again_o with_o they_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n we_o will_v not_o have_v imagine_v that_o ever_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o nation_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v profess_v that_o shall_v have_v thousand_o in_o it_o who_o have_v rather_o be_v without_o the_o sacrament_n than_o have_v it_o who_o shall_v think_v that_o they_o can_v better_o be_v save_v without_o it_o and_o that_o their_o receive_v of_o it_o will_v rather_o endanger_v than_o further_a their_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v likewise_o that_o our_o saviour_n institution_n of_o it_o be_v after_o he_o have_v spend_v the_o last_o and_o therefore_o we_o account_v it_o the_o best_a part_n of_o his_o time_n in_o persuade_v and_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o to_o be_v one_o as_o he_o and_o his_o father_n be_v one_o which_o we_o may_v take_v as_o preparatory_a to_o his_o institute_v the_o bless_a supper_n and_o if_o to_o all_o this_o we_o add_v how_o careful_a the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v to_o obey_v they_o that_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o and_o watch_v for_o their_o soul_n in_o observe_v those_o rule_n which_o they_o prescribe_v for_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o rule_n be_v many_o of_o they_o observe_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n at_o this_o day_n it_o can_v but_o seem_v very_o strange_a and_o be_v very_o grievous_a to_o all_o good_a christian_n among_o we_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o causeless_a division_n and_o separation_n from_o this_o bless_a ordinance_n to_o the_o end_n therefore_o that_o man_n may_v not_o dishonour_v their_o profession_n nor_o be_v cheat_v of_o that_o spiritual_a food_n which_o christ_n appoint_v for_o the_o nourish_a of_o their_o soul_n to_o eternal_a life_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o i_o earnest_o entreat_v and_o beseech_v all_o non-communicants_a serious_o and_o impartial_o to_o consider_v these_o follow_a thing_n i._o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o every_o christian_a to_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n it_o be_v our_o saviour_n command_n this_o do_v and_o it_o be_v great_a and_o apparent_a disobedience_n in_o every_o christian_a who_o do_v it_o not_o i_o think_v it_o very_o necessary_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v my_o first_o assertion_n because_o the_o practice_n of_o most_o man_n do_v suppose_v that_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v at_o his_o libery_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o whether_o he_o will_v receive_v it_o or_o not_o and_o if_o he_o receive_v not_o in_o a_o whole_a year_n or_o many_o year_n or_o not_o in_o all_o his_o life-time_n or_o not_o till_o he_o be_v in_o his_o last_o sickness_n and_o then_o call_v for_o it_o not_o for_o any_o love_n that_o he_o have_v to_o christ_n or_o any_o delight_n that_o he_o take_v in_o the_o ordinance_n but_o to_o make_v a_o experiment_n whether_o that_o will_v ease_v his_o torment_a mind_n when_o nothing_o else_o will_v that_o in_o all_o this_o neglect_n he_o have_v not_o offend_v god_n that_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n he_o may_v have_v cause_n to_o repent_v but_o his_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o it_o though_o never_o so_o often_o needs_o no_o repentance_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o if_o they_o be_v require_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n answer_n that_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v to_o receive_v but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o those_o man_n how_o they_o can_v be_v satisfy_v to_o let_v it_o alone_o and_o to_o to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o it_o when_o other_o under_o the_o same_o obligation_n do_v make_v their_o solemn_a approach_n to_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o never_o be_v any_o divine_a institution_n concern_v which_o the_o people_n under_o that_o dispensation_n think_v they_o be_v leave_v at_o their_o liberty_n whether_o they_o shall_v observe_v it_o or_o not_o every_o male_n be_v circumcise_a concern_v the_o passover_n we_o read_v exod._n 12._o v._o 28._o and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n go_v away_o and_o do_v as_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v moses_n and_o aaron_n so_o do_v they_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o consider_v how_o all_o the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v observe_v that_o burden_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v they_o do_v not_o dare_v to_o throw_v off_o and_o yet_o that_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n shall_v be_v slight_v as_o if_o it_o be_v no_o divine_a institution_n but_o only_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n mention_v and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n whether_o they_o will_v observe_v it_o i_o can_v not_o imagine_v what_o exposition_n the_o non-communicant_a can_v make_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o institution_n this_o do_v in_o remembrance_n of_o me._n he_o can_v not_o but_o say_v that_o it_o be_v positive_o enjoin_v and_o he_o can_v but_o say_v that_o it_o be_v of_o universal_a extent_n our_o saviour_n do_v not_o say_v you_o may_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o if_o you_o please_v he_o do_v not_o say_v lest_o the_o best_a of_o my_o disciple_n do_v this_o those_o that_o be_v strong_a and_o of_o the_o high_a rank_n and_o let_v other_o omit_v it_o that_o have_v be_v to_o leave_v both_o unsatisfied_a the_o strong_a be_v humble_a and_o modest_a will_v always_o be_v suspicious_a that_o they_o have_v not_o arrive_v at_o a_o degree_n high_a enough_o there_o be_v no_o standard_n and_o the_o weak_a will_v be_v trouble_v that_o they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o partake_v and_o know_v not_o when_o they_o shall_v but_o he_o say_v this_o do_v without_o any_o restriction_n or_o limitation_n command_v the_o observance_n of_o it_o by_o all_o those_o who_o expect_v salvation_n by_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n beside_o the_o institution_n of_o it_o by_o our_o saviour_n that_o admonition_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v very_o observable_a 1_o cor._n 11.28_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup._n the_o apostle_n do_v not_o say_v let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o that_o he_o may_v know_v whether_o he_o shall_v receive_v or_o not_o that_o he_o may_v either_o eat_v or_o let_v it_o alone_o according_a as_o he_o find_v himself_o dispose_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n if_o he_o be_v religious_o dispose_v let_v he_o go_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o not_o let_v he_o stay_v away_o but_o let_v a_o man_n examine_v himself_o and_o so_o let_v he_o eat_v etc._n etc._n plain_o intimate_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o ordinance_n not_o to_o be_v dispense_v with_o but_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o and_o that_o no_o man_n can_v satisfy_v his_o mind_n to_o neglect_v it_o because_o he_o be_v unworthy_a but_o must_v prepare_v and_o partake_v of_o it_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o say_v any_o more_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o who_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n to_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n it_o will_v be_v only_o requisite_a that_o i_o speak_v somewhat_o for_o the_o determination_n of_o one_o case_n and_o that_o be_v how_o often_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v because_o some_o may_v think_v that_o unless_o they_o partake_v at_o every_o communion_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o sin_n of_o omission_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v the_o number_n of_o communicant_n be_v very_o great_a in_o some_o place_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v perform_v to_o this_o i_o may_v answer_v that_o in_o regard_n our_o saviour_n make_v no_o determination_n in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v requisite_a that_o every_o one_o shall_v take_v his_o measure_n from_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o church_n and_o from_o his_o own_o particular_a exigence_n and_o necessity_n at_o first_o the_o christian_n meet_v together_o and_o receive_v every_o day_n of_o the_o week_n their_o heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o love_n to_o their_o saviour_n and_o they_o be_v in_o continue_a expectation_n by_o martyrdom_n to_o be_v send_v to_o he_o afterward_o it_o come_v to_o four_o time_n in_o the_o week_n beside_o the_o festival_n the_o appointment_n of_o our_o church_n be_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v receive_v at_o least_o three_o time_n in_o the_o year_n and_o i_o conceive_v that_o the_o monthly_a administration_n of_o it_o in_o great_a and_o populous_a city_n be_v partly_o that_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o great_a a_o concourse_n at_o the_o festival_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a to_o administer_v it_o to_o all_o at_o once_o and_o much_o more_o that_o those_o who_o be_v zealous_o affect_v and_o find_v a_o great_a necessity_n than_o other_o do_v of_o receive_v it_o often_o may_v have_v the_o more_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v not_o
administer_v every_o lordsday_n as_o it_o be_v former_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n the_o communion_n service_n be_v still_o continue_a in_o the_o church_n when_o there_o be_v no_o administration_n be_v not_o because_o christian_n may_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n too_o often_o but_o because_o the_o commonness_n of_o it_o may_v lesson_n that_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n which_o be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o that_o great_a and_o solemn_a ordinance_n it_o will_v be_v a_o happiness_n indeed_o if_o from_o the_o number_n of_o zealous_a communicant_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n every_o lordsday_n ii_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o many_o think_v it_o be_v who_o flee_v from_o the_o sacrament_n as_o that_o which_o will_v bring_v they_o into_o a_o very_a great_a and_o irrecoverable_a danger_n it_o be_v not_o a_o unpardonable_a sin_n but_o that_o which_o may_v be_v amend_v i_o mention_v this_o in_o the_o second_o place_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o such_o terrible_a fear_n of_o be_v unworthy_a communicant_n that_o they_o communicate_v not_o at_o all_o which_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v be_v the_o common_a case_n of_o non-communicants_a in_o our_o day_n these_o disquiet_v fear_n proceed_v from_o a_o mistake_n of_o two_o expression_n in_o the_o apostle_n admonition_n to_o the_o corrinthian_o 1_o cor._n 11.29_o for_o the_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o himself_o not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n they_o do_v not_o right_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o nor_o by_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n and_o for_o want_v of_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o expression_n they_o start_v from_o the_o sacrament_n as_o if_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v become_v a_o snare_n they_o be_v so_o affright_v that_o christ_n command_n signify_v nothing_o to_o they_o nor_o yet_o the_o benefit_n which_o he_o declare_v to_o his_o disciple_n they_o shall_v receive_v by_o it_o when_o they_o hear_v how_o former_a age_n frequent_v the_o sacrament_n they_o regard_v it_o not_o but_o think_v that_o they_o have_v discover_v a_o danger_n which_o their_o fore_a father_n never_o find_v out_o they_o think_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o salvation_n that_o come_v not_o to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o seldome_a that_o any_o one_o receive_v the_o less_o danger_n he_o do_v incur_v to_o himself_o and_o from_o a_o mistake_n of_o this_o place_n it_o be_v that_o many_o very_a pious_a &_o therefore_o worthy_a communicant_n come_v not_o to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o that_o joy_n and_o alacrity_n of_o spirit_n which_o become_v the_o welcome_a guest_n of_o our_o bless_a and_o bountiful_a saviour_n but_o be_v oppress_v with_o fear_n and_o terror_n as_o if_o they_o suspect_v their_o come_n will_v be_v to_o their_o prejudice_n as_o for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unworthy_a the_o sense_n in_o which_o we_o common_o make_v use_v of_o it_o be_v a_o good_a interpretation_n of_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n we_o do_v not_o call_v a_o man_n unworthy_a because_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o any_o high_a accomplishment_n because_o he_o be_v of_o mean_a or_o low_a degree_n than_o other_o nor_o do_v we_o call_v a_o man_n unworthy_a because_o of_o some_o fault_n that_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o consider_v that_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o offend_v all_o but_o we_o call_v he_o unworthy_a who_o do_v a_o base_a act_n from_o a_o base_a design_n we_o call_v he_o unworthy_a who_o be_v a_o dissembler_n who_o pretend_v friendship_n to_o another_o for_o his_o own_o end_n but_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v no_o real_a kindness_n for_o he_o he_o be_v unworthy_a who_o east_n contempt_n upon_o he_o who_o he_o ought_v to_o reverence_n and_o honour_n as_o his_o superior_a in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o this_o be_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o be_v a_o unworthy_a communicant_a who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o be_v a_o unworthy_a communicant_a who_o pretend_v great_a honour_n and_o reverence_n for_o his_o saviour_n and_o his_o ordinance_n and_o yet_o come_v unreverent_o before_o he_o which_o be_v the_o corinthian_n case_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o this_o word_n no_o man_n must_v make_v the_o esteem_n which_o he_o have_v for_o himself_o to_o be_v his_o rule_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n make_v a_o feast_n with_o a_o resolution_n that_o none_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o the_o impenitent_a sinner_n gild_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v unworthy_a and_o the_o penitent_a sinner_n humility_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v unworthy_a and_o so_o by_o consequence_n none_o must_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n according_a to_o this_o rule_n the_o apostle_n himself_o be_v a_o unworthy_a communicant_a for_o he_o call_v himself_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n if_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n every_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a according_a to_o the_o good_a conceit_n that_o he_o have_v of_o himself_o the_o boast_a pharisee_n shall_v be_v worthy_a and_o the_o poor_a humble_a and_o penitent_a publican_n shall_v be_v unworthy_a it_o be_v great_a pity_n but_o that_o every_o good_a christian_n shall_v understand_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n because_o otherwise_o those_o who_o be_v most_o worthy_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a humility_n and_o self-abasement_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o conclude_v themselves_o unworthy_a it_o have_v be_v great_a pity_n that_o the_o centurion_n shall_v have_v lose_v his_o errand_n to_o our_o saviour_n because_o he_o account_v himself_o unworthy_a that_o he_o shall_v come_v under_o his_o roof_n our_o saviour_n will_v have_v account_v it_o great_a pity_n that_o the_o woman_n of_o cana_n shall_v have_v be_v reject_v because_o she_o account_v herself_o as_o unworthy_a as_o a_o dog_n it_o be_v a_o great_a pity_n that_o any_o humble_a christian_n shall_v be_v keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o he_o think_v himself_o unworthy_a of_o it_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o unworthiness_n do_v show_v that_o he_o be_v worthy_a those_o who_o be_v under_o this_o mistake_n may_v be_v better_o inform_v by_o read_v the_o form_n of_o administration_n in_o our_o church_n we_o do_v not_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o say_v lord_n we_o have_v now_o get_v a_o great_a conquest_n over_o our_o sin_n we_o be_v now_o arrive_v to_o a_o high_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o piety_n beyond_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o now_o we_o account_v ourselves_o worthy_a communicant_n and_o such_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o sup_v with_o our_o lord_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o acknowledge_v and_o bewail_v our_o manifold_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n which_o we_o have_v grievous_o commit_v we_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o gather_v the_o crumb_n under_o his_o table_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o none_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o those_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n judge_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o it_o that_o every_o one_o therefore_o may_v have_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o this_o word_n unworthy_a the_o rule_n which_o they_o must_v judge_v by_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n every_o man_n must_v account_v himself_o worthy_a or_o unworthy_a to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o think_v of_o himself_o but_o according_a to_o what_o god_n word_n declare_v concern_v he_o they_o be_v worthy_a who_o god_n accept_v of_o according_a to_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n declare_v in_o and_o by_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o be_v sincere_o penitent_a though_o he_o can_v think_v himself_o worthy_a yet_o god_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a and_o be_v offensive_a to_o god_n and_o injurious_a to_o himself_o if_o he_o come_v not_o to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n he_o that_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n though_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o many_o fail_n in_o his_o duty_n he_o think_v himself_o unworthy_a yet_o god_n account_v he_o worthy_a and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o come_v with_o great_a joy_n and_o alacrity_n of_o mind_n and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v very_o proper_a for_o he_o because_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o help_v he_o against_o that_o which_o trouble_v he_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a unworthiness_n as_o to_o the_o person_n and_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o communicate_v as_o to_o the_o person_n when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o sinful_a and_o impenitent_a state_n when_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o sensual_a practice_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o
he_o deserve_v to_o die_v before_o he_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o grant_v his_o petition_n that_o he_o will_v hasten_v his_o execution_n the_o almighty_a god_n the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n know_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sinner_n case_n that_o although_o he_o stand_v condemn_v for_o his_o evil_a deed_n yet_o he_o beg_v pardon_n only_o as_o a_o thing_n in_o course_n without_o any_o resolution_n of_o amendment_n and_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o damnation_n shall_v be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o sinner_n there_o be_v one_o case_n in_o which_o the_o sinner_n do_v direct_o pray_v damnation_n to_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n phrase_n and_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a sinner_n he_o prayer_n to_o god_n to_o forgive_v he_o his_o trespress_n as_o he_o forgive_v other_o that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v lord_n be_v thou_o revenge_v on_o i_o for_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o be_v revenge_v on_o my_o brother_n beside_o there_o be_v no_o more_o cause_n of_o terror_n from_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o which_o sinner_n be_v scare_v from_o the_o sacrament_n than_o there_o be_v in_o that_o of_o solomon_n by_o which_o wicked_a man_n may_v be_v afraid_a to_o pray_v prov._n 15.8_o the_o sacrifice_n that_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n he_o that_o do_v that_o which_o god_n loathe_v that_o which_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o certain_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o damnation_n to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o it_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o the_o non-communicant_a whether_o if_o the_o apostle_n expression_n have_v be_v he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o solomon_n expression_n have_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a bring_v damnation_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v have_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o never_o pray_v to_o god_n i_o may_v likewise_o instance_n in_o that_o great_a duty_n of_o hear_v god_n word_n certain_o every_o man_n will_v grant_v that_o for_o a_o man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v what_o god_n require_v of_o he_o without_o any_o intent_n to_o do_v it_o and_o according_o come_v from_o hear_v god_n command_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o break_v they_o can_v expect_v nothing_o less_o than_o damnation_n to_o be_v the_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o although_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o thousand_o of_o sinner_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o hear_v god_n word_n there_o be_v no_o more_o cause_n of_o terror_n from_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o unworthy_a communicant_n than_o there_o be_v from_o many_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n concern_v unworthy_a hearer_n of_o god_n word_n i_o may_v instance_n first_o in_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n luk._n 8.18_o take_v heed_n therefore_o how_o you_o hear_v whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o whosoever_o have_v not_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v even_o that_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v if_o our_o saviour_n have_v only_o give_v the_o caution_n take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v it_o may_v startle_v the_o unprofitable_a hearer_n and_o give_v he_o just_a cause_n to_o expect_v judgement_n if_o he_o be_v not_o careful_a but_o our_o saviour_n add_v for_o whosoever_o have_v to_o he_o shall_v be_v give_v and_o from_o he_o that_o have_v not_o from_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o even_o that_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o expression_n which_o signify_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o careless_a hearer_n to_o be_v so_o forlorn_a that_o it_o may_v make_v every_o such_o sinner_n afraid_a to_o enter_v into_o god_n house_n the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o that_o proverbial_a say_n be_v he_o that_o be_v a_o obedient_a hearer_n shall_v grow_v in_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n and_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o rich_a man_n who_o increase_v his_o riches_n to_o a_o great_a estate_n but_o the_o careless_a hearer_n who_o do_v not_o give_v diligent_a attention_n and_o who_o come_v to_o hear_v without_o resolution_n to_o practise_v be_v like_o a_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n who_o by_o take_v no_o care_n to_o improve_v his_o stock_n lose_v that_o little_a that_o he_o have_v and_o come_v to_o intolerable_a beggary_n and_o misery_n how_o dreadful_a be_v the_o condition_n of_o that_o man_n who_o may_v be_v say_v to_o hear_v away_o all_o that_o be_v good_a who_o the_o long_o he_o hear_v the_o less_o he_o regard_v and_o the_o worse_o he_o be_v i_o may_v instance_n likewise_o in_o the_o comparison_n which_o our_o saviour_n make_v between_o a_o disobedient_a hearer_n and_o the_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n mat._n 7.26_o of_o which_o he_o say_v great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o we_o can_v not_o imagine_v the_o great_a fall_n of_o a_o disobedient_a hearer_n to_o be_v any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o fall_n into_o damnation_n and_o everlasting_a misery_n and_o yet_o man_n be_v not_o therefore_o afraid_a to_o hear_v god_n word_n who_o refuse_v to_o do_v it_o i_o may_v instance_n likewise_o in_o in_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n st._n james_n say_v chap._n 1._o v._n 22._o be_v you_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v your_o own_o self_n how_o do_v man_n deceive_v themselves_o but_o by_o expect_v salvation_n from_o hear_v and_o damnation_n must_v be_v their_o portion_n for_o not_o do_v and_o yet_o the_o sinner_n do_v not_o say_v i_o shall_v but_o deceive_v myself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o i_o to_o go_v to_o god_n house_n to_o hear_v his_o word_n there_o be_v another_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o to_o the_o one_o we_o be_v a_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n the_o apostle_n be_v speak_v concern_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o different_a effectswhich_n it_o have_v upon_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o another_o world_n it_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n a_o expression_n allude_v to_o strong_a perfume_n which_o be_v pleasant_a to_o some_o but_o be_v like_o poison_n sudden_o destructive_a to_o other_o it_o be_v as_o if_o the_o apostle_n shall_v have_v say_v though_o to_o some_o our_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v exceed_o beneficial_a yet_o to_o other_o who_o regard_v it_o not_o it_o be_v most_o certain_o destructive_a for_o it_o bring_v eternal_a death_n there_o be_v more_o terror_n in_o this_o expression_n than_o there_o be_v in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n for_o that_o as_o i_o have_v show_v signify_v any_o temporal_a evil_n as_o well_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o another_o state_n but_o this_o of_o the_o apostle_n signify_v only_o the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o another_o world_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o man_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o by_o this_o i_o hope_v it_o have_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n why_o christian_n shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n from_o that_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o they_o shall_v be_v to_o perform_v other_o duty_n of_o religion_n consider_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v concern_v those_o that_o be_v unworthy_a performer_n of_o they_o 5._o i_o may_v add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n how_o severe_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v be_v no_o part_n of_o reveal_v religion_n proper_o so_o call_v reveal_v religion_n be_v that_o of_o god_n which_o we_o can_v not_o know_v if_o it_o be_v not_o tell_v we_o but_o this_o of_o unworthy_a communicant_a eat_n and_o drink_v judgement_n to_o themselves_o be_v that_o which_o the_o corinthian_a and_o all_o christians_n may_v know_v though_o the_o apostle_n have_v never_o say_v it_o every_o man_n by_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n know_v that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o live_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o god_n or_o come_v unreverent_o before_o he_o be_v not_o accept_v of_o he_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a do_v provoke_v he_o to_o anger_n and_o consequent_o to_o punish_v that_o offender_n who_o do_v thus_o disobey_v and_o contemn_v he_o if_o heathen_n have_v be_v negligent_a or_o unreverent_a in_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o a_o plague_n have_v happen_v among_o they_o as_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o corinthian_n they_o will_v doubtless_o have_v conclude_v that_o the_o plague_n come_v because_o of_o their_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o afraid_a of_o the_o sacrament_n because_o they_o be_v tell_v
love_n of_o christ_n the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o father_n in_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n be_v unconceivable_o great_a god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n so_o infinite_o so_o transcendent_o so_o beyond_o all_o that_o tongue_n can_v express_v or_o heart_n conceive_v and_o christ_n give_n his_o body_n to_o be_v break_v and_o his_o blood_n to_o be_v shed_v be_v such_o a_o expression_n of_o love_n as_o be_v only_o fit_a to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o admiration_n the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o have_v length_n and_o breadth_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o love_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n a_o love_n which_o can_v not_o be_v describe_v and_o therefore_o god_n allow_v we_o a_o eternity_n to_o admire_v it_o in_o that_o god_n shall_v become_v man_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o give_v life_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v for_o enemy_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v such_o a_o ignominious_a death_n as_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n etc._n etc._n now_o we_o must_v know_v that_o this_o sacrament_n be_v a_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n appoint_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a remembrance_n and_o a_o symbolical_a representation_n of_o that_o unconceivable_a love_n and_o although_o the_o unworthy_a communicant_a be_v unworthy_a indeed_o in_o that_o it_o have_v not_o such_o a_o influence_n upon_o his_o life_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v yet_o in_o regard_n that_o he_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o by_o his_o outward_a reverence_n do_v acknowledge_v christ_n love_n to_o sinner_n and_o it_o may_v be_v have_v grief_n in_o his_o heart_n at_o that_o time_n to_o think_v that_o that_o love_n have_v not_o oblige_v he_o to_o better_a obedience_n he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o blame_v as_o the_o non-communicant_a who_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o the_o ordinance_n as_o if_o christ_n love_n exhibited_n and_o represent_v by_o it_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o his_o notice_n 3._o they_o cast_v great_a contempt_n upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n who_o frequent_v not_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n their_o neglect_n of_o it_o suppose_v that_o they_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a need_n of_o it_o or_o no_o great_a good_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o it_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n among_o we_o who_o upon_o all_o occasion_n declare_v that_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v who_o yet_o think_v they_o need_v not_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o what_o do_v these_o man_n less_o than_o charge_n christ_n that_o this_o ordinance_n which_o he_o appoint_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o salvation_n may_v as_o well_o have_v be_v let_v alone_o it_o be_v through_o their_o own_o great_a folly_n that_o they_o call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n into_o question_n their_o not_o consider_v that_o the_o good_a that_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v be_v only_o from_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n upon_o that_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n appoint_v the_o non-communicant_a in_o this_o case_n be_v like_o naaman_n the_o leper_n 2_o king_n 5.10.11_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o go_v to_o the_o man_n of_o god_n to_o be_v recover_v of_o his_o leprosy_n but_o he_o be_v desirous_a that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v without_o his_o use_v any_o mean_n for_o it_o especial_o such_o as_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v shall_v afford_v he_o any_o benefit_n elisha_n send_v a_o messenger_n unto_o he_o say_v go_v and_o wash_v in_o jordan_n seven_o time_n and_o thy_o flesh_n shall_v come_v again_o unto_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v be_v clean_o but_o naaman_n be_v wroth_a and_o go_v away_o and_o say_v behold_v i_o think_v he_o will_v sure_o come_v out_o to_o i_o and_o stand_v and_o call_v on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n his_o god_n and_o strike_v his_o hand_n over_o the_o place_n and_o recover_v the_o leper_n be_v not_o abana_n and_o pharpar_n river_n of_o damascus_n better_a than_o all_o the_o water_n of_o israel_n may_v i_o not_o wash_v in_o they_o and_o be_v clean_a so_o he_o turn_v and_o go_v away_o in_o a_o rage_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o non-communicant_a know_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v cure_v of_o his_o leprosy_n it_o be_v enough_o he_o think_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o sinner_n and_o that_o he_o believe_v it_o and_o that_o he_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n and_o ask_v god_n pardon_n or_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o he_o know_v no_o need_n of_o the_o sacrament_n or_o to_o what_o purpose_v it_o be_v appoint_v but_o as_o naaman_n keep_v his_o leprosy_n till_o he_o be_v persuade_v to_o wash_v in_o jordan_n so_o sinner_n have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o leprosy_n of_o their_o soul_n shall_v continue_v till_o they_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n appoint_v and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o cure_n of_o their_o soul_n without_o it_o the_o unworthy_a communicant_a acknowledge_v by_o his_o devout_a receive_v of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o heaven_n worthy_a of_o all_o reverence_n though_o he_o fail_v in_o examine_v himself_o before_o he_o come_v to_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o that_o from_o which_o great_a benefit_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v but_o the_o unworthy_a non-communicant_a slight_n it_o as_o inconsiderable_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o be_v observe_v and_o every_o one_o know_v that_o in_o so_o do_v he_o call_v into_o question_n the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n 4._o non-communicants_a be_v worse_o than_o unworthy_a receiver_n in_o that_o they_o cast_v away_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o public_a declaration_n of_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o this_o ordinance_n be_v appoint_v when_o our_o saviour_n say_v do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o the_o apostle_n as_o oft_o as_o you_o eat_v this_o bread_n and_o drink_v this_o cup_n you_o do_v show_v the_o lord_n death_n until_o he_o come_v or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d declare_v you_o the_o lord_n death_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o only_o intend_v for_o the_o private_a good_a and_o benefit_n of_o the_o receiver_n but_o to_o bear_v up_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v use_v for_o a_o public_a declaration_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v that_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n be_v the_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o those_o who_o have_v not_o the_o gospel_n preach_v but_o have_v only_o the_o guide_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o of_o natural_a religion_n be_v save_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o death_n though_o they_o do_v not_o know_v he_o because_o that_o it_o be_v by_o he_o that_o god_n anger_n be_v appease_v to_o ward_n mankind_n by_o this_o we_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n what_o a_o great_a and_o mighty_a saviour_n he_o make_v himself_o by_o die_v for_o mankind_n the_o unworthy_a receiver_n be_v exceed_o to_o blame_v because_o he_o fail_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o non-communicant_a be_v more_o unworthy_a for_o he_o fail_v not_o only_o in_o the_o practice_n but_o in_o the_o very_a profession_n likewise_o it_o be_v not_o improper_a to_o ask_v he_o when_o he_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o the_o sacrament_n what_o religion_n he_o be_v of_o that_o we_o may_v give_v a_o account_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v we_o if_o he_o say_v a_o christian_n why_o do_v he_o not_o own_v it_o by_o his_o solemn_a approach_n to_o that_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n appoint_v for_o that_o very_a end_n if_o he_o say_v he_o go_v to_o church_n so_o may_v and_o sometime_o do_v jew_n and_o mahometan_n man_n of_o other_o religion_n 5._o noncommunicating_a be_v of_o more_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n than_o unworthy_a receive_v it_o be_v not_o only_o in_o many_o respect_v more_o offensive_a to_o god_n but_o likewise_o more_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o may_v appear_v by_o a_o more_o general_a or_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o special_a consideration_n noncommunicating_a be_v the_o great_a inlet_n both_o of_o dreadful_a division_n and_o horrid_a debauchery_n which_o with_o sorrowful_a heart_n we_o have_v great_a cause_n to_o complain_v of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o great_a inlet_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o division_n by_o which_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v his_o body_n be_v tear_v limb_n from_o limb_n and_o we_o fear_v be_v never_o like_a to_o be_v heal_v in_o our_o day_n the_o case_n be_v plain_a though_o
the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v it_o p._n 40._o those_o that_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n contemn_v their_o baptism_n p._n 83._o infant-baptism_n vindicated_n p._n 87._o the_o pretence_n of_o non-communicants_a frivolous_a and_o dangerous_a p._n 94._o the_o pretence_n from_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n p._n 96._o the_o pretence_n from_o unpreparedness_n p._n 100_o the_o pretence_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o relapse_v p._n 123._o the_o unworthy_a non-communicant_a the_o great_a contempt_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o religion_n in_o this_o age_n in_o which_o we_o live_v &_o especial_o upon_o this_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n have_v make_v all_o undertake_n of_o this_o nature_n very_o seasonable_a i_o question_v whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o people_n of_o what_o religion_n soever_o they_o be_v that_o ever_o slight_v any_o institution_n which_o they_o call_v divine_a as_o many_o thousand_o of_o christian_n slight_a the_o sacrament_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o convince_v christian_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o receive_v and_o the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v the_o cunning_a and_o subtilty_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o which_o he_o cheat_n man_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o ordinance_n may_v be_v of_o great_a force_n if_o we_o have_v live_v with_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o world_n or_o with_o his_o apostle_n after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n we_o can_v not_o have_v imagine_v consider_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o the_o oblige_a circumstance_n that_o accompany_v it_o and_o likewise_o the_o care_n and_o constancy_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n to_o observe_v it_o according_a to_o that_o plain_a institution_n that_o ever_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o generation_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v make_v any_o dispute_n concern_v it_o who_o can_v have_v think_v that_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o priest_n or_o minister_n who_o shall_v have_v keep_v back_o half_a the_o sacrament_n from_o the_o people_n since_o we_o find_v that_o our_o saviour_n give_v the_o cup_n to_o all_o those_o to_o who_o he_o give_v the_o bread_n and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 11._o ver_fw-la 27_o 28_o 29._o in_o three_o verse_n together_o of_o their_o receive_v the_o cup_n as_o well_o as_o the_o bread_n and_o in_o one_o of_o they_o express_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v eat_v of_o that_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o that_o cup_n ver_fw-la 28._o and_o yet_o none_o will_v say_v that_o the_o corinthian_n be_v priest_n or_o minister_n who_o can_v have_v imagine_v that_o ever_o there_o shall_v have_v be_v such_o a_o nonsensical_a conceit_n as_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o a_o sacrament_n it_o be_v very_o happy_a for_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o conceit_n know_v in_o their_o day_n for_o if_o it_o have_v it_o will_v exceed_o have_v hinder_v the_o propagate_a of_o the_o gospel_n if_o a_o christian_a have_v come_v to_o a_o heathen_a and_o tell_v he_o that_o a_o piece_n of_o bread_n after_o a_o few_o prayer_n be_v no_o long_a bread_n but_o the_o very_a body_n of_o christ_n his_o saviour_n and_o the_o heathen_a have_v taste_v of_o it_o and_o find_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o bread_n still_o sure_o he_o will_v have_v try_v to_o laugh_v that_o christian_a to_o death_n and_o to_o hiss_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o the_o heathen_n have_v hear_v any_o such_o thing_n they_o will_v have_v conclude_v that_o christian_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o be_v deprive_v of_o their_o sense_n and_o that_o all_o they_o say_v concern_v christ_n miracle_n and_o his_o resurrection_n his_o ascension_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o follow_v it_o be_v as_o true_a as_o transubstantiation_n and_o if_o they_o have_v say_v that_o they_o eat_v their_o god_n they_o will_v have_v conclude_v that_o they_o deserve_v to_o be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n and_o to_o be_v devour_v by_o wild_a beast_n one_o of_o their_o cruelty_n to_o the_o christian_n who_o devour_v their_o god_n or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v desire_v that_o they_o may_v eat_v with_o they_o for_o they_o can_v be_v content_v to_o tear_v he_o with_o their_o tooth_n to_o show_v their_o hatred_n against_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n beside_o it_o be_v a_o insignificant_a conceit_n in_o that_o no_o man_n can_v imaginet_n what_o good_a it_o can_v do_v he_o to_o eat_v the_o very_a body_n of_o his_o saviour_n who_o can_v have_v imagine_v that_o among_o the_o man_n of_o our_o own_o religion_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o generation_n that_o shall_v throw_v the_o ordinance_n away_o as_o useless_a and_o insignificant_a pretend_v that_o they_o receive_v christ_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o outward_a act_n as_o if_o none_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o those_o that_o be_v unworthy_a such_o as_o receive_v not_o christ_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o as_o if_o those_o to_o who_o our_o saviour_n give_v it_o who_o have_v forsake_v all_o for_o his_o sake_n do_v not_o receive_v christ_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o as_o if_o the_o primitive_a christian_n those_o holy_a and_o bless_a martyr_n who_o be_v constant_a communicant_n do_v not_o receive_v christ_n in_o the_o heart_n but_o alas_o these_o poor_a delude_a creature_n be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v more_o holy_a than_o those_o bless_a martyr_n be_v and_o that_o they_o know_v the_o mind_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n better_a than_o they_o do_v but_o to_o come_v a_o little_a near_o to_o that_o which_o be_v my_o chief_a design_n who_o can_v have_v imagine_v that_o ever_o there_o shall_v be_v man_n that_o expect_v salvation_n by_o christ_n such_o as_o have_v none_o of_o these_o enthusiastic_a whimsy_n who_o shall_v think_v it_o a_o very_a indifferent_a thing_n whether_o they_o observe_v this_o institution_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n or_o let_v it_o alone_o although_o christ_n command_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v receive_v there_o be_v too_o many_o among_o we_o who_o be_v unworthy_a communicant_n man_n that_o do_v not_o fear_n god_n and_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n who_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o keep_v their_o soul_n pure_a and_o undefiled_a for_o which_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n be_v appoint_v but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o more_o who_o be_v unworthy_a non-communicants_a who_o live_v in_o the_o continue_a neglect_n of_o this_o great_a ordinance_n such_o as_o be_v so_o far_o from_o cry_v as_o the_o disciple_n do_v lord_n evermore_o give_v we_o this_o bread_n that_o they_o concern_v not_o themselves_o whether_o they_o ever_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v not_o all_o but_o they_o think_v they_o do_v very_o well_o in_o it_o that_o they_o consult_v their_o own_o safety_n and_o befriend_v their_o own_o soul_n by_o absent_v from_o such_o a_o dangerous_a ordinance_n as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v nay_o they_o do_v not_o only_o absent_a from_o it_o themselves_o but_o either_o blame_n or_o wonder_v at_o least_o at_o they_o that_o adventure_n to_o come_v to_o it_o as_o those_o that_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v and_o they_o account_v that_o those_o law_n which_o require_v man_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v most_o tyrannical_a and_o no_o more_o to_o be_v obey_v than_o edict_n which_o shall_v command_v man_n to_o damn_v their_o own_o soul_n thus_o thus_o be_v man_n delude_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o affright_v from_o that_o ordinance_n which_o if_o they_o right_o understand_v they_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o we_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o well_o we_o may_v and_o pity_v the_o people_n of_o that_o religion_n for_o be_v content_a with_o half_a the_o sacrament_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o people_n be_v content_a without_o any_o of_o it_o have_v we_o hear_v our_o saviour_n institution_n of_o it_o with_o the_o most_o endear_n and_o oblige_v circumstance_n the_o same_o night_n in_o which_o he_o be_v betray_v which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v his_o farwel-gift_n or_o token_n of_o his_o love_n or_o have_v we_o live_v in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o christianity_n and_o see_v with_o what_o constancy_n as_o well_o as_o ardency_n the_o sacrament_n be_v celebrate_v among_o they_o and_o if_o any_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n be_v keep_v back_o from_o the_o lord_n passover_n what_o a_o dreadful_a condition_n of_o fear_n and_o horror_n they_o be_v in_o how_o they_o lie_v prostrate_a at_o the_o church-door_n and_o beg_v with_o tear_n and_o grievious_a bemoaning_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o communicant_n that_o they_o may_v be_v admit_v
they_o though_o he_o know_v that_o he_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n either_o try_v to_o satisfy_v himself_o with_o atheistical_a hope_n that_o there_o be_v no_o world_n but_o this_o or_o else_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o after_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o common_a snare_n of_o the_o devil_n this_o person_n can_v not_o be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a for_o he_o be_v at_o enmity_n with_o god_n in_o his_o mind_n he_o be_v a_o rebel_n against_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n which_o his_o intention_n to_o repent_v afterward_o do_v suppose_v he_o be_v one_o who_o can_v not_o think_v himself_o welcome_a to_o christ_n because_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v his_o lord_n to_o rule_v over_o he_o there_o be_v unworthiness_n likewise_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o receive_v and_o that_o be_v when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o receive_v with_o reverence_n as_o become_v he_o in_o that_o solemn_a approach_n to_o god_n this_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n which_o the_o corinthian_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o come_v unreverent_o and_o disorderly_o to_o the_o sacrament_n from_o their_o love-feast_n forget_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o house_n but_o in_o god_n house_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o eat_v at_o their_o own_o table_n but_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n expression_n in_o the_o next_o word_n not_o discern_v the_o lord_n body_n a_o expression_n which_o i_o have_v hear_v some_o papist_n make_v use_n of_o for_o their_o whimsy_n of_o transubstantiation_n as_o if_o they_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o who_o do_v not_o discern_v by_o faith_n that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a body_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v another_o meaning_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v both_o to_o discriminate_a and_o to_o sanctify_v and_o so_o the_o proper_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o be_v that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o receive_v after_o a_o devout_a and_o religious_a manner_n be_v unworthy_a i_o hope_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o take_v off_o the_o unnecessary_a and_o causeless_a fear_n of_o those_o who_o be_v humble_a christian_n &_o that_o they_o will_v not_o any_o long_o give_v the_o enemy_n of_o their_o salvation_n this_o advanvantage_n against_o they_o but_o that_o they_o will_v take_v right_a measure_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n because_o they_o think_v themselves_o unworthy_a that_o they_o will_v account_v it_o a_o good_a qualification_n for_o their_o welcome_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n let_v such_o person_n look_v into_o the_o holy_a gospel_n and_o they_o will_v find_v that_o such_o person_n as_o they_o be_v be_v not_o only_o accept_v of_o christ_n but_o high_o commend_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o be_v the_o most_o welcome_o guest_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n which_o be_v the_o affright_a expression_n that_o make_v thousand_o afraid_a to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n the_o tremble_a sinner_n be_v afraid_a that_o this_o bring_v man_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o they_o have_v commit_v a_o sin_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v forgive_v they_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v unworthy_o be_v irrecoverable_o lose_v and_o ruin_v that_o they_o have_v swallow_v down_o poison_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o can_v never_o vomit_v it_o up_o again_o and_o if_o these_o be_v the_o interpretation_n that_o sinner_n make_v of_o those_o expression_n that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o say_v who_o be_v worthy_a to_o receive_v and_o yet_o if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o unworthy_a receiver_n he_o be_v from_o thenceforth_o in_o a_o state_n of_o damnation_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v so_o few_o communicant_n that_o i_o may_v therefore_o rectify_v these_o mistake_n i_o desire_v these_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n by_o this_o expression_n to_o scare_v the_o wicked_a man_n among_o christian_n from_o the_o sacrament_n but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o come_v to_o it_o he_o do_v not_o suppose_v that_o what_o he_o say_v he_o will_v make_v any_o afraid_a to_o perform_v their_o duty_n in_o observe_v this_o ordinance_n nor_o have_v it_o any_o such_o effect_n upon_o those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v this_o epistle_n he_o be_v a_o more_o faithful_a steward_n and_o servant_n of_o christ_n than_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o design_n to_o discourage_v those_o from_o come_v to_o his_o master_n table_n who_o be_v invite_v to_o prepare_v &_o to_o come_v to_o it_o if_o he_o have_v he_o have_v be_v as_o unworthy_a a_o minister_n as_o the_o worst_a sinner_n can_v be_v a_o unworthy_a communicant_a it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o may_v exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o scrupulous_a when_o they_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o consider_v well_o what_o the_o design_n of_o the_o penman_n be_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o will_v prevent_v misapplication_n which_o be_v of_o very_o ill_a consequence_n 2._o the_o word_n which_o be_v translate_v damnation_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v judgement_n and_o do_v as_o well_o signify_v any_o temporal_a evil_n which_o befall_v man_n in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o punishment_n in_o the_o hellish_a state_n and_o so_o the_o meaning_n be_v this_o and_o no_o more_o he_o that_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o offend_v god_n and_o provoke_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o himself_o 3._o the_o case_n of_o the_o corinthian_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o that_o may_v tend_v exceed_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o affright_v 1._o they_o have_v receive_v unworthy_o but_o yet_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v damn_v or_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o lose_a condition_n and_o must_v now_o perish_v for_o ever_o but_o admonish_v they_o to_o be_v more_o careful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v come_v with_o better_a preparation_n than_o they_o have_v before_o 2._o in_o eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o they_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n to_o themselves_o in_o the_o apostle_n sense_n they_o have_v eat_v and_o drink_v judgement_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n for_o this_o cause_n many_o be_v weak_a and_o sickly_a among_o you_o and_o many_o sleep_n from_o which_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o god_n send_v a_o plague_n at_o corinth_n for_o their_o unworthy_a receive_v 3._o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o the_o apostle_n only_o blame_v the_o corinthian_n for_o that_o fault_n which_o they_o be_v then_o guilty_a of_o which_o be_v their_o unworthy_a receive_v there_o be_v no_o christian_n in_o those_o day_n that_o be_v non-communicants_a they_o general_o value_v the_o sacrament_n above_o their_o life_n and_o a_o opportunity_n of_o receive_v though_o it_o be_v administer_v every_o day_n in_o the_o week_n above_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v therefore_o no_o occasion_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o tell_v they_o the_o danger_n of_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n if_o there_o have_v no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v threaten_v damnation_n as_o well_o to_o unworthy_a neglecter_n as_o he_o do_v to_o unworthy_a receiver_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n 4._o if_o this_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o eat_v and_o drink_v damnation_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n be_v afraid_a to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n they_o may_v for_o the_o like_a reason_n be_v afraid_a to_o perform_v other_o duty_n of_o religion_n if_o any_o impenitent_a sinner_n pray_v to_o god_n without_o a_o resolution_n to_o avoid_v the_o same_o course_n of_o life_n he_o can_v think_v but_o his_o prayer_n will_v provoke_v god_n to_o punish_v he_o rather_o than_o obtain_v favour_n to_o he_o that_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v shall_v be_v the_o consequent_a of_o it_o he_o be_v one_o who_o confess_v his_o sin_n to_o god_n but_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intend_v to_o forsake_v it_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o this_o must_v certain_o be_v a_o great_a provocation_n of_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n for_o a_o man_n to_o pretend_v that_o he_o be_v sorry_a for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v when_o he_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o amend_v if_o a_o earthly_a king_n can_v know_v that_o the_o malefactor_n who_o beg_v his_o life_n intend_v to_o do_v the_o same_o wickedness_n for_o which_o
there_o be_v nothing_o of_o sad_a experience_n to_o be_v allege_v so_o long_o as_o man_n keep_v in_o society_n though_o but_o civil_a society_n and_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v rule_n and_o order_n if_o any_o controversy_n arisie_n the_o dissatisfied_a person_n partly_o by_o his_o obligation_n to_o those_o rule_n and_o order_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o advice_n and_o council_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o society_n do_v not_o present_o separate_v but_o submit_v or_o if_o he_o be_v stubborn_a and_o insolent_a he_o may_v be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o society_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o severe_a penalty_n till_o he_o be_v more_o modest_a humble_a and_o compliant_a but_o if_o he_o think_v himself_o under_o no_o obligation_n to_o observe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o that_o society_n and_o no_o penalty_n be_v inflict_v than_o he_o break_v away_o and_o make_v party_n and_o bring_v all_o into_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o sacrament_n if_o every_o one_o who_o be_v admit_v by_o baptism_n to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n do_v account_v it_o his_o duty_n as_o a_o member_n of_o that_o society_n to_o observe_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o union_n be_v maintain_v but_o if_o man_n think_v they_o be_v not_o oblige_v but_o whole_o leave_v at_o their_o liberty_n whether_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o this_o ordinance_n or_o let_v it_o alone_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o member_n of_o that_o society_n be_v scatter_v into_o as_o many_o division_n and_o party_n as_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o of_o their_o salvation_n please_v for_o many_o year_n after_o our_o bless_a reformation_n from_o popery_n there_o be_v so_o many_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n that_o the_o number_n of_o inhabitant_n in_o every_o parish_n be_v best_o know_v by_o the_o number_n of_o communicant_o in_o those_o happy_a day_n of_o the_o church_n peace_n master_n and_o mistress_n come_v at_o 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that_o the_o people_n will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o that_o their_o absent_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o sad_a distraction_n and_o division_n that_o be_v in_o the_o church_n i_o be_v say_v he_o one_o of_o those_o who_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o late_a trouble_n find_v fault_n with_o the_o surplice_n and_o with_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n and_o there_o be_v other_o who_o be_v discontent_v at_o those_o thing_n who_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a man_n but_o i_o be_o confident_a if_o they_o can_v have_v foresee_v the_o dreadful_a mischief_n that_o have_v happen_v unto_o the_o church_n they_o will_v never_o have_v so_o much_o as_o open_v their_o lip_n much_o less_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o church_n as_o it_o then_o be_v i_o know_v there_o aught_o to_o be_v great_a care_n take_v to_o keep_v off_o scandalous_a communicant_n and_o there_o will_v be_v great_a care_n take_v if_o the_o division_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o hinder_v it_o but_o i_o think_v all_o sober_a people_n will_v say_v that_o if_o all_o the_o vicious_a man_n in_o england_n come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n as_o the_o dreadful_a division_n and_o separation_n that_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n since_o the_o people_n take_v their_o liberty_n to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o that_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o many_o minister_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o make_v they_o afraid_a of_o it_o by_o preach_v the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v but_o not_o of_o unworthy_a neglect_v of_o it_o another_o great_a evil_n which_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o noncommunicating_a be_v horrid_a debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n such_o as_o never_o be_v or_o can_v be_v whilst_o the_o sacrament_n be_v frequent_v there_o be_v thousand_o in_o this_o age_n who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n and_o often_o say_v that_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v but_o be_v so_o far_o from_o live_v like_o christian_n that_o they_o will_v be_v abandon_v by_o sober_a heathen_n as_o unfit_a for_o humane_a society_n if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o record_n of_o ancient_a time_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o there_o be_v grievious_a wickedness_n &_o impiety_n yet_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o fear_n and_o shame_n but_o in_o our_o age_n wickedness_n insult_v as_o if_o it_o hope_v to_o have_v a_o better_a reputation_n than_o piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n eph._n 5.11_o call_v they_o the_o vnfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n and_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o tell_v the_o ephesian_n that_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o secret_n but_o in_o our_o age_n wickedness_n appear_v open_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n or_o shame_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o in_o former_a time_n they_o that_o be_v drink_v be_v drink_v in_o the_o night_n but_o now_o it_o be_v scarce_o account_v a_o sin_n and_o therefore_o be_v become_v a_o noonday_n entertainment_n in_o former_a time_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o a_o rude_a ungoverned_a rabble_n when_o hannah_n be_v false_o accuse_v of_o be_v drink_v count_v not_o say_v she_o thy_o handmaid_n for_o a_o daughter_n of_o belial_n belial_n signify_v without_o yoke_n and_o it_o be_v as_o if_o she_o have_v say_v i_o be_o none_o of_o those_o unruly_a forlorn_a miscreant_n that_o will_v be_v drink_v i_o suppose_v the_o proverb_n may_v be_v very_o ancient_a as_o drink_v as_o a_o beggar_n but_o now_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n if_o i_o may_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o call_v it_o so_o of_o lord_n and_o gentleman_n and_o be_v in_o as_o much_o esteem_n among_o too_o many_o of_o they_o as_o if_o it_o be_v some_o brave_a achievement_n for_o which_o a_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o adventure_v the_o ruin_n of_o himself_o and_o family_n whoredom_n be_v another_o sin_n which_o have_v exceed_o abound_v it_o be_v a_o old_a sin_n but_o the_o impudence_n that_o attend_v it_o be_v new_a in_o job_n time_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o adulterer_n wait_v for_o the_o twilight_n chap._n 24.15_o the_o whore_n which_o solomon_n speak_v of_o prov._n 7.9_o be_v only_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o twilight_n in_o the_o evening_n in_o the_o black_a and_o dark_a night_n and_o she_o be_v account_v to_o have_v a_o impudent_a face_n v._o 13._o but_o how_o impudent_a be_v those_o whore_n who_o appear_v in_o the_o open_a street_n at_o noon_n day_n tempt_v all_o that_o pass_v by_o to_o their_o filthy_a embrace_n we_o read_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o attire_n of_o a_o harlot_n but_o now_o there_o be_v in_o this_o immodest_a age_n no_o distinction_n but_o by_o the_o show_n of_o woman_n we_o may_v suspect_v that_o the_o attire_n of_o harlot_n be_v all_o the_o fashion_n these_o two_o sin_n have_v of_o late_a year_n so_o much_o abound_v that_o there_o be_v thousand_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o live_v like_o christian_n that_o they_o be_v degenerate_v from_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o humanity_n and_o will_v be_v a_o shame_n to_o heathen_n if_o they_o live_v among_o they_o these_o sin_n have_v make_v many_o to_o become_v worse_o than_o beast_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o that_o be_v virtuous_a and_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o have_v make_v they_o become_v devil_n to_o themselves_o and_o family_n there_o be_v another_o dreadful_a sin_n which_o abound_v and_o that_o be_v profane_a swear_v a_o sin_n which_o man_n commit_v only_o because_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v it_o so_o for_o there_o be_v neither_o profit_n nor_o pleasure_n in_o it_o some_o be_v seldom_o guilty_a of_o it_o but_o when_o they_o be_v provoke_v to_o anger_n and_o then_o they_o must_v be_v revenge_v by_o abuse_v the_o name_n
contempt_n upon_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o upon_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n likewise_o and_o so_o both_o the_o positive_a institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v insignificant_a and_o of_o no_o account_n to_o he_o the_o two_o sacrament_n have_v a_o special_a relation_n to_o each_o other_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o high_a privilege_n which_o christian_n have_v value_v above_o their_o life_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n feast_n of_o fat_a thing_n it_o be_v that_o spiritual_a banquet_n with_o which_o our_o saviour_n entertain_v those_o who_o be_v dear_a than_o his_o life_n be_v to_o he_o baptism_n be_v the_o ordinance_n which_o open_v the_o door_n and_o let_v we_o in_o to_o the_o banqueting-house_n none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a be_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o then_o the_o non-communicant_a regard_v not_o the_o lord_n supper_n he_o do_v not_o regard_v but_o slight_v his_o baptism_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v relation_n to_o it_o he_o that_o slight_v the_o feast_n must_v needs_o slight_a that_o which_o give_v admission_n to_o it_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o renew_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o we_o make_v with_o god_n in_o our_o baptism_n and_o be_v not_o only_o a_o renew_a engagement_n on_o our_o part_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o serve_v he_o but_o on_o god_n part_n likewise_o by_o which_o he_o seal_v to_o we_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n that_o we_o be_v his_o child_n and_o heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n if_o we_o care_v not_o for_o renew_v this_o covenant_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o value_v not_o the_o first_o agreement_n that_o we_o make_v with_o god_n in_o our_o baptism_n beside_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o great_a mean_n for_o our_o obtain_n grace_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n of_o our_o baptism_n if_o we_o come_v not_o to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o perform_v what_o we_o promise_v which_o of_o ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v be_v it_o not_o a_o little_a beside_o my_o present_a purpose_n i_o can_v easy_o show_v that_o those_o who_o be_v non-communicants_a if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v baptise_a in_o their_o infancy_n will_v never_o have_v receive_v that_o ordinance_n no_o adult_n person_n can_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n by_o that_o ordinance_n who_o do_v not_o own_o the_o faith_n and_o solemn_o engage_v to_o live_v as_o become_v the_o gospel_n and_o those_o that_o perform_v this_o which_o baptism_n engage_v man_n to_o be_v worthy_a communicant_n if_o we_o ask_v the_o non-communicant_a how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v call_v a_o christian_a he_o must_v say_v my_o father_n make_v i_o so_o when_o i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v do_v and_o he_o or_o other_o promise_v that_o which_o i_o never_o intend_v to_o perform_v i_o will_v argue_v thus_o with_o the_o non-communicant_a either_o you_o own_o your_o baptism_n or_o you_o do_v not_o if_o you_o do_v not_o why_o do_v you_o not_o declare_v it_o why_o do_v you_o call_v yourself_o a_o christian_n and_o profess_v that_o you_o expect_v salvation_n from_o he_o who_o appoint_v that_o ordinance_n to_o all_o that_o expect_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n if_o you_o do_v own_o your_o baptism_n why_o do_v you_o not_o take_v care_n to_o perform_v that_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a engagement_n which_o you_o make_v in_o it_o by_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n for_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o perform_v it_o but_o i_o have_v rather_o make_v another_o digression_n which_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v excuse_v consider_v that_o it_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o many_o who_o be_v in_o doubt_n concern_v baptism_n as_o it_o be_v now_o general_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o practice_n show_v that_o they_o make_v no_o great_a account_n of_o their_o baptism_n so_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o principle_n be_v utter_o against_o it_o and_o especial_o against_o infant-baptism_n and_o in_o regard_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n depend_v more_o upon_o ground_n and_o reason_n from_o scripture_n than_o from_o any_o express_a instance_n in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v some_o place_n which_o seem_v to_o some_o rather_o to_o speak_v against_o it_o than_o for_o it_o and_o to_o disallow_v of_o it_o rather_o than_o to_o commend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o incline_v to_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v such_o as_o have_v not_o take_v up_o a_o opinion_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o stick_v to_o it_o what_o ever_o any_o say_v against_o it_o which_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o error_n lay_v down_o these_o follow_a assertion_n which_o i_o desire_v all_o such_o person_n sober_o and_o with_o humble_a and_o modest_a and_o not_o with_o haughty_a and_o stubborn_a mind_n to_o consider_v 1._o child_n be_v member_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o well_o as_o adult_v person_n and_o there_o be_v a_o ordinance_n appoint_v for_o they_o which_o be_v their_o great_a privilege_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n who_o take_v little_a child_n up_o in_o his_o arm_n and_o bless_a they_o shall_v allow_v no_o ordinance_n for_o they_o by_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v into_o his_o church_n wheresoever_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o parent_n he_o enter_v into_o covenant_n likewise_o with_o the_o child_n of_o that_o parent_n that_o be_v the_o child_n be_v include_v in_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o blessing_n of_o that_o covenant_n belong_v to_o the_o child_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o parent_n 2._o our_o saviour_n take_v this_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n from_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o baptise_v those_o who_o forsake_v heathenism_n and_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o whensoever_o they_o make_v proselyte_n they_o do_v not_o only_o baptise_v the_o parent_n but_o the_o child_n likewise_o upon_o engagement_n that_o the_o child_n shall_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o same_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v give_v a_o instance_n of_o that_o which_o every_o one_o to_o who_o he_o come_v know_v be_v practise_v but_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v declare_v his_o exception_n against_o infant_n baptism_n if_o he_o intend_v their_o exclusion_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v our_o saviour_n declare_v that_o infant_n shall_v have_v the_o seal_n of_o a_o covenant_n when_o it_o be_v never_o otherwise_o or_o how_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n send_v to_o baptise_v nation_n in_o which_o infant_n have_v be_v common_o baptise_a before_o and_o yet_o intend_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v exclude_v if_o indeed_o our_o saviour_n have_v declare_v that_o infant_n shall_v not_o be_v baptise_a or_o if_o we_o have_v read_v of_o the_o apostle_n refusal_n of_o they_o or_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o infant_n baptise_a before_o nor_o any_o ordinance_n for_o infant_n the_o anabaptist_n opinion_n have_v be_v build_v upon_o a_o good_a foundation_n but_o otherwise_o it_o be_v very_o weak_a 3._o as_o a_o consequent_a of_o this_o infant_n be_v all_o along_o baptise_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o the_o holy_a martyr_n that_o suffer_v for_o christianity_n of_o which_o those_o who_o write_v against_o the_o anabaptist_n have_v give_v undeniable_a proof_n and_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v intend_v their_o exclusion_n they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o anabaptist_n know_v better_a what_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n than_o those_o christian_n do_v if_o those_o who_o be_v now_o of_o that_o persuasion_n have_v live_v in_o those_o day_n and_o have_v consider_v from_o whence_o our_o saviour_n take_v that_o ordinance_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v of_o that_o opinion_n which_o they_o have_v now_o espouse_v because_o then_o the_o original_a of_o it_o be_v fresh_a in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o use_v and_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v continue_v by_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o only_o great_a haughtiness_n of_o mind_n by_o which_o man_n think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o learned_a man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n but_o ignorance_n through_o length_n of_o time_n that_o make_v a_o anabaptist_n 4._o infant_n be_v believer_n in_o a_o sense_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v save_v nor_o have_v any_o right_n to_o the_o promise_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o
who_o for_o some_o additional_a advantage_n will_v not_o find_v time_n to_o spare_v from_o his_o necessary_a occasion_n there_o be_v many_o who_o will_v work_v hard_a than_o ordinary_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o little_a liberty_n other_o to_o gain_v some_o profit_n and_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o sure_o such_o person_n if_o they_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o pleasant_a way_n of_o religion_n may_v make_v haste_n to_o dispatch_v their_o business_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o little_a time_n to_o examine_v themselves_o to_o bethink_v themselves_o of_o the_o state_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o how_o the_o great_a affair_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o their_o own_o soul_n they_o may_v find_v time_n to_o consider_v what_o sin_n they_o have_v to_o repent_v of_o and_o hearty_o to_o beg_v god_n grace_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v they_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o they_o be_v worthy_a communicant_n though_o they_o have_v have_v but_o little_a time_n for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o these_o great_a concern_v i_o can_v think_v there_o be_v any_o man_n so_o employ_v but_o he_o may_v find_v time_n in_o the_o morning_n &_o evening_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n &_o if_o he_o can_v make_v it_o a_o set_a duty_n &_o be_v alone_o and_o be_v undisturbed_a yet_o there_o may_v be_v fervent_a ejaculation_n by_o which_o he_o may_v lift_v up_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n which_o god_n will_v hear_v and_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o and_o by_o the_o use_n of_o they_o his_o mind_n will_v be_v keep_v in_o such_o a_o religious_a frame_n and_o temper_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a and_o a_o welcome_a guest_n at_o the_o lord_n table_n 5._o let_v those_o who_o make_v this_o excuse_n that_o they_o want_v time_n to_o prepare_v consider_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o neglect_v the_o sacrament_n they_o that_o complain_v they_o want_v time_n to_o prepare_v for_o the_o sacrament_n find_v time_n enough_o to_o commit_v those_o sin_n which_o make_v they_o unfit_a for_o that_o or_o any_o other_o religious_a duty_n whatever_o business_n they_o have_v to_o do_v they_o find_v time_n to_o harden_v their_o heart_n against_o god_n and_o against_o religion_n so_o that_o no_o impression_n of_o good_a may_v be_v make_v in_o they_o he_o that_o at_o first_o think_v he_o may_v not_o come_v because_o he_o want_v time_n to_o prepare_v will_v afterward_o refuse_v to_o come_v though_o he_o have_v more_o time_n than_o he_o know_v what_o to_o do_v with_o nay_o he_o will_v rather_o throw_v it_o away_o and_o his_o soul_n with_o it_o by_o spend_v it_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o devil_n than_o in_o prepare_v that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a there_o be_v another_o pretence_n for_o unpreparedness_n and_o that_o be_v the_o temptation_n which_o attend_v the_o dispatch_n of_o necessary_a business_n man_n say_v they_o be_v force_v to_o converse_v with_o sinful_a man_n and_o be_v unavoidable_o betray_v to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o think_v of_o prepare_v for_o the_o sacrament_n i_o desire_v such_o to_o consider_v 1._o it_o may_v be_v they_o complain_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o that_o in_o dispatch_n of_o their_o business_n they_o be_v not_o tempt_v to_o that_o which_o be_v real_o evil._n it_o may_v be_v this_o man_n think_v that_o he_o can_v prepare_v because_o his_o business_n will_v unhinge_v the_o devotion_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o put_v it_o out_o of_o that_o religious_a frame_n and_o temper_v which_o he_o will_v keep_v it_o in_o if_o he_o intend_v to_o partake_v he_o think_v that_o a_o man_n may_v not_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n unless_o he_o can_v for_o some_o time_n keep_v his_o mind_n so_o free_a from_o such_o encumbrance_n as_o not_o to_o have_v a_o thought_n of_o worldly_a business_n entertain_v by_o he_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o this_o shall_v hinder_v his_o receive_v the_o lawful_a dispatch_n of_o worldly_a business_n must_v not_o hinder_v man_n from_o the_o sacrament_n nor_o must_v the_o sacrament_n hinder_v man_n from_o the_o dispatch_n of_o worldly_a business_n we_o have_v no_o such_o rule_n if_o a_o man_n spend_v that_o time_n with_o his_o customer_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o spend_v with_o god_n in_o secret_a devotion_n and_o there_o have_v be_v innocent_a mirth_n this_o be_v no_o offence_n to_o god_n only_o it_o be_v adviseable_a that_o at_o his_o return_n he_o reduce_v his_o mind_n to_o seriousness_n and_o devotion_n in_o order_n to_o his_o receive_v and_o then_o he_o need_v not_o fear_v but_o he_o shall_v be_v welcome_a at_o the_o lord_n table_n 2._o if_o in_o the_o dispatch_n of_o business_n man_n do_v that_o which_o be_v real_o evil_a if_o they_o defraud_v or_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o drunkeness_n which_o be_v become_v such_o a_o concomitant_a with_o trade_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o the_o devil_n will_v not_o suffer_v to_o dispatch_v their_o business_n with_o their_o customer_n unless_o they_o dispatch_v their_o business_n with_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o it_o happen_v some_o day_n before_o the_o sacrament_n let_v he_o repent_v and_o humble_a his_o soul_n to_o god_n to_o think_v that_o he_o have_v forget_v god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v prepare_v for_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o if_o he_o be_v sincere_o penitent_a he_o need_v not_o omit_v it_o nay_o he_o have_v the_o more_o need_n to_o receive_v it_o by_o how_o much_o he_o see_v how_o prone_a he_o be_v to_o fall_v into_o temptation_n that_o he_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o they_o and_o if_o this_o have_v happen_v a_o little_a before_o the_o sacrament_n and_o so_o near_o to_o it_o that_o he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v of_o his_o repentance_n so_o as_o to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n the_o next_o time_n of_o administration_n let_v he_o go_v to_o his_o minister_n and_o bewail_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o not_o receive_v let_v he_o think_v how_o happy_a they_o be_v that_o be_v worthy_a communicant_n and_o what_o a_o sad_a thing_n it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v that_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o he_o dare_v not_o appear_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n that_o he_o have_v neglect_v to_o receive_v and_o hope_n that_o this_o will_v excuse_v he_o if_o he_o be_v not_o in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n i_o be_o sure_a no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v he_o may_v as_o well_o speak_v plain_o and_o say_v i_o love_v my_o sin_n better_o than_o the_o sacrament_n and_o sinful_a companion_n better_a than_o pious_a communicant_n and_o i_o suppose_v these_o be_v the_o man_n as_o well_o as_o other_o who_o keep_v from_o the_o sacrament_n to_o avoid_v damnation_n 3._o if_o worldly_a business_n bring_v man_n into_o ill_a company_n and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n let_v they_o make_v haste_n to_o dispatch_v it_o and_o tell_v the_o company_n that_o they_o be_v to_o communicate_v our_o saviour_n say_v if_o any_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o before_o man_n of_o he_o will_v i_o be_v ashamed_a before_o my_o father_n he_o doubtless_o speak_v it_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o derision_n with_o which_o jew_n and_o heathen_n think_v to_o make_v man_n ashamed_a of_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n but_o in_o our_o age_n we_o have_v need_n make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o encourage_v one_o christian_a who_o another_o deride_v for_o observe_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o be_v so_o ashamed_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o ordinance_n that_o they_o will_v rather_o go_v on_o to_o commit_v sin_n for_o company_n sake_n than_o give_v such_o a_o reason_n they_o be_v unworthy_a indeed_o for_o it_o appear_v plain_o that_o they_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o not_o of_o their_o sin_n the_o sacrament_n be_v appoint_v to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n but_o if_o they_o may_v not_o both_o be_v entertain_v the_o sacrament_n must_v keep_v off_o 4._o let_v these_o person_n consider_v what_o manifest_a contempt_n they_o cast_v upon_o all_o other_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n they_o can_v go_v to_o prayer_n and_o sermon_n all_o the_o year_n long_o and_o it_o signify_v nothing_o but_o they_o can_v go_v to_o their_o sinful_a companion_n all_o the_o week_n after_o and_o it_o may_v be_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o public_a service_n be_v do_v as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o defiance_n of_o those_o little_a thing_n of_o religion_n they_o can_v confess_v their_o sin_n and_o instead_o of_o forsake_v run_v to_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v do_v they_o can_v pray_v to_o the_o great_a king_n of_o