A. We should have a competent Knowledge of the Divine Institution Spiritual Nature holy use and ends of them But these things have been already opened Thus much of Knowledge Q 189. What is that Faith which a worthy Partaker of the Lord's Supper should have A. A Saving Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ Q. 190. What is a Saving Faith in Christ A. Saving Faith in Christ is a special Gift of God to his Elect whereby they knowing and assenting to the Truth of God's Record touching Christ in the Word do Receive the Lord Jesus Christ for their only Saviour and trust in him for Salvation on his own Terms Eph. 2.8 John 17.3 1 John 5.10 11. John 1.12 Eph. 1.12 Luke 9.23 Q. 191. Why is Faith needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because Faith must be the Eye of the Soul to see Christ in it the Hand of the Soul to Receive the Spiritual Mouth and Stomach to feed upon him and digest him as our Spiritual Food for our Nourishment and Growth in Grace Q. 192. What is that Repentance a worthy Partaker should have A. True Repentance is a special Gift of God to his Elect arising from a clear sight and deep sense of sin and a knowledge and belief of the Mercy of God in Christ whereby they do both confess their sins to God with shame and sorrow for them and hatred of them and turn from them unto God both in Heart and Life Acts 11.11 5.31 2.37 Acts 3.19 26. Prov. 28.13 Joel 2.12 13. Psal 119.104 Q. 193. Why is Repentance needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because in this Ordinance we come to renew our Covenant with God and to receive a sealed Pardon of our sins which none can do but true Penitents Q. 194. VVhat is that Love a worthy Partaker should have A. Holy Love is a Spiritual Affection whereby the Souls of God's People are carried out toward God and toward one another and toward all that is good Matth. 27.37.39 John 13.34 1 John 2.15 2 Cor. 5.14 Rom. 15.30 2 Thess 2.10 Q. 195. Ought we not also to Love our very Enemies and such as hate us A. Yes Christ hath commanded us to Love our Enemies with a Love of Good-will so as to forbear revenging our selves on them and to desire and endeavour their good though not with a Love of Delight Matth. 5.44 45. Rom. 12.19 20. Q. 196. VVhy is love needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because this Ordinance is a Love-feast and a Love token between Christ his Church in which they do as it were seal their Affections each to other appointed to keep in memory Christ's Love to Believers and to encrease their Love to him and the want of this Love brings Men under the severest Curse Rev. 1.5 1 Cor. 11.24 1 Cor. 16.22 Q. 197. VVhat is that New Obedience that is needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. New Obedience is an unfeigned desire and purpose of the Soul seconded with a careful endeavour of Life in and by the grace and strength of Christ to yeild sinâ—ere constant universal Obedience to â—he whole revealed Mind Will of God â—â—yned with an humiliation for our Failings and Defects a desire to be found in the Righteousness of Christ and to be accepted of God only in for through the perfect Obedience of Christ Psal 119.5 8 30 31 32. Phil. 4.13 Psal 119.6 104 112. 2 Chron. 30.18 19. Phil. 3.9 Q. 198. Why is it called New Obedience A. Because 't is only perform'd by New Creatures that is by such as are renewed after the Image of God and by new strength from Christ and because it is required by the New Testament or Covenant 2 Cor. 5.17 Rom. 12.2 Phil. 4.13 Q. 199. Why is this New Obedience needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because this Ordinance being a Seal of the New Covenant binds us to this New Obedience so that without it our partaking of this Ordinance would be but dissembling and because without this Obedience all our Profession of Religion and outward Performances will be rejected of God as vain and hypoâ—ritical and abominable Ezech. 11.19 23. Jer. 31.33 1. Sam. 15.22 Tit. 1.16 Q. 200. What is that Thankfulness that is needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Thankfulness is a due and heart-affecting sense of the Love of God in giving Christ to us of the Love of Christ in giving himself for us and of the Love of the Spirit in revealing Christ in us with a cheerful acknowledgment of the same with our Lips and Lives John 3.16 Gal. 2.20 2 Cor. 9 1â— 1 Tim. 1.17 Rom. 15.13 Eph. 1.17 Q. 201. What should Believers be especially thankful for at this Ordinance A. They should be especially thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ and for the Covenant of Grace together with all the Blessings and Benefits given in and with them to Believers Eph. 1.3 2 Cor. 9.15 Q. 202. Why is this Thankfulness needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because Christ himself gave Thanks to God in the Institution of this Ordinance and because the very matter use and ends of this Ordinance engaged us to Thankfulness in that it representeth sealeth and applieth Jesus Christ to us as the Spiritual Food of our Souls 1 Cor. 11.24 Deut. 8.10 1 Thess 5.18 Q 203. What is that holy Desire or spiritual Appetite that is needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Holy Desire is a spiritual hungering and thirsting after the Lord Jesus Christ as the Food of our Souls for our Nourishment and Growth in Grace Isa 55.1 Hagg. 2.7 Isa 26.8 9. Matth. 5.6 Q. 204. Why is this holy Desire or Appetite needful to a worthy partaking of this Ordinance A. Because this Ordinance being a Spiritual Feast or Supper cannot profit us without a spiritual hunger or thirst after the Provisions set before us therein neither shall we taste any spiritual sweetness in it nor get Refreshment and Nourishment by it for this is promised only to those who have this Appetite Matth. 5.6 Luke 1.52 Q. 205. Who are in a fit frame or disposition for this Ordinance A. Such who being truly gracious have some Scripture-Evidence thereof and have got their Souls into a serious humble and holy disposition to draw near to God and to hold Communion with him James 4.8 9 10. Q. 206. How may we get into a new frame or disposition A. We may get into a sit frame or disposition of Spirit for this holy Ordinance 1. By examining our selves 2. By quickning and stirring up our Graces 3. 〈◊〉 praying for Spiritual Blessings 4. By hoping for them and expecting of them from God through Christ Q. 207. Concerning what should we examine our selves A. We should examine our selves both concerning our Sins and concerning our Graces 1 Cor. 11.28 Lam. 3.40 2 Cor. 13.5 28. Q. 208. What should we examine concerning
our Sins A. We should examine both what our Sins are and how they are aggravated by their several Circumstances Jer. 8.6 Q 209. How may we come to know our Sins A. We may come to know our Sins 1. By comparing our Hearts and Lives with the Laws of God which shew us both the Duties we should perform and the sins we should avoid Rom. 3.20 7.7 2. By praying to God to discover our sins to us Job 13.23 Q 210. What should we examine our selves concerning our Graces A. We should examine our selves both touching the Grace we have and touching the Grace we want 2 Cor. 13.5 Q. 211. What should we examine â—â—ching the Grace we have A. We should examine both the truth of our Grace and the growth of it Q. 212. How may we know whether our knowledge of spiritual Truths be a true saving knowledge A. By the Properties Effects and Companions of it in the Soul Q. 213. What be the Properties of it A. It is joyned with an high prizing of this knowledge it self and the things that we know 1 Cor. 2.2 Phil. 3.8 Rom. 7.12 Q. 214. What is another A. It is joyned with an humbling sense of our own Ignorance and Sinfuâ—ness Job 42.5 6. Prov. 30.2 Q. 215. What is another A. It is joyned with a Love to and Delight in the Spiritual Truths known Psal 119.97 Rom. 7.22 Q. 216. What is another A. It is accompanied with earnest Desires and diligent Endeavours after more Spiritual Knowledge Psal 119.33 34 40. Prov. 2.3 4. 2 Pet. 3.18 Q. 217. What is another A. It is accompanied with an Experience or spiritual Sense of those Truths that are to be experienced as of the convincing converting comforting quickning and confirming power of the Word and Spirit of God Phil. 1.9 Psal 34.8 1 Pet. 2.3 Heb. 5.14 Psal 19.7 8. 119.50 Acts 20.32 Q. 218. VVhat is another A. It changeth the Soul into the same Image of Holiness that is in the Word of God 2 Chron. 3.18 Rom. 12.2 Q. 219. VVhat is another A. It is joyned with the practise of known Duties and the forbearing of known sins John 13.17 1 John 2.3 4. Psal 119.100 101. Q. 220. What is another A. It is joyned with a readiness to teach others the knowledge of spiritual things Psal 34.11 John 1.41 45 46. John 4.28 29. Q 221. How may we know whether our Faith be true and saving A. By the manner in which it is wrought by its nature and by its properties or effects Q 222. How is Faith wrought in the Soul A. The Spirit of God ordinarily prepareth the Heart for it by the Law of God and then worketh it by the Gospel Q. 223. How doth the Spirit prepare the heart for Faith by the Law A. These several ways 1. It shews and convinces the Soul of its sinful and miserable Estate by nature John 16.7 Rom. 3.20 2. It humbles the Soul under the serious consideration of its sin and misery 2 Kings 22.19 3. It works in the Soul a despair of getting out of this condition by its own power or the help of any other Creatures Acts 4.12 4. It causeth in the Soul a fear of the wrath of God due to him for sin Gen. 3.10 5. It convinceth the Soul of its need of a Saviour Matth. 9.12 Q. 224. How doth the Spirit of God work Faith by the Gospel A. These several ways 1. It shews to the Soul the Lord Jesus Christ as an All-sufficient and only Saviour provided by God and offered to sinners John 3.16 2. It begets in the Soul an high esteem of this Saviour and earnest desires after him above all other things Cant. 5.10 3. It convinceth the Soul that it is his duty to believe in or close with the Lord Jesus Christ for his Saviour 1 John 3.23 4. It begets in the soul some hope of obtaining an Interest in this Saviour Psal 119.116 5. It works in the Soul a Resolution to seek after this Saviour and to be at any care and cost to obtain an interest in him Cant. 3.2 6. It takes the Soul wholly off from resting on his own Righteousness for Justification before God Phil. 3.9 Q. 225. Wherein doth the Essence or Nature of Faith consist A. It consists in two things 1. In a receiving of an whole Christ or of Christ in all his Offices the Soul being made willing to be taught and ruled as well as reconciled by him John 1.12 2. In â—â—â—sting on Christ or trusting in him aâ—â— for compleat and eternal Salvation Eph. 1.12 Q. 226. What be the Properties Fruits or Effects of Faith A. Faith helps to soften and melt the heart into godly sorrow for sin Zech. 12.10 Isa 53.5 6. Q. 227. What is another property of it A. Faith helps to purifie or cleanse the Heart from the love of sin by arguing against it from the Word of God and by applying the Blood of Christ to the Soul Acts 15.9 John 17.17 Zech. 13.1 Q. 228. What is another A. Faith makes a Man obedient to the Will of God and fruitful in good Works Rom. 16.26 Gal. 5.6 Heb. 11.8 9 17. Q. 229. What is another A. Faith maintains the Christian's spiritual Life as it applies Christ and the Promises to the soul and helps the soul to live in an holy dependance upon him and them Rom. 1.17 Gal. 2.20 Q. 230. What is another A. Faith makes the Word of God profitable and effectual to the Soul 1 Thess 2 13. Rom. 1.16 Heb. 4.2 Q. 231. What is another A. Faith helps the Soul to dâ—â—â— nigh to God in holy Duties with humâ—â—â—oldness and confidence of access to him and acceptance with him through Christ Eph. 3.12 Heb. 4.16 10.22 Q. 232. What is another A. Faith helps the Soul to bear the burden of Troubles and Afflictions and keep it from fainting and sinking under them Psal 27.13 Heb. 11.35 Job 13.15 Q. 233. VVhat is another A. Faith helps the Soul to resist and conquer its spiritual Enemies Sin Satan and the World Acts 26.18 1 Pet. 5.9 Eph. 6.16 1 John 5.4 Heb. 11.24.25 26. Q. 234. VVhat is another A. Faith helps the Soul to spiritual Joy and Peace Rom. 5.1 2 and 15.13 Q. 235. What is another A. Faith is of a growing and persevering Nature encreaseth in Measure and endures to the end 2 Thess 1 3 Rom. 1.17 Luke 22.32 Heb. 10.39 Rev. 2.20 The Examination of Repentance Q. 236. How may we know whether our Repentance be true and saving A. By the manner of its working by its Nature and by its Fruits Effects and Companions Q. 237. In what manner is Repentance wrought A. The Spirit of God ordinarily worketh a sight and sense of sin in the Soul by the Law and an apprehension of the Mercy of God in Christ offered to sinners by the Gospel and herewith powerfully affects the Heart and effectually inclines it to turn from sin unto God Rom. 3.20 7.7 2 Cor. 5.19 Acts 2.37 26.18
Jer. 31.18 Q. 238. Wherein doth the Nature of true Repentance consist A. In these three things 1. In a deep Conviction of sin 2. In an hearty Contrition or godly Sorrow for sin 3. In a thorow Conversion or Turning from sin to God Acts 2.37 Psal 38.18 Ezek. 18.30 Q. 239. When is our Conviction of sin such as it ought to be A. When we understand and are duly sensible of the greatness of the Evil of sin Gen. 37.9 Q. 240. Wherein doth the evil of sin consist A. 1. In its odious Nature as being contrary both to the Holy Nature Revealed Will and Righteous Law of God Eph. 4.18 Col. 1.21 Rom. 8.7 1 John 3.4 2. In its hurtful Fruits and Effects as bringing the Soul under guilt filth and slavery and making it liable to temporal spiritual and eternal Punishments Rom. 3.19 Job 15.16 2 Pet. 2.19 Rom. 6.23 Q. 241. When is our Contrition or Sorrow for sin such as it ought to be A. 1. When it is a sorrow for sin as sin or as it is contrary to the Nature and Will of God Psal 51.4 2. When it is universal sorrow for all sins at all times Psal 38.18 119.136 3. When it is the greatest sorrow we have both as to degree and continuance Zech 12.10 4. When it worketh repentance or forsaking of sin 2 Cor. 7.10 Q. 242. When is our Conversion from sin unto God such as it ought to be A. When we are turned from all sin unto God both in heart and life Ezek. 8.31 Rom. 6.4 Q. 243. When is the heart turned from sin to God A. When the Heart is turned from the Darkness of sin to the light of Grace or from ignorance to knowledge in the things of God Acts 26.18 Eph. 5.8 2. When the Heart is turned from a Death in Sin to the Life of Grace Eph. 2.1 2. 2. When the Heart is turned from the love of sin to the hatred of it Ps 119.104 4. When the Heart is turned from the reigning power of sin and brought under the Government of God Acts 26.18 Rom. 6.17 18. Q. 244. When is the life turned from sin unto God A. When we do in our practices and course of life deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts and live soberly righteously and godly in this present world Tit. 2.12 Q. 245. What are the Fruits and Companions of true Repentance A. Such as these 1. A free and full Confession of sin with its aggravation unto God and also unto Men when duly called to it 1 Tim. 1.13 James 5.16 2. A Judging and Condemning sin and our selves for sin Dan. 9.7 8. 3. A Loathing of sin and of our selves for sin Ezek. 20.43 4. An holy shame upon the remembrance of sin Ezek. 16.61 5. A just Indignation against and zealous Revenge upon sin in mortifying of it 2 Cor. 7.11 6. Making Restitution or Satisfaction for sin though not to God yet to Men if it be in our power for the wrong we have done to them either in Souls or Body Estates or good Names Luke 19.8 7. An holy desire and carefulness to avoid sin and please God 2 Cor. 7.11 8. A holy Fear and Watchfulness against sin and temptations for time to come 2 Cor. 7.11 The Examination of Love Q. 246. How may we know whether our Love to God the Father Son Spirit be true A. By the Rise or Grounds of it by the Nature of it and by the Properties of it Q. 247. Whence doth our Love to God arise A. 1. From a fight or discovery of the Loveliness of God or the surpassing Excellencies of his Nature apprehended by Faith Psal 8.1 45.2 Cant. 5.10.16 2. From a Taste or Experience of the Goodness and Mercy of God and Manifestations of his Love to our Souls Cant. 1.3 3 4 5. Luke 7.38 Q. 248. Wherein doth the Nature of this Love of God consist A. In the Soul 's going out toward God as the chief Good by several steps or degrees As 1. In a Love of Good-will to him 2. In a Love of fervent Desires after him 3. In a Love of sweet Delight and full Satisfaction in him John 3.27 Cant. 1.2 8.14 Psal 16.5 6. Q. 249. How may we know that we love God the Father as our Father A. By our desires and endeavours to carry it toward him like dutiful Children fearing to offend him hearkning to him obeying him seeking to him and depending on him for all needful Blessings 1 Pet. 1.14 15. Mal. 1.6 Rom. 8.15 1 Pet. 5.7 Q. 250. How may we know that we love the Lord Jesus Christ as our Mediator and Redeemer A. 1. By our renouncing all other Mediators and Redeemers and thankfully accepting of him in all his Offices as our only Mediator and Redeemer Isa 26.13 Psal 73.25 2. By our learning of him as our Prophet obeying him as our King using of him and trusting in him as our Priest for the Benefits of his Satisfaction and Intercession Matth. 11.29 Heb. 5.9 4.15 16. Eph. 1.12 Q. 251. How may we know our Love to the Holy Spirit as our Sanctifier Guide and Comforter A. 1. By our love to frequenting of and delighting in the holy Ordinances of Christ by which the Spirit works Ps 27.4 81.1 2 10. 122.1 2. By our hearkning to and obeying his Call cherishing his holy Motions in our Souls by the Ordinances of Christ resisting and rejecting the evil suggestion and temptations of our spiritual Enemies 1 Thess 5.19 Isa 30.21 1 Pet. 5.9 3. By our setting upon Duties in the strength of the Spirit living under his influence and walking in God's holy ways under his guidance Eph. 3.16 Gal. 5.25 Rom. 8.14 Q. 252. What are the properties of Love to God A. It is a most hearty and fervent Love exceeding our Love to all our Friends Relations Enjoyments yea to our very Lives themselves Matth. 22.37 Luke 10.27 14.26 c. Acts 21.13 Rev. 12.11 Cant. 8.6 Q. 253. What is another A. It is an obedient Love or makes the Soul obedient to the Will of God and of Christ John 14.15 21. 15.10 14. 2 Cor. 5.14 1 John 5.3 Q. 254. What is another A. It makes the Soul desirous of likeness to God Communion with him and of gracious Communications of Love and Mercy from him 1 Pet. 1.1 15. Ps 17.15 42.1 2. Cant. 1.2 Q. 255. What is another A. It helps the Soul patiently and submissively to bear God's Rebukes and Corrections John 21.15 16 17. Mich. 7.9 Q. 256. What is another A. It is an abiding and constant Love Eph. 6.24 Cant. 8.6 7. Q. 257. What is another A. It causes the Soul to love what God loves because he loves it and hate what he hates because he hates it and to grieve for the dishonours done to him by our selves or others Psal 11.5 7. 146.8 87.2 26.8 1 John 5.1 Ps 119.14 97.10 139.21 22. Q. 258. How may we know whether our love to
of the Remembrance of Christ our spiritual Nourishment and growth in Grace the confirming of the Covenant of Grace the testifying of our Thankfulness to Christ and the strengthning of our Union to him and Communion with him and with one another Q. 346. Wherein else A. 3. In using this Ordinance according to Christ's Institution in order to these Ends that is using the same Elements of Bread and Wine and the same Words and Actions about them and to the same significations and ends that Christ used them for Q. 347. Wherein else A. 4. In holy Meditations on the Elements Words and Actions that are used in the Celebration or Administration of this holy Ordinance and especially on Christ himself who is signified and represented by them Prov. 23.1 John 1.29 Q. 348. What good Meditations may our Souls raise from these A. 1. When we see Bread and Wine prepared for this Ordinance we should meditate on the Resemblance that there is between them and the Body and Blood of Christ signified by them Q. 349. How doth Bread resemble the Body of Christ A. In three things especially 1. As Corn is prepared by grinding moulding and baking to make it Bread for our Bodies so Christ was prepared by exquisite Sufferings to be Bread for our Souls Isa 53.10 Q. 350. How else A. As Bread is the Staff and strength of our Natural Life so is Christ the Staff and Strength of our spiritual Life Psal â—05 16 19.14 Q. 351. How else A. 3. As Bread is but one Body tho' it be made up of many Grains so Christ mystical that is the Church is but one Body though made up of many Members 1 Cor. 12.12 Q. 352. How doth the Wine resemble the Blood of Christ A. In three things especially 1. As Wine quencheth the Thirst of the Body so doth the Blood of Christ quench the Thirst of the Soul John 6.35 Q. 353. How else A. 2. As Wine is of a cheering Nature making the Heart glad so the Blood of Christ applied by Faith cheers and makes glad the Souls of mournful sinners Psal 104.15 Q. 354. What else A. 3. As Wine is of a purging and cleansing quality so the Blood of Christ doth meritoriously purge and cleanse us from sin Heb. 9.13 14. 1 John 1.7 Q. 355. What other Meditation may we raise from this Ordinance A. When we see the Bread and Wine blessed sanctified or set apart from a common to an holy use by the Ministers pronouncing the words of Institution and Prayer we should meditate on God the Father his sanctifying and setting apart his Son the Lord Jesus Christ from all Eternity to be our Redeemer Isa 42.1 Q. 356. What other Meditation A. When we see the Bread broken we should meditate on the Breaking of Christ's sacred Body on the Cross and all the Sufferings Pains and Torments which he endured both in Soul and Body for our sakes on the heinous nature of our sins that could not be done away but by the shedding of Christ's Blood and the impartial Justice of God the Father in punishing his only begotten Son when he stood as our Surety Q 357. What other Meditation A. When we see the Minister offering and giving Bread and Wine to us we should meditate on the infinite Love of God the Father in Giving Christ and of Christ in Giving himself to be a Sacrifice for us and of the Spirit in revealing and applying Christ to us Q. 258. What other Meditation A. When we Receive the Bread and Wine from the hand of the Minister with the hand of our Bodies and eat and drink them with our Mouths we should meditate on the spiritual Receiving of the Body and Blood of Christ and feeding on him by Faith in our Souls Q. 359. What other Meditation A. We should meditate on the precious Benefits that redound to true Believers by a right receiving of Christ in this holy Ordinance which are Redemption from all Enemies and Evils Reconciliation to God Pardon of Sin Justification Adoption Sanctification Victory over our Souls Adversaries Increase of Grace and a Title to Glory Q. 360. Wherein else doth this gracious disposition of Soul consist A. 5. In a lively acting or exercising of saving Graces and using our bodily senses of seeing touching and tasting to help our spiritual Senses and Graces in their Actings John 20.27 Q. 361. What Graces should we exercise in partaking of this Ordinance A. We should especially exercise these four Faith Repentance Love and Joy Q. 362. How is Faith to be exercised in it A. Faith should be exercised as the Eye of the Soul to discern Christ in this Ordinance as the hand of the Soul to Receive him and as the Mouth of the Soul to feed upon him or apply him with all his Benefits to each Believer in particular Job 20.28 Gal. 2.20 Q. 363. How is Repentance to be exercâ—sed A. Repentance should then be exercised in remembring our sins confessing them with shame and sorrow hating of them judging and condemning our selves for them and turning from them unto God in Christ Isa 53.4 5.6 Zech. 12.10 11. Q. 364. How is Love to God then to be exercised A. Love to God both Father Son and Spirit should then be exercised by the fervent out goings of the Soul to God and to each Person in the God head and by the firm cleaving of the Soul to him as to the chief Good and our All-sufficient Portion Psal 63.8 Acts 11.23 Q. 365. How is Love to other Christians then to be exercised A. Love to other Christians should then be exercised by our cleaving to them in heart as to our Brethren by praying with and for them by forgiving their Trespasses against us and by a readiness to give to those that want according to our Ability and their Necessity Heb. 13.1 2 3. 1 Pet. 2.17 Eph. 4.32 Q. 366. How is Joy then to be exercised A. Joy is then to be exercised in the Soul 's being cheered revived and lifted up in the believing apprehension or assurance of its interest in God as his own God in Christ and Covenant and so in all the Blessings promised in the Covenant of Grace of which this Ordinance is a sign and seal Psal 16.5 Phil. 4.4 1 Pet. 1.8 Rom. 5.2 Q. 367. How is this Ordinance to be elosed up A. It is to be closed up in singing some Spiritual Hymn to the praise of God our Creator Redeemer and Sanctifier Matth. 26.30 Mark 14.26 Of our Duties after partaking Q. 368. What is required of us after partaking of tho Lord's Supper A. Two sorts of Duties some more publick and others more private Q. 369. What are the publick Duties A. Such as these 1. A solemn and hearty Thanksgiving to God for his love in giving Christ for Christ's love in giving himself and for the love of the holy Spirit in revealing Christ to us and in us with all the blessed Fruits of this Love As also for the Covenant of
as in all other Gospel-Ordinances but not corporally or carnally but spiritually and so he is to be fed upon not by the Mouth of the Body but of the Soul that is to be received applied to the Soul by Faith John 6.56 Eph. 3.17 Q. 82. What are the signifying Actions to be used in this Ordinance A. 1. The Actions to be used by the Minister are Taking Blessing Breaking Giving the Bread to the Communicants and Taking giving Thanks and giving the Cup also to them 2. The Actions of the Communicants are Taking and Partaking or Eating the Bread and Drinking the Wine Matt. 26.26 27 28. Q. 83. What is signified by the Ministers taking the Bread and Wine when he cometh to the Table A. It signifieth God the Fathers taking or choosing and designing Christ from all Eternity to be Man's Redeemer Isa 42.1 Q. 84. What is signified by the Ministers Blessing the Elements or giving Thanks A. It signifieth the setting of them apart from a common to an holy use and is to be performed by declaring the words of Institution and by praying to God for a blessing on this Ordinance ioyned with giving Thanks unto God for Jesus Christ and for all his benefits Q 85. What is signified by the Breaking of the Bread A. It signifieth all the Sufferings of Christ especially the breaking of his Body shedding of his Blood upon the Cross Q. 86. What is signified by the Ministers giving the Bread and Wine to the Communicants A. It signifieth God the Fathers giving Christ as a Saviour and Christ's giving himself with all his benefits to true Believers John 3.16 Q. 87. What is signified by the Communicants taking the Bread and Wine A. It signifieth their thankful accepting and receiving of Christ to be their Saviour with all his benefits by Faith John 1.12 Q. 88. What is signified by the Communicants eating the Bread and drinking the Wine A. It signifieth their applying of Christ with all his benefits by Faith unto their own Souls in particular that each Believer may believingly say of Christ as Thomas My Lord and my God John 20.28 Q. 89. For what holy Ends is the Lord's Supper to be used A. For such holy Ends as these 1. For the preserving of the Remembrance of Christ and his matchless Love in dying for Sinners this Ordinance being a lively shewing forth of his Death Luke 22.19 1 Cor. 11.24 25 26. Gal. 3 1â— Q 90. What other End A. 2. For the spiritual nourishing and strengthning of the inward Man or oâ— grace in the Heart as Faith Repentance Love Hope c For this Reason it seems to be call'd a Supper being a spiritual Meal for Souls in which Christ himself is our spiritual Food 1 Cor. 11.20 Q 91. What other End A. 3. For the fealing and confirming the New Covenant of Grace or the New Testament For as the last Will or Testament of a Man is confirmed and comes in force by the Death of the Testator or of him that made it so the Death of Christ which is represented in this Ordinance confirms the New Covenant as being Christ's last Will and Testament Heb. 9.15 16 17. Q. 93. For what other A. 4. For the testifying of Believers thankfulness to Christ for his Love to them in dying for them Therefore it is sometimes call'd the Eucharist or the Thanksgiving and the Cup is call'd the Cup of blessing 1 Cor. 10.16 Q 93. For what other A. 5. For the strengthning and increase of believers Union to and communion with Christ and him crucified and also with one another as Fellow-Members of the same Mystical Body of Christ his Church for which cause it is also call'd the Communion 1 Cor 10.16 17. Q. 94. Is it sufficient to partake of the Lord's Supper as of Baptism only once A. No. Believers should often partake of this Ordinance if it may be because of their constant need of it in order to the obtaining of the holy Ends thereof 1 Cor. 11.26 Q. 95. To whom is the Lord's Supper to be administred A. The Lord's Supper is to be administred only to such as have a Gospel-right to it and a Gospel fitness or preparedness for it Q. 96. What is a Gospel-right to this Ordinance A. There is a twofold Gospel-right 1. Outward with Reference to the Church 2. Inward with Reference to God Q. 97. Who have an outward Right with Reference to the Church A. All such have an outward and visible Right to the Lord's Supper who being baptized and grown Persons do make a credible Profession of their being in Covenant with God or of their Faith in Christ and Obedience to him Acts 8.36 37 38. Q. 98. When is their Profession to be accounted credible or worthy to be believed A. When they have a competent measure of Gospel-knowledge seriously and understandingly own and consent to their Covenant with God in baptism and live a religious and unblameable Life according to Gospel-Rule Phil. 1.27 Q. 99. Who may examine and judge of this outward and visible Right A. That particular Church of Christ with which they desire to joyn and walk in full Communion especially the Pastor thereof 1 Pet. 5.2 Heb. 13.17 Q. 100. Who then are to be kept off from this Ordinance A. All such as are grosly ignorant of the Doctrine of Christ or openly vicious and scandalous in their Lives Q. 101. Who are to be accounted grosly ignorant A. All such as understand not the Principles of the Christian Religion the Nature of the New Birth or a Work of Grace upon their Heart nor the Nature Use and Ends of this holy Ordinance 1 Cor. 15.34 Q. 102. Why should such ignorant persons be kept off from this Ordinance A. Because they want an Eye to discern the Lord's Body an hand to receive him and a Mouth to feed upon him and therefore if they should partake of this Ordinance they would receive no benefit but much hurt by it Q. 103. Who are to be accounted openly vicious or scandalous A. All such as live in any open or known course of sin impenitently and by their Words or Actions give just cause of offence to those that fear God 1 Cor. 5.11 Q. 104. Why should such vicious persons be kept off A. Because they in presuming to touch such holy things with unholy hands and hearts would dishonour provoke God pollute and profane his Ordinance grieve the Godly contract the guilt of Christ's Blood and eat and drink Judgment to themselves 1 Cor. 11.27 29. Matth. 7.26 Q. 105. But may not the Lord's Supper be administred to vicious persons in order to their Conversion A. No. For we do not find that Christ appointed this Ordinance to convert sinners but to confirm and comfort Saints it is not to work grace where it is wanting but to increase and strengthen grace where it is Q. 106. Who have an inward invisible Right to this Ordinance A. All such who are indeed Heart-covenanters with God or
of God contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament Isa 8.20 Gal. 6.16 Phil. 1.27 3.16 Q. 291. When do we obey God according to this Rule A. When we obey God in the Faith of Christ in love and thankfulness to Christ in the strength of Christ and in the name of Christ Heb. 11.6 Rom. 14.5.23 2 Cor. 5.14 Phil. 4.13 Joh. 15.3 Col. 3.17 Heb. 13.15 Q. 292. What are the Ends of our Obedience A. The Ends which we should aim at in our Obedience are 1. The Glory of God and of our Lord Jesus Christ and 2. The good of our selves and others 1. Cor. 10.31 Phil. 1.20 1 Tim. 4.8 Phil. 2.4 The Examination of Thankfulness Q. 293. How may we know our Thankfulness to be true A. 1. By our careful observing owning and acknowledging unto God the Blessings and Mercies he bestoweth on us especially spiritual Blessings 1 Chron. 29.13 14 16. Hos 2.8 2 Cor. 9.15 Q. 294. How else A. 2. By our just estimation or valuing the Blessing and Mercies of God according to their worth excellency and usefulness Luke 1.46 48 49. Phil. 3.8 Cant. 3.10 16. Q. 295. How else A. 3. By our dutiful rendring to God according to the Blessings received from him Psal 116.12 2 Chron. 32.15 Q. 296. What should a thankful Soul render unto God A. 1. High Praises of his Wisdom Power Goodness Truth and of all his Perfections as also of all his Blessings Mercies Psal 103.1 2 3 4. 106.1 2. 1 Tim. 1.12 15 16 17. Q. 297. What else A. Hearty Affections Luk. 7.37 38 47. Q. 298. What else A. Humble Obedience devoting both our Selves and Services unto God paying our Vows answering our Covenant Engagements to him living to Christ being willing and ready to dye for him if we be called to it 2 Cor. 8.5 Psal 119.38 116.14 2 Cor. 5 25. Acts 21.13 The Examination of Holy Desires Q. 299. How may we know whether our Desire or Appetite to this Holy Supper be true A. By the Causes Objects Properties Companions and Ends of it Q. 300. What are the Causes of these Desires A. Three 1. A sight and sense of our want of this Ordinance for the spiritual Benefits thereof 2. A sight and sense of the suitableness and fulness of this Ordinance and of Christ in it to supply our want Luke 15.17 Mark 9.24 Col. 1.19 3. A taste or experience of the sweetness of Christ in his Ordinances and of spiritual Refreshment received by them 1 Pet. 2.2 3. Q. 301. What is the Object of this Desire or Appetite A. The Object of it is not only nor chiefly the Supper of the Lord but the Lord of the Supper Psal 42.2 63.1 Q. 302. What are the Properties of this Desire A. It is a strong desire an holy longing after Christ in this Ordinance Psal 73.25 14.2 Q. 303. What is another A. It is an industrious Desire or puts the Soul upon pious Endeavours to obtain the Mercies desired Isa â—6 9 Q. 304. What is another A. It makes the Soul restless and impatient of Delays Cant. 8.14 Q. 305. What is another A. It makes the Soul glad of opportunities to enjoy Christ in his Ordinances and careful to lay hold on them and improve them Psal 122.1 Isa 2.3 Q. 306. What is another A. It makes Christ and his spiritual Benefits sweet and pleasant to the Soul â—ant 2.3 Q. 307. What is another A. It causes the Soul to feed heartily on Christ in his Ordinances by Faith Matth. 5.6 Q. 308. What is another A. It makes the Soul willing to part with any thing to obtain Christ and his Ordinances Luke 5.11 Q. 309. What be the Companions of this Desire A. 1. It is accompanied with an high esteem of Christ and his Ordinances Job 23.12 1 Pet. 2.7 Q. 310. What is another A. 2. It is accompanied with a retention or keeping of our spiritual Food in the Soul a digesting of it and getting spiritual strength by it Eph. 3.17 Cant. 3.4 Q. 311. What is another A. It is accompanied with a readiness and care to lay out our spiritual strength in the Service of Christ from whom we receive it 1 Cor. 15.10 1 Thess 1.3 Q. 312. What is another A. It is accompanied with love to Christ delight content and satisfaction in Christ though we want this Worlds goods 1 Pet. 1.8 Q. 313. What is the End of this Desire A. A gracious Soul desireth this holy Ordinance and Christ in it for his spiritual refreshment nourishment growth in Grace that he may thereby be the better able to serve Christ in his place and relation Psal 119.25 28 32. The Examination of growth in Grace Q. 314. How may we know whether we do grow in Grace A. 1. By the increase of our spiritual Appetites to our spiritual Food or by the increase of our desires after Christ his Word and Ordinances 1 Pet. 2.9 Ps 42 1 and 27.4 â—nd 63.1 2. Q. 315. How else A. 2. By the increase of our spiritual strength to perform Duties endure Afflictions and resist our Souls Enemies Eph. 6.10 2 Tim. 2.1 Fhil 4.13 Ps 138.2 Q. 316. How else A. 3. By the increase of our spiritual stature when we wax bigger and taller in Grace and Holiness 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7 8. Matth. 15.28 James 2.5 Q. 317. How else A. 4. By the change of our voice and visage when we speak more understandingly savourily and experimentally of God and the things of God and look more like our heavenly Father 1 Cor. 13.11 Eph. 4.29 Col. 3.6 Eccles 8.1 Q. 318. How else A 5. By the change of our Carriage and Conversation when we grow more serious humble holy circumspect and heavenly in our lives Matth. 5.16 Gen. 6.9 Eph. 5.15 Q. 319. Why should we examine the growth of our Grace A. 1. Because God giveth us his Ordinances that we may grow in Grace by the use of them and expects our growth should be suitable to the means of Grace which we enjoy Acts 20.32 Eph. 4.11 12 13. Q. 320. What is another Reason of it A. 2. Because the growth of our Grace will be a good Evidence to us of the Truth of it for if we grow we live 2 Thess 1.3 Q. 321. What is another Reason of it A. 3. Because the Discovery of our growth in Grace will quicken and encourage us in our Attendance on the Means of Grace 1 Pet. 2.2 3. 322. What if we find that our Graces do not grow but rather decay A. We ought to be deeply humbled for it before the Lord beg pardon of it search out the causes of it that they may be removed and labour to improve God's Ordinances better for time to come Rev. 2.4 5. 3.1 2. Q. 323. What are the causes of Decays of Grace A. These two especially 1. Neglect of Christ's Ordinances the Means of Grace or using of them negligently and formally or without a due care to improve them