the_o high_a thankfulness_n and_o love_n for_o how_o can_v a_o rebel_n be_v fit_a for_o pardon_n if_o he_o be_v not_o thankful_a when_o it_o be_v offer_v he_o it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v so_o long_o so_o serious_o remember_v the_o exceed_a great_a love_n of_o our_o master_n and_o only_a saviour_n thus_o die_v for_o we_o even_o before_o we_o come_v to_o the_o solemn_a sacramental_a commemoration_n of_o it_o till_o our_o heart_n burn_v within_o we_o as_o do_v the_o two_o disciple_n that_o we_o may_v thereby_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n fit_v to_o meet_v our_o saviour_n and_o that_o he_o may_v make_v himself_o know_v unto_o we_o as_o he_o do_v unto_o they_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n st._n luke_n 24._o 32._o but_o we_o must_v take_v care_n that_o this_o remembrance_n have_v a_o future_a last_a influence_n on_o our_o life_n ill_a man_n may_v remember_v christ_n death_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o whatever_o they_o may_v pretend_v they_o do_v it_o presumptuous_o not_o thankful_o because_o it_o be_v not_o productive_a of_o a_o holy_a life_n it_o make_v they_o nothing_o better_a but_o rather_o encourage_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n whereas_o true_a thankfulness_n will_v natural_o produce_v unfeigned_a obedience_n and_o to_o make_v we_o both_o obedient_a and_o thankful_a one_o will_v think_v there_o shall_v need_v no_o more_o than_o to_o consider_v deep_o from_o what_o evil_n christ_n have_v save_v we_o by_o his_o death_n no_o less_o than_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a misery_n and_o what_o benefit_n he_o have_v obtain_v for_o we_o by_o it_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n the_o favour_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o eternal_a happiness_n some_o of_o which_o be_v actual_o convey_v as_o all_o of_o they_o be_v assure_v and_o seal_v in_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n to_o every_o penitent_a faithful_a grateful_a receiver_n §_o xv._o the_o last_o thing_n necessary_a to_o a_o worthy_a communicant_a be_v charity_n to_o be_v in_o charity_n with_o all_o men._n when_o we_o bring_v our_o gift_n to_o the_o altar_n we_o must_v be_v first_o reconcile_v to_o our_o brother_n we_o must_v offer_v it_o and_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v it_o and_o if_o he_o refuse_v to_o be_v reconcile_v the_o fault_n be_v on_o his_o side_n nor_o ought_v another_o crime_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n and_o happiness_n this_o charity_n must_v also_o show_v itself_o in_o a_o universal_a love_n to_o mankind_n wish_v pray_v for_o endeavour_v and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v promote_a their_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a welfare_n but_o especial_o this_o holy_a love_n be_v to_o be_v act_v and_o exercise_v towards_o all_o christian_n and_o particular_o towards_o those_o with_o who_o we_o communicate_v not_o forget_v the_o poor_a who_o we_o be_v to_o relieve_v as_o well_o at_o the_o offer_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v neglect_v at_o the_o sacrament_n as_o any_o other_o way_n that_o lie_v in_o our_o power_n the_o exercise_n of_o this_o divine_a grace_n be_v more_o eminent_o necessary_a when_o we_o approach_v to_o this_o bless_a feast_n because_o it_o be_v one_o great_a end_n of_o its_o institution_n it_o be_v design_v to_o increase_v christian_a unity_n and_o holy_a love_n among_o the_o faithful_a who_o herein_o communicate_v both_o in_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a good_a thing_n who_o feast_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o each_o other_o as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o great_a inviter_n and_o be_v many_o be_v hereby_o make_v one_o body_n and_o one_o bread_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 17._o we_o be_v therefore_o careful_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o before_o we_o come_v thither_o whether_o we_o hearty_o forgive_v our_o enemy_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o render_v good_a for_o evil_a whether_o we_o feel_v this_o divine_a flame_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o dear_o love_v all_o those_o that_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o the_o heavenly_a and_o in_o order_n to_o produce_v in_o we_o both_o part_n of_o this_o grace_n one_o will_v think_v we_o shall_v need_v do_v no_o more_o than_o consider_v serious_o how_o many_o talent_n our_o lord_n have_v forgive_v we_o how_o much_o he_o have_v do_v and_o suffer_v for_o we_o even_o while_o we_o be_v his_o enemy_n and_o that_o we_o be_v all_o member_n of_o one_o body_n whereof_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n §_o xvii_o and_o thus_o have_v we_o finish_v what_o relate_v to_o our_o preparation_n for_o the_o sacrament_n and_o those_o several_a grace_n concern_v which_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o before_o we_o approach_v unto_o it_o repentance_n attend_v by_o good_a resolve_n faith_n thankfulness_n and_o charity_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v forbear_v to_o come_v thither_o if_o we_o do_v not_o find_v all_o these_o in_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n but_o where_o we_o find_v any_o of_o they_o weak_a and_o languid_a we_o must_v strengthen_v the_o thing_n that_o remain_v and_o be_v humble_v for_o our_o imperfection_n and_o endeavour_v earnest_o after_o high_a degree_n of_o grace_n and_o consider_v the_o mean_n appoint_v to_o increase_v they_o especial_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v all_o exercise_v and_o renew_v as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n most_o humble_o and_o devout_o to_o fall_v upon_o our_o knee_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a or_o any_o better_a form_n sacrifice_n form_n see_v the_o excellent_a devotion_n add_v to_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n or_o those_o in_o the_o christian_a sacrifice_n of_o prayer_n thus_o address_v ourselves_o to_o the_o giver_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n for_o a_o supply_n of_o our_o necessity_n a_o confession_n when_o we_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o communion_n almighty_a and_o most_o merciful_a father_n who_o may_v for_o my_o sin_n be_v most_o just_o displease_v with_o i_o for_o ever_o cast_v i_o off_o from_o thy_o presence_n and_o condemn_v i_o to_o everlasting_a misery_n i_o be_o ashamed_a o_o lord_n and_o blush_v to_o lift_v up_o my_o face_n unto_o thou_o for_o all_o my_o misdeed_n be_v before_o thou_o and_o my_o most_o secret_a sin_n in_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n i_o be_v shape_v in_o iniquity_n and_o conceive_v in_o sin_n by_o nature_n dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n averse_a to_o good_a and_o violent_o incline_v to_o evil_a ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o a_o enemy_n to_o he_o in_o a_o lose_a and_o undo_v condition_n and_o utter_o unable_a to_o help_v and_o to_o deliver_v myself_o and_o i_o have_v add_v to_o this_o original_a sin_n many_o heinous_a actual_a transgression_n hear_v let_v the_o penitent_n repeat_v those_o sin_n whereof_o on_o the_o former_a examination_n he_o have_v find_v himself_o guilty_a the_o remembrance_n of_o all_o which_o i_o desire_v may_v be_v most_o grievous_a as_o their_o burden_n be_v most_o intolerable_a unto_o i_o for_o i_o have_v do_v all_o these_o abomination_n with_o many_o aggravate_v circumstance_n which_o have_v high_o increase_v the_o gild_n of_o they_o without_o regard_n to_o thy_o tender_a mercy_n or_o to_o thy_o terrible_a judgement_n or_o to_o my_o own_o repeat_v vow_n and_o resolve_v of_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n o_o make_v i_o to_o abhor_v they_o and_o myself_o for_o they_o and_o to_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n i_o know_v that_o my_o sorrow_n for_o they_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o thy_o offend_a justice_n yet_o since_o thou_o do_v require_v it_o of_o i_o to_o render_v i_o capable_a of_o thy_o mercy_n work_n in_o i_o i_o beseech_v thou_o by_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n such_o a_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a remorse_n for_o they_o that_o i_o may_v entire_o forsake_v they_o and_o come_v pure_a and_o holy_a to_o thy_o heavenly_a feast_n o_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n who_o cry_v unto_o thou_o in_o a_o acceptable_a time_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o salvation_n o_o holy_a bless_a and_o glorious_a trinity_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o a_o miserable_a sinner_n o_o god_n the_o father_n of_o heaven_n who_o do_v send_v thy_o only_a son_n out_o of_o thy_o bosom_n to_o taste_v death_n for_o every_o man_n that_o we_o may_v not_o die_v eternal_o accept_v his_o atonement_n accept_v his_o intercession_n and_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o i_o through_o his_o blood_n in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v o_o let_v i_o not_o perish_v with_o hunger_n o_o son_n of_o david_n have_v mercy_n on_o i_o and_o if_o thou_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n since_o thou_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n help_v i_o by_o thy_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n by_o thy_o cross_n and_o passion_n by_o thy_o precious_a death_n and_o burial_n good_a lord_n deliver_v i_o i_o desire_v not_o to_o be_v save_v from_o the_o gild_n of_o my_o sin_n only_o or_o
this_o sacrament_n the_o solemn_a seal_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o we_o and_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v make_v with_o we_o by_o his_o son_n be_v presuppose_v in_o every_o communicant_a though_o where_o any_o be_v ignorant_a of_o these_o first_o principle_n they_o may_v find_v some_o account_n of_o they_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o manual_a nor_o ought_v any_o to_o presume_v to_o receive_v without_o they_o have_v such_o knowledge_n however_o a_o equal_a clearness_n in_o these_o matter_n can_v be_v expect_v nor_o be_v it_o require_v from_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n but_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v if_o he_o have_v make_v the_o best_a of_o his_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o after_o all_o a_o person_n that_o be_v true_o humble_v for_o some_o degree_n of_o ignorance_n in_o these_o and_o other_o spiritual_a matter_n be_v in_o a_o much_o safe_a condition_n than_o those_o who_o knowledge_n puff_v up_o without_o either_o humility_n or_o charity_n §_o iv_o a_o competent_a knowledge_n be_v presuppose_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o holy_a mystery_n there_o will_v not_o need_v much_o proof_n that_o some_o actual_a preparation_n be_v high_o requisite_a before_o we_o receive_v they_o it_o be_v true_a the_o preparation_n of_o man_n heart_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o case_n be_v from_o the_o lord_n but_o none_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o know_v their_o own_o endeavour_n be_v also_o necessary_a we_o must_v judge_v ourselves_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v judge_v of_o the_o lord_n we_o must_v purify_v ourselves_o before_o we_o eat_v the_o passover_n for_o he_o that_o presume_v to_o eat_v it_o in_o his_o uncleanness_n that_o be_v without_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n that_o soul_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o among_o his_o people_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v cleanse_v according_a to_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o if_o we_o have_v do_v our_o endeavour_n the_o good_a lord_n will_v pardon_v what_o be_v unavoidable_o want_v josiah_n command_v the_o levite_n to_o prepare_v and_o sanctify_v themselves_o and_o to_o prepare_v their_o brethren_n against_o that_o famous_a passover_n which_o be_v keep_v in_o his_o time_n and_o if_o preparation_n be_v so_o necessary_a for_o the_o jewish_a passover_n we_o can_v think_v it_o altogether_o needless_a when_o we_o be_v to_o partake_v of_o this_o christian_a feast_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o keep_v neither_o with_o the_o old_a leaven_n of_o judaisme_n or_o heathenism_n or_o a_o open_a notorious_a wicked_a life_n neither_o with_o the_o as_o dangerous_a leaven_n of_o malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n but_o with_o the_o unleavened_a bread_n of_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n without_o such_o preparation_n we_o may_v eat_v and_o drink_v unworthy_o kindle_v god_n wrath_n against_o we_o and_o provoke_v he_o to_o plague_v we_o with_o divers_a disease_n and_o sundry_a kind_n of_o death_n §_o v._o but_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o preparation_n as_o have_v be_v say_v consist_v in_o examination_n for_o how_o can_v we_o know_v how_o account_n be_v between_o heaven_n and_o we_o unless_o we_o look_v into_o they_o what_o our_o debt_n be_v what_o mercy_n we_o receive_v what_o we_o still_o want_v and_o which_o the_o best_a way_n to_o obtain_v they_o what_o sin_n we_o be_v to_o confess_v and_o to_o fight_v against_o where_o we_o be_v to_o plant_v our_o battery_n where_o to_o expect_v a_o assault_n what_o the_o best_a method_n of_o defence_n what_o auxiliary_n we_o want_v and_o where_o to_o obtain_v they_o this_o the_o apostle_n strict_o command_v every_o man_n to_o do_v to_o examine_v or_o prove_v himself_o and_o so_o to_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a table_n not_o to_o come_v without_o examination_n or_o to_o stay_v away_o on_o pretence_n of_o not_o be_v examine_v something_o indeed_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o every_o good_a christian_a every_o day_n of_o his_o life_n as_o it_o have_v be_v even_o of_o moral_a heathen_n to_o examine_v his_o conscience_n before_o he_o sleep_v what_o sin_v he_o have_v that_o day_n commit_v and_o by_o what_o step_v he_o fall_v into_o they_o and_o penitent_o and_o earnest_o to_o implore_v forgiveness_n for_o what_o be_v past_a and_o grace_n for_o the_o future_a to_o do_v better_o and_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o very_a good_a christian_n without_o it_o whereas_o whoever_o do_v constant_o and_o careful_o practice_v it_o for_o which_o he_o may_v find_v excellent_a rule_n and_o direction_n among_o the_o devotion_n annex_v to_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n and_o for_o want_v of_o that_o there_o be_v some_o question_n add_v at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o treatise_n must_v needs_o make_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a progress_n in_o christianity_n and_o will_v more_o especial_o find_v a_o wonderful_a advantage_n therein_o as_o to_o the_o easiness_n of_o his_o actual_a examination_n and_o preparation_n for_o the_o communion_n §_o vi_o which_o actual_a preparation_n and_o examination_n immediate_o before_o we_o receceive_v be_v high_o requisite_a because_o they_o may_v make_v up_o for_o defect_n in_o the_o habitual_a as_o be_v more_o exact_a and_o more_o solemn_a than_o our_o daily_a inquisition_n into_o the_o state_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v with_o very_o great_a advantage_n by_o set_v apart_o some_o one_o day_n in_o the_o week_n before_o the_o communion_n where_o a_o person_n be_v at_o his_o own_o disposal_n and_o his_o necessary_a affair_n will_v permit_v he_o entire_o for_o this_o great_a concern_v in_o order_n to_o search_v and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o turn_v again_o to_o the_o lord_n this_o will_v be_v near_o the_o end_n of_o the_o week_n because_o otherwise_o the_o impression_n make_v by_o it_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o wear_v away_o again_o before_o the_o sacrament_n or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o be_v so_o deep_a and_o lively_a as_o at_o less_o distance_n nor_o may_v it_o be_v so_o convenient_a to_o put_v it_o off_o to_o the_o very_a last_o day_n of_o the_o week_n lest_o something_o or_o other_o shall_v intervene_v and_o hinder_v it_o but_o for_o those_o who_o have_v not_o real_o leisure_n for_o such_o a_o solemn_a preparation_n or_o in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o accidental_a communion_n which_o can_v not_o be_v foresee_v if_o they_o be_v before_o habitual_o prepare_v we_o have_v already_o see_v the_o opinion_n of_o our_o best_a divine_n that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v such_o a_o opportunity_n for_o want_v of_o a_o more_o solemn_a actual_a preparation_n however_o he_o who_o have_v but_o a_o little_a time_n aught_o to_o do_v his_o diligence_n to_o give_v of_o that_o little_a a_o servant_n or_o labour_a man_n may_v at_o least_o redeem_v a_o hour_n or_o two_o either_o in_o morning_n or_o evening_n for_o this_o great_a work_n which_o they_o can_v do_v for_o their_o worldly_a interest_n on_o any_o extraordinary_a occasion_n few_o have_v so_o much_o business_n but_o they_o can_v find_v time_n for_o their_o diversion_n many_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v our_o soul_n only_o not_o worth_a a_o few_o hour_n which_o he_o who_o buy_v they_o so_o dear_o assure_v we_o be_v more_o worth_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o most_o of_o the_o follow_a direction_n may_v be_v observe_v while_o a_o person_n be_v employ_v in_o many_o sort_n of_o work_n especial_o in_o the_o field_n and_o concern_v of_o husbandry_n and_o for_o many_o tradesman_n they_o have_v yet_o great_a leisure_n which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v much_o better_o fill_v up_o this_o way_n than_o in_o a_o shameful_a idleness_n or_o in_o what_o be_v yet_o worse_o the_o read_v ill_a book_n and_o profane_a and_o immoral_a play_n which_o scarce_o ever_o fail_v of_o render_v the_o mind_n not_o only_o weak_a and_o trivial_a but_o even_o averse_a to_o piety_n and_o unfit_a for_o all_o the_o office_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n for_o those_o who_o be_v real_o straighten_a as_o to_o time_n there_o will_v be_v particular_a direction_n for_o examination_n and_o for_o their_o ease_n the_o follow_a rule_n be_v abbreviate_v but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n of_o so_o many_o person_n as_o plead_v that_o excuse_n since_o we_o shall_v frequent_o hear_v man_n complain_v that_o their_o time_n lie_v upon_o their_o hand_n and_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o employ_v it_o and_o for_o such_o as_o these_o and_o all_o those_o who_o can_v command_v so_o much_o time_n as_o to_o go_v through_o they_o the_o large_a direction_n which_o now_o follow_v be_v chief_o intend_v §_o vii_o when_o the_o day_n approach_v whereon_o we_o expect_v one_o happy_a opportunity_n more_o to_o meet_v our_o saviour_n at_o his_o own_o table_n who_o invitation_n by_o his_o minister_n we_o be_v to_o receive_v with_o the_o
awful_a presence_n of_o that_o god_n to_o who_o he_o have_v make_v they_o psal._n 16._o 8._o i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o my_o face_n that_o i_o may_v not_o sin_v against_o he_o and_o psal._n 119._o 106._o i_o have_v swear_v and_o be_o steadfast_o purpose_v to_o keep_v thy_o righteous_a judgement_n §_o fourteen_o the_o three_o thing_n concern_v which_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o before_o we_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n be_v whether_o we_o have_v a_o lively_a faith_n in_o god_n mercy_n through_o christ._n not_o a_o dead_a cold_a and_o unactive_a but_o a_o lively_a faith_n for_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o such_o be_v the_o ungrounded_a fatal_a presumption_n of_o every_o impenitent_a sinner_n for_o what_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o bad_a man_n who_o live_v in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o our_o saviour_n law_n in_o repeat_v act_n of_o intemperance_n injustice_n uncleanness_n immoderate_a love_n to_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n of_o pray_v of_o god_n word_n and_o sacrament_n what_o be_v more_o common_a than_o to_o hear_v such_o mistake_a wretch_n as_o these_o cry_n out_o that_o god_n be_v merciful_a that_o christ_n have_v die_v and_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v though_o they_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n meet_v for_o faith_n or_o repentance_n they_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o they_o never_o take_v care_n to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o they_o forget_v or_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a that_o it_o contain_v threaten_n too_o and_o that_o very_o terrible_a one_o against_o the_o impenitent_a and_o disobedient_a and_o that_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v such_o that_o he_o will_v say_v to_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n depart_v from_o i_o i_o never_o know_v you_o because_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n but_o the_o true_a lively_a faith_n here_o require_v be_v such_o a_o belief_n of_o god_n word_n and_o such_o a_o trust_n in_o his_o mercy_n through_o his_o promise_n by_o our_o saviour_n as_o produce_v a_o constant_a and_o ingenuous_a obedience_n now_o if_o we_o find_v this_o faith_n weak_a and_o languish_a we_o must_v pray_v as_o the_o disciple_n do_v lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n unto_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n our_o lord_n in_o who_o all_o the_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o ratify_v and_o certain_a in_o who_o alone_o the_o father_n be_v well_o please_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o who_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n his_o satisfaction_n his_o intercession_n and_o mediation_n he_o be_v reconcile_v to_o lose_a mankind_n and_o offer_n pardon_v to_o all_o that_o be_v penitent_a and_o obedient_a and_o this_o be_v all_o our_o salvation_n and_o all_o our_o desire_n the_o hope_n of_o holy_a soul_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o consolation_n and_o their_o triumph_n which_o be_v fix_v so_o firm_o upon_o that_o rock_n of_o age_n that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v move_v who_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v in_o god_n we_o must_v believe_v also_o in_o he_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o convey_v all_o the_o father_n blessing_n nay_o as_o be_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v god_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o himself_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o trust_n our_o faith_n and_o our_o adoration_n both_o in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n as_o he_o be_v of_o bless_a st._n steven's_n who_o cry_v out_o in_o his_o last_o agony_n lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n 59_o spirit_n act._n 7._o 59_o and_o thus_o in_o our_o preparation_n for_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n without_o the_o reception_n whereof_o i_o see_v not_o how_o any_o can_v live_v comfortable_o or_o die_v happy_o we_o must_v actual_o advert_v unto_o deep_o and_o serious_o consider_v those_o promise_n which_o god_n have_v make_v we_o by_o his_o son_n of_o grace_n and_o pardon_v on_o our_o repentance_n and_o obedience_n that_o those_o who_o come_v to_o the_o father_n by_o he_o he_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o st._n john_n 6._o 37._o that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v death_n but_o be_v pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n st._n john_n 8._o 51._o 5._o 24._o that_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n for_o they_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o who_o those_o be_v we_o be_v immediate_o tell_v who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n rom._n 8._o 1._o that_o all_o who_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n if_o they_o come_v unto_o he_o he_o will_v refresh_v they_o st._n matt._n 11._o 28._o and_o several_a other_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n to_o those_o who_o yield_v a_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a though_o not_o absolute_o sinless_a and_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o it_o all_o the_o threaten_n thereof_o be_v only_o the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o wilful_o reject_v it_o now_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o sacrament_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n towards_o worthy_a receive_v for_o how_o can_v we_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n unless_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v real_o willing_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o and_o have_v a_o firm_a faith_n in_o his_o truth_n his_o power_n and_o his_o goodness_n and_o how_o can_v we_o have_v any_o well_o ground_a hope_n of_o pardon_n but_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o redeemer_n and_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o grace_n the_o church_n also_o direct_v we_o when_o we_o approach_v this_o holy_a table_n require_v we_o to_o have_v a_o lively_a and_o steadfast_a faith_n in_o christ_n our_o saviour_n and_o so_o in_o the_o exhortation_n the_o sunday_n before_o the_o communion_n that_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o those_o who_o come_v thither_o shall_v have_v a_o full_a trust_n in_o god_n mercy_n not_o that_o all_o be_v require_v to_o have_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o faith_n for_o there_o be_v doubtless_o different_a measure_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o resurrection_n one_o star_n shall_v differ_v from_o another_o in_o glory_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 43._o but_o our_o faith_n ought_v certain_o to_o be_v so_o strong_a as_o to_o overcome_v our_o infidelity_n to_o over_o come_v the_o world_n it_o be_v to_o be_v sincere_a and_o then_o it_o will_v not_o want_v acceptance_n though_o it_o be_v but_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n for_o our_o gracious_a lord_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax_n st._n matt._n 12._o 20._o though_o we_o be_v always_o to_o press_v forward_o that_o this_o as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o grace_n may_v still_o be_v increase_v towards_o which_o nothing_o can_v more_o high_o conduce_v than_o the_o frequent_a and_o devout_a reception_n of_o this_o sacrament_n §_o xv._o the_o four_o thing_n concern_v which_o we_o be_v to_o examine_v ourselves_o in_o our_o preparation_n be_v whether_o we_o have_v a_o thankful_a remembrance_n of_o christ_n death_n whereunto_o the_o church_n direct_v we_o in_o such_o pathetical_a expression_n as_o be_v scarce_o ever_o excel_v and_o i_o question_v whether_o equal_v in_o any_o other_o liturgy_n though_o not_o only_o the_o ancient_a church_n but_o our_o protestant_a brethren_n particular_o the_o french_a and_o the_o tigurine_a have_v excellent_a form_n on_o this_o occasion_n i_o mean_v that_o passage_n wherein_o we_o be_v exhort_v celebration_n exhort_v exhortation_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o celebration_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o give_v most_o humble_a and_o hearty_a thanks_o to_o god_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n both_o god_n and_o man_n who_o do_v humble_v himself_o even_o to_o the_o death_n upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n who_o lie_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o exalt_v we_o to_o everlasting_a life_n this_o we_o be_v to_o do_v above_o all_o thing_n because_o this_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a gratitude_n be_v the_o principal_a ornament_n of_o the_o wedding-garment_n this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a and_o immediate_a end_n of_o the_o institution_n do_v this_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o and_o hereby_o you_o show_v forth_o the_o lord_n death_n till_o he_o come_v and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o ingenuous_a mind_n to_o remember_v to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n without_o the_o most_o tender_a resentment_n
from_o those_o heavy_a punishment_n that_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o but_o from_o their_o power_n and_o prevail_a influence_n on_o my_o mind_n from_o all_o my_o sin_n even_o those_o which_o have_v be_v most_o dear_a unto_o i_o and_o be_o willing_a to_o cut_v off_o my_o right_a hand_n or_o pluck_v out_o my_o right_a eye_n so_o i_o may_v but_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n my_o saviour_n come_v to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n he_o have_v bear_v all_o our_o grief_n he_o have_v carry_v our_o sorrow_n he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n he_o be_v grieve_v for_o our_o iniquity_n he_o have_v except_v none_o out_o of_o that_o general_n pardon_v which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o mankind_n and_o offer_v to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v qualify_v for_o receive_v it_o i_o present_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o inestimable_a sacrifice_n before_o thou_o o_o offend_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n i_o have_v no_o merit_n of_o my_o own_o i_o have_v nothing_o i_o be_o nothing_o but_o vile_a dust_n and_o sin_n but_o he_o be_v worthy_a for_o who_o sake_n i_o beg_v mercy_n of_o thou_o which_o i_o most_o humble_o implore_v and_o expect_v only_o in_o that_o way_n which_o thou_o have_v appoint_v and_o on_o those_o condition_n which_o thy_o son_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o holy_a gospel_n by_o a_o unfeigned_a repentance_n a_o firm_a faith_n a_o sincere_a and_o a_o impartial_a obedience_n o_o therefore_o take_v away_o all_o my_o iniquity_n and_o receive_v i_o gracious_o who_o like_o the_o prodigal_n desire_v to_o return_v to_o my_o father_n house_n and_o since_o it_o be_v thou_o alone_o who_o do_v both_o put_v into_o our_o mind_n good_a desire_n and_o can_v also_o give_v we_o grace_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o assist_v i_o now_o and_o ever_o in_o those_o holy_a resolve_n which_o i_o make_v of_o new_a and_o better_a obedience_n vouchsafe_v i_o thy_o grace_n to_o avoid_v all_o those_o occasion_n and_o temptation_n whereby_o i_o have_v be_v too_o often_o draw_v to_o evil._n let_v thy_o bless_a spirit_n evermore_o comfort_n and_o guide_v i_o and_o lead_v i_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o all_o goodness_n let_v i_o henceforth_o evidence_n my_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o my_o saviour_n by_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o let_v that_o and_o all_o other_o grace_n be_v excite_v and_o increase_v in_o i_o at_o this_o time_n in_o my_o approach_n to_o his_o holy_a table_n pardon_v the_o frivolous_a and_o sinful_a excuse_n which_o i_o have_v too_o often_o make_v for_o my_o absence_n from_o it_o my_o want_n of_o preparation_n for_o it_o the_o deadness_n and_o indevotion_n of_o my_o soul_n in_o receive_v it_o and_o my_o shameful_a unprofitableness_n by_o it_o o_o that_o i_o may_v now_o sit_v under_o my_o saviour_n shadow_n with_o great_a delight_n and_o that_o his_o fruit_n may_v be_v sweet_a unto_o my_o taste_n that_o i_o may_v in_o this_o sacrament_n receive_v great_a strength_n than_o ever_o against_o my_o sin_n and_o be_v thereby_o nourish_v up_o unto_o everlasting_a life_n that_o so_o after_o this_o painful_a life_n be_v end_v i_o may_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o in_o who_o most_o perfect_a form_n of_o word_n i_o conclude_v my_o unworthy_a and_o imperfect_a prayer_n say_v our_o father_n etc._n etc._n collect_v for_o perseverance_n o_o god_n of_o all_o power_n and_o all_o love_n who_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o have_v assure_v we_o in_o thy_o holy_a word_n that_o thou_o will_v not_o break_v the_o bruise_a reed_n nor_o quench_v the_o smoke_a flax._n accept_v i_o beseech_v thou_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o thy_o dear_a son_n any_o weak_a beginning_n of_o goodness_n which_o thou_o may_v have_v wrought_v in_o i_o by_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n despise_v not_o the_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n help_v i_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n that_o i_o may_v be_v save_v and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v put_v my_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n grant_v i_o may_v never_o look_v back_o lest_o i_o be_v account_v unworthy_a of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n my_o strength_n o_o lord_n i_o ascribe_v unto_o thou_o for_o my_o own_o heart_n have_v often_o deceive_v i_o and_o i_o know_v that_o all_o my_o strength_n be_v weakness_n and_o my_o wisdom_n folly_n assist_v i_o therefore_o by_o the_o mighty_a aid_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n and_o while_o i_o be_o to_o wrestle_v not_o only_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principalites_n and_o power_n let_v the_o strong_a man_n be_v bind_v by_o a_o strong_a than_o he_o and_o the_o god_n of_o love_n bruise_v satan_n under_o my_o foot_n let_v i_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v shame_n for_o thy_o sake_n and_o never_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o the_o number_n or_o greatness_n of_o bad_a example_n lead_v i_o not_o into_o temptation_n and_o let_v i_o never_o be_v so_o hardy_a and_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o rush_v into_o it_o keep_v i_o always_o sober_a and_o vigilant_a temperate_a and_o humble_a ever_o upon_o my_o guard_n watch_v and_o pray_v that_o the_o enemy_n may_v obtain_v no_o advantage_n against_o i_o accept_v and_o confirm_v all_o my_o vow_n and_o resolution_n of_o obedience_n let_v i_o have_v a_o constant_a respect_n unto_o the_o bless_a recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o and_o at_o length_n obtain_v glory_n immortality_n and_o eternal_a life_n through_o thy_o mercy_n in_o jesus_n christ_n my_o lord_n amen!_o amen_o for_o faith_n o_o lord_n who_o have_v say_v that_o he_o who_o have_v but_o faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n may_v remove_v mountain_n and_o that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v thou_o increase_v my_o faith_n and_o let_v i_o thereby_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n and_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n let_v i_o firm_o believe_v all_o thy_o promise_n to_o the_o penitent_a and_o obedient_a and_o all_o thy_o threaten_n against_o impenitent_a sinner_n let_v i_o not_o rest_v in_o a_o dead_a faith_n a_o presumptuous_a opinion_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v pardon_v or_o save_v without_o perform_v all_o those_o good_a work_n which_o thou_o have_v prepare_v for_o i_o to_o walk_v in_o give_v i_o that_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n and_o by_o a_o impartial_a obedience_n to_o thy_o command_n let_v i_o firm_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o i_o may_v be_v save_v and_o not_o trust_v in_o my_o own_o righteousness_n but_o in_o his_o merit_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n let_v i_o always_o hope_v in_o he_o for_o pardon_n of_o what_o be_v past_a and_o grace_n to_o serve_v thou_o better_o for_o the_o future_a let_v i_o have_v a_o lively_a and_o steadfast_a faith_n in_o he_o when_o i_o approach_v to_o his_o table_n that_o i_o may_v draw_v near_o and_o take_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o my_o comsort_n and_o that_o it_o may_v powerful_o help_v i_o forward_o in_o the_o right_a way_n which_o lead_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n to_o the_o unfading_a glory_n of_o that_o happy_a state_n where_o faith_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o sight_n where_o with_o holy_a soul_n who_o be_v depart_v this_o life_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o fear_n of_o thy_o holy_a name_n i_o may_v enjoy_v the_o end_n of_o my_o faith_n the_o salvation_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o see_v and_o love_v thou_o to_o all_o eternity_n through_o jesus_n amen_n a_o thanksgiving_n before_o the_o sacrament_n what_o shall_v i_o render_v to_o thou_o o_o god_n of_o all_o grace_n for_o the_o riches_n of_o thy_o goodness_n towards_o i_o a_o miserable_a sinner_n how_o utter_o unworthy_a be_o i_o even_o of_o the_o common_a blessing_n of_o life_n and_o yet_o be_v thou_o please_v out_o of_o thy_o infinite_a mercy_n once_o more_o to_o permit_v i_o to_o invite_v i_o to_o tread_v thy_o court_n to_o sit_v at_o thy_o table_n and_o to_o feast_n on_o angel_n food_n o_o that_o my_o heart_n can_v be_v full_o possess_v with_o thought_n of_o gratitude_n and_o love_n o_o let_v my_o mouth_n be_v fill_v with_o thanks_o and_o my_o lip_n with_o praise_n for_o those_o inestimable_a benefit_n god_n will_v in_o very_a deed_n dwell_v with_o man_n though_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n can_v contain_v he_o my_o saviour_n will_v fulfil_v his_o gracious_a promise_n and_o be_v present_a with_o his_o church_n in_o his_o own_o institution_n till_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o have_v now_o one_o happy_a opportunity_n more_o offer_v i_o to_o renew_v that_o covenant_n which_o i_o have_v so_o often_o break_v to_o obtain_v great_a strength_n against_o my_o sin_n and_o to_o sacrifice_v
church_n according_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v always_o remember_v the_o exceed_a great_a love_n of_o our_o master_n and_o only_a saviour_n jesus_n christ_n in_o die_v for_o we_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o ordain_v holy_a mystery_n as_o pledge_n of_o it_o and_o the_o actual_a and_o lively_a consideration_n hereof_o of_o christ_n wonderful_a love_n towards_o we_o miserable_a sinner_n so_o ungrateful_a so_o unworthy_a so_o often_o guilty_a of_o break_a faith_n and_o break_a vow_n who_o have_v love_v the_o world_n and_o our_o own_o lust_n more_o than_o he_o who_o have_v grieve_v he_o who_o have_v wound_v he_o who_o have_v crucify_v he_o by_o our_o sin_n and_o who_o continue_v to_o do_v so_o for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o live_v and_o sin_n not_o and_o all_o this_o to_o he_o who_o still_o love_v we_o and_o still_o offer_v we_o peace_n and_o pardon_v and_o grace_n and_o heaven_n and_o even_o his_o own_o bless_a body_n and_o blood_n in_o this_o heavenly_a feast_n shall_v not_o all_o this_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o give_v he_o our_o worthless_a love_n again_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o life_n to_o give_v it_o he_o without_o exception_n and_o without_o reserve_v it_o must_v it_o will_v it_o can_v fail_v of_o have_v this_o happy_a effect_n if_o we_o careful_o regard_v every_o part_n of_o this_o sacred_a action_n and_o intent_o consider_v our_o saviour_n death_n as_o represent_v therein_o especial_o while_o the_o minister_n be_v consecrate_v the_o element_n the_o whole_a prayer_n of_o consecration_n be_v make_v up_o of_o a_o lively_a and_o thankful_a recognition_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o of_o his_o institute_v the_o sacrament_n in_o memory_n of_o they_o we_o be_v therefore_o in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_v and_o increase_n of_o our_o love_n to_o christ_n diligent_o at_o that_o time_n to_o regard_v the_o minister_n with_o our_o eye_n and_o christ_n with_o our_o heart_n when_o we_o see_v the_o bread_n break_v and_o the_o wine_n pour_v out_o then_o to_o consider_v with_o all_o the_o agony_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o heart_n pierce_v and_o melt_v with_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n what_o agony_n he_o himself_o endure_v for_o we_o both_o in_o his_o body_n and_o mind_n then_o to_o look_v on_o he_o who_o we_o have_v pierce_v and_o mourn_v for_o he_o and_o delight_n in_o he_o and_o hate_v those_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o and_o which_o can_v only_o divide_v we_o from_o his_o love_n and_o especial_o when_o we_o actual_o receive_v then_o be_v our_o soul_n to_o be_v intimate_o unite_v to_o his_o divine_a person_n then_o be_v we_o to_o embrace_v he_o as_o the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o and_o fair_a than_o all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n to_o adore_v his_o infinite_a perfection_n to_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o contemplation_n and_o admiration_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v whole_o ravish_v with_o his_o love_n §_o xiii_o which_o will_v mighty_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o other_o branch_n of_o charity_n love_n to_o our_o neighbour_n for_o this_o can_v but_o be_v easy_a to_o we_o when_o our_o mind_n be_v raise_v to_o this_o happy_a temper_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n will_v subdue_v the_o enmity_n of_o our_o nature_n towards_o each_o other_o that_o pride_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o almost_o all_o quarrel_n that_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n and_o rancour_n and_o malice_n and_o revenge_n and_o anger_n those_o obscene_a bird_n will_v all_o fly_v away_o before_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o bless_a sun_n of_o righteousness_n as_o do_v the_o devil_n of_o old_a from_o their_o oracle_n all_o our_o hatred_n will_v be_v against_o our_o sin_n all_o our_o indignation_n our_o resentment_n our_o revenge_n for_o neither_o be_v those_o in_o vain_a implant_v in_o our_o mind_n will_v be_v turn_v quite_o another_o way_n o_o how_o happy_a will_v the_o world_n be_v do_v but_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n frequent_o and_o worthy_o receive_v the_o communion_n i_o be_o confident_a nothing_o can_v soon_o heal_v the_o wide_a wound_n of_o christendom_n as_o i_o believe_v the_o neglect_n of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o great_a original_a of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o our_o own_o faction_n and_o division_n all_o good_a man_n must_v love_v one_o another_o if_o they_o often_o meet_v at_o this_o holy_a table_n they_o can_v not_o they_o dare_v not_o there_o retain_v or_o nourish_v any_o pique_n against_o each_o other_o they_o will_v love_v much_o both_o christ_n and_o his_o member_n because_o they_o so_o often_o consider_v that_o much_o be_v forgive_v they_o and_o though_o this_o may_v seem_v a_o digression_n yet_o the_o truth_n and_o consequence_n thereof_o appear_v so_o plain_a and_o so_o considerable_a that_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o omit_v it_o but_o to_o return_v charity_n be_v here_o to_o be_v actual_o exercise_v towards_o all_o christ_n member_n especial_o towards_o those_o with_o who_o we_o communicate_v we_o be_v to_o knit_v our_o heart_n most_o close_o and_o intimate_o to_o they_o with_o the_o band_n of_o holy_a love_n poor_a and_o rich_a without_o exception_n only_o love_v those_o most_o that_o love_n god_n most_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o they_o all_o and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o offertory_n but_o on_o other_o occasion_n to_o do_v they_o all_o the_o good_a we_o can_v by_o faithful_a counsel_n by_o tender_a and_o prudent_a reproof_n and_o by_o all_o lawful_a and_o possible_a mean_n promote_a the_o welfare_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o last_o by_o devout_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o they_o as_o we_o be_v direct_v that_o all_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o this_o holy_a communion_n may_v be_v fill_v with_o his_o grace_n and_o heavenly_a benediction_n but_o though_o our_o charity_n be_v to_o begin_v there_o we_o be_v not_o to_o confine_v the_o exercise_n thereof_o to_o those_o only_o who_o then_o actual_o communicate_v with_o we_o for_o we_o be_v also_o direct_v by_o the_o excellent_a spirit_n of_o our_o church_n show_v itself_o in_o those_o holy_a confessor_n and_o martyr_n who_o compose_v her_o liturgy_n humble_o to_o beseech_v god_n to_o grant_v by_o the_o merit_n and_o death_n of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n and_o through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n that_o not_o only_o we_o but_o also_o his_o whole_a church_n may_v obtain_v remission_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o all_o other_o benefit_n of_o his_o passion_n which_o may_v he_o grant_v who_o have_v so_o dear_o purchase_v it_o for_o we_o to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o glory_n honour_n and_o dominion_n now_o and_o to_o eternal_a age_n amen!_o if_o there_o be_v any_o time_n between_o the_o consecration_n and_o actual_a receive_v the_o communicant_a may_v make_v use_n of_o these_o follow_a devotion_n a_o act_n of_o penitence_n o_o infinite_a offend_a goodness_n who_o be_v a_o consume_a fire_n to_o the_o obstinate_a sinner_n but_o infinite_a to_o pardon_v those_o who_o confess_v and_o forsake_v their_o sin_n i_o desire_v earnest_o to_o repent_v of_o all_o my_o misdeed_n i_o will_v acknowledge_v my_o transgression_n before_o thou_o and_o my_o iniquity_n will_v i_o not_o hide_v i_o have_v sin_v i_o have_v sin_v o_o father_n against_o heaven_n and_o before_o thou_o against_o thy_o mercy_n and_o thy_o judgement_n the_o thunder_n of_o thy_o law_n and_o the_o still_o small_a voice_n of_o thy_o gospel_n against_o the_o clear_a manifestation_n of_o thy_o wonderful_a love_n in_o send_v thy_o son_n to_o shed_v his_o blood_n as_o a_o atonement_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o precious_a blood_n of_o he_o i_o have_v too_o often_o trample_v under_o foot_n and_o crucify_v the_o son_n of_o god_n afresh_o by_o my_o repeat_v iniquity_n not_o all_o his_o bitter_a agony_n have_v be_v so_o far_o able_a to_o pierce_v my_o hard_a heart_n as_o to_o make_v i_o entire_o forsake_v my_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o though_o he_o sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n in_o the_o garden_n though_o his_o soul_n be_v exceed_o sorrowful_a even_o unto_o death_n though_o he_o endure_v the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n though_o he_o be_v mock_v and_o buffet_v and_o spit_v on_o and_o crown_v with_o thorn_n and_o scourge_v and_o faint_v under_o his_o cross_n and_o be_v nail_v unto_o it_o and_o raise_v in_o the_o air_n a_o spectacle_n to_o man_n and_o angel_n though_o he_o there_o groan_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o gild_n and_o of_o our_o sin_n impute_v unto_o he_o though_o he_o thirst_v though_o he_o faint_v though_o he_o cry_v out_o as_o if_o thou_o thyself_o can_v have_v forsake_v he_o though_o he_o bow_v his_o head_n and_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n o_o shall_v all_o this_o nothing_o move_v i_o shall_v my_o heart_n be_v as_o hard_o as_o the_o nether_a millstone_n
mercy_n we_o have_v need_n of_o it_o because_o all_o bear_a sinner_n and_o that_o it_o be_v free_a for_o all_o person_n to_o receive_v it_o iust._n mart._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o he_o must_v include_v infant_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n irenaeus_n bishop_n of_o lion_n in_o france_n who_o be_v partly_o cotemporary_a with_o justin_n martyr_n both_o of_o they_o flourish_v near_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o second_o century_n for_o he_o mention_n infant_n child_n young_a and_o old_a as_o bear_v again_o unto_o god_n by_o christ_n now_o it_o be_v notorious_a that_o by_o be_v bear_v again_o or_o regeneration_n the_o father_n understand_v baptism_n which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o scripture_n also_o as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o valid_a objection_n that_o several_a in_o the_o primitive_a church_n do_v delay_v their_o baptism_n and_o some_o of_o they_o to_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n since_o this_o prove_v more_o than_o the_o objector_n will_v have_v it_o who_o be_v not_o for_o delay_v it_o till_o this_o time_n and_o beside_o they_o do_v this_o upon_o particular_a reason_n see_v this_o elaborate_o handle_v by_o mr._n walker_n in_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o infant-baptism_n some_o because_o they_o think_v all_o sin_n damnable_a which_o be_v commit_v after_o baptism_n other_o because_o they_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o baptism_n purge_v away_o all_o sin_n original_a and_o actual_a and_o it_o may_v be_v more_o than_o either_o because_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o live_v a_o strict_a and_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o this_o no_o more_o show_v the_o defer_v of_o baptism_n to_o have_v be_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n than_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o people_n may_v without_o sin_n absent_v themselves_o from_o the_o other_o sacrament_n because_o too_o many_o actual_o do_v it_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n namely_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o lead_v a_o better_a life_n but_o this_o we_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o instance_n to_o be_v find_v in_o antiquity_n of_o any_o orthodox_n christian_n who_o deny_v baptism_n to_o child_n when_o bring_v to_o be_v baptize_v and_o believe_v we_o may_v be_v positive_a that_o not_o one_o of_o the_o father_n or_o ancient_a writer_n for_o the_o first_o eight_o hundred_o year_n at_o least_o ever_o hold_v it_o unlawful_a and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o regular_a church_n ever_o since_o be_v as_o clear_v and_o manifest_a whereas_o we_o know_v that_o whenever_o the_o popish_a error_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n they_o be_v neither_o early_a nor_o universal_o receive_v for_o not_o only_o our_o own_o ancestor_n when_o first_o convert_v to_o christianity_n not_o only_o all_o our_o european_a church_n but_o the_o african_a too_o former_o do_v and_o still_o do_v baptise_v their_o child_n both_o the_o coptis_fw-la in_o egypt_n and_o the_o abyssine_n in_o ethiopia_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o even_o those_o of_o st._n thomas_n who_o have_v for_o many_o age_n scarce_o any_o correspondence_n with_o our_o part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v thus_o clear_v we_o may_v reasonable_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o since_o infant-baptism_n have_v be_v general_o receive_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n since_o we_o can_v tract_n it_o up_o as_o high_a as_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o be_v almost_o cotemporary_n with_o some_o of_o the_o apostle_n for_o polycarp_n who_o be_v irenaeus_n his_o master_n live_v in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o first_o century_n for_o these_o reason_n we_o can_v think_v it_o unlawful_a we_o must_v believe_v as_o st._n austin_n say_v that_o it_o be_v certain_o hand_v down_o from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o as_o it_o have_v now_o continue_v without_o interruption_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n for_o near_o seventeen_o hundred_o year_n so_o it_o will_v by_o god_n grace_n continue_v therein_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o will_v follow_v that_o if_o infant-baprism_a be_v not_o true_a baptism_n there_o have_v be_v yet_o no_o true_a church_n since_o our_o saviour_n since_o there_o have_v be_v none_o which_o do_v not_o baptise_v infant_n no_o entire_a church_n which_o have_v think_v it_o unlawful_a though_o some_o private_a person_n shall_v have_v have_v private_a opinion_n not_o even_o those_o of_o piedmont_n though_o it_o be_v true_a they_o often_o delay_v baptism_n when_o they_o can_v not_o have_v it_o without_o the_o superstitious_a appendage_n of_o the_o romanist_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o shelter_v among_o they_o who_o do_v whole_o deny_v baptism_n to_o infant_n they_o also_o deny_v baptism_n itself_o and_o the_o other_o sacrament_n i_o shall_v close_v this_o head_n and_o the_o whole_a argument_n for_o infant-baptism_n with_o this_o one_o remark_n that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a church_n but_o that_o of_o the_o antipoedobaptist_n that_o promise_n have_v never_o yet_o be_v fulfil_v that_o king_n shall_v be_v nurse_v father_n and_o queen_n nurse_v mother_n to_o the_o church_n for_o they_o never_o have_v but_o one_o king_n and_o queen_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o those_o they_o do_v not_o love_v to_o hear_v of_o now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forget_v this_o promise_n for_o 1700_o year_n together_o nor_o will_v they_o affirm_v it_o there_o have_v be_v many_o excellent_a king_n and_o prince_n protector_n of_o church_n which_o have_v baptise_a infant_n and_o have_v be_v in_o their_o infancy_n themselves_o baptize_v whence_o it_o it_o follow_v that_o infant-baptism_n be_v true_a baptism_n and_o that_o tthose_n be_v true_a church_n who_o use_v it_o if_o there_o ever_o yet_o be_v any_o since_o our_o saviour_n §_o xxi_o to_o sum_v up_o the_o evidence_n for_o infant-baptism_n if_o outward_a baptism_n be_v general_o and_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n if_o infant_n may_v be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o we_o ought_v to_o neglect_v no_o mean_n to_o save_v they_o if_o our_o saviour_n command_v such_o to_o come_v to_o be_v bring_v unto_o he_o and_o do_v himself_o put_v his_o hand_n upon_o they_o and_o bless_v they_o and_o call_v they_o believer_n and_o say_v that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o be_v angry_a with_o those_o that_o will_v have_v keep_v they_o from_o he_o and_o say_v it_o be_v better_a for_o any_o to_o have_v a_o millstone_n tie_v about_o his_o neck_n and_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o sea_n than_o to_o offend_v they_o and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a offence_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o gate_n to_o the_o church_n and_o so_o to_o heaven_n if_o the_o child_n even_o of_o one_o believe_v parent_n have_v holiness_n federal_a holiness_n by_o their_o parent_n charter_n and_o may_v have_v the_o beginning_n of_o real_a actual_a holiness_n wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n because_o they_o have_v have_v extraordinary_a gift_n and_o be_v therefore_o much_o more_o capable_a of_o the_o ordinary_a if_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v a_o covenant_n or_o have_v a_o covenant_n make_v for_o they_o by_o other_o with_o privilege_n and_o obligation_n annex_v if_o they_o have_v right_a to_o be_v member_n of_o a_o church_n if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o even_o in_o abraham_n covenant_n which_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o faith_n a_o evangelical_n covenant_n and_o be_v never_o exclude_v by_o christ_n who_o will_v rather_o give_v they_o new_a privilege_n than_o lessen_v the_o old_a if_o suppose_v our_o saviour_n have_v design_v that_o child_n shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v he_o must_v have_v express_o and_o formal_o except_v they_o from_o baptism_n and_o have_v forbid_v his_o apostle_n to_o baptise_v they_o which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v certain_o have_v do_v because_o the_o jew_n do_v admit_v child_n to_o be_v proselyte_n by_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o grow_v person_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v that_o he_o ever_o do_v thus_o forbid_v they_o nay_o he_o command_v his_o apostle_n to_o make_v disciple_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n by_o baptism_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v before_o they_o if_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a even_o from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v baptise_v child_n because_o they_o frequent_o baptize_v whole_a household_n and_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a if_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o child_n among_o they_o and_o
out_o of_o all_o nation_n to_o admit_v child_n among_o other_o by_o circumcision_n though_o they_o can_v not_o actual_o signify_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o law_n nor_o promise_v obedience_n to_o it_o then_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v send_v to_o make_v proselyte_n to_o christianity_n by_o baptism_n can_v never_o think_v of_o exclude_v child_n who_o the_o jew_n before_o admit_v see_v the_o reason_n for_o their_o admission_n be_v the_o same_o in_o both_o case_n unless_o our_o saviour_n have_v express_o forbid_v it_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v wherefore_o infant_n be_v not_o as_o capable_a of_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n as_o of_o baptism_n we_o answer_v that_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v a_o confirm_a seal_n baptism_n only_o the_o enter_v seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o which_o child_n may_v now_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o as_o they_o be_v of_o old_a by_o circumcision_n but_o we_o may_v argue_v more_o strong_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v admit_v child_n for_o proselyte_n by_o baptism_n as_o well_o as_o we_o know_v they_o admit_v woman_n though_o neither_o of_o they_o actual_o mention_v in_o their_o commission_n because_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n to_o do_v both_o and_o neither_o be_v forbid_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o if_o any_o of_o our_o minister_n go_v among_o the_o heathen_n and_o convert_v they_o he_o will_v certain_o baptise_v infant_n and_o give_v the_o other_o sacrament_n in_o both_o kind_n to_o the_o adult_n because_o such_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o protestant_a church_n whence_o he_o go_v §_o xix_o a_o five_o argument_n for_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n be_v because_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a if_o not_o positive_o certain_a that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o do_v baptise_v they_o suppose_v those_o two_o instance_n of_o baptise_a woman_n have_v not_o be_v record_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n yet_o we_o may_v fair_o have_v conclude_v that_o when_o so_o many_o thousand_o so_o many_o entire_a household_n be_v baptize_v woman_n be_v not_o exclude_v especial_o when_o it_o be_v the_o know_a custom_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o admit_v they_o proselyte_n by_o baptism_n and_o the_o same_o hold_v of_o child_n nay_o more_o strong_o on_o the_o account_n of_o circumcision_n three_o thousand_o be_v baptize_v in_o one_o day_n by_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o 41._o and_o it_o be_v likely_a five_o thousand_o in_o another_o act_n 4._o 4._o and_o can_v it_o rational_o be_v suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o child_n among_o such_o vast_a number_n nay_o do_v it_o not_o seem_v high_o probable_a there_o may_v be_v many_o such_o there_o some_o in_o their_o mother_n arm_n other_o in_o their_o hand_n as_o be_v usual_a in_o such_o a_o public_a concourse_n especial_o when_o there_o be_v child_n present_a at_o the_o repetition_n of_o the_o law_n already_o mention_v and_o likewise_o at_o our_o saviour_n preach_v who_o in_o his_o miraculous_a feast_n be_v say_v to_o have_v say_v five_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n st._n matt._n 14._o 21._o again_o the_o apostle_n baptize_v many_o family_n or_o household_n nay_o we_o hardly_o read_v of_o the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n who_o be_v make_v a_o convert_n and_o baptise_a but_o his_o whole_a family_n as_o be_v before_o the_o custom_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v convert_v proselyte_v and_o baptize_v together_o with_o he_o thus_o the_o iaylor_n household_n act_n 16._o 33._o he_o and_z all_z his_o the_o household_n of_o gaius_n which_o be_v so_o large_a that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o host_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n rom._n 16._o 23._o of_o stephanus_n and_o crispus_n the_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o all_o his_o house_n can_v we_o i_o say_v suppose_v that_o in_o all_o these_o household_n which_o we_o read_v be_v without_o exception_n baptise_a there_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o one_o child_n or_o infant_n when_o we_o may_v observe_v very_o few_o of_o our_o own_o little_a family_n take_v they_o one_o with_o another_o that_o be_v whole_o without_o child_n but_o what_o if_o beside_o all_o this_o we_o shall_v find_v something_o still_o more_o express_a for_o the_o baptise_v of_o child_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o st._n peter_n sermon_n already_o mention_v act_v 2._o 38._o thus_o he_o exhort_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n the_o answer_n be_v indeed_o to_o those_o adult_n person_n who_o ask_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v these_o he_o bid_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v but_o it_o reach_v further_a than_o to_o those_o that_o make_v the_o question_n and_o though_o child_n can_v not_o actual_o repent_v yet_o they_o may_v be_v baptize_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n which_o show_v they_o be_v here_o include_v 1._o because_o the_o apostle_n address_v himself_o to_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o among_o every_o one_o child_n must_v be_v contain_v 2._o they_o be_v express_o mention_v the_o promise_n be_v to_o you_o and_o to_o your_o child_n without_o any_o exception_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v afar_o off_o even_o as_o many_o as_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n shall_v call_v that_o be_v all_o gentile_n to_o who_o the_o apostle_n or_o their_o successor_n shall_v come_v to_o gather_v proselyte_n from_o among_o they_o §_o xx._n the_o last_o argument_n for_o baptise_v of_o infant_n may_v be_v take_v from_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o place_n and_o all_o age_n since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o truth_n whereof_o we_o have_v unexceptionable_a evidence_n in_o ancient_a writer_n st._n austin_n st._n august_n de_fw-fr genesi_fw-la ad_fw-la literam_fw-la lib._n x._o cap._n 23._o for_o the_o latin_a church_n who_o flourish_v before_o the_o year_n four_o hundred_o and_o origen_n origen_n on_o the_o 6_o of_o the_o rom._n for_o the_o greek_a who_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o second_o century_n and_o famous_a about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o both_o affirm_v not_o only_o that_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v then_o baptise_v infant_n but_o likewise_o that_o they_o receive_v this_o custom_n of_o baptise_v they_o from_o the_o apostlos_n themselves_o as_o we_o know_v they_o also_o do_v the_o change_n of_o the_o sabbath_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n not_o clear_o assert_v in_o the_o scripture_n st._n austin_n speak_v of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o posicive_a expression_n proculdubio_fw-la say_v he_o without_o doubt_n it_o be_v deliver_v down_o from_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n st._n cyprian_n be_v likewise_o clear_a for_o it_o and_o a_o whole_a council_n with_o he_o as_o appear_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o fidus_n and_o other_o place_n so_o be_v athanasius_n who_o flourish_v anno_fw-la three_o hundred_o twenty_o six_o and_o he_o find_v infant-baptism_n on_o the_o same_o place_n which_o we_o still_o make_v use_n of_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n suffer_v little_a child_n to_o come_v unto_o i_o now_o be_v your_o child_n holy_a etc._n etc._n st._n chrysostom_n be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o child_n baptism_n from_o their_o be_v guilty_a of_o original_n sin_n and_o even_o gregory_n nazianzen_n be_v for_o have_v they_o baptize_v in_o mere_a infancy_n in_o case_n of_o danger_n which_o he_o find_v on_o the_o circumcision_n on_o the_o eight_o day_n and_o though_o in_o no_o danger_n he_o will_v not_o have_v it_o defer_v till_o they_o be_v above_o three_o year_n old_a though_o even_o this_o be_v a_o singular_a opinion_n of_o he_o but_o such_o as_o do_v no_o service_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o antipoedobaptist_n since_o they_o be_v for_o baptise_v adult_a person_n only_o siricius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o four_o century_n be_v for_o the_o baptise_v of_o infant_n so_o be_v st._n ambrose_n and_o to_o go_v high_o though_o tertullian_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o nazianzen_n as_o to_o the_o delay_v their_o baptism_n yet_o his_o very_a advice_n in_o this_o matter_n fair_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v then_o the_o general_a custom_n to_o baptise_v infant_n and_o he_o in_o other_o place_n affirm_v that_o of_o baptism_n which_o be_v a_o sound_a argument_n for_o admit_v infant_n to_o it_o namely_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o without_o it_o none_o can_v enter_v into_o heaven_n justin_n martyr_n say_v that_o the_o outward_a circumcision_n which_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v on_o the_o eight_o day_n be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o true_a circumcision_n that_o christian_n receive_v this_o true_a spiritual_a circumcision_n by_o baptism_n through_o god_n