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 unworthy_a non-communicant_a a_o treatise_n show_v the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o rectify_v the_o mistake_v of_o many_o in_o this_o age_n concern_v it_o the_o first_o part._n the_o second_o impression_n correct_v by_o william_n smythies_n the_o morning_n lecturer_n at_o saint_n michael_n cornhill_n london_n london_n print_v by_o t._n milbourn_n for_o samuel_n lee_n at_o the_o feather_n in_o lombard_n street_n 1683._o to_o the_o worshipful_a richard_z alie_z esquire_n master_n mr._n edward_n turgis_n warden_n mr._n richard_n dawson_n warden_n mr._n gilbert_n vrwyn_n warden_n mr._n edward_n thursfield_n warden_n sir_n robert_n clayton_n alderman_n sir_n james_n smith_n aldermen_z sir_n thomas_n gold_n alderman_n mr._n thomas_n tyther_o and_o other_o of_o the_o court_n of_o assistant_n of_o the_o company_n of_o draper_n london_n honour_a sir_n you_o have_v be_v please_v to_o heap_v so_o many_o of_o your_o favour_n upon_o i_o 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care_n that_o i_o do_v not_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n negligent_o and_o that_o i_o may_v have_v the_o better_a direction_n in_o it_o you_o be_v please_v to_o command_v that_o so_o much_o of_o the_o pious_a will_n of_o mr._n john_n raney_n shall_v be_v show_v to_o i_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o my_o duty_n and_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v offensive_a to_o you_o if_o i_o show_v some_o part_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n as_o follow_v and_o further_o that_o before_o the_o begin_n of_o every_o such_o lecture_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n morning_n in_o st._n michael_n be_v church_n the_o lecturer_n for_o the_o time_n be_v do_v reverent_o read_v such_o good_a and_o godly_a prayer_n allow_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o have_v be_v heretofore_o usual_o perform_v and_o my_o desire_n be_v that_o the_o say_a preacher_n and_o lecturer_n in_o and_o by_o all_o his_o say_a lecture_n and_o sermon_n do_v chief_o aim_v at_o the_o suppress_n of_o sin_n and_o build_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o auditor_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v upon_o the_o first_o sabbath_n day_n morning_n in_o every_o month_n be_v the_o usual_a communion_n day_n exhort_v his_o auditory_a for_o the_o reverend_a and_o due_a receive_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o give_v such_o godly_a instruction_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o same_o as_o shall_v be_v most_o fit_v for_o that_o occasion_n when_o i_o have_v hear_v this_o part_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o religious_a donor_n i_o resolve_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n assist_v that_o i_o will_v observe_v what_o he_o so_o pious_o require_v of_o i_o that_o i_o have_v make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o suppress_v sin_n my_o auditor_n can_v testify_v and_o that_o i_o have_v observe_v his_o pleasure_n in_o exhort_v to_o the_o receive_v of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n may_v appear_v to_o you_o by_o this_o short_a treatise_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o i_o have_v make_v it_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o my_o work_n every_o month_n with_o very_a few_o intermission_n to_o exhort_v my_o auditor_n not_o to_o neglect_v it_o because_o since_o the_o death_n of_o that_o worthy_a benefactor_n the_o sin_n of_o neglect_v have_v abound_v more_o than_o the_o sin_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v i_o have_v with_o a_o sorrowful_a heart_n observe_v that_o all_o those_o sermon_n which_o be_v design_v to_o direct_v and_o prepare_v the_o people_n to_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n have_v signify_v very_o little_a because_o there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o in_o this_o vicious_a and_o divide_a age_n that_o do_v partake_v of_o it_o the_o good_a success_n which_o i_o have_v have_v praise_v be_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n for_o it_o and_o the_o continue_a importunity_n of_o some_o who_o have_v forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n and_o other_o who_o have_v forsake_v all_o religion_n as_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o but_o be_v now_o become_v very_o constant_a and_o i_o hope_v very_o pious_a communicant_n have_v prevail_v with_o i_o to_o publish_v those_o argument_n which_o i_o have_v be_v many_o year_n insist_v and_o inlarge_v upon_o and_o if_o they_o have_v the_o same_o influence_n upon_o the_o reader_n which_o they_o have_v have_v upon_o the_o hearer_n it_o will_v exceed_o rejoice_v i_o and_o you_o will_v have_v the_o less_o cause_n to_o repent_v of_o your_o choice_n and_o be_v the_o more_o willing_a that_o i_o shall_v still_o perform_v that_o service_n to_o which_o i_o have_v no_o other_o title_n but_o the_o continuance_n of_o your_o favour_n and_o good_a opinion_n of_o i_o which_o that_o i_o may_v deserve_v shall_v be_v the_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o your_o most_o humble_a and_o faithful_a servant_n william_n smythies_n cripplegate_n june_n 12_o 1683._o to_o the_o reader_n reader_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v excuse_v i_o that_o i_o have_v disappoint_v your_o expectation_n for_o i_o have_v disappoint_v my_o own_o my_o daily_a and_o almost_o hourly_a interruption_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o transcribe_v the_o whole_a copy_n as_o the_o printer_n earnest_o desire_v before_o i_o commit_v it_o to_o the_o press_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o be_v unwilling_a to_o do_v it_o for_o fear_v that_o a_o review_n of_o what_o i_o have_v do_v shall_v alter_v my_o mind_n and_o frustrate_v the_o desire_n of_o my_o importunate_a friend_n by_o this_o through_o my_o vnskilfulness_n in_o take_v measure_n i_o have_v be_v force_v to_o break_v off_o very_o abrupt_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o short_a and_o cheap_a treatise_n after_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o general_a pretence_n of_o non-communicants_a i_o intend_v to_o speak_v of_o some_o particular_a case_n which_o i_o think_v to_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n the_o young_a man_n pretence_n the_o poor_a man_n pretence_n and_o the_o melancholy_a man_n pretence_n for_o noncommunicating_a which_o be_v all_o of_o they_o very_o deplorable_a case_n i_o intend_v likewise_o to_o have_v treat_v upon_o another_o general_a head_n and_o that_o be_v the_o vindication_n and_o recommendation_n of_o the_o way_n of_o administration_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o do_v exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o that_o true_a piety_n and_o holiness_n which_o all_o good_a man_n do_v high_o contend_v for_o and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n i_o have_v of_o late_a spend_v a_o great_a part_n of_o my_o time_n and_o thought_n upon_o this_o argument_n and_o have_v observe_v the_o apostle_n rule_n in_o meekness_n to_o instruct_v they_o that_o oppose_v themselves_o but_o i_o need_v not_o trouble_v myself_o or_o the_o world_n about_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o thing_n because_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o do_v many_o year_n since_o and_o be_v again_o undertake_v by_o many_o minister_n of_o this_o city_n man_n of_o very_o great_a eminency_n who_o book_n be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v all_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v but_o to_o make_v they_o champion_n for_o the_o church_n as_o many_o good_a man_n have_v be_v who_o be_v disaffect_v to_o she_o to_o this_o i_o add_v a_o very_a earnest_a request_n if_o you_o have_v be_v mistake_v concern_v the_o duty_n or_o danger_n of_o communicate_v read_v with_o a_o desire_n to_o be_v satisfy_v if_o you_o have_v live_v a_o sinful_a life_n read_v with_o a_o willingness_n to_o be_v reform_v that_o you_o may_v neither_o be_v a_o unworthy_a communicant_a nor_o a_o unworthy_a non-communicant_a and_o if_o you_o receive_v any_o benefit_n give_v praise_n to_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n farewell_o the_o content_n it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o every_o christian_n to_o frequent_v the_o sacrament_n pag._n 10._o mistake_v concern_v the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v p._n 17._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 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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 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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
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 one_o communion_n &_o their_o servant_n after_o public_a catechise_n and_o private_a examination_n by_o their_o minister_n come_v the_o next_o communion_n it_o can_v not_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o unworthy_a communicant_n among_o they_o there_o be_v such_o in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o will_v be_v in_o all_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o evil_a be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o mischief_n that_o have_v happen_v since_o man_n take_v their_o liberty_n and_o forsake_v the_o sacrament_n parish_n now_o may_v better_o be_v compute_v by_o the_o number_n of_o non-communicants_a and_o those_o that_o run_v from_o the_o sacrament_n rather_o than_o of_o those_o that_o come_v to_o it_o i_o can_v in_o this_o place_n forbear_v mention_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o late_o hear_v from_o a_o very_a aged_n grave_a and_o pious_a person_n who_o be_v now_o very_o conformable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n we_o be_v lament_v 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
and_o benefit_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o will_v not_o endure_v it_o but_o take_v occasion_n to_o run_v from_o the_o church_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n there_o be_v thousand_o who_o have_v live_v long_o enough_o to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o but_o have_v need_v themselves_o to_o be_v teach_v which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n man_n that_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n nor_o upon_o what_o account_v it_o be_v that_o they_o expect_v salvation_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a one_o great_a cause_n of_o this_o have_v be_v neglect_v of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n for_o if_o man_n be_v frequent_a communicant_n they_o will_v be_v under_o a_o great_a necessity_n and_o obligation_n to_o inquire_v after_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v at_o least_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n they_o will_v be_v sensible_a of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o come_v to_o their_o minister_n or_o converse_v with_o other_o communicant_n concern_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n the_o sacrament_n will_v be_v a_o mean_n by_o which_o they_o will_v grow_v in_o grace_n and_o knowledge_n but_o whilst_o they_o be_v only_o concern_v to_o come_v sometime_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o think_v that_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o have_v be_v there_o though_o they_o neither_o know_v nor_o practise_v more_o than_o they_o do_v before_o and_o neglect_v that_o solemn_a institution_n which_o will_v make_v they_o more_o deep_o concern_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n they_o remain_v most_o gross_o ignorant_a i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o frequent_a communicant_n be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o those_o be_v that_o never_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n by_o this_o time_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v my_o assertion_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v general_o more_o danger_n in_o unworthy_a neglect_v than_o there_o be_v in_o unworthy_a receive_v and_o therefore_o the_o sinner_n be_v not_o secure_a unless_o it_o be_v in_o his_o sin_n who_o turn_v his_o back_n upon_o this_o ordinance_n from_o a_o supposition_n that_o he_o avoid_v danger_n or_o that_o of_o two_o evil_n he_o do_v choose_v the_o least_o yet_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o pass_v to_o another_o head_n of_o discourse_n till_o i_o have_v earnest_o entreat_v all_o person_n that_o they_o will_v not_o make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v as_o the_o apostle_n never_o intend_v by_o tell_v the_o corinthian_n the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v that_o any_o shall_v absent_v from_o the_o sacrament_n so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o design_n by_o show_v the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a neglect_v that_o any_o shall_v come_v unworthy_o to_o receive_v it_o there_o be_v no_o need_n nor_o any_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o ill_a inference_n to_o be_v make_v from_o it_o beside_o i_o have_v only_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v general_o more_o dangerous_a i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v so_o in_o every_o particular_a case_n it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o who_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n on_o purpose_n to_o carry_v on_o wicked_a design_n that_o they_o may_v be_v account_v not_o only_o upright_a towards_o man_n but_o likewise_o religious_a towards_o god_n it_o be_v possible_a there_o may_v be_v some_o who_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o may_v covert_o carry_v on_o treasonable_a and_o rebellious_a design_n but_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o who_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o popery_n if_o there_o be_v it_o have_v be_v well_o for_o those_o judas_n that_o they_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o for_o the_o world_n too_o if_o a_o millstone_n be_v hang_v about_o their_o neck_n and_o they_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n or_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o who_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o concern_v of_o other_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n intend_v to_o cheat_v they_o no_o man_n can_v think_v but_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o such_o man_n if_o they_o have_v never_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n whether_o their_o design_n be_v against_o public_a or_o private_a person_n though_o the_o first_o be_v the_o most_o dreadful_a case_n it_o be_v not_o christ_n and_o his_o command_n but_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instigation_n that_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o from_o he_o they_o must_v expect_v their_o reward_n in_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n there_o be_v beside_o open_a debauchery_n another_o particular_a case_n which_o render_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n so_o bad_a and_o be_v in_o some_o the_o occasion_n of_o so_o great_a a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n that_o i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o it_o have_v be_v better_a if_o those_o that_o be_v communicant_n have_v never_o be_v so_o and_o that_o be_v that_o man_n shall_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o employment_n and_o that_o they_o may_v keep_v place_n of_o trust_n which_o be_v profitable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o christian_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n because_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n which_o christ_n command_v but_o these_o receive_v it_o not_o upon_o any_o such_o account_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v only_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n they_o regard_v it_o not_o but_o when_o it_o become_v the_o command_n of_o the_o king_n they_o make_v haste_n to_o it_o christian_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n for_o the_o good_a of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n that_o have_v begin_v a_o religious_a life_n they_o may_v grow_v in_o grace_n and_o be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o godliness_n but_o this_o be_v none_o of_o their_o business_n these_o man_n come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n about_o a_o business_n in_o which_o their_o soul_n be_v nothing_o concern_v and_o well_o it_o be_v for_o they_o if_o their_o soul_n can_v be_v nothing_o concern_v in_o it_o he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a must_v examine_v himself_o whether_o he_o can_v be_v content_a to_o forsake_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n in_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a indeed_o who_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o love_n he_o have_v for_o his_o saviour_n be_v such_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o quit_v the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o than_o live_v without_o this_o ordinance_n but_o this_o man_n upon_o examination_n of_o himself_o find_v that_o instead_o of_o be_v willing_a to_o forsake_v the_o world_n for_o the_o love_n he_o have_v to_o the_o sacrament_n he_o can_v be_v very_o well_o content_a to_o forsake_v the_o sacrament_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o regard_n that_o he_o have_v to_o the_o world_n if_o when_o man_n be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o may_v continue_v in_o place_n of_o profit_n as_o well_o as_o trust_n they_o take_v this_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v their_o own_o mind_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n and_o sincere_o mind_v the_o thing_n of_o religion_n and_o find_v that_o they_o may_v have_v be_v worthy_a receiver_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v their_o great_a fault_n that_o they_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n which_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o or_o if_o upon_o examination_n they_o find_v that_o they_o be_v impenitent_a sinner_n that_o have_v allow_v themselves_o in_o sin_n either_o of_o commission_n or_o omission_n and_o do_v resolve_v that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o they_o but_o they_o will_v every_o day_n pray_v to_o god_n in_o their_o closet_n which_o our_o saviour_n require_v every_o one_o of_o his_o disciple_n to_o do_v and_o that_o they_o will_v attend_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n with_o devotion_n and_o the_o read_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n with_o honest_a heart_n if_o they_o be_v true_o penitent_a for_o their_o former_a sin_n and_o resolve_v to_o avoid_v the_o occasion_n of_o evil_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v if_o in_o order_n to_o these_o thing_n they_o go_v to_o their_o own_o minister_n or_o to_o some_o other_o who_o they_o may_v think_v more_o fit_a to_o give_v they_o advice_n which_o the_o church_n allow_v because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a tender_a case_n and_o if_o they_o resolve_v that_o they_o will_v be_v frequent_a communicant_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v they_o may_v then_o bless_v god_n for_o that_o happy_a occasion_n of_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o sacrament_n but_o if_o man_n be_v communicant_n only_o for_o
the_o sake_n of_o worldly_a profit_n i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o it_o have_v be_v a_o less_o evil_a to_o have_v live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o come_v to_o his_o supper_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o world_n a_o great_a contempt_n of_o the_o ordinance_n and_o of_o very_o ill_a consequence_n to_o other_o who_o will_v by_o such_o example_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o very_a low_a esteem_n of_o it_o but_o may_v it_o not_o be_v object_v that_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o very_a grievous_a thing_n that_o the_o sacrament_n shall_v be_v impose_v be_v it_o not_o that_o which_o tend_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o prejudice_n of_o man_n soul_n ans_fw-fr i_o know_v this_o be_v object_v and_o there_o be_v a_o fearful_a stir_n about_o it_o among_o man_n of_o discontent_a spirit_n who_o cry_v what_o have_v governor_n to_o do_v to_o deprive_v i_o of_o the_o liberty_n of_o receive_v then_o and_o then_o only_o when_o i_o find_v myself_o most_o fit_a for_o it_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v require_v that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n when_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o most_o be_v unfit_a for_o it_o can_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o all_o man_n have_v true_a grace_n in_o they_o do_v all_o belong_v to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n these_o and_o such_o like_a question_n we_o meet_v withal_o but_o i_o do_v earnest_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n who_o they_o be_v that_o be_v thus_o offend_v i_o have_v know_v none_o or_o very_o few_o but_o those_o who_o receive_v not_o at_o all_o who_o make_v this_o cavil_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v more_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v pity_v and_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o they_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v otherwise_o regard_v what_o they_o say_v they_o have_v two_o very_a pernicious_a design_n in_o it_o one_o be_v to_o indulge_v their_o lust_n which_o make_v they_o afraid_a to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n any_o where_o the_o other_o be_v to_o do_v mischief_n to_o the_o church_n for_o they_o do_v thereby_o endeavour_v to_o exasperate_v other_o against_o a_o lawful_a command_n that_o they_o may_v separate_v from_o her_o communion_n that_o the_o king_n may_v command_v his_o subject_n to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o i_o wonder_v any_o shall_v offer_v to_o object_n against_o it_o i_o shall_v think_v he_o very_o arrogant_a who_o shall_v say_v that_o although_o christ_n say_v this_o do_v yet_o christian_a king_n and_o prince_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v to_o see_v it_o do_v that_o although_o king_n under_o the_o old_a testament-dispensation_n be_v favour_v or_o reject_v of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o care_n that_o the_o people_n shall_v observe_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n or_o their_o neglect_n in_o that_o great_a concern_v yet_o under_o the_o new-testament-dispensation_n king_n be_v not_o to_o be_v concern_v whether_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v observe_v but_o be_v to_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o their_o liberty_n i_o can_v almost_o as_o well_o say_v that_o constantine_n be_v to_o blame_v for_o settle_v christianity_n in_o his_o dominion_n by_o a_o law_n as_o that_o christian_a king_n in_o succeed_a age_n be_v to_o blame_v for_o take_v care_n that_o the_o ordinance_n of_o that_o religion_n shall_v be_v due_o observe_v if_o any_o say_v that_o the_o king_n must_v then_o command_v the_o receive_v it_o after_o the_o manner_n that_o our_o saviour_n prescribe_v i_o answer_v that_o that_o objection_n will_v only_o serve_v to_o throw_v the_o ordinance_n out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n prescribe_v any_o way_n but_o more_o of_o this_o under_o another_o head_n as_o to_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o qualification_n of_o person_n that_o all_o have_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n all_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v give_v no_o other_o answer_n but_o this_o when_o there_o come_v a_o man_n to_o i_o and_o tell_v i_o that_o he_o be_v require_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o in_o order_n to_o it_o he_o have_v strive_v against_o his_o lust_n with_o his_o utmost_a diligence_n he_o have_v implore_v the_o grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v force_v to_o continue_v under_o the_o power_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o must_v eat_v and_o drink_v his_o own_o damnation_n i_o will_v then_o conclude_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v of_o great_a force_n but_o till_o then_o i_o wish_v that_o all_o person_n will_v take_v care_n of_o pass_v such_o a_o construction_n of_o obscure_a place_n of_o scripture_n as_o shall_v make_v they_o contradict_v the_o plain_a expression_n of_o it_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n this_o objection_n be_v answer_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o i_o have_v make_v a_o unwonted_a digression_n let_v i_o desire_v every_o one_o who_o be_v require_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o a_o test_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o fear_v god_n and_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v entrust_v take_v heed_n that_o what_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o unworthy_a neglect_v do_v not_o encourage_v he_o to_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n without_o due_a examination_n and_o preparation_n for_o it_o i_o will_v be_v very_o loath_a to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o deathbed_n anguish_n of_o mind_n when_o his_o depart_a soul_n shall_v be_v full_a of_o horror_n to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v go_v hence_o and_o must_v appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o he_o who_o he_o regard_v not_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o present_a world_n it_o must_v likewise_o be_v consider_v that_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o sacrament_n and_o not_o of_o those_o who_o seldom_o communicate_v i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o great_a fault_n of_o christian_n in_o this_o age_n that_o they_o do_v not_o communicate_v so_o often_o as_o the_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o soul_n do_v require_v but_o their_o fault_n be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o fault_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o continue_a neglect_n of_o it_o i_o have_v no_o design_n to_o extenuate_v the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v in_o any_o for_o although_o i_o have_v i_o hope_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a refuse_v the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o great_a yet_o when_o i_o consider_v what_o a_o fearful_a thing_n it_o be_v for_o sinner_n who_o do_v not_o fear_n god_n and_o savour_v the_o thing_n of_o religion_n to_o come_v as_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n to_o this_o ordinance_n i_o scarce_o know_v how_o to_o say_v that_o their_o danger_n be_v less_o let_v not_o therefore_o a_o ill_a use_n be_v make_v of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v but_o let_v every_o one_o conclude_v have_v often_o hear_v the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a receive_v and_o now_o read_v the_o danger_n of_o unworthy_a neglect_v that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o great_a and_o solemn_a ordinance_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o sinner_n way_n to_o stop_v he_o in_o his_o broad_a way_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n to_o he_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o path_n of_o life_n for_o it_o be_v on_o one_o hand_n a_o dreadful_a thing_n that_o the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o yield_v obedience_n to_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n supper_n among_o those_o that_o be_v the_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n as_o if_o they_o can_v come_v undiscovered_a to_o the_o all-seeing_a god_n that_o those_o who_o christ_n call_v his_o enemy_n because_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o rule_v over_o they_o shall_v come_v as_o if_o they_o be_v his_o friend_n and_o subject_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n for_o man_n to_o turn_v their_o back_n upon_o this_o ordinance_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o thereby_o to_o throw_v away_o the_o great_a institution_n of_o he_o from_o who_o they_o declare_v that_o they_o expect_v salvation_n this_o admit_v of_o great_a aggravation_n let_v every_o one_o therefore_o resolve_v that_o he_o will_v avoid_v both_o these_o rock_n by_o betake_v himself_o to_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o frequent_v this_o holy_a ordinance_n by_o which_o he_o will_v enjoy_v great_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o mind_n in_o this_o world_n and_o obtain_v good_a assurance_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v iv_o the_o non-communicant_a be_v unworthy_a in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o only_o cast_v
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
gospel_n and_o if_o they_o be_v in_o any_o sense_n such_o believer_n as_o be_v entitle_v to_o salvation_n they_o be_v such_o believer_n as_o have_v a_o right_n to_o baptism_n if_o the_o estate_n belong_v to_o a_o child_n in_o the_o cradle_n the_o indenture_n and_o seal_n of_o that_o estate_n belong_v to_o he_o likewise_o the_o child_n of_o a_o believer_n may_v as_o well_o be_v call_v a_o believer_n as_o the_o child_n of_o a_o proselyte_n be_v call_v a_o proselyte_n if_o god_n give_v child_n but_o the_o denomination_n of_o believer_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o entitle_v they_o to_o baptism_n 5._o those_o that_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n this_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a argument_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o those_o that_o be_v serious_a and_o considerate_a and_o not_o conceit_v and_o resolute_a in_o a_o case_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o live_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o case_n so_o i_o may_v say_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n and_o their_o unsuccessfulness_n in_o all_o their_o attempt_n to_o establish_v their_o opinion_n do_v show_v that_o god_n do_v not_o nor_o ever_o do_v show_v any_o such_o favour_n to_o they_o as_o may_v give_v any_o sober_a person_n cause_n to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v god_n church_n and_o people_n however_o they_o plead_v his_o word_n to_o be_v their_o rule_n but_o that_o infant-baptism_n be_v a_o ordinance_n which_o god_n allow_v of_o and_o have_v countenance_v ever_o since_o there_o be_v any_o opposition_n make_v to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o writer_n yet_o alive_a who_o give_v a_o large_a and_o strange_a account_n of_o the_o mischievous_a practice_n of_o the_o anabaptist_n in_o germany_n and_o other_o place_n what_o disturber_n and_o not_o promoter_n of_o religion_n they_o have_v be_v wheresoever_o they_o have_v come_v but_o i_o wave_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o they_o either_o in_o this_o nation_n or_o beyond_o the_o sea_n and_o will_v only_o say_v that_o if_o i_o have_v the_o high_a opinion_n of_o they_o for_o their_o moral_n that_o i_o have_v for_o any_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o i_o can_v never_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o own_v and_o practise_v infant-baptism_n and_o the_o martyr_n in_o all_o age_n be_v not_o member_n right_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n that_o not_o only_o the_o papist_n but_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n be_v mistake_v in_o this_o point_n and_o that_o the_o anabaptist_n be_v the_o only_a true_a and_o rightful_a member_n of_o christ_n body_n he_o must_v be_v very_o weak_a and_o notorous_o partial_a who_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o do_v not_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v a_o sect_n that_o separate_a from_o the_o true_a church_n which_o god_n have_v own_v in_o all_o age_n and_o not_o the_o true_a visible_a church_n of_o christ_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o mention_v in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o argument_n by_o which_o many_o waver_a mind_n have_v be_v establish_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o god_n grant_v there_o may_v be_v the_o like_a success_n to_o those_o in_o the_o like_a case_n who_o shall_v read_v they_o v._o those_o excuse_n which_o man_n general_o make_v for_o their_o not_o receive_v be_v so_o far_o from_o justify_v their_o neglect_n that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o extenuate_v it_o nay_o they_o exceed_o aggravate_v the_o gild_n of_o most_o non-communicants_a the_o truth_n be_v no_o excuse_n must_v be_v make_v in_o such_o a_o weighty_a matter_n as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v there_o may_v be_v interruption_n but_o there_o must_v be_v no_o excuse_n a_o interruption_n be_v when_o a_o man_n real_o intend_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o somewhat_o happen_v by_o which_o he_o be_v prevent_v and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a trouble_n to_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o be_v so_o it_o be_v with_o christian_n in_o this_o case_n as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o israelite_n which_o we_o read_v of_o num._n 9.6_o 7._o who_o be_v hinder_v from_o eat_v the_o passover_n by_o the_o legal_a defilement_n of_o a_o dead_a corpse_n be_v extreme_o trouble_v and_o come_v to_o moses_n to_o know_v what_o they_o shall_v do_v there_o be_v certain_a man_n who_o be_v defile_v by_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o a_o man_n that_o they_o can_v not_o keep_v the_o passover_n on_o that_o day_n and_o they_o come_v before_o moses_n and_o before_o aaron_n on_o that_o day_n and_o those_o man_n say_v unto_o he_o we_o be_v defile_v by_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o a_o man_n wherefore_o be_v we_o keep_v back_o that_o we_o may_v not_o offer_v a_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o appoint_a season_n among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n observe_v how_o far_o those_o man_n be_v from_o make_v excuse_n for_o neglect_v god_n ordinance_n in_o that_o they_o be_v extreme_o trouble_v at_o a_o interruption_n which_o probable_o they_o can_v not_o help_v for_o he_o that_o be_v in_o a_o tent_n in_o which_o a_o man_n die_v or_o come_v into_o it_o be_v unclean_a chap._n 19.14_o and_o continue_v so_o seven-day_n this_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n moses_n say_v unto_o they_o stand_v still_o and_o i_o will_v hear_v what_o the_o lord_n will_v command_v concern_v you_o and_o we_o read_v that_o god_n in_o that_o case_n appoint_v that_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o passover_n the_o next_o month._n god_n allow_v of_o the_o interruption_n for_o that_o time_n but_o there_o must_v be_v no_o excuse_n we_o read_v num._n 9.13_o that_o the_o man_n who_o be_v not_o thus_o hinder_v if_o he_o do_v not_o keep_v the_o passover_n at_o the_o time_n appoint_v the_o same_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o his_o people_n because_o he_o bring_v not_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o lord_n on_o his_o appoint_a season_n a_o place_n of_o scripture_n very_o fit_a for_o non-communicants_a to_o consider_v who_o if_o they_o have_v no_o impediment_n will_v make_v excuse_n instead_o of_o they_o they_o will_v pretend_v somewhat_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o neglect_n which_o be_v not_o real_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o little_a regard_n which_o they_o have_v for_o the_o ordinance_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o neglect_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v what_o the_o general_a excuse_n be_v and_o then_o consider_v some_o more_o special_a case_n 1._o some_o pretend_v that_o the_o solemninity_n of_o the_o ordinance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o neglect_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a ordinance_n and_o they_o dare_v not_o adventure_v to_o make_v their_o approach_n to_o it_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o very_a good_a christian_n to_o who_o this_o be_v not_o a_o excuse_n but_o be_v a_o real_a cause_n of_o their_o absent_v from_o the_o sacrament_n they_o think_v that_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o adventure_n for_o such_o as_o they_o be_v to_o come_v to_o their_o lord_n supper_n although_o they_o be_v such_o as_o love_v he_o and_o do_v sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v may_v give_v satisfaction_n in_o this_o case_n viz._n that_o humility_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n be_v a_o good_a qualification_n for_o a_o communicant_a and_o that_o as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o great_a and_o solemn_a ordinance_n so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a duty_n to_o partake_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o christian_n must_v take_v care_n that_o they_o do_v not_o compliment_v our_o saviour_n but_o that_o the_o examine_v themselves_o and_o reverent_o observe_v his_o institution_n great_a man_n do_v sometime_o allow_v of_o such_o excuse_n when_o they_o make_v invitation_n but_o the_o great_a god_n command_v when_o he_o invite_v and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o neglect_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n i_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n my_o design_n be_v to_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o make_v this_o a_o pretence_n for_o their_o noncommunicating_a they_o say_v the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o solemn_a ordinance_n and_o therefore_o they_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o it_o but_o i_o will_v have_v such_o person_n to_o consider_v whither_o they_o go_v when_o they_o turn_v away_o from_o this_o solemn_a ordinance_n if_o it_o be_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o a_o continuance_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n their_o condition_n be_v unspeakable_o miserable_a what_o a_o affront_n be_v this_o to_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o may_v say_v to_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o galatian_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v
how_o much_o time_n soever_o he_o set_v apart_o in_o order_n to_o his_o receive_v his_o come_n to_o the_o sacrament_n will_v not_o be_v like_o the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o have_v leave_v all_o to_o follow_v he_o and_o do_v by_o this_o ordinance_n engage_v themselves_o to_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o obedience_n to_o his_o commandment_n but_o like_o the_o whore_n which_o solomon_n speak_v of_o who_o say_v i_o have_v pay_v my_o vow_n therefore_o come_v i_o forth_o to_o meet_v thou_o etc._n etc._n prov._n 7.14_o 15._o some_o be_v so_o dissolute_a as_o to_o think_v that_o have_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o spend_v some_o time_n to_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o good_a mood_n in_o order_n to_o it_o they_o shall_v easy_o obtain_v a_o pardon_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v have_v make_v even_o with_o god_n for_o the_o time_n past_a but_o as_o the_o whore_n be_v a_o whore_n still_o for_o all_o her_o vow_n so_o this_o wicked_a man_n remain_v a_o wicked_a man_n still_o notwithstanding_o his_o preparation_n and_o communicate_v and_o his_o sacrifice_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v i_o must_v not_o sin_v this_o week_n but_o avoid_v temptation_n because_o i_o intend_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o i_o must_v change_v the_o habit_n of_o my_o mind_n i_o must_v become_v a_o new_a creature_n i_o must_v resolve_v that_o because_o i_o have_v do_v iniquity_n i_o will_v do_v no_o more_o or_o else_o all_o the_o preparation_n that_o can_v be_v make_v will_v signify_v nothing_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o design_n of_o these_o communicant_n he_o that_o be_v religious_a in_o the_o general_n course_n of_o his_o life_n come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o he_o may_v be_v keep_v from_o sin_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v he_o that_o be_v only_o religious_a in_o order_n to_o his_o receive_v come_v to_o it_o that_o he_o may_v sin_v again_o with_o less_o regret_n of_o mind_n than_o he_o do_v before_o the_o first_o be_v one_o who_o desire_v that_o christ_n may_v dwell_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o bear_v rule_n in_o he_o the_o other_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o now_o and_o then_o give_v god_n a_o unwellcome_a visit_n and_o then_o return_v to_o dwell_v with_o his_o sin_n again_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o unworthy_a communicant_a that_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o he_o may_v with_o the_o great_a freedom_n serve_v his_o sin_n after_o it_o it_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a preparation_n how_o much_o time_n so_o ever_o any_o one_o have_v for_o it_o that_o bespeak_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o worthy_a communicant_a if_o he_o be_v not_o hearty_o resolve_v to_o become_v a_o good_a man_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o time_n prefix_v for_o preparation_n to_o communicate_v but_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o the_o new_a covenant_n we_o read_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o a_o special_a time_n which_o god_n appoint_v for_o preparation_n when_o the_o people_n be_v to_o make_v their_o solemn_a approach_n to_o he_o when_o god_n appoint_v the_o people_n to_o meet_v he_o upon_o the_o mount_n he_o require_v two_o day_n preparation_n exod._n 19.15_o when_o god_n send_v a_o summons_n to_o the_o seventy_o elder_n to_o appear_v before_o he_o he_o require_v a_o day_n preparation_n say_v unto_o the_o people_n sanctify_v yourselves_o against_o to_o morrow_n &_o more_o instance_n may_v be_v give_v but_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n he_o that_o will_v spend_v time_n if_o it_o be_v his_o own_o in_o a_o solemn_a preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n be_v as_o welcome_v to_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v real_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o order_n to_o his_o receive_v where_o time_n be_v want_v there_o may_v be_v and_o doubtless_o be_v a_o supply_n from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n solomon_n say_v prov._n 16.1_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n those_o who_o have_v but_o little_a time_n to_o prepare_v do_v receive_v as_o much_o to_o their_o comfort_n and_o find_v as_o great_a benefit_n by_o it_o as_o those_o who_o have_v spend_v more_o time_n in_o preparation_n for_o it_o i_o know_v that_o some_o very_a pious_a minister_n have_v so_o much_o insist_v upon_o the_o spend_n of_o some_o considerable_a time_n as_o preparatory_a to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o have_v discourage_v many_o good_a christian_n from_o come_v to_o it_o who_o have_v not_o have_v time_n from_o their_o unavoidable_a occasion_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o it_o i_o will_v ready_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concern_v that_o those_o who_o intend_v to_o communicate_v shall_v spend_v time_n in_o prepare_v themselves_o and_o the_o more_o they_o spend_v the_o more_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v to_o they_o but_o this_o must_v not_o discourage_v servant_n and_o other_o from_o communicate_v who_o want_n time_n and_o who_o time_n be_v not_o proper_o their_o own_o the_o scripture_n have_v give_v no_o standard_n in_o this_o case_n and_o from_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o very_a pious_a christian_n from_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o their_o unworthiness_n and_o unfitness_n to_o receive_v think_v they_o have_v not_o spend_v time_n enough_o in_o prepare_v and_o therefore_o they_o will_v stay_v till_o the_o next_o communion_n and_o when_o that_o come_v they_o still_o think_v they_o have_v not_o spend_v time_n enough_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v the_o most_o worthy_a guest_n be_v keep_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o will_v have_v such_o person_n and_o all_o that_o be_v pious_a and_o devout_a christian_n to_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o the_o corinthian_n before_o mention_v they_o have_v receive_v unworthy_o and_o thereby_o provoke_v god_n to_o anger_n the_o apostle_n admonish_v they_o to_o examine_v themselves_o before_o they_o receive_v again_o but_o he_o do_v not_o prescribe_v any_o time_n that_o they_o shall_v spend_v nor_o do_v he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a for_o they_o to_o forbear_v come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n for_o some_o time_n but_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 when_o it_o be_v probable_a there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o communion_n the_o next_o day_n 3._o it_o be_v possible_a that_o man_n in_o this_o case_n of_o preparation_n may_v be_v over_o righteous_a nay_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v be_v superstitious_a too_o they_o be_v over-righteous_a who_o spend_v that_o time_n in_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n which_o they_o can_v spare_v from_o necessary_a occasion_n if_o the_o poor_a man_n neglect_v his_o family_n or_o the_o servant_n his_o master_n business_n though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o sacrament_n god_n may_v say_v to_o they_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n some_o may_v be_v superstitious_a in_o their_o preparation_n such_o as_o think_v they_o shall_v be_v accept_v of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o meal_n which_o they_o have_v abstain_v from_o or_o the_o hour_n they_o have_v spend_v in_o read_v prayer_n or_o meditation_n whereas_o as_o to_o the_o first_o abstinence_n in_o itself_o signify_v nothing_o it_o be_v only_o to_o be_v use_v so_o far_o as_o it_o may_v keep_v the_o mind_n from_o be_v indispose_v for_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o some_o person_n their_o constitution_n can_v bear_v fast_v and_o if_o they_o abstain_v they_o be_v more_o indispose_v than_o if_o they_o continue_v their_o wont_a meal_n and_o by_o number_v the_o hour_n or_o prayer_n as_o papist_n do_v a_o man_n may_v place_v religion_n wrong_v and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v in_o his_o religious_a service_n may_v be_v without_o that_o devotion_n of_o mind_n which_o alone_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o preparatory_a to_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n let_v man_n take_v heed_n that_o they_o mistake_v not_o &_o set_v bound_n &_o measure_n where_o god_n have_v set_v none_o let_v they_o not_o think_v that_o unless_o they_o have_v so_o much_o time_n for_o preparation_n god_n will_v not_o accept_v of_o they_o for_o god_n have_v make_v no_o such_o appointment_n it_o be_v not_o time_n allow_v that_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n but_o a_o sincere_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o make_v a_o man_n a_o worthy_a communicant_a 4._o let_v he_o that_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o time_n take_v heed_n that_o he_o do_v not_o neglect_v that_o time_n he_o have_v or_o may_v have_v to_o spend_v in_o prepare_v for_o the_o sacrament_n what_o man_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n