the_o time_n of_o receive_v which_o be_v due_o perform_v we_o ought_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o religion_n practice_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v afterward_o in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n these_o thing_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o 2_o head_n namely_o such_o as_o we_o be_v to_o do_v 1_o in_o the_o church_n 2_o at_o home_n in_o the_o church_n we_o must_v perform_v 2_o duty_n 1_o have_v end_v the_o former_a meditation_n we_o ought_v each_o man_n in_o particular_a to_o give_v thanks_o unto_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n in_o this_o or_o the_o like_a form_n o_o lord_n i_o humble_o bless_v thy_o holy_a name_n for_o that_o thou_o have_v in_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o accept_v i_o at_o this_o thy_o table_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o thy_o elect_a &_o choose_a people_n and_o that_o thou_o have_v so_o gracious_o feed_v my_o languish_a soul_n with_o the_o precious_a body_n &_o blood_n of_o christ_n jesus_n i_o confess_v o_o lord_n that_o i_o be_o not_o worthy_a of_o the_o least_o of_o thy_o favour_n but_o see_v it_o have_v please_v thou_o thus_o to_o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o give_v i_o grace_n i_o humble_o beseech_v thou_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o this_o thy_o mercy_n in_o newness_n of_o life_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o holy_a name_n &_o the_o salvation_n of_o my_o sinful_a soul_n even_o for_o thy_o mercy_n sake_n amen_o 2._o after_o this_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o prayer_n &_o thanksgiving_n praise_v god_n for_o his_o goodness_n and_o so_o depart_v love_o together_o with_o joyful_a heart_n that_o god_n have_v so_o gracious_o entertain_v we_o his_o unworthy_a servant_n after_o we_o be_v come_v home_o we_o be_v further_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o 2._o duty_n 1._o meditation_n meditate_v serious_o what_o comfort_n we_o have_v receive_v by_o be_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n upon_o which_o consideration_n if_o we_o find_v any_o good_a motion_n in_o ourselves_o any_o assurance_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o ought_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o cherish_v the_o same_o by_o the_o comfortable_a remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n &_o passion_n for_o we_o &_o so_o much_o the_o more_o lift_v up_o our_o thankful_a heart_n unto_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n as_o saint_n paul_n sweet_o exhort_v the_o colossian_n say_v as_o you_o have_v receive_v christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n so_o walk_v you_o in_o he_o root_v &_o build_v up_o in_o he_o &_o establish_v in_o the_o faith_n abound_v therein_o with_o thanksgiving_n col._n 2.6.7_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o solomon_n make_v a_o true_a note_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n that_o he_o will_v ever_o be_v increase_v those_o good_a gift_n which_o he_o have_v in_o he_o when_o he_o say_v prov._n 4.18_o the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o the_o shine_a light_n that_o shine_v more_o and_o more_o unto_o perfect_a day_n when_o therefore_o we_o shall_v find_v a_o little_a faith_n a_o little_a love_n in_o we_o as_o god_n know_v the_o best_a of_o we_o have_v little_a enough_o let_v we_o desire_v to_o increase_v it_o and_o to_o have_v our_o corruption_n diminish_v for_o these_o desire_n be_v a_o beginning_n of_o grace_n and_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o heart_n well_o affect_v and_o of_o this_o desire_n we_o can_v make_v a_o better_a trial_n than_o by_o consider_v whether_o we_o long_o to_o receive_v again_o the_o next_o time_n that_o so_o these_o good_a beginning_n may_v be_v the_o more_o perfect_v but_o if_o we_o find_v not_o this_o comfort_n in_o we_o let_v we_o search_v into_o ourselves_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o sin_n in_o we_o as_o yet_o unrepented_a of_o and_o whether_o we_o come_v not_o so_o well_o prepare_v to_o the_o communion_n as_o we_o shall_v if_o so_o then_o ought_v we_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n with_o sorrow_n for_o this_o our_o negligence_n if_o we_o can_v see_v this_o in_o we_o but_o that_o we_o come_v well_o prepare_v then_o must_v we_o patient_o wait_v the_o lord_n leisure_n and_o pray_v earnest_o that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o spirit_n with_o full_a assurance_n that_o he_o will_v grant_v our_o request_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v best_a for_o us._n the_o second_o duty_n wherein_o we_o must_v be_v exercise_v at_o home_n be_v a_o resolution_n or_o constant_a purpose_n of_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n whereunto_o saint_n paul_n earnest_o invit_v we_o rom._n 6.19_o say_n as_o you_o have_v yield_v your_o member_n servant_n to_o uncleanness_n &_o to_o iniquity_n unto_o iniquity_n even_o so_o now_o yield_v your_o member_n servant_n to_o righteousness_n unto_o holiness_n and_o why_o because_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v servant_n unto_o god_n we_o have_v our_o fruit_n not_o unto_o sin_n but_o unto_o holiness_n ver_fw-la 22._o shall_v we_o then_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n &_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n &_o yet_o return_v unto_o sin_n again_o god_n forbid_v if_o we_o do_v so_o we_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a which_o s._n paul_n beseech_v the_o corinthian_n to_o take_v heed_n of_o 2_o cor._n 6.1_o now_o what_o be_v it_o but_o to_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a when_o after_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n of_o this_o world_n through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n &_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v again_o entangle_v therewith_o &_o as_o the_o sow_n to_o the_o mire_n return_v to_o our_o former_a course_n of_o life_n again_o saint_n peter_n will_v assure_v we_o that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a never_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o we_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o us._n 2_o pet._n 2.21_o and_o well_o be_v it_o if_o this_o be_v due_o consider_v of_o some_o who_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o live_v precise_o that_o day_n in_o which_o they_o receive_v though_o perhaps_o they_o can_v scarce_o do_v that_o and_o present_o afterwards_o live_v as_o profane_o and_o loose_o as_o ever_o they_o do_v but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o god_n expect_v a_o daily_a reformation_n of_o those_o which_o present_v themselves_o at_o his_o table_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o due_o consider_v of_o it_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a acknowledge_v it_o as_o saint_n paul_n plain_o tell_v the_o hebrew_n say_v 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 but_o a_o certain_a fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n heb._n 10.26.27_o now_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n before_o god_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o to_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n 3_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o us._n 1_o what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o 2._o what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v 3._o what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v the_o first_o be_v right_o know_v afford'_v we_o a_o perfect_a direction_n for_o our_o hope_n the_o second_o for_o our_o faith_n the_o three_o for_o our_o piety_n the_o 1_o we_o have_v full_o set_v down_o in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n compose_v by_o christ_n himself_o as_o a_o most_o exact_a rule_n for_o all_o our_o prayer_n the_o second_o in_o the_o creed_n which_o contain_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n call_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o three_o in_o the_o 10._o commandment_n write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o holy_a word_n to_o be_v our_o direction_n both_o for_o our_o holiness_n towards_o god_n and_o our_o charity_n towards_o our_o neighbour_n these_o 3_o rule_n of_o our_o life_n the_o lord_n prayer_n the_o creed_n &_o the_o 10._o commandment_n be_v daily_o repeat_v of_o those_o of_o the_o mean_a and_o more_o simple_a sort_n but_o yet_o god_n know_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v by_o diverse_a to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n never_o do_v our_o land_n yea_o almost_o every_o house_n more_o free_o abound_v with_o fruitful_a and_o comfortable_a exposition_n upon_o these_o rule_n than_o now_o they_o do_v yet_o who_o look_v so_o far_o into_o they_o as_o to_o know_v thereby_o the_o full_a extent_n of_o any_o of_o they_o some_o few_o indeed_o there_o be_v whereof_o god_n increase_v the_o number_n who_o make_v a_o conscionable_a use_n of_o those_o good_a mean_n of_o salvation_n whereas_o other_o be_v well_o content_a yea_o with_o delight_n desire_n to_o read_v and_o that_o upon_o the_o best_a day_n vain_a and_o idle_a discourse_n which_o be_v so_o
offer_v according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o those_o in_o the_o act_n who_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o break_v of_o bread_n act._n 2.42_o the_o necessity_n of_o which_o duty_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o 2_o thing_n 1_o the_o principal_a cause_n which_o often_o keep_v we_o from_o it_o 2_o the_o motive_n which_o may_v draw_v we_o unto_o it_o first_o that_o which_o make_v we_o backward_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o be_v questionless_a the_o policy_n of_o our_o arch-enemy_n the_o devil_n who_o strive_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o draw_v we_o away_o either_o by_o a_o careless_a neglect_n of_o our_o chief_a good_a to_o feed_v rather_o on_o our_o own_o foolish_a imagination_n as_o he_o do_v they_o in_o the_o gospel_n who_o have_v rather_o see_v their_o ground_n or_o prove_v their_o ox_n than_o taste_n of_o that_o supper_n to_o which_o they_o be_v invite_v luke_n 14.18.19_o or_o else_o by_o a_o timorous_a fearfulness_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n to_o approach_v unto_o so_o holy_a a_o banquet_n as_o this_o be_v and_o true_o if_o we_o can_v but_o see_v that_o this_o be_v his_o do_v we_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n strive_v against_o his_o temptation_n for_o who_o among_o we_o will_v not_o endeavour_v to_o the_o utmost_a so_o far_o to_o resist_v his_o temporal_a enemy_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o hurt_v he_o either_o in_o body_n or_o in_o good_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v more_o careful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o earthly_a body_n then_o of_o our_o heavenly_a soul_n which_o christ_n jesus_n have_v redeem_v by_o his_o precious_a blood_n god_n forbid_v we_o must_v know_v that_o god_n expect_v more_o at_o our_o hand_n and_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o safe_a as_o when_o they_o be_v in_o great_a opposition_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o displease_v unto_o our_o chief_a enemy_n the_o devil_n for_o the_o more_o we_o please_v he_o the_o less_o we_o please_v god_n &_o the_o near_o we_o be_v to_o he_o the_o far_o we_o be_v from_o god_n the_o motive_n which_o may_v draw_v we_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v take_v from_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o these_o 2_o thing_n 1_o who_o it_o be_v which_o invit_v we_o unto_o it_o 2_o what_o be_v the_o consequent_n of_o receive_v or_o not_o receive_v he_o which_o invit_v we_o be_v god_n himself_o who_o ordinance_n it_o be_v and_o who_o require_v it_o at_o our_o hand_n as_o a_o principal_a part_n of_o his_o service_n and_o therefore_o as_o often_o as_o we_o omit_v it_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o offend_v he_o which_o he_o himself_o testify_v in_o threaten_v to_o cut_v off_o that_o soul_n from_o his_o people_n which_o shall_v forbear_v to_o keep_v the_o passeover_n numb_a 9.13_o and_o if_o so_o then_o doubtless_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o sacrament_n wherein_o christ_n be_v so_o full_o exhibit_v unto_o we_o be_v very_o displease_v unto_o he_o which_o be_v also_o express_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o great_a supper_n luke_n 14.24_o none_o of_o those_o man_n which_o be_v bid_v shall_v taste_v of_o my_o supper_n why_o because_o they_o come_v not_o when_o they_o be_v invite_v and_o if_o we_o refuse_v to_o come_v when_o the_o lord_n call_v who_o know_v whether_o he_o will_v give_v we_o life_n until_o the_o next_o invitation_n let_v we_o therefore_o take_v the_o lord_n offer_n while_o it_o be_v to_o day_n lest_o we_o be_v cut_v off_o before_o the_o morrow_n the_o next_o motive_n be_v take_v from_o the_o consequent_n and_o that_o 1_o of_o not_o receive_v if_o we_o receive_v not_o we_o offer_v a_o twofold_a injury_n the_o one_o to_o christ_n the_o other_o to_o ourselves_o to_o christ_n 2_o way_n 1_o in_o contemn_v his_o ordinance_n who_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o receive_v it_o 1_o cor._n 11.24_o and_o in_o they_o us._n 2_o in_o neglect_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o who_o as_o a_o father_n on_o his_o deathbed_n in_o the_o night_n that_o he_o be_v betray_v bequeath_v this_o seal_n and_o pledge_v of_o his_o love_n unto_o we_o which_o therefore_o ought_v to_o be_v right_o dear_a unto_o we_o and_o at_o no_o time_n neglect_v when_o it_o be_v offer_v again_o if_o we_o receive_v not_o we_o injure_v ourselves_o and_o that_o also_o 2_o way_n 1_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o name_n and_o profession_n for_o if_o we_o come_v not_o when_o other_o do_v we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o they_o show_v that_o we_o be_v at_o least_o neglecter_n if_o not_o contemner_n of_o god_n ordinance_n who_o will_v have_v all_o to_o come_v to_o it_o matt._n 26.27_o yea_o that_o we_o have_v not_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a in_o we_o for_o whosoever_o eat_v not_o the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n have_v no_o life_n in_o he_o joh._n 6.53.2_o we_o injure_v ourselves_o from_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o for_o the_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o passion_n if_o due_o consider_v can_v but_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n unto_o we_o which_o we_o put_v from_o we_o as_o often_o as_o we_o omit_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o take_v the_o least_o occasion_n to_o suggest_v other_o meditation_n unto_o we_o and_o what_o a_o miserable_a thing_n be_v it_o for_o we_o to_o be_v exercise_v in_o our_o own_o pleasure_n or_o such_o like_a when_o other_o with_o who_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v present_a be_v reverent_o gather_v together_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n to_o feed_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o be_v then_o exercise_v in_o other_o good_a duty_n as_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o such_o like_a we_o must_v know_v that_o such_o duty_n good_a in_o themselves_o be_v not_o acceptable_a to_o god_n at_o such_o time_n and_o who_o know_v see_v that_o herein_o we_o neglect_v the_o lord_n ordinance_n how_o far_o he_o will_v give_v the_o devil_n leave_v to_o tempt_v we_o and_o draw_v we_o away_o even_o from_o those_o duty_n also_o to_o wicked_a imagination_n 2._o the_o consequent_n of_o receive_v can_v but_o invite_v we_o to_o a_o constant_a performance_n of_o this_o duty_n now_o these_o consequent_n respect_v either_o god_n or_o ourselves_o that_o which_o respect_v god_n be_v our_o duty_n of_o thankfulness_n and_o praise_n which_o herein_o we_o offer_v unto_o he_o for_o his_o mercy_n which_o be_v very_o pleasant_a unto_o he_o and_o necessary_a to_o be_v perform_v of_o we_o because_o he_o be_v gracious_a and_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o towards_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o but_o with_o david_n have_v our_o heart_n ready_a to_o sing_v and_o praise_v he_o with_o the_o best_a member_n that_o we_o have_v ps_n 108.1_o that_o which_o respect_v ourselves_o be_v the_o benefitt_a which_o we_o receive_v thereby_o which_o be_v twofold_a 1_o general_n 2_o more_o special_a the_o general_n benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v chief_o two_o 1_o asupply_n of_o all_o our_o want_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v if_o we_o receive_v aright_o for_o he_o which_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n shall_v never_o hunger_n &_o he_o which_o drink_v his_o blood_n shall_v never_o thirst_v as_o christ_n himself_o have_v promise_v neither_o need_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n hereof_o for_o he_o be_v full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n joh._n 1.14_o &_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o fullness_n col._n 1.19_o &_o how_o then_o can_v we_o want_v any_o thing_n if_o we_o possess_v he_o that_o have_v all_o thing_n 2._o a_o excellent_a rule_n to_o our_o whole_a life_n for_o when_o we_o hereby_o consider_v god_n great_a love_n unto_o we_o we_o can_v if_o there_o be_v any_o love_n &_o fear_v of_o god_n in_o we_o but_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v displease_v unto_o he_o so_o that_o hereby_o our_o body_n be_v make_v more_o obedient_a unto_o our_o soul_n &_o our_o soul_n unto_o god_n the_o special_a benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v by_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o this_o again_o respect_v either_o ourselves_o and_o other_o or_o else_o ourselves_o alone_o the_o first_o be_v a_o testify_a of_o our_o faith_n unto_o other_o for_o hereby_o we_o both_o show_n unto_o other_o the_o faith_n which_o we_o profess_v and_o also_o by_o our_o example_n stir_v they_o up_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o same_o duty_n in_o this_o respect_n therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v often_o receive_v in_o the_o second_o respect_n it_o be_v a_o confirmation_n &_o increase_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o we_o have_v in_o we_o
wherein_o we_o be_v to_o endeavour_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o continue_v as_o s._n paul_n teach_v the_o disciple_n act._n 14.22_o and_o beware_v that_o we_o fall_v not_o from_o our_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n as_o it_o be_v 2._o pet._n 3.18_o whereof_o we_o can_v but_o be_v careful_a if_o we_o consider_v our_o weakness_n for_o we_o be_v ever_o subject_a to_o apostasy_n and_o our_o faith_n be_v exceed_o weak_a as_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v by_o our_o coldness_n in_o prayer_n and_o other_o good_a duty_n by_o our_o fear_n of_o death_n &_o by_o our_o love_n of_o this_o world_n for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o which_o christ_n have_v leave_v unto_o we_o this_o sacrament_n as_o a_o special_a mean_n conduce_v thereunto_o for_o the_o covenant_n which_o our_o faith_n take_v hold_v of_o as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v seal_v unto_o we_o by_o this_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o christ_n call_v the_o cup_n the_o cup_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n because_o it_o seal_v unto_o we_o the_o covenant_n of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n accomplish_v in_o the_o shed_n of_o christ_n blood_n now_o if_o a_o king_n shall_v in_o pity_n and_o compassion_n send_v a_o pardon_n under_o his_o seal_n unto_o a_o poor_a distress_a prisoner_n will_v we_o not_o judge_v that_o prisoner_n unworthy_a of_o the_o benefitt_a thereof_o if_o he_o shall_v either_o wilful_o refuse_v it_o or_o careless_o neglect_v it_o questionless_a we_o will_v yet_o such_o be_v our_o case_n before_o god_n who_o as_o king_n of_o king_n have_v seal_v unto_o we_o by_o this_o sacrament_n a_o full_a remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o therefore_o shall_v either_o wilful_o contemn_v or_o at_o our_o pleasure_n receive_v this_o pledge_n of_o his_o love_n what_o can_v we_o expect_v at_o god_n hand_n but_o a_o just_a removeall_n of_o this_o his_o favour_n from_o we_o sure_o if_o we_o join_v the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n which_o so_o much_o need_v help_v with_o the_o meditation_n of_o god_n mercy_n who_o so_o free_o give_v it_o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o misery_n if_o we_o neglect_v it_o wherefore_o as_o we_o fear_v he_o and_o tender_a the_o good_a of_o our_o own_o soul_n let_v we_o be_v careful_a in_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o this_o so_o weighty_a a_o business_n but_o some_o be_v wont_a to_o frame_v these_o excuse_n for_o their_o absence_n 1._o the_o often_o receive_v of_o this_o sacrament_n may_v breed_v a_o disesteem_v thereof_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v safe_a sometime_o to_o abstain_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o in_o matter_n temporal_a as_o pleasure_n and_o such_o like_a the_o often_o use_n may_v breed_v contempt_n or_o at_o least_o neglect_n as_o it_o often_o do_v but_o in_o spiritual_a thing_n it_o rather_o breed_v a_o great_a desire_n because_o the_o more_o we_o feel_v and_o know_v the_o goodness_n of_o they_o the_o more_o we_o seek_v after_o they_o yet_o if_o it_o so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o by_o often_o receive_v we_o begin_v to_o undervalue_v the_o worth_n of_o it_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o neglect_n arise_v not_o from_o the_o often_o use_v of_o the_o thing_n but_o from_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n for_o this_o exercise_n be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n always_o attend_v with_o his_o blessing_n if_o right_o receive_v appoint_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o stir_v up_o and_o increase_v our_o zeal_n and_o devotion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o it_o shall_v hinder_v it_o let_v not_o this_o therefore_o keep_v we_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o let_v we_o rather_o come_v that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o increase_v our_o piety_n 2._o some_o will_v say_v i_o be_o not_o prepare_v and_o therefore_o dare_v not_o come_v but_o this_o indeed_o be_v no_o excuse_n for_o we_o must_v know_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o prepare_v our_o whole_a life_n shall_v be_v a_o continual_a preparation_n as_o to_o all_o other_o good_a duty_n so_o especial_o to_o this_o be_v ever_o ready_a when_o the_o lord_n shall_v call_v as_o our_o saviour_n admonish_v we_o matt._n 24.44_o 3._o other_o will_v urge_v i_o be_o to_o take_v a_o journey_n or_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o business_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v come_v well_o if_o this_o journey_n or_o the_o like_a must_v of_o necessity_n be_v perform_v thy_o excuse_n be_v the_o safe_a but_o if_o it_o may_v be_v any_o way_n avoid_v as_o oftentimes_o it_o may_v assure_v thyself_o this_o be_v to_o prefer_v thy_o own_o pleasure_n before_o that_o which_o god_n command_v a_o day_n will_v certain_o come_v wherein_o we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o least_o of_o god_n ordinance_n and_o than_o it_o will_v be_v say_v of_o such_o pretence_n who_o require_v these_o thing_n at_o thy_o hand_n 4._o some_o be_v wont_a to_o urge_v i_o be_o not_o in_o charity_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o wrong_n which_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o come_v this_o indeed_o be_v a_o excuse_n too_o common_a but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o in_o charity_n it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n for_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o charity_n and_o still_o to_o preserve_v it_o and_o certain_o a_o miserable_a thing_n it_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v prefer_v to_o feed_v on_o our_o own_o malice_n rather_o than_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n this_o be_v to_o hurt_v ourselves_o more_o than_o we_o need_v even_o to_o wrong_v ourselves_o because_o other_o have_v wrong_v we_o we_o shall_v rather_o seek_v all_o mean_n of_o reconciliation_n that_o so_o we_o may_v remove_v those_o impediment_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n and_o come_v the_o more_o free_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n 5._o some_o thus_o plead_v for_o their_o absence_n i_o be_o afraid_a to_o approach_v unto_o the_o lord_n table_n by_o reason_n of_o my_o manifold_a infirmity_n which_o be_v in_o i_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v rather_o sometime_o to_o refrain_v lest_o i_o come_v unworthy_o which_o be_v a_o very_a fearful_a thing_n it_o be_v so_o indeed_o but_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o our_o stay_n away_o be_v no_o comfort_n unto_o we_o in_o this_o case_n but_o rather_o a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o worse_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o god_n judgement_n upon_o we_o we_o shall_v rather_o remember_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o invit_v we_o promise_v to_o refresh_v those_o that_o be_v heavy_a load_v with_o their_o sin_n matt._n 11.28_o not_o put_v we_o off_o for_o our_o infirmity_n for_o if_o thero_o be_v a_o willing_a mind_n he_o accept_v we_o according_a to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v not_o 2._o cor._n 8.12_o though_o we_o want_v that_o perfection_n which_o other_o have_v yet_o if_o we_o have_v a_o true_a desire_n to_o be_v refresh_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o have_v a_o sincere_a heart_n before_o god_n he_o will_v accept_v we_o according_a to_o this_o whensoever_o therefore_o the_o devil_n shall_v tempt_v thou_o to_o draw_v thou_o away_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o thy_o own_o infirmity_n cheer_v up_o thyself_o with_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n mar._n 10.49_o be_v of_o good_a comfort_n behold_v he_o call_v thou_o say_v unto_o thyself_o christ_n jesus_n have_v invite_v i_o &_o have_v promise_v to_o accept_v i_o if_o my_o heart_n be_v sincere_a humble_a and_o willing_a why_o then_o shall_v the_o consideration_n of_o my_o infirmity_n keep_v i_o from_o it_o 6._o other_o thus_o reply_n i_o desire_v to_o receive_v but_o i_o be_o conscious_a unto_o myself_o of_o some_o cry_a sin_n which_o i_o have_v commit_v before_o god_n for_o which_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o sufficient_o repent_v &_o how_o then_o can_v i_o partake_v of_o this_o holy_a banquet_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n be_v it_o so_o be_v thou_o poor_a &_o yet_o will_v thou_o refuse_v gold_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v unto_o thou_o who_o will_v they_o pity_v thou_o for_o thy_o poverty_n be_v thou_o desperate_o sick_a &_o will_v thou_o not_o seek_v unto_o the_o physician_n for_o mean_n of_o recovery_n who_o will_v they_o bemoan_v thou_o for_o thy_o disease_n behold_v christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o physician_n of_o thy_o soul_n as_o well_o able_a to_o heal_v it_o of_o all_o its_o disease_n as_o he_o do_v the_o body_n of_o those_o which_o come_v unto_o he_o of_o their_o infirmity_n forsake_v not_o then_o this_o heavenly_a physician_n but_o labour_n by_o a_o serious_a repentance_n to_o discharge_v thy_o conscience_n of_o those_o thy_o sin_n and_o then_o come_v speedy_o unto_o
ten_o thousand_o world_n of_o pleasure_n which_o we_o can_v enjoy_v and_o therefore_o david_n counsel_n be_v keep_v innocency_n and_o take_v heed_n unto_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v right_a for_o that_o shall_v bring_v a_o man_n peace_n at_o the_o last_o psal_n 37.38_o now_o wherein_o can_v we_o better_o keep_v innocency_n than_o by_o be_v careful_o and_o faithful_o exercise_v in_o god_n service_n and_o what_o great_a comfort_n of_o heart_n and_o what_o great_a peace_n of_o conscience_n can_v redound_v to_o a_o poor_a sinful_a soul_n than_o the_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o his_o sin_n &_o his_o inseparable_a union_n with_o christ_n jesus_n which_o we_o receive_v if_o we_o receive_v aright_o by_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n this_o be_v that_o beside_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o we_o that_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o strengthen_v &_o comfort_v we_o against_o our_o enemy_n the_o devil_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o departure_n hence_o who_o will_v then_o be_v sure_a to_o affright_v we_o with_o the_o uglines_n of_o our_o sin_n though_o now_o in_o policy_n he_o cover_v they_o that_o so_o he_o may_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a drive_v we_o to_o despair_v of_o god_n mercy_n towards_o we_o then_o i_o say_v by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n as_o samuel_n resolute_o speak_v unto_o the_o israelite_n 1._o sam._n 12.3_o say_n behold_v here_o i_o be_o witness_n against_o i_o before_o the_o lord_n &_o before_o his_o anoint_a who_o ox_n have_v i_o take_v who_o have_v i_o defraud_v and_o i_o will_v restore_v it_o you_o so_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o nonplus_n our_o calumniate_a enemy_n &_o say_v behold_v satan_n here_o i_o be_o witness_v against_o i_o before_o the_o lord_n wherein_o have_v i_o do_v those_o evil_a thing_n which_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v do_v wherein_o have_v i_o omit_v those_o good_a duty_n which_o i_o shall_v have_v do_v when_o do_v i_o at_o any_o time_n despair_n of_o god_n mercy_n or_o neglect_v the_o same_o when_o do_v i_o profane_a or_o abuse_v his_o holy_a sabbath_n when_o do_v i_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v his_o word_n &_o sacrament_n here_o i_o be_o witness_v against_o i_o but_o my_o conscience_n tell_v i_o to_o my_o comfort_n that_o i_o have_v diligent_o according_a to_o my_o power_n perform_v what_o i_o ought_v and_o therefore_o thou_o have_v no_o part_n in_o i_o if_o we_o can_v thus_o clear_v ourselves_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o say_v with_o saint_n paul_n 2._o tim._n 4.7.8_o the_o time_n of_o my_o departure_n be_v at_o hand_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n and_o that_o which_o follow_v hereupon_o be_v henceforth_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n this_o crown_n be_v that_o benefit_n which_o we_o shall_v receive_v after_o this_o life_n of_o grace_n be_v end_v in_o the_o life_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n while_o we_o live_v here_o we_o shall_v receive_v though_o not_o this_o crown_n actual_o yet_o the_o full_a assurance_n thereof_o believe_v with_o saint_n paul_n that_o it_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o we_o which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v we_o at_o the_o last_o day_n these_o be_v the_o benefit_n which_o every_o true_a communicant_a receive_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n wherefore_o as_o we_o desire_v to_o receive_v these_o benefit_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n let_v we_o careful_o meditate_v thereon_o that_o we_o may_v be_v inflame_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o they_o but_o because_o all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v be_v nothing_o without_o god_n blessing_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o bless_v our_o endeavour_n and_o to_o accept_v we_o in_o his_o son_n which_o be_v the_o three_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o in_o our_o preparation_n without_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o which_o though_o otherwise_o we_o have_v diligent_o prepare_v ourselves_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o receive_v any_o comfort_n of_o soul_n with_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n because_o god_n only_o give_v that_o unto_o we_o and_o he_o be_v debtor_n unto_o no_o man_n let_v we_o therefore_o seek_v unto_o he_o by_o prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n who_o be_v the_o giver_n of_o all_o blessing_n this_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v first_o in_o private_a set_v aside_o some_o convenient_a time_n wherein_o we_o may_v free_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o this_o duty_n but_o especial_o in_o the_o morning_n when_o we_o be_v to_o receive_v we_o shall_v rise_v early_o and_o consider_v what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v that_o day_n namely_o sit_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o therefore_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o consecrate_v ourselves_o to_o god_n by_o prayer_n and_o good_a meditation_n second_o in_o public_a with_o the_o congregation_n where_o we_o ought_v to_o present_v ourselves_o at_o the_o very_a beginning_n that_o so_o we_o may_v join_v together_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o perform_v &_o there_o at_o our_o first_o entrance_n power_n forth_o unto_o god_n as_o at_o all_o other_o time_n this_o or_o the_o like_a prayer_n o_o lord_n stregthen_v i_o against_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n who_o strive_v to_o draw_v away_o my_o heart_n from_o thou_o &_o accept_v the_o prayer_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o make_v unto_o thou_o through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_o which_o do_v join_v with_o the_o congregation_n in_o such_o prayer_n as_o be_v then_o use_v in_o both_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o consider_v 2._o thing_n 1._o for_o who_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v and_o that_o be_v not_o for_o ourselves_o only_o but_o for_o other_o also_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o saint_n james._n chap._n 4._o v._n 16._o pray_v one_o for_o another_o which_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o pattern_n of_o prayer_n the_o lord_n prayer_n leave_v unto_o we_o by_o christ_n himself_o 2_o how_o we_o ought_v to_o pray_v &_o that_o be_v first_o in_o humility_n with_o a_o feel_n of_o our_o own_o want_n for_o which_o the_o poor_a publican_n be_v rather_o justify_v than_o the_o proud_a pharisee_n for_o his_o vain_a boast_n luke_n 18.14_o second_o in_o a_o settle_a &_o fervent_a devotion_n when_o we_o pray_v our_o mind_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v fix_v on_o any_o thing_n else_o as_o many_o god_n know_v be_v for_o god_n will_v have_v the_o whole_a heart_n or_o none_o 3._o in_o faith_n with_o confidence_n that_o we_o shall_v receive_v what_o we_o ask_v for_o he_o which_o waver_v that_o be_v not_o beleive_v let_v not_o that_o man_n think_v that_o he_o shall_v receive_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o be_o 1.7_o if_o we_o be_v deficient_a in_o any_o one_o of_o these_o condition_n we_o ask_v amiss_o and_o so_o shall_v receive_v according_o wherefore_o as_o we_o desire_v to_o receive_v benefit_n &_o comfort_n by_o the_o lord_n supper_n let_v we_o seek_v unto_o god_n for_o it_o &_o as_o we_o hope_v to_o have_v our_o prayer_n hear_v let_v we_o pray_v both_o for_o ourselves_o &_o other_o in_o true_a humility_n fervency_n &_o devotion_n &_o assure_a hope_n of_o obtain_v chap._n xi_o of_o meditation_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n have_v thus_o fit_v ourselves_o by_o examination_n of_o our_o estate_n state_n premeditation_n of_o the_o benefit_n &_o prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n we_o may_v assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v prepare_v ourselves_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o holy_a communion_n though_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o weakness_n not_o in_o that_o measure_n yet_o in_o that_o right_a manner_n as_o we_o ought_v and_o so_o have_v perform_v the_o first_o duty_n require_v of_o we_o namely_o diligent_a preparation_n whereupon_o we_o may_v bold_o &_o cheerful_o otherwise_o not_o present_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n table_n where_o we_o be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o second_o duty_n namely_o a_o seasonable_a meditation_n this_o meditation_n must_v be_v threefold_a 1_o before_o 2_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o consecration_n 3_o after_o the_o same_o or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o receive_v before_o the_o consecration_n when_o the_o minister_n be_v go_v towards_o the_o table_n meditate_v on_o these_o 2._o thing_n 1_o see_v the_o table_n spread_v &_o the_o element_n set_v thereon_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o place_n we_o be_v come_v unto_o namely_o the_o table_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n &_o earth_n &_o that_o therefore_o we_o ought_v most_o careful_o &_o reverent_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o both_o in_o body_n by_o a_o reverend_a &_o seemly_a gesture_n &_o also_o in_o mind_n lay_v aside_o all_o earthly_a cogitation_n whatsoever_o and_o that_o in_o a_o twofold_a respect_n 1_o because_o the_o place_n itself_o be_v holy_a and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v profane_v by_o any_o