again_o to_o their_o enormity_n wherewith_o they_o have_v pollute_v their_o soul_n and_o conscience_n before_o the_o last_o state_n of_o those_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o first_o and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o hereby_o vice_n become_v familiar_a with_o they_o it_o lose_v that_o ugly_a and_o ghastly_a aspect_n which_o at_o first_o make_v it_o appear_v very_o shameful_a and_o frightful_a their_o acquaintance_n with_o it_o make_v it_o the_o more_o friendly_a and_o free_a like_a one_o converse_v with_o the_o devil_n that_o by_o degree_n wear_v off_o that_o horror_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o strike_v another_o through_o at_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o his_o appear_v there_o be_v natural_o such_o turpitude_n in_o wickedness_n and_o so_o contrary_a it_o be_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n that_o a_o innocent_a person_n when_o solicit_v to_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v startle_v at_o the_o first_o motion_n and_o if_o he_o be_v persuade_v to_o act_v it_o he_o can_v but_o feel_v great_a remorse_n and_o anguish_n in_o his_o mind_n after_o the_o commission_n but_o custom_n and_o familiarity_n direct_o tend_v not_o only_o to_o remove_v that_o fear_n and_o shame_n which_o be_v once_o such_o guard_n to_o the_o mind_n but_o moreover_o to_o make_v the_o conscience_n hard_a and_o crusty_a like_o flesh_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n so_o that_o it_o lose_v the_o faculty_n of_o sensation_n and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v come_v to_o such_o a_o wretched_a pass_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o repent_v and_o come_v to_o himself_o again_o without_o the_o mighty_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n as_o it_o be_v to_o live_v and_o move_v and_o breathe_v in_o a_o grave_a and_o what_o reason_n and_o ground_n be_v there_o to_o expect_v that_o extraordinary_a assistance_n after_o such_o monstrous_a provocation_n give_v notwithstanding_o the_o strict_a tie_n and_o engagement_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o resist_v of_o grieve_v and_o of_o quench_v the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v at_o the_o other_o sacrament_n and_o afterward_o at_o this_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a i_o say_v for_o such_o to_o fall_v of_o to_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n but_o by_o contumelious_o entreat_v the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n by_o offer_v great_a violence_n against_o his_o strive_n by_o spoil_v his_o holy_a workmanship_n and_o by_o bring_v to_o nought_o those_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o result_v and_o effect_n of_o his_o divine_a operation_n and_o what_o be_v all_o this_o but_o the_o next_o way_n to_o stifle_v and_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o his_o motion_n and_o to_o force_v he_o utter_o to_o depart_v because_o these_o hostility_n thus_o act_v against_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o loud_a clamour_n of_o conscience_n can_v proceed_v from_o any_o other_o cause_n but_o from_o will_n that_o be_v obstinate_o set_v upon_o evil_a and_o from_o affection_n that_o be_v desperate_o in_o love_n with_o that_o which_o necessary_o lead_v to_o destruction_n for_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o whoever_o come_v to_o this_o tremendous_a mystery_n must_v if_o he_o come_v with_o sincerity_n of_o heart_n carry_v with_o he_o these_o conviction_n that_o the_o religion_n he_o profess_v be_v of_o god_n that_o christ_n seal_v it_o upon_o the_o cross_n with_o that_o blood_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o representation_n in_o this_o mystery_n that_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o mankind_n be_v immutable_a that_o eternal_a life_n therein_o promise_v be_v to_o be_v choose_v before_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o a_o life_n of_o sanctity_n be_v the_o certain_a way_n to_o it_o that_o virtue_n be_v eligible_a of_o itself_o and_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n it_o reward_v they_o with_o in_o this_o life_n beyond_o the_o gross_a and_o transient_a pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o extreme_a folly_n for_o a_o man_n to_o choose_v those_o course_n which_o bring_v a_o kind_n of_o hell_n to_o he_o before_o he_o arrive_v at_o that_o which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n there_o be_v no_o understanding_n and_o serious_a person_n but_o must_v grant_v all_o this_o and_o more_o and_o therefore_o to_o relapse_n into_o a_o state_n of_o wickedness_n after_o so_o many_o vow_n after_o so_o many_o conviction_n and_o consequent_o after_o so_o many_o reluctancy_n and_o struggle_n of_o conscience_n can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o the_o strong_a malignity_n of_o a_o carnal_a mind_n which_o be_v perfect_a enmity_n against_o god_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o these_o be_v the_o reproach_n and_o danger_n of_o relapse_v into_o a_o wicked_a state_n of_o life_n after_o the_o reception_n of_o this_o sacrament_n and_o shall_v a_o man_n die_v in_o such_o a_o wretched_a condition_n i_o tremble_v to_o consider_v what_o a_o endless_a state_n of_o misery_n he_o must_v drop_v into_o next_o because_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v nothing_o but_o entire_a probity_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o virtuous_a temper_n can_v capacitate_v or_o dispose_v we_o for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v of_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n of_o inadvertency_n of_o infirmity_n and_o humane_a weakness_n for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a sufficient_a fence_n against_o they_o so_o there_o be_v no_o strict_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a entire_o from_o they_o nor_o be_v these_o the_o sin_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n cry_v out_o upon_o so_o as_o to_o threaten_v they_o with_o eternal_a death_n or_o with_o the_o dereliction_n of_o christ_n spirit_n no_o it_o be_v sin_v with_o a_o high_a hand_n and_o against_o a_o honest_a conscience_n and_o against_o stipulation_n and_o promise_n which_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o perform_v this_o be_v that_o presumptuous_a act_n which_o lay_v man_n naked_a and_o destitute_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o this_o life_n and_o leave_v they_o expose_v to_o god_n everlasting_a displeasure_n in_o the_o next_o you_o have_v therefore_o great_a need_n as_o soon_o as_o this_o solemnity_n be_v over_o as_o to_o bow_v your_o knee_n to_o the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v that_o he_o will_v now_o hold_v up_o your_o go_n in_o his_o path_n that_o your_o footstep_n may_v not_o slide_v so_o to_o be_v very_o circumspect_a and_o diligent_a yourselves_o to_o make_v straight_a path_n for_o your_o foot_n as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n speak_v lest_o any_o man_n shall_v fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v turn_v fornicator_n or_o profane_a person_n as_o esau_n who_o for_o one_o morsel_n of_o bread_n sell_v his_o birthright_n for_o you_o know_v how_o that_o afterward_o when_o he_o will_v have_v inherit_v the_o blessing_n he_o be_v reject_v for_o he_o find_v no_o place_n of_o repentance_n no_o way_n of_o change_v his_o father_n mind_n though_o he_o seek_v it_o earnest_o with_o tear_n heb._n 12._o chap._n xiii_o of_o perseverance_n i_o have_v discourse_v against_o relapse_v into_o a_o sinful_a course_n not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o forbear_v go_v backward_o or_o to_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n but_o because_o in_o order_n