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
i_o will_v repay_v it_o say_v the_o lord_n 4._o as_o appeal_n to_o the_o magistrate_n in_o weighty_a case_n be_v lawful_a for_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o his_o office_n be_v to_o relieve_v such_o as_o be_v oppress_v so_o must_v the_o proceed_n before_o he_o be_v without_o covetousness_n without_o envy_n without_o sinister_a art_n and_o without_o any_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n for_o whatever_o a_o man_n loss_n be_v he_o must_v not_o lose_v or_o let_v go_v his_o charity_n he_o shall_v love_v and_o pity_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v mercy_n and_o to_o do_v good_a office_n to_o the_o offender_n even_o when_o he_o seek_v reparation_n for_o the_o offence_n itself_o a_o enrage_a heart_n a_o ulcerate_v mind_n affection_n foam_v out_o hatred_n and_o malice_n these_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o plaintiff_n in_o the_o best_a of_o cause_n they_o spoil_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n a_o very_a just_a controversy_n and_o make_v it_o all_o one_o in_o effect_n with_o cruelty_n and_o revenge_n with_o this_o scurvy_a difference_n that_o a_o malicious_a suit_n many_o time_n cut_v deep_a wound_n than_o a_o private_a stroke_n when_o it_o be_v commence_v upon_o premeditation_n and_o carry_v on_o with_o implacability_n and_o be_v at_o last_o arm_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o public_a justice_n now_o by_o these_o four_o rule_n a_o man_n may_v examine_v his_o condition_n and_o make_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o his_o charity_n as_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o do_v before_o he_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n if_o he_o seek_v for_o reparation_n by_o fair_a mean_n and_o after_o a_o friendly_a and_o christian_a manner_n if_o it_o be_v not_o any_o inward_a rancour_n or_o hatred_n that_o move_v he_o to_o it_o but_o only_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o injury_n if_o it_o be_v of_o such_o importance_n as_o that_o it_o make_v redress_v necessary_a either_o for_o himself_o or_o for_o his_o relative_n who_o have_v a_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o some_o share_n with_o he_o in_o all_o his_o civil_a right_n if_o he_o be_v not_o his_o own_o avenger_n but_o commit_v his_o cause_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o judge_v for_o the_o lord_n and_o if_o in_o his_o whole_a behaviour_n he_o manage_v himself_o with_o christian_a simplicity_n and_o candour_n of_o mind_n and_o with_o a_o heart_n desirous_a of_o perfect_a reconciliation_n and_o peace_n i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o just_a reason_n such_o a_o man_n have_v to_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o injurer_n indeed_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v reparation_n and_o by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o solicit_v his_o friendship_n and_o to_o beg_v his_o forgiveness_n but_o the_o injure_a party_n have_v do_v all_o that_o either_o a_o good_a or_o a_o prudent_a person_n can_v be_v suppose_v able_a to_o do_v in_o such_o circumstance_n but_o if_o malice_n or_o spite_n or_o inhumanity_n a_o quarrelsome_a mind_n a_o vexatious_a spirit_n a_o oppressive_a or_o revengeful_a humour_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o this_o or_o in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v but_o that_o such_o a_o one_o must_v bewail_v his_o great_a wickedness_n and_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o implore_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o god_n and_o man_n for_o it_o and_o endeavour_v to_o new-mould_v and_o rectify_v his_o uncharitable_a and_o unchristian_a temper_n before_o he_o presume_v to_o go_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o bless_a sacrament_n be_v too_o holy_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o tiger_n or_o a_o wolf_n and_o so_o much_o shall_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v upon_o this_o subject_a chap._n x._o of_o our_o behaviour_n at_o the_o time_n of_o receive_v have_v thus_o large_o discourse_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o preparation_n because_o it_o be_v of_o such_o vast_a concernment_n in_o order_n to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o what_o be_v yet_o behind_o for_o hitherto_o i_o have_v bring_v you_o but_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o porch_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o must_v lead_v you_o next_o to_o the_o very_a altar_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o must_v show_v first_o what_o you_o be_v to_o do_v there_o and_o then_o how_o you_o be_v to_o behave_v yourselves_o after_o your_o departure_n thence_o 1._o first_o then_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v go_v upon_o no_o less_o a_o business_n than_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o whole_a man_n not_o our_o soul_n only_o though_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a oblation_n but_o our_o very_a body_n also_o a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a acceptable_a unto_o god_n which_o be_v our_o reasonable_a service_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v rom._n 12._o 1._o 2._o that_o we_o may_v not_o present_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n nor_o turn_v our_o offering_n into_o a_o abomination_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o entertain_v very_o serious_a and_o awful_a thought_n of_o god_n omniscience_n that_o we_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o under_o his_o eye_n that_o he_o observe_v our_o whole_a deportment_n that_o he_o search_v our_o heart_n and_o reins_o and_o understand_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o according_o we_o must_v present_v ourselves_o before_o he_o not_o as_o a_o thing_n of_o course_n or_o only_o to_o comply_v with_o a_o custom_n but_o as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n with_o reverend_a apprehension_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o infinite_a majesty_n with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o humility_n of_o mind_n with_o soul_n bow_v and_o cast_v down_o to_o the_o dust_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n with_o conscience_n void_a of_o all_o offence_n with_o spirit_n inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n and_o with_o that_o true_a sincerity_n and_o simplicity_n which_o be_v the_o inseparable_a ornament_n of_o every_o honest_a heart_n and_o which_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v of_o great_a price_n 3._o the_o happy_a hour_n be_v now_o come_v that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v entertain_v at_o god_n table_n and_o must_v take_v the_o seal_n of_o his_o covenant_n into_o our_o mouth_n we_o shall_v remember_v the_o promise_n we_o make_v to_o god_n in_o private_a we_o shall_v repeat_v our_o vow_n and_o resolution_n and_o put_v our_o soul_n upon_o fresh_a exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o holiness_n see_v holiness_n ever_o become_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o especial_o when_o we_o celebrate_v this_o holy_a mystery_n we_o be_v to_o void_a and_o empty_a our_o mind_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v earthly_a or_o unclean_a to_o lift_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o fix_v they_o upon_o thing_n above_o to_o employ_v our_o thought_n only_o upon_o that_o divine_a service_n we_o be_v now_o concern_v in_o to_o be_v full_a of_o heavenly_a contemplation_n and_o so_o to_o warm_v our_o affection_n by_o they_o that_o with_o angel_n or_o archangel_n and_o with_o all_o the_o company_n of_o heaven_n we_o may_v most_o devout_o praise_v and_o magnisie_n the_o name_n of_o he_o who_o those_o bless_a spirit_n above_o continual_o worship_n and_o rest_v not_o day_n and_o night_n say_v holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a which_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v be_v sure_a to_o act_v your_o repentance_n over_o again_o because_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o through_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n do_v sanctify_v the_o unclean_a and_o render_v we_o capable_a of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n mortify_v therefore_o your_o member_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o sinful_a deed_n of_o the_o body_n adultery_n fornication_n uncleanness_n inordinate_a affection_n evil_a concupiscence_n covetousness_n which_o be_v idolatry_n hatred_n variance_n emulation_n wrath_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n envy_n murder_n drunkenness_n revel_v and_o such_o like_a of_o which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n plain_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o which_o do_v such_o thing_n shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n gal._n 5._o 21._o these_o vice_n therefore_o and_o whatever_o else_o any_o of_o we_o may_v be_v more_o especial_o addict_v or_o incline_v to_o we_o must_v serious_o endeavour_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n to_o subdue_v and_o cast_v away_o from_o we_o and_o then_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a time_n to_o do_v this_o at_o least_o to_o do_v it_o in_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o heart_n when_o we_o be_v now_o go_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n than_o it_o be_v time_n indeed_o to_o resolve_v upon_o amendment_n and_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o to_o vow_v entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n religion_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o this_o state_n of_o mortality_n and_o weakness_n and_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o poor_a creature_n that_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o so_o
our_o saviour_n body_n be_v on_o earth_n local_o though_o a_o medicinal_a virtue_n go_v out_o of_o it_o so_o that_o they_o who_o do_v but_o touch_v the_o border_n of_o his_o garment_n be_v heal_v of_o their_o disease_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o operate_v effectual_o without_o some_o previous_a preparation_n of_o faith_n in_o matth._n 15._o 28._o he_o tell_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n that_o will_v not_o be_v put_v off_o before_o he_o have_v take_v compassion_n upon_o her_o child_n o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n be_v it_o unto_o thou_o even_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o when_o the_o woman_n with_o a_o bloody_a issue_n have_v but_o touch_v his_o clothes_n though_o she_o be_v afraid_a for_o her_o presumption_n be_v at_o last_o discover_v yet_o receive_v she_o this_o gracious_a answer_n daughter_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o faith_n have_v make_v thou_o whole_a matth._n 9_o 22._o on_o the_o contrary_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o incredulity_n of_o people_n do_v as_o it_o be_v bound_v up_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n and_o shut_v up_o the_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n so_o that_o his_o miracle_n be_v very_o few_o where_o their_o faith_n be_v very_o rare_a a_o clear_a instance_n we_o have_v in_o matth._n 13._o in_o his_o own_o country_n at_o nazareth_n he_o do_v not_o many_o mighty_a work_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n v._o 58._o some_o indeed_o he_o do_v for_o he_o heal_v a_o few_o sick_a person_n who_o have_v faith_n to_o be_v heal_v but_o st._n mark_n tell_v we_o that_o many_o mighty_a work_n he_o can_v not_o do_v there_o marc._n 6._o 5._o now_o to_o bring_v down_o this_o consideration_n to_o our_o present_a business_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n do_v still_o cast_v like_o influence_n and_o virtue_n from_o heaven_n and_o his_o spirit_n do_v dispense_v they_o at_o this_o sacrament_n but_o he_o dispense_v they_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o work_v miracle_n on_o such_o as_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o every_o one_o receive_v it_o according_a as_o he_o be_v prepare_v by_o faith_n we_o see_v the_o sun_n dart_v his_o beam_n into_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n insensible_o and_o make_v every_o plant_n to_o bud_n and_o germinate_v and_o shoot_v forth_o but_o yet_o his_o ray_n have_v no_o power_n over_o root_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o rot_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o irresistible_a power_n over_o thing_n below_o whereas_o the_o influence_n which_o flow_v down_o from_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n do_v not_o act_v physical_o and_o after_o a_o uncontrollable_a manner_n neither_o be_v there_o that_o intrinsic_a power_n in_o the_o sacrament_n or_o such_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n go_v along_o with_o it_o as_o to_o work_v upon_o heart_n that_o be_v not_o open_v to_o its_o operation_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n no_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o outward_a and_o ritual_a mean_n but_o faith_n be_v the_o moral_a and_o inward_a instrument_n of_o bring_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o every_o man_n receipt_n be_v according_a as_o he_o believe_v and_o therefore_o among_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o search_v and_o inquire_v into_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o look_v well_o into_o our_o creed_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o faith_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 2_o corinth_n 13._o 1._o mean_v that_o we_o must_v approve_v our_o faith_n unto_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o our_o heart_n must_v bear_v we_o witness_n that_o we_o believe_v as_o we_o shall_v do_v before_o we_o presume_v to_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o to_o drink_v of_o this_o cup._n 2._o now_o because_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o approve_v his_o faith_n or_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n of_o it_o at_o all_o unless_o he_o do_v first_o know_v what_o his_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v require_v to_o extend_v therefore_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o promise_v to_o show_v viz._n what_o it_o be_v that_o every_o communicant_a be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o you_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o your_o mind_n whether_o you_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o the_o communion_n in_o this_o respect_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v the_o rather_o because_o many_o have_v speak_v very_o loose_o and_o extravagant_o upon_o this_o theme_n as_o if_o none_o can_v be_v a_o worthy_a receiver_n except_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o god_n elect_v he_o to_o salvation_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o except_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o his_o sin_n be_v certain_o pardon_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v absolute_o and_o infallible_o save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o conceit_n i_o be_o confident_a have_v serve_v to_o deter_v thousand_o from_o this_o admirable_a and_o heavenly_a ordinance_n who_o though_o they_o have_v never_o such_o good_a meaning_n and_o honest_a purpose_n and_o be_v as_o we_o may_v believe_v sincere_a in_o their_o heart_n yet_o because_o they_o can_v not_o find_v themselves_o thus_o persuade_v have_v refrain_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o the_o great_a disquiet_n and_o prejudice_v of_o their_o soul_n therefore_o to_o remove_v this_o rub_n out_o of_o the_o way_n be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n before_o he_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v confident_o assure_v of_o his_o present_a forgiveness_n or_o his_o future_a felicity_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o all_o man_n must_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o the_o general_a nor_o do_v we_o deny_v but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o particular_a that_o he_o himself_o may_v be_v pardon_v and_o shall_v be_v happy_a on_o condition_n that_o he_o sincere_o and_o honest_o endeavour_v to_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v neither_o but_o a_o strong_a assurance_n there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v before_o he_o do_v communicate_v to_o be_v absolute_o and_o peremptory_o assure_v of_o his_o happiness_n be_v a_o very_a extravagant_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o the_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o of_o this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v particular_a condition_n god_n have_v not_o make_v any_o such_o revelation_n in_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o we_o right_o affirm_v against_o the_o romanist_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o tradition_n and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o affirm_v against_o all_o enthusiast_n too_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o airy_a and_o confident_a opinion_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v our_o guide_n and_o what_o they_o do_v not_o say_v be_v not_o necessary_a for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o believe_v quod_fw-la de_fw-la scripture_n non_fw-la habet_fw-la autoritatem_fw-la eadem_fw-la facilitate_v contemnitur_fw-la qua_fw-la probatur_fw-la as_o st._n jerom_n say_v meaning_n that_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n now_o look_v into_o the_o bible_n and_o see_v if_o you_o can_v find_v your_o name_n write_v there_o or_o in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n if_o you_o can_v any_o where_o find_v it_o say_v that_o your_o sin_n be_v pardon_v or_o if_o you_o can_v discover_v any_o absolute_a decree_n that_o you_o shall_v infallible_o be_v save_v it_o be_v true_a the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v we_o all_o many_o excellent_a promise_n many_o great_a and_o comfortable_a hope_n but_o still_o it_o speak_v in_o general_n that_o they_o who_o believe_v shall_v not_o perish_v that_o they_o who_o repent_v shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o that_o they_o who_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n unto_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o it_o say_v not_o in_o particular_a that_o i_o be_o such_o or_o that_o i_o shall_v fare_v so_o only_o indeed_o i_o may_v draw_v particular_n out_o of_o general_n by_o way_n of_o argumentation_n and_o rational_a discourse_n and_o i_o may_v judge_v of_o myself_o by_o measure_v myself_o with_o the_o rule_n and_o by_o compare_v my_o condition_n and_o state_n with_o the_o gospel-term_n and_o so_o i_o may_v have_v very_o comfortable_a and_o strong_a hope_n enough_o to_o quiet_a my_o mind_n and_o spirit_n that_o i_o be_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o god_n will_v show_v mercy_n unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n but_o to_o go_v far_o and_o to_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