set vs at variance among our selues though sometimes vpon small occasions that so thereby hindering vs from the performaunce of good dueties as the receiuing or the Sacrament and such like which are the meanes of our Saluation hee may the more easily tempt vs to worse imployments while others are better exercised and so make his side the stronger against vs and who knowes what power it may please God to giue him against vs at such times Wherefore as we loue our owne safety let vs seeke to crosse him who thus opposeth vs by his temptations and if wee will needs bee at strife let it bee with him who will neuer bee at quiet with vs vntill hee haue gotten the vpper hand of vs which wee may the more easily perswade our selues vnto if wee haue respect not so much to other mens wrongfull actions as to his wicked suggestions the cause of all and assure our selues that in putting vp a wrong wee right our selues and crosse him which should bee our chiefest ayme Againe as the Diuell is the Authour of our wrongs so GOD who is the Disposer of all things hath a hand in it who permitteth the Divell thus farre to provoke vs perhaps for the tryall of our constancy and patience or for other some ends best knowne vnto himselfe and if wee could but see that the finger of GOD is in our Crosses wee would patiently answere with David Psalm 39.10 I will become dumbe and open not my mouth because it is thy doing and so commit our cause to him that hee might make our righteousnesse cleare Psal 37.6 These are the chiefest Motiues to perswade vs to this duty of Loue and Charity to all which wee may adde another taken from the exceeding loue of God to vs who so loued vs without any loue receiued first from vs that he sent his Sonne to bee a propitiation for our sinnes 1 Iohn 4.10 whence the Apostle gathereth this powerfull consequence if GOD so loued vs wee ought also to loue one another vers 11. Which that wee may the better doe let vs in the next place see the manner how it ought to bee performed Heere wee are to haue respect both to the time past and also to come As for the time past either vvee haue vvronged others or they vs. If vvee haue vvronged others vve ought to performe two thinges 1. vndoe that which vvee haue done by making restitution as farre as in vs lies according to the example of Zacheus Luk. 19.8 who was willing to restore fourefold whatsoeuer hee had taken from any man by false accusation such ought wee to bee ready to make good whatsoever wee haue taken from any man and to giue satisfaction for any vvrong that vvee haue done Neither is it sufficient to bee vvilling thus to make satisfaction vvhen vvee are moved therevnto but wee must also in the second place seeke peace with those whom wee haue wronged though wee bee not ask't which is the Counsell of Christ himselfe Matt. 5.23.24 If thou bring thy gift to the Altar and there remembrest that thy brother hath ought against thee leaue thy gift before the Altar and goe thy way first be reconciled to thy brother hee saith not stay till hee come to thee or be reconciled when he commeth but goe thou to him And so David also adviseth vs Psal 34.14 Seeke peace and ensue it stay not till it be offered to or required of thee but seeke it But perhaps those whom we haue offended are farre off wee cannot come neere them or neere and will not bee reconciled to vs what shall wee doe in this case Heere wee ought to vse all meanes that wee can for the procuring of peace and quietnesse but if either occasion or acceptance bee denyed vs wee need not doubt but that God will bee pleased to accept of our desire Now if others haue wronged vs wee must though perhaps it may seeme somewhat hard freely forgiue them loving even them that hate vs wherevnto our Saviour Christ often admonisheth vs in every Gospell saying If thy brother trespasse against thee seven times a day thou shalt forgiue him Luk. 17.4 And againe I say vnto you loue your enemies blesse them that curse you Matt. 5.44 But some one may say such an one hath vvronged me so much that flesh blood cannot take it It is true if thou consult with flesh and blood it will seeme hard to beare the least wrong but flesh is not a friend whom vvee may safely consult but rather a bosome enemie whom vvee ought to resist if vvee aske counsell of Christ whose counsell vvee ought and may most safely follow hee will bid vs goe and bee reconciled and Saint Paul bids vs to feede our enemies and to overcome evill with good Rom 11.21 and Solomon can tell vs that it is the glory of a man to passe over a transgression Pro. 19.11 As for revenge it is not for vs to meddle with it because the Lord himselfe saith Deut. 32.35 To mee belongeth vengeance and recompence and Saint Iames will assure vs that to haue bitter envyings and strife in the heart is wisdome which descendeth not from aboue but is earthly sensuall divelish but that wisdome which is from aboue is easie to be intreated and full of mercy I am 3.17 wherefore let vs greiue at such wrathfull motiōs assuring our selues that it is a point of heavenly wisdome to forbeare certainely if wee can but once find that God hath wrought in vs a readines to forgiue those which haue wronged vs and to pray for their conversion wee may esteeme it an euident signe of Sanctification As for the time to come that wee may the better preserue the bond of Charity wee must resolue carefully to obserue these 2 sortes of rules 1. How wee may keepe peace with others 2 How others may doe the like with vs. As for the first because others may outwardly wrong vs either in word or deede that wee may in both avoide discontent and strife therevpon wee must propose vnto our selues a twofold rule 1 Concerning their words which is the rule in Solomon Prov. 7.21 namely That wee take no heed vnto all words that are spoken for this is that which often stirreth vp strife amongst vs which otherwise might easily and without any prejudice bee avoyded if men were not too inquisitiue and ready to take notice of every thing that is spoken and therefore wee should here not entertaine but fleight yea reject such men who vnder pretence of loue vnto vs will whisper in our eares and maliciously informe vs against such or such an one whom Solomon calleth pickthanks whisperers tale-bearers such as will separate chiefe friends Prov. 16.28 for occasion of separation may bee giuen if so taken even betweene friends as wee often see that he which is singularly affected to another may hastily speake some reproachfull wordes of him which perhaps hee will presently bee sorry for and not speake the like againe yet
people are perished for lacke of knowledge hence it comes to passe that many receiue this Sacrament without any benefit vnto themselues because they are not able to discerne of it aright Wee should therefore all our life long carefully exercise our selues in the word of God that so when we shall come to examine our selues concerning our Knowledge wee may the more easily and with the greater comfort trie our fitnes in this respect whether we haue attayned to a competent measure of knowledge in the groundes of religion or not Which that wee may the better doe wee are to make triall of a twofold Knowledge which wee ought to haue the one concerning God the other concerning man Concerning God we are to know that there is but one only wise and true God subsisting in three Persons the Father begetting the Sonne the Sonne begotten of the Father and the Holy Ghost proceeding from both which is a mistery farre exceeding our vnderstanding yet so sarre are wee to know and beleeue it as GOD hath revealed it in his word and therefore first are we to Examine our selues concerning this knowledge Concerning man we are to knowe that he was first created in vprightnes according to the Image of God Gen. 1.27 but afterwards fell through disobedience and was againe recovered by the meritorious death of Christ Iesus This we are to examine according to the 2 parts of the Word of God the Law and the Gospell In the first wee shall playnly see what wee are in our selues even wretched and miserable sinners corrupt children of disobedient parents that wee haue justly deserved death as a due reward for our manifold sinnes both originall and actuall being carnall sold vnder sinne by nature the children of wrath Ephes 2.3 In the second wee shall vnderstand what wee are in Christ and what that covenant is which God hath made vnto man in him for the pardoning of their sinnes which returne vnto him by repentance apply the same vnto themselues by faith So that here we are to knowe 2 things 1 the meanes of our redemption and reconciliation the Death of Christ whom God in loue sent into the world to redeeme them that were vnder the lawe that wee might receiue the adoption of Sonnes Gal. 4.5 so hath delivered vs frō the power of darkenes Col. 1.13 2. The meanes whereby we may apply this vnto our selues namely faith which is a gift of GOD begotten and increased by hearing the word and receiving the Sacrament Let vs therefore seriously examine our selues whether wee haue learned out of the Word of GOD our first innocency which wee had by creation our misery which wee fell into by transgression and the happinesse which wee haue obtained againe by our sweete and blessed redemption for in those things ought every one to bee instructed which approcheth vnto the Lords Table Besides this Knowledge of GOD and Man wee are further to haue a particular Knowledge of the Sacrament it selfe where wee are to trye whether wee doe rightly discerne the Elements from the Lords Body and the true vse of them wherein wee must consider that the Bread and Wine in themselues ordinary beeing ordained of Christ are now become holy and whereas CHRIST blessed this Sacrament at the first institution wee are to knowe that it is a blessed Sacrament because whatsoeuer hee blesseth is blessed and that it will bee a meanes of great blessing vnto vs if rightly receiued and whereas Christ gaue the same after Supper wee must further knowe that it was not ordayned to satisfie our bodily hunger for if any man thus hunger Saint Paul tells him that hee must eate at home 1 Corinth 11.34 but it was giuen for the refreshing of our wearied Soules by the commemoration of Christ's Death for vs and of our communion with him but of this particular Knowledge of the Sacrament more in the beginning of the first chapter In this as in the former wee must diligently trye and examine our selues for except wee knowe all these things wee are not to partake at the Lord's Table because without it whatsoever wee doe is but blinde devotion Chap VII The Examination of our repentance THus of our information in matters which wee ought to knowe As for our reconciliation wee are to examine our selues in those things which concerne either God or our Neighbours because wee haue and doe often offend both Those which concerne God are principally 2. 1 Repentance whereby wee testifie our harty sorrow for offending him with a desire of amendment 2 Faith whereby wee take hold on his mercy for the pardon and forgiuenesse of them First wee are to try whether wee haue attained to a competent measure of Repentance And indeede if wee truely looke into our selues and consider that wee must one day giue an account for every idle word wee shal finde matter enough for Repentance if our hearts bee not hardned in sinne Now that it is necessary to examine our selues herein appeares from this because without it wee haue noe ground at all for any comfort in CHRIST IESVS for hee which is stuft with his sinnes is noe more fit to receiue Christ than a glutted stomake it's meate and againe vnto them that are defiled there is nothing pure Tit. 1.15 that is if through vnbelief they remaine in their pollutions but vnto the pure all things are pure and if wee cleanse our hands and purifie our hearts and so draw nigh vnto God hee will draw nigh vnto vs. Iam. 4.8 as many as walke according to this rule peace bee vpon them Gal. 6. 16. Let vs then search and trye our waies and turne vnto the Lord. Lament 3.40 and put on Davids resolution before wee come to the Lord's Table I will wash my hands in innocencie O Lord and soe will I goe to thy Altar Psalme 26.6 In this examination of our Repentance wee must haue respect both vnto the time past and to come In respect of the time past wee are to performe 3. dueties 1 Carefully search our hearts to finde out our owne corruptions that knowing them wee may the better avoyd them which is most necessary to bee done that in the first place because it is impossible that he should seeke to goe into the right way which doth not first see his errour and thus much wee must knowe that hee that will not set his sinnes before him here to his conversion shall haue them set before him hereafter to his confusion if wee will needs cover and hide sinnes let vs in loue and charity cover the sinnes of others for Loue covereth a multitude of sinne 1. Pet. 4.8 that is layeth them not open before men to their disgrace who haue committed them as many doe who delight to heare other mens faults ript vp to the quicke but cannot endure to heare of their owne wee should not so much exclayme against other mens sinnes but rather bee humbled for our owne and lay them fully open before
vnseemely behaviour for these must bee layd aside as GOD commanded Moses Exod. 3.5 Put off thy shoes from off thy feete for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground 2 Because as the place is holy so also God himselfe is there amongst vs as he sayth Matth. 18.20 Where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them Hee is in the midst of vs beholding not only our outward gesture but our very hearts affections and ready both to reward those that honour him by reverencing to punish all such as dishonour him by prophaning and abusing his holy ordinance which we shall doe if our carriage be not with feare and reverence 2. When we heare the Minister say Drawe neere and take this Sacrament wee must consider that God by his Minister freely inviteth vs to his Table then let every one lift vp his heart by this or the like ejaculation Lord I am not worthy by reason of my sinnes to approach before thee but seeing it hath pleased thee in mercy to call mee behold in humility obedience I come Then joyne in prayer with the Minister In the time of the Consecration wee ought seriously to settle our mindes on the Elements the Actions about thē for the better stirring vp of our devotion so meditate thus 1. When we heare the Minister read the words of Christ's Institution see him take the Bread Wine wee ought joyfully and thankfully to meditate on the great loue of God in setting apart his Son for the Redemption of vs his enemies which is represented in the taking of these Elemēts setting thē apart to be distributed vnto vs as seales and pledges of the same joyfully I say in respect of the benefit which doth thereby come vnto vs thankfully in respect of God's loue which is greater thā all the harts of men joyn'd in one are able to expresse 2. When wee see the Bread broken and the Wine powred out we ought to be exercised in a twofold meditation 1 Of comfort considering that the Bread is broken and the Wine powred out not onely to be the more divisible to the Communicants but chiefely to represent vnto vs the crucifying of Christs Body and the shedding of his Blood for our sinnes for hee was broken for our iniquities Isai 53.5 By which is not meant that any bone of him was broken but that hee was crucified whence wee should every one of vs gather this comfort saying to our soules Christ Iesus was broken on the Crosse and suffred an accursed death for mee by whose merits I trust I shall escape the curse of that death which is due for my sinnes vnto mee And here by the way wee may take notice how the Papists doe erre in delivering whole cakes vnto the Communicants which represēt Christ whole not crucified and so afford the lesse comfort 2. Of sorrow that for our sins the grievousnesse of which was such that they could not bee satisfied for without the pretious Blood of Christ Iesus these were the speares that pierced him to the Soule that was that which drew his pretious Blood from his side and the consideration of this should breed in vs a harty sorrow that we so vile wretches as wee are should thus wound so loving a Redeemer and certainly if wee doe not grieue for those sins for which hee hath so much smarted wee may justly feare that the stupid Earth the hard rockes and the darke graues which trembled rent and opened at his death shall one day rise vp in judgement against vs condemne vs. When therefore we see the Bread broken c let every one thus meditate O vile wretch that I am that I by my sinnes should thus wound my mercifull and loving Redeemer After the Consecration when the Minister is receiving himselfe considering that wee are in the presence of God who seeth our very hearts wee should power out our soules vnto him in this or the like soliloquie O Sweete Iesu I doe humbly acknowledge with the Centurion that I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter vnder my roofe much lesse to come and suppe and dwell with mee but seeing it is thy good pleasure to vouchsafe mee this favour cleanse mee I beseech thee from my sinnes that I may entertaine thee in a pure and sanctified heart strenthen my faith that I may fully rely on thy mercie comfort mee with thy blessed spirit so dwell with mee for ever grant this O blessed Redeemer for thy mercies sake Amen Againe before wee receiue when the Minister is comming to distribute and offers the Elements vnto vs considering that Christ with all his benefits is offered vnto vs by GOD as well as the Elements by the Minister let every one meditate thus with himselfe Christ with the benefits of his Death doth now come to sanctifie and comfort my sinfull Soule in full assurance whereof I am to receiue these signes and Seales at the hand of his Minister And so as he stretcheth out his hand to receiue these let him lift vp his soule in faith with this or the like ejaculation Come Lord Iesu vnto thy humble servant as my trust is thou wilt This wee are to doe after the Consecration before wee receiue After this in the act of receiuing wee are to performe these two things 1 While wee eate the bread meditate every one thus Blessed Iesu I doe heartily beleeue that thou wast crucified on the Crosse and that for mee as well as for any other and as I haue now receiued this Bread broken whereby my Body shall bee nourished So I beleeue that I haue also receiued spiritually thy Body crucified with all the benefits thereof the full pardon of all my sinnes and the strengthening and refreshing of my sinfull soule this I beleeue Lord helpe my vnbeleife for thy mercies sake Amen 2. When wee drinke the wine and while wee feele it in our stomake wee should thus meditate Most blessed Redeemer I do truly beleeue that thy Blood was shed out of thy Body as verily as I haue receiued this wine apart from the bread and that for the remission of my sinnes as well as any others I do also beleeue that with this wine I haue received thy precious Blood whereby my sins are fully washed away my soule purified that according to thy promise I shall neuer hunger nor thirst any more because with this Bread Wine I haue receiued thy flesh which is meat indeed thy Blood which is drinke indeed with which I hūbly pray thee to cherish nourish my poore soule to encrease in me hearty loue to these my fellow-members who haue now participated with mee that so we may serue thee as we ought and that nothing may bee able to separate vs from thy loue which I humbly beseech thee to grant for thy mercies sake Amen Chap. XII Of Practise THis is that whereon wee ought to meditate in