MEATE FOR MEN. OR A Principall Seruice of the SACRAMENTS Wherein amongst many these Two Points are specially handled 1. Of the Baptizing of Infants 2. Of Kneeling in the act of Breaking and receiuing the Lords Supper For the vse of all Religious Families and monethly Communicants in the Kingdome when they come to the Lords Table Written by way of briefe Questions and Answers for the ease and benefit of the Simple By W. Crashaw B. of Divinitie and sometimes Pastor at White-Chappell HEB. 5. 14. Strong Meat belongeth to them that are of age LONDON Printed for G. Fayer-beard at the North doore of the Royall Exchange 1629. To the many thousands of Professors of CHRISTS Religion in all places in this Kingdome Brethren bee not Children in vnderstanding howbeit in Malice bee yee Children but in Vnderstanding bee Men. So teacheth you the holy Apostle so aduiseth exhorteth and prayeth for you all A helper of your Faith and a Seruant of your soules in CHRIST IESVS W. Crashaw To the right Honourable the Countesse of Deuonshire Grace and Peace Right Honourable HAuing knowne you so ancient a Hearer and which makes a true Disciple of Christ so carefull a practiser of Religion I presumed therefore this Principall dish of Spirituall meate would not bee vnwelcome to you as I know it will bee more welcome to the World after so great and good a taster as your selfe And though I may safely say as one long before mee All Gods dishes are dainties yet doubtlesse this of the Sacraments carieth with it a peculiar Excellencie And I bring it in first not that there are not others to come in before it but for the generall vse and present necessitie of it euen at this time That this may serue first to stay and comfort many weake and then if it may bee to satisfie certaine curious and squeasie stomackes amongst vs Who some of them about the Sacrament of Baptisme others in some circumstantiall matters concerning the Lords Supper haue kindled such a fire of contention in the Church as now diuers of them would bee glad with many teares to quench if they knew how It hath pleased God who workes euen by weake meanes by my words in publike and priuate to satisfie many if by writing also I may doe good to them that cannot heare mee let the glory bee His the comfort theirs and the seruice acceptable to the Church So the labour shall willingly bee mine and I shall take joy and comfort in such courses in Pulpit and by Penne Preaching writing and conferring to spend and end the few dayes I haue remaining and so to make ready for a better life And wherein Madame any of my labours may be seruiceable to you or yours Commaund mee Your seruant in Christ W. CRASHAVV The points here handled are these OF true sauing Faith Chap. 1 How Faith is wrought Chap. 2 How Faith is encreased Chap. 3 Of the Nature of a Sacrament Chap. 4 Of the Sacraments of the Old Testament and who hath power to ordaine a Sacrament Chap. 5 Of the Sacraments of the New Testament and the Relation betwixt them and those of the Old Chap. 6 What be the essentiall parts of a Sacrament Chap. 7 Of the nature and vse of Baptisme Chap. 8 Of the outward and inward things in Baptisme Chap. 9 Of the difference betwixt Baptisme and the Lords Supper Chap. 10 Who may be Baptized Chap. 11 That Children may and ought to bee Baptized Chap. 12 Of the Names and Nature of the Lords Supper Chap. 13 Of the outward Elements in the Lords Supper Chap. 14 Of Bread and the excellent resemblance betwixt it and the Body of Christ Chap 15 Of Wine and the notable correspondencie betwixt it and the Bloud of Christ Chap 16 Of the outward actions to bee performed in the Ministration of the Lords Supper Chap 17 Of the inward actions Spirituall which are performed in this Sacrament betwixt God and the Soule of the worthy Receiuer Chap 18 What preparation is necessarie in regard of God to make a man a worthy Receiuer Chap. 19 What preparation is requisite in regard of our Brethren Chap 20 Of the Circumstances obseruable in this Sacrament Chap 21 That kneeling in the very act of Breaking giuing and Receiuing is not onely lawfull but conuenient commendable Chap. 22 What a Christian man is to doe when hee hath Receiued Chap. 23 MEATE FOR MEN. CHAP. 1. Of Faith Question WHat is the end of a Christian mans life Answer The saluation of his 1. Pet. 1. 9. Soule Q. How can a man bee saued Seing he is a Sinner A. By true Faith in CHRIST Rom. 3. 22 c. 1. Ioh. 5 4. 1. Sam 8. 3 4 5. Q. How come wee by this Faith A. It neither comes by Nature from our Parents nor by humaine instruction from any Teachers nor by imitation of them that haue it Q. How then must wee get it A. It is the guift of God Heb. 12. 2. Q. Doth God giue it to all men A. No all men haue not Faith no 2. Thes 3. 8 not all that bee in the Church Q. To whom then belongs it A. To those that are the Elect of God Tit. 1 1. Q. How doth God giue it them A. By meanes of his owne appointing 1. Cor. 1. 21 he doth begin and encreaseth it Q. Is it not then perfect at the first A. No it is true but not perfect for Tim. 1 5. Rom. 4. 19. 20. Mat. 14. 31. Faith is first weake and afterward becomes a strong Faith Chap. 2. How Faith is wrought Question BY what meanes doth God begin or beget Faith in his Children A. Ordinarily by hearing the Word Rom 10 12. 1. Cor. 1. 21 preached Q. By what parts of his word the Law or Gospell A. By both for the law begins and Gal. 3 23 24. Rom. 7. 24 25. the Gospell finisheth that worke Q. How is that done A. The Law prepares the hart by humbling it and making it a contrite heart Q. How doth the Law humble the heart A. By shewing a Man Gods Iustice Rom. 7 9 10 11. and his owne sinnes Q. And how doth the Gospell finish the worke of faith A. It purifies the heart of man and Acts. 15. 9. 1. Ioh. 3 3 makes it a new heart Q. How doth the Gospell purge the heart A. By letting vs see the great loue of 2. Cor. 2. 14 15 1. Pet. 1. 22 God in Iesus Christ Q. Can then the Preachers of the Word giue this Faith A. No. they preach the Word but it 's 1. Cor. 3 5 6 7. onely God that inspires Faith Q. How may a man know that hee hath true Faith A His Soule must bee inflamed with Ioh 7. 37 38 a holy desire to please God and to doe all good workes Chap. 3. How Faith is maintained and encreased Question HOw doth God maintaine and encrease Faith in his Children A. By diuers meanes whereof some
are principall and some inferiour Q. What bee the principall meanes A. Two the continuall Preaching of Mat. 28. 19. Acts. 2 41 1. Thes 3. 11 12 13 the same Word and the holy vse of the Sacraments Q. And what be the Inferiour meanes A. Three 1. The reading of Gods Ioh. 5. Word 2. Holy conferences with holy men Heb. 10. 24 25 Lam. 3. 22 23. 24. Zeph. 3 5 Psal 107. 3. Daily obseruation of Gods Mercies and Iudgements and meditation vpon the same Q. How differ these A. The principall are publicke and performed by Gods Ministers the other are dayly to bee practised by our selues in priuate Q. How differ the Word and Sacraments A. Thus the word containes the Heb 13. 20 Rom. 4 11. Couenants of God and the Sacraments are seales confirming that Couenant of our soules Againe the Word is the holy and internall Iam. 1. 18. Ioh. 1. 13 1. Pet. 1 23. seed of our Regeneration and by Sacraments we are borne anew and fed vp for Heauen Chap. 4. Of the Nature of a Sacrament in Generall Question IS not the Preaching of the Word sufficient for Faith A. No the Sacraments must also bee Rom 3 1 10 14 receiued as Couenants after they be made must be sealed Q. What are the Sacraments in their generall nature A. Outward visible signes of inward Gen. 17. Exod 12. and inuisible graces Q. What be they in regard of God A. Tokens of his loue pledges of his fauour and seales of his Couenant Q. What be they in regard of Christ A. Commemorations of his death and 1. Cor. 11. 24 25 26 applications of the vertue thereof vnto our selues Q And what be they in regard of vs A. Seales of his Couenants betwixt Rom. 4 â—â— God and vs and effectuall meanes to strengthen our Faith and all other holy graces in vs. Chap. 5. Of the Sacraments of the old Testament and to whom it belongs to ordaine a Sacrament Question MAy the Church ordaine Sacraments A. No it belongs to God as a Exod. 14. Gen. 17. part of his Prerogatiue Q. Why may God alone ordaine Sacraments A. Because they bee Seales of his Couenants tokens of his loue and parts of his worship Q. How many bee the Sacraments of the new Testament A. As many as were the ordinary Sacrament of the old namely two Q. Which were the ordinary Sacraments of the old Testament A. Circumcision and the Passeouer Q. Why do you call them extraordinary Gen. 17 Exod. 12. A. Because there were extraordinary Q. How did they differ A. Thus the extraordinary were such as God ordained vpon some speciall occasion were to last but for that time Exod. as the Manna the Rocke the Cloud c. Q And what then were the ordinary A. Such as were alwayes in force from the time of their ordination till Christs comming Chap. 6. Of the Sacraments of the new Testament and a comparison with them of the Old Question VVHat be the Sacraments of the new Testament A. These two Baptisme and the Lords Supper Q. What say you then to Confirmation and marriage and the rest of the fiue Sacraments of the Romane Church A. They are some of them Gods holy ordinances and some of them may be holy signes but they were neuer ordained by Christ for Sacraments nor euer so vsed in the ancient Church Q. How doe these answere to those of the old Testament A. Thus our Baptisme answeres to 1 Pet. 3 21 Circumcision and the Lords Supper succeeds in the roome of the Passe ouer Q How differ these from those A. Nothing at all in matters of efficacy or power but onely in manner and 1 Cor. 10 3 4 circumstance for those did point at Christ to come ours at Christ come already Q. What need then was there to haue any other in the new Testament A. Because the Sacraments are Seales of Gods Couenant and its fit that the Heb. 7 8 9. Couenant being renewed the Seales also should be new Chap. 7. Of the essentiall parts of a Sacrament Question VVHat bee the essentiall parts of euery Sacrament A. Two one outward and visible the other inward and inuisible represented thereby Q. What outward things bee there in euery Sacrament A. These 1. A visible Minister a Man called therunto of God 2. Some visible Elements ordained of God 3. Some outward actions appointed by God Q And what spirituall and inuisible A These 1. The inuisible God represented by the Minister 2. Some holy grace or blessing represented by the Element 3. Some gracious workes of God represented by the externall actions of the Minister Q What circumstances or Ceremonies are required in the Sacraments A. Such as the Church shall appoint by lawfull authoritie Chap. 8. Of the Nature and vse of Baptisme Question VVHat is Baptisme A. The word signifieth a washing Heb. 9. 10 with water Q. What is the Sacrament of Baptisme A. In it owne generall nature it is Acts. 2. 38 a washing of the body in the name of the Lord. Q. And what is it in regard of God A. A badge or cognizance which God sets vpon such as hee takes to bee his seruants Q. And what is it in regard of Christ A. An application of the vertue of his 1. Cor. 5. 7. bloud-shedding to cleanse the Soule from the guilt of Originall sinne Q. And what is Baptisme in respect of our selues A. The Sacrament of our entrance or Admission into the Couenant and Church of God Q. When may Baptisme bee administred A. At any time if there bee cause but ordinarily when the Congregation is assembled to worship God Chap. 9. Of the outward and inward things in Baptisme Question VVHat is the outward and visible Element in Baptisme A. Water and nothing but water Q What is the outward action A. To wash the Body in water 1. Pet. 3. 21 Q. Why is not better liquor to bee vsed as milke or bloud A. Because washing is the effect of 1. Cor. 5. 7. this Sacrament and those may be better for feeding but not for washing Q. What is the inward and invisible things A. The bloud of Christ Reu. 1. 5. 1. Pet. 3. 21 Q. What is the spirituall action in Baptisme A. The cleansing or purging of the 1. Ioh. 1 7 19. Soule by the bloud of Christ Q Who is the outward Minister of this Sacrament A. He that is also a Minister of the Acts. 2. 41. Mat. 28. 19. Word for these 2 must both goe together Q. Who is the Minister of the inward Baptisme A. The Lord Iesus who hath washed vs from our sinnes in his bloud Q Where is the Institution of Baptisme set downe in the Scripture A. In the Gospell where Christ after his Resurrection commands his Apostles Mat. 28. 18 19 20. Go teach all Nations Baptizing them in the name of the Father of the Son and of the holy Ghost Chap. 10.
Of the difference betwixt Baptisme and the Lords Supper Question VVHat difference is there betwixt Baptisme and the Lords Supper A. 1. Baptisme is the Sacrament of our new birth and the Lords Supper of our spirituall growth 2. Baptisme is the Sacrament of our Admission the Lords Supper of our Confirmation in the state of Grace Q. What other difference is there A. This Baptisme must euer be first and the Lords Supper must come after Q. What reason is there for that A. It is necessary that one bee first borne afore he be fed Q. Is there any other difference A. Yes Baptisme sufficeth to bee once administred But the Lords Supper is often requisite Q. What reason may be thereof A. Because it sufficeth to bee once borne but being borne it is necessary to be often fed Q. Is there no other difference A. Yes Children may bee Baptized but may not Communicate as a Child may be borne but is not fit for all food Chap. 11. Who are to bee Baptized Question WHo are to be Baptized A. All that are capable of it Acts. 2. 41. and 8. 36. Q. Who are capable of it A. All that beleeue in Christ and desire Acts 8. 36. Mark 16. 16 Acts. 10 47 Acts. 8. 36 2. 41. Baptisme Q. How is Baptisme to be desired A. They that bee of yeares must professe their owne faith and desire it themselues Infants of Beleeuers doe it by Mark 10 13 their Parents or witnesses vndertakers Q. May all challenge Baptisme that be thus made capable A. Yes assuredly for it is the spirituall Acts 8. 36. Mark 10 14 15 birth-right to all Beleeuers Q. May not Turkes nor Iewes nor Heathen be Baptized A. No because they beleeue not in Mark 16 16 Christ but when they doe they may Q But may the Children of Papists bee Baptized A. Yes because they professe Christ Acts. 8. 37. Iesus according to the Apostles Creed though they doe by other doctrine and practises adulterate and corrupt it Q. Is Baptisme necessary to Saluation A Not simplie necessary to Children Gen. 17. 12 2. Sam. 12. 18. and. 23. no more then Circumcision was in the old Testament Q. How then is it necessary A. To all them that can aske it and Mark 16. 16 may haue it it is absolutely necessary so as without it there is no Saluation Chap. 12. That Children may be Baptized Question BVt may Infants be Baptized A. Yes the Infants of beleeuing Parents Q. How may that bee seeing they haue no Faith A. That is more then we know for God may worke Faith in their Soules immediately Iohn 3 8. Q. But if they haue Faith yet they cannot professe it A. Their Parents and witnesses professe it for them Gen. 17 Q But how can Children enter into a Couenant with God A. Very well for a man may couenant Heb. 7. 9 10 for himselfe and his Children and that act of the Parents is the Childrens act Q. But how is it proued that the Infant of the beleeuing Parents may be Baptized A. By many Arguments 1 By Gods owne practise who commanded Gen. 17. 9 to 13. children to bee Circumcised at eight dayes old in the Old Testament 2 By the tenor of his Couenant Gen. 17. 7 which runnes thus I will be thy God and the God of thy seed 3 By the practise of Christ who tooke Mark 10 13 them vp in his armes and blessed them now if they bee capable of Christs blessings they are capable of Baptisme 4 By the practise of Gods Church in the purest and best times Chap. 13. Of the Names and Nature of the Lords Supper Question VVHat is the second Sacrament of the new Testament A. The Eucharist or Communion of the Lords Supper Q. What is that A. The Sacrament of our Confirmation or Celebration in Gods Church by which our Soules are dayly fed vp in the hope of Heauen and assurance of Gods loue to vs in Christ Q. Why is it called the Lords Supper A. Because Christ ordained it and began Mat. 26. 26. it at his last Supper Q. And why is it called the Communion A. Because not one alone receiues it as in Baptisme but alwayes many together 1. Cor. 10. 16. 17. doe Communicate Q. But why is it called the Eucharist or Thanks-giuing A. Because as alwayes so now especially wee haue cause to offer vp our best thanks to God for our Redemption by Christ Q. To whom belongs this Sacrament A. To all that being baptized can and 1. Cor. 11. 28 doe prepare themselues for it Q. May all such challenge it A. Yes as all Iewes had their part in Exod 12. 3. 4. 6. the Passeouer and therefore in old time it was not vnworthily called by the people their Writings for indeed it doth of Right belong vnto them Chap. 14. Of the outward Elements in the Lords Supper Question VVHat be the outward visible Elements in the Lords Supper A. Bread and Wine Math. 26. 26 1. Cor. 11. 23 Q. Are there no other A. Christ ordained neither more nor fewer whatsoeuer the Romane Church saith Q. Where is the Institution of this Sacrament A. In three of the Gospels and it is Math. 26. Mar. 14 Luk. 22 2. Cor. 11. repeated by Saint Paul after Christs ascention Q. What is the inward inuisible and spirituall blessing A. Christ Iesus his Body and Bloud 1. Cor. 10. 16 with all the merits of the same Q. What Bread is fittest in the Sacrament A. The best and purest feeding bread Q. And what Wine A. That which is most cherishing and comfortable and doth most neerely resemble bloud Q Are wee tyed to any fashion or kind of Bread A. Such as the Church shall appoint Q. Ought there to bee Water mingled with the Wine A. No Christ appointed no such thing Q. But may it be done at all A. Yes in case of necessitie as 1. When there is want of wine 2. When some be so weake they cannot endure Wine Chap. 15. Of the Bread and how it resembleth Christs Body Question VVHy did the Lord appoint Bread and Wine rather then any other things A. For two causes namely their generalitie and significancie aboue other Creatures that are eaten and drunke Q. How appeares this generality A. Thus of all Creatures that men Mat. 4. 4. Deutr. 8. 3. eate or drinke these are most generally knowne most vniuersally vsed and most easily come by Q But what is their significancie A. This that these two creatures do most plainely signifie and most liuely resemble the body and bloud of Christ of 1. Cor. 10. 16 17. any Creatures in the world Q. How doth the Bread resemble Christ his Body and sufferings A. Most liuely in many particulars Ioh. 6. 41. and therefore hee is called the Bread that came downe from heauen Q Shew the first resemblance A. Bread relisheth all other meats so Christ giues
the true sauour and relish 1. Cor. 1. 30 to all other blessings Q Declare the second A. No meate is wholesome to the Body without Bread no more is any blessing to the Soule without Christ Q. Adde the third A. Most meates hurt the Body eaten without Bread and the more outward blessings without Christ the more hurtfull to the Soule Q. What is the next resemblance A. Bread and wine alone feeds the Body Philip. 4 11 12 13. if one haue no other meate So Christ alone giues feeding and contentment to the Soule if a man had nothing else Q. What proportion is there else betwixt Bread and the holy Body of Christ A. This Bread strengthens the heart Psal 104. 15. other meates feeds other humours but Bread is the strength of Nature So other blessings serue for other vses Psal Philip 4 13 but Christ is the strength of the Soule Q. Goe forward is there any more A. Yes Bread is meat for all men seuerall Deut. 8. 3 meates are for seuerall sorts of men but bread for all So some blessings are for some some 2. Tim 2 6 Ioh. 4 15. 16 1. Ioh. 2 2 for others but Christ for all all that eate him haue equall title in him Q. Is there yet any other point of resemblance A Yes Bread feeds not till it haue past and endured the violence of all the Elements and as it were dyed many deaths So Christ the Bread that came downe Ioh. 3. 14. 15 c from Heauen is not a Sauior of our Soules till he haue suffered all kind of sufferings Chap. 16. Of Wine and how it resembleth the Bloud of Christ Question HOw doth the Wine resemble the Bloud of Christ A. First in name and colour being therfore called the bloud of the grape Q. And is not that all A. No it is also like in nature and opperation for first Wine is not Wine till it be pressed out of the grape So Christs bloud is not effectuall but Heb. 9 12. 13 14 being pressed out of his blessed body Q. Show the next resemblance A. Wine is fit drinke for the sorrowfull Prou. 31 6 and heauie hearted man So Christs bloud is sweetest to the sorrowfull Psal 51 17. Math. 9. 13 Soule and humbled heart Q. Is there any other resemblance A. Yes Wine cherisheth the heart of Psal 104 15 man So the Spirituall Wine the bloud of Christ comforts the distressed conscience Q. It seemes then the people ought to haue Wine as well as the Bread A. Yea rather they then the Clergie Math. 9. 12. as weake ones haue more need of Wine then the strong and healthfull Q. It seemes the people haue need of it but by what right can they challenge it A. By a double right 1. By the institution Math 26. 26 27. 28. 1. Cor. 11. 25 and 28. of Christ who so ordained it 2. By the practise of the Primitiue Church for 1000. yeeres after Christ Chap. 17. Of the outward actions in the Lords Supper Question VVHat bee the outward actions to bee performed in the Lords Supper A. They be of two sorts some to be done by the Minister some by the Receiuer Q. What is the Minister to doe A. Foure things 1. To take Bread and Wine Mat. 26. 26. c. 2. To blesse them 3. To breake the Bread and poure out the Wine 1. Cor. 11. 26. c. 4. To giue them to the Communicants to euery one seuerally Q. And what belongs to the Receiuer A. Two things 1. To take them both Mat. 26. 26. c. 1. Cor. 11. 23 c. 2. To eate and drinke them in remembrance of the breaking of Christs body and shedding of his bloud Q. And is not the Minister to hold it vp to be seene and worshipped of the people A. No Christ commanded no such thing but it came in together with Idolatry Q. But is not the people to worship it when it is consecrated A. No that were foule Idolatry to Deut. 2. 2 worship Bread Q. But it is not Bread but God A. Nay if it were God it might not bee eaten with the Mouth Q. But may not the people keepe part of it and carrie it home A. No it is impietie and superstition and Christ commanded no more but to take and eate Chap. 18. Of the inward actions in the Lords Supper Question VVHat be the spirituall and inward actions in the Sacrament A. Answerable to the outward some belong to the Giuer some to the Receiuer Q Who is the inuisible Minister here A. God the Father giuing Christ vnto Rom. 8. 32. vs. Q. What are the actions he doth A. Foure Answerable to the foure outward things done by the Minister 1 He destinates Christ to be our Sauiour represented by the Ministers taking of bread and wine 2 He sanctifies Christs humanity and Ioh. 3 34 furnisheth it with holinesse shadowed by the Ministers blessing of the Eliments 3 He giues his Sonne to dye and to be Rom. 8 32 broken for vs liuely resembled in breaking the Bread and pouring out the Wine 4 He offers that crucified Sonne to 1. Cor. 1. 30 euery beleeuing soule as is most comfortably represented vnto vs in the Ministers giuing of the broken bread to each Communicant Q. And what be the spirituall actions of the Receiuer A. Spiritually by Faith and Loue to Iohn 9. 53 c. to 56 take and eate him that is to make him our owne as Bread is when a man hath eaten it and receiues life and strength by it Chap. 19. What Preparation is requisite in regard of God Question VVHo receiue benefit by this Sacrament A. The worthy Receiuer Many receiue it but none else receiue benefit by it Q. Who is the worthy Receiuer hereof A. He that beleeuing in Christ doth rightly prepare himselfe thereunto Q. What is requisite to a right preparation A. Two sorts of things 1 Some betwixt God and our selues 2 Some betwixt our neighbours and vs. Q. What is required in regard of God A. Seauen things 1. A competent measure of knowledge 1 Chr. 28. 9 of the principles of Religion 2. A serious examination of our hearts 2. Cor. 13. 5 Gal. 6. 4. and liues to know our corruptions and sinnes 3. True confession of them all to God Psalm 51. 4. Iames 5. 16. and to man also where we find need 4 A clensing of our hearts by renewing Iam. 4 8 Exod. 12. 8. of our repentance 5 A trimming of our soules by holy resolutions Reuel 21. 2. Ierem. and loue of vertue 6 A raising vp of our hearts to a meditation i. Sam. 12. 24 of Gods mercies to vs in Christ 7 A resolution to become new creatures 2. Th. 5. 23. and to practise new obedience euery day more and more Chap. 20. What preperation is requisite in regard of our Brethren Question VVHat preparation is fit in respect