faith_n be_v as_o unalterable_a as_o the_o author_n of_o it_o who_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o and_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o if_o in_o that_o plain_a and_o easy_a belief_n the_o church_n go_v to_o heaven_n of_o old_a why_o may_v we_o not_o do_v so_o still_o and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n as_o to_o heaven-gate_n by_o that_o faith_n whereby_o so_o many_o thousand_o have_v all_o along_o enter_v into_o paradise_n 3._o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o 3_o d_o place_n the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o present_a solemnity_n it_o be_v the_o evangelical_n feast_n by_o partake_v whereof_o we_o do_v renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v by_o eat_v of_o the_o passover_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o which_o capacitates_fw-la a_o man_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n first_o of_o all_o be_v sufficient_a to_o qualify_v and_o fit_v he_o for_o the_o renew_n of_o that_o covenant_n now_o because_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v all_o along_o the_o same_o and_o what_o we_o do_v at_o our_o baptism_n and_o do_v now_o again_o be_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n act_v over_o and_o over_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o the_o cordial_a belief_n of_o the_o authority_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v account_v enough_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n for_o the_o admission_n of_o people_n unto_o baptism_n which_o be_v the_o initiate_a mystery_n at_o which_o god_n and_o man_n do_v interchangeable_o seal_v indenture_n first_o of_o all_o in_o act._n 8._o we_o find_v philip_n preach_v to_o the_o ethiopian_a eunuch_n and_o require_v a_o confession_n of_o his_o creed_n that_o he_o may_v be_v baptise_a and_o when_o the_o eunuch_n make_v this_o short_a confession_n i_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n it_o be_v think_v enough_o to_o give_v he_o a_o right_a to_o the_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o straightway_o philip_n go_v down_o into_o the_o water_n and_o baptise_a he_o v._o 38._o the_o like_a we_o read_v of_o paul_n and_o silas_n how_o they_o direct_v the_o fright_a jailer_n to_o believe_v on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n act._n 16._o 33._o and_o instant_o upon_o that_o confession_n baptise_a he_o now_o we_o do_v not_o any_o where_o read_v or_o find_v any_o reason_n to_o conjecture_v that_o the_o apostle_n demand_v any_o other_o faith_n of_o their_o convert_v before_o the_o communion_n than_o what_o they_o have_v deliver_v unto_o they_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o baptism_n the_o same_o belief_n which_o qualify_v they_o for_o that_o do_v also_o qualify_v they_o for_o this_o other_o sacrament_n for_o in_o act._n 2._o where_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o first_o convert_v and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o even_o three_o thousand_o soul_n st._n luke_n relate_v that_o they_o be_v baptise_a and_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n and_o in_o break_v of_o bread_n v._o 42._o and_o by_o the_o story_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v intimate_v that_o in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n after_o they_o be_v baptise_a they_o be_v all_o admit_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n i_o add_v to_o this_o in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o christ_n require_v this_o of_o communicant_n that_o they_o shall_v believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v teach_v they_o by_o their_o pastor_n for_o so_o justin_n martyr_v express_o tell_v we_o and_o those_o thing_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n in_o all_o age_n and_o which_o in_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n be_v call_v the_o catholic_n faith_n consist_v of_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o be_v ancient_o draw_v up_o into_o short_a summary_n and_o by_o a_o passage_n in_o st._n ambrose_n it_o do_v appear_v that_o baptise_a person_n be_v not_o prohibit_v from_o come_v to_o the_o communion_n but_o for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o few_o day_n after_o their_o baptism_n and_o this_o prohibition_n be_v intend_v not_o that_o they_o may_v in_o that_o time_n learn_v a_o new_a creed_n but_o only_o gain_v some_o further_a knowledge_n touch_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o this_o religious_a mystery_n still_o the_o faith_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o even_o a_o comfortable_a belief_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_a to_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o baptism_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o office_n of_o public_a and_o private_a baptism_n in_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o sick_a in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o creed_n in_o the_o catechism_n as_o also_o in_o that_o old_a useful_a book_n call_v the_o institution_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n in_o all_o which_o no_o more_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o necessary_a but_o a_o hearty_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o common_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n contain_v in_o the_o apostolical_a symbol_n by_o what_o then_o have_v be_v thus_o particular_o show_v any_o ordinary_a communicant_a may_v easy_o discern_v whether_o his_o faith_n be_v genuine_a and_o right_a and_o approve_v and_o such_o as_o the_o gospel_n do_v require_v in_o short_a do_v you_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o his_o father_n that_o his_o great_a errand_n be_v to_o redeem_v a_o undo_v and_o without_o he_o a_o lose_a world_n that_o he_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o this_o purpose_n that_o his_o blood_n be_v shed_v as_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o that_o he_o pay_v a_o price_n even_o for_o thy_o poor_a soul_n and_o that_o for_o his_o sake_n thou_o may_v find_v mercy_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v thy_o faith_n thou_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o thy_o faith_n be_v as_o right_a and_o true_a as_o ever_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o a_o apostle_n though_o thou_o can_v not_o remove_v mountain_n nor_o heal_n the_o sick_a with_o thy_o shadow_n and_o therefore_o thou_o be_v thus_o far_o well_o prepare_v to_o be_v a_o receiver_n because_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o every_o christian_n faith_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o believe_v thus_o much_o with_o a_o particular_a application_n of_o christ_n merit_n to_o thy_o own_o soul_n so_o that_o thou_o can_v believe_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o cast_v thyself_o on_o he_o with_o a_o humble_a confidence_n and_o trust_v to_o he_o for_o thy_o present_a pardon_n and_o future_a felicity_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a act_n of_o a_o worthy_a communicant_a chap._n v._o of_o repentance_n there_o be_v another_o special_a act_n of_o religion_n which_o not_o only_o every_o communicant_a but_o indeed_o every_o christian_a ought_v to_o employ_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o care_n about_o and_o that_o be_v repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o faith_n towards_o god_n in_o discourse_v of_o this_o it_o be_v requisite_a for_o i_o to_o show_v 1._o first_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o repentance_n wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v two_o upon_o what_o special_a ground_n and_o reason_n it_o be_v necessary_a before_o we_o go_v to_o the_o communion_n and_o three_o how_o far_o and_o in_o what_o degree_n it_o be_v necessary_a 1._o for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o repentance_n we_o must_v not_o rely_v upon_o the_o groundless_a nay_o superstitious_a conceit_n of_o the_o schoolman_n who_o place_n the_o whole_a work_n of_o repentance_n in_o contrition_n confession_n and_o satisfaction_n meaning_n that_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o break_v in_o heart_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o a_o right_a penitent_n nor_o fit_a for_o the_o communion_n till_o he_o have_v private_o make_v a_o enumeration_n of_o his_o sin_n to_o a_o priest_n and_o do_v undergo_v at_o least_o do_v vow_n and_o promise_v to_o undergo_v some_o ritual_a penance_n to_o expiate_v his_o offence_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o doctrine_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o trick_n and_o artifice_n which_o be_v quite_o foreign_a to_o the_o design_n and_o business_n of_o christianity_n for_o christ_n religion_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o admirable_a method_n to_o make_v man_n universal_o good_a and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o love_n of_o solid_a and_o substantial_a virtue_n that_o we_o may_v live_v the_o life_n of_o angel_n pure_a and_o holy_a as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o mortal_a men._n according_o repentance_n mean_v a_o zealous_a and_o passionate_a abhorrence_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n the_o common_a notion_n of_o repentance_n impli_v thus_o much_o that_o
all_o such_o as_o at_o any_o time_n meet_v together_o in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o hear_v the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v excommunicate_v if_o they_o stay_v not_o to_o receive_v the_o holy_a communion_n devotion_n which_o now_o be_v as_o it_o be_v vanish_v into_o smoak_n in_o those_o time_n shine_v in_o a_o mighty_a flame_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v on_o fire_n and_o their_o zeal_n be_v active_a and_o sprightly_a in_o this_o particular_a because_o they_o reckon_v it_o a_o necessary_a piece_n of_o religion_n i_o confess_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o that_o which_o make_v a_o thing_n necessary_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o fair_a and_o strong_a argument_n of_o its_o necessity_n as_o be_v a_o good_a comment_n upon_o our_o lord_n command_n the_o continue_a practice_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n downward_o do_v show_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a among_o they_o do_v look_v upon_o themselves_o great_o oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o frequent_a participation_n of_o this_o mystery_n because_o he_o say_v do_v this_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o drink_v it_o in_o remembrance_n of_o i_o they_o conclude_v themselves_o bind_v to_o do_v it_o often_o and_o lest_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o often_o enough_o they_o do_v it_o daily_o but_o i_o will_v not_o urge_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o daily_a communion_n yet_o this_o we_o must_v affirm_v indefinite_o and_o in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o communicate_v often_o so_o that_o if_o nothing_o be_v want_v but_o a_o willing_a and_o ready_a mind_n to_o omit_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n a_o violation_n of_o christ_n law_n and_o if_o we_o think_v the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v it_o too_o often_o they_o be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v follow_v yet_o than_o many_o now_o a_o day_n who_o either_o do_v it_o not_o at_o all_o or_o at_o most_o but_o once_o or_o twice_o a_o year_n and_o even_o then_o it_o may_v be_v question_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o something_o else_o beside_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o do_v constrain_v they_o 2._o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o that_o necessity_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o our_o lord_n command_n but_o beside_o this_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v evil_a not_o in_o itself_o only_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o very_a evil_a cause_n whence_o this_o shameful_a neglect_n come_v for_o that_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v any_o other_o than_o some_o lurk_a sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o man_n heart_n which_o make_v this_o sacrament_n so_o formidable_a in_o their_o eye_n since_o at_o this_o ordinance_n god_n offer_v to_o man_n all_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v the_o conveyance_n but_o a_o impenitent_a and_o wicked_a heart_n on_o the_o recipient_n part_n hardly_o will_v any_o man_n refuse_v so_o great_a salvation_n do_v not_o his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o love_n of_o sin_n he_o may_v take_v poison_n into_o his_o mouth_n instead_o of_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o the_o great_a contempt_n of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v cause_v most_o by_o some_o root_n of_o bitterness_n that_o be_v in_o man_n breast_n which_o render_v the_o cup_n of_o blessing_n very_o unsavoury_a and_o loathsome_a unto_o they_o the_o world_n general_o be_v evil_a and_o many_o love_n to_o be_v so_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n they_o dare_v not_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n how_o else_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o crowd_n many_o time_n into_o the_o church_n in_o throng_n and_o multitude_n to_o prayer_n and_o especial_o with_o itch_a ear_n after_o a_o sermon_n when_o yet_o we_o see_v a_o very_a slender_a appearance_n especial_o in_o some_o place_n at_o the_o sacrament_n certain_o we_o must_v conclude_v or_o mistrust_v at_o least_o that_o people_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o many_o vice_n which_o they_o be_v fond_a of_o and_o willing_o allow_v and_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o and_o rather_o than_o they_o will_v forsake_v those_o vice_n they_o forbear_v this_o ordinance_n because_o they_o can_v live_v wicked_o and_o participate_v too_o without_o eat_v and_o drink_v their_o own_o damnation_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o most_o horrible_a crime_n to_o value_v a_o few_o paltry_a lust_n above_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o prefer_v some_o sensual_a and_o brutish_a enjoyment_n before_o those_o admirable_a and_o astonish_a blessing_n which_o be_v tender_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o which_o great_o kindle_v the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o they_o that_o they_o slight_v the_o manna_n which_o david_n call_v the_o food_n of_o angel_n and_o lust_v after_o the_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n the_o cucumber_n the_o melon_n the_o leek_n the_o onion_n and_o the_o garlic_n num._n 11._o much_o more_o will_v it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o intolerable_a crime_n in_o we_o if_o we_o make_v light_n of_o the_o great_a blessing_n that_o heaven_n can_v bestow_v as_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o fellowship_n of_o christ_n the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o peace_n of_o our_o conscience_n a_o assurance_n of_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o felicity_n of_o bless_a soul_n i_o say_v if_o we_o slight_a and_o reject_v all_o these_o out_o of_o favour_n to_o our_o sensitive_a appetite_n that_o we_o may_v still_o pursue_v the_o unprofitable_a work_n of_o darkness_n and_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v both_o beastly_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o very_o short_a for_o their_o continuance_n as_o maximus_n 20._o max._n tyr._n ser._n 20._o tyrius_n a_o heathen_a philosopher_n argue_v who_o be_v so_o mad_a so_o bewitch_v so_o bias_v by_o his_o affection_n that_o for_o the_o love_n of_o small_a and_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o uncertain_a enjoyment_n of_o doubtful_a hope_n and_o questionable_a prosperity_n will_v not_o change_v his_o life_n for_o a_o better_a and_o betake_v himself_o to_o that_o which_o be_v solid_a and_o unquestionable_a happiness_n yet_o of_o such_o corrupt_a and_o object_v spirit_n be_v they_o who_o neither_o love_n nor_o dare_v to_o partake_v of_o this_o covenant_n feast_n man_n of_o such_o debauch_a mind_n and_o impure_a conscience_n that_o they_o prize_v the_o most_o fordo_v consideration_n above_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o bless_a eternity_n like_o unclean_a swine_n that_o contemn_v the_o sweet_a repose_n in_o comparison_n of_o a_o dunghill_n and_o a_o bed_n of_o mire_n be_v not_o man_n earthly_a and_o sensual_a every_o one_o will_v strive_v to_o be_v a_o companion_n at_o the_o altar_n it_o be_v a_o pollute_v heart_n that_o hinder_v man_n approach_n because_o they_o that_o be_v wicked_a will_v be_v wicked_a still_o and_o that_o be_v a_o great_a reason_n why_o the_o neglect_v of_o this_o sacrament_n be_v sinful_a forasmuch_o as_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o sinful_a cause_n a_o evil_a and_o a_o rot_a heart_n 3._o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o all_o person_n who_o be_v concern_v will_v serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o be_v so_o provident_a too_o as_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o this_o neglect_n and_o see_v what_o a_o immediate_a and_o irreparable_a injury_n they_o be_v like_a to_o do_v to_o their_o own_o soul_n by_o it_o which_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o consideration_n for_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n be_v plain_a joh._n 6._o except_o you_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n you_o have_v no_o life_n in_o you_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n all_o the_o ancient_n do_v with_o one_o v._n one_o illud_fw-la in_o primis_fw-la animadvertendum_fw-la occurrit_fw-la quoties_fw-la apud_fw-la veteres_fw-la agitur_fw-la de_fw-la hoc_fw-la sacramento_n verba_fw-la domini_fw-la nostri_fw-la quae_fw-la joan._n cap._n 6._o referuntur_fw-la caro_fw-la mea_fw-la verè_fw-la est_fw-la cibus_fw-la &_o sanguis_fw-la meus_fw-la verè_fw-la est_fw-la potus_fw-la panis_n quem_fw-la ego_fw-la dabo_fw-la caro_fw-la mea_fw-la est_fw-la et_fw-la nisi_fw-la ederitis_fw-la carnem_fw-la silii_fw-la hominis_fw-la etc._n etc._n ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la sacramentum_fw-la omnes_fw-la applicant_n nec_fw-la audiendi_fw-la sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la tanta_fw-la nube_fw-la testium_fw-la refragante_fw-la negant_fw-la illud_fw-la caput_fw-la joannis_n huc_fw-la referendum_fw-la diallacticon_fw-la edit_fw-la londin_n 1688._o p._n 15._o 9_o v._n consent_n and_o mouth_n apply_v to_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n and_o st._n austin_n himself_o urge_v it_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n even_o of_o infant_n communion_n which_o be_v then_o a_o custom_n in_o the_o church_n that_o indeed_o be_v a_o error_n that_o proceed_v from_o the_o abundant_a piety_n of_o those_o time_n and_o the_o reason_n upon_o which_o that_o custom_n be_v ground_v be_v not_o strong_a
and_o go_v 2._o we_o undertake_v to_o live_v godly_a life_n for_o the_o future_a mean_v as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n grace_n consider_v the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o profess_v and_o undertake_v these_o thing_n at_o other_o time_n we_o be_v not_o so_o much_o indeed_o as_o christian_n and_o if_o we_o do_v they_o sincere_o now_o we_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v communicant_o so_o that_o i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o reason_n any_o conscientious_a and_o good_a heart_a man_n have_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o this_o ordinance_n rather_o it_o shall_v be_v his_o comfort_n and_o joy_n that_o he_o have_v liberty_n to_o use_v it_o because_o it_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o those_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o every_o break_a heart_n no_o scruple_n therefore_o be_v sufficient_a to_o beat_v off_o any_o pious_a and_o penitent_a soul_n for_o if_o man_n do_v not_o repent_v and_o reform_v they_o be_v not_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o they_o do_v they_o be_v in_o a_o good_a condition_n to_o be_v guest_n at_o christ_n table_n i_o have_v more_o to_o say_v concern_v this_o matter_n when_o i_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o preparation_n which_o be_v necessary_a but_o this_o i_o hope_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a chap._n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o preparation_n the_o necessity_n of_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n be_v thus_o prove_v it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o consider_v those_o dispositition_n and_o preparation_n wherewith_o all_o people_n be_v bind_v to_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n that_o they_o may_v eat_v and_o drink_v aftr_v a_o worthy_a manner_n and_o here_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o for_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o man_n conscience_n 1._o first_o concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o hand_n how_o that_o do_v appear_v 2._o second_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o preparation_n wherein_o that_o do_v consist_v 1._o first_o touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o prepare_v ourselves_o before_o we_o presume_v to_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o to_o drink_v of_o this_o cup._n it_o be_v observable_a that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n himself_o give_v his_o disciple_n no_o particular_a instruction_n about_o this_o matter_n when_o he_o institute_v this_o solemnity_n he_o command_v they_o indeed_o to_o do_v this_o and_o to_o celebrate_v this_o mystery_n in_o remembrance_n of_o he_o but_o we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o express_a direction_n he_o give_v touch_v preparation_n thereunto_o however_o that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v embolden_v to_o use_v this_o ordinance_n after_o a_o irreligious_a or_o rash_a manner_n the_o necessity_n of_o prepare_v ourselves_o will_v evident_o appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o analogy_n which_o this_o mystery_n bear_v to_o those_o ancient_a sacrfical_a feast_n that_o be_v celebrate_v by_o all_o mankind_n these_o i_o have_v treat_v of_o at_o large_a because_o the_o full_a knowledge_n thereof_o be_v very_o serviceable_a in_o help_v we_o to_o understand_v both_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o feast_n and_o our_o own_o duty_n too_o in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o which_o probable_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o lord_n silence_n in_o this_o point_n because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o necessary_a for_o he_o to_o give_v particular_a instruction_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o all_o that_o man_n can_v easy_o be_v lead_v to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o those_o common_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n which_o both_o heathen_n and_o jew_n have_v of_o banquet_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o for_o the_o heathen_a part_n of_o the_o world_n they_o see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o holy_a thing_n ought_v to_o be_v use_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reverence_n and_o by_o man_n of_o holiness_n and_o purity_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n their_o constant_a custom_n be_v before_o they_o go_v to_o their_o sacrifical_a banquet_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o with_o many_o previous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n suppose_v that_o thereby_o they_o do_v sanctify_v and_o fit_v themselves_o for_o the_o service_n of_o their_o deity_n thus_o the_o pagan_a priest_n be_v wont_a to_o forbear_v the_o very_a touch_v of_o 17._o farinam_fw-la fermento_fw-la imbutam_fw-la attingere_fw-la ei_fw-la fas_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la aul._n gell._n de_fw-fr flam._n dial._n noct._n attic._n lib._n 10._o c._n 15._o of_o these_o preparatory_a rite_n see_v stuckius_n in_o sacror_fw-la &_o sacrificior_fw-la descrip_n pag._n 79._o etc._n etc._n gyrald_n hist_o diorum_fw-la syntag._n 17._o p._n 497._o natal_n mythol_n lib._n 1._o c._n 9_o &_o 14._o alex._n ab_fw-la alex._n gen._n dier_z l._n 4._o c._n 17._o any_o bread_n that_o be_v leaven_v lest_o they_o shall_v be_v pollute_v they_o use_v many_o sort_n of_o lustration_n and_o wash_n cleanse_v as_o well_o their_o clothes_n as_o their_o body_n especial_o their_o hand_n with_o the_o pure_a water_n that_o be_v appropriate_v to_o that_o purpose_n they_o abstain_v for_o many_o day_n before_o hand_n from_o eat_v of_o flesh_n and_o from_o drink_v of_o wine_n they_o refrain_v from_o the_o nuptial_a bed_n and_o from_o all_o carnal_a pleasure_n use_v many_o artificial_a method_n to_o subdue_v and_o mortify_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o when_o the_o time_n for_o sacrifice_v be_v come_v they_o array_v themselves_o with_o clean_a and_o spotless_a garment_n which_o they_o call_v their_o holy_a and_o religious_a dress_n nor_o be_v this_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o priest_n only_o for_o all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v before_o their_o deity_n be_v require_v also_o to_o prepare_v and_o purify_v themselves_o thorough_o after_o their_o way_n believe_v that_o the_o outward_a sanctification_n of_o their_o body_n do_v serve_v to_o sanctify_v and_o cleanse_v their_o very_a soul_n and_o spirit_n thus_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o wash_v themselves_o often_o to_o give_v themselves_o to_o fast_n and_o much_o abstinence_n to_o deny_v themselves_o those_o fleshly_a satisfaction_n which_o at_o other_o time_n be_v lawful_a their_o custom_n too_o be_v to_o make_v solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o life_n pray_v to_o their_o god_n not_o to_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o they_o if_o any_o man_n have_v his_o hand_n defile_v with_o blood_n or_o be_v pollute_v and_o stain_v with_o any_o gross_a wickedness_n he_o be_v not_o to_o come_v to_o the_o altar_n and_o when_o their_o service_n be_v mention_v see_v the_o author_n above_o mention_v beginning_n proclamation_n be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v here_o whereunto_o they_o answer_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v many_o and_o good_a man_n and_o if_o any_o be_v find_v there_o that_o be_v know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o gild_n he_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o the_o company_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o very_a heathen_n believe_v that_o none_o be_v fit_a to_o meddle_v with_o thing_n 492._o in_o sacrificiis_fw-la rite_n celebrandis_fw-la majorem_fw-la nullam_fw-la ceremoniam_fw-la fuisse_fw-la videmus_fw-la quam_fw-la nihil_fw-la sibi_fw-la conscire_fw-la bonos_fw-es ac_fw-la pios_fw-la esse_fw-la gyrald_n syntag._n 17._o pag._n 492._o sacrifice_v but_o such_o as_o be_v upright_o in_o mind_n and_o void_a of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o as_o touch_v the_o jew_n every_o one_o know_v how_o strict_o they_o be_v command_v to_o cleanse_v and_o purify_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o law_n before_o they_o presume_v to_o eat_v and_o drink_v before_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n especial_o at_o the_o paschal_n supper_n in_o lieu_n whereof_o this_o christian_a solemnity_n be_v substitute_v and_o appoint_v no_o man_n be_v permit_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o passover_n that_o be_v not_o due_o prepare_v for_o it_o by_o the_o rite_n of_o circumcision_n no_o proselyte_n be_v suffer_v to_o come_v that_o be_v not_o first_o sanctify_v and_o fit_v for_o it_o according_a as_o the_o law_n direct_v in_o that_o case_n none_o that_o be_v in_o their_o uncleanness_n or_o in_o any_o respect_n legal_o impure_a whether_o man_n or_o woman_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v till_o they_o be_v cleanse_v from_o their_o pollution_n nay_o not_o the_o people_n themselves_o only_o but_o their_o very_a house_n also_o be_v to_o be_v free_a from_o all_o defilement_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o some_o day_n before_o the_o feast_n they_o purge_v all_o manner_n of_o leaven_n out_o of_o their_o room_n and_o for_o fear_v any_o ferment_n shall_v remain_v in_o any_o part_n of_o their_o dwelling_n they_o be_v wont_a the_o night_n before_o the_o passover_n to_o search_v with_o a_o candle_n into_o every_o hole_n in_o their_o wall_n and_o into_o every_o chink_n
our_o saviour_n body_n be_v on_o earth_n local_o though_o a_o medicinal_a virtue_n go_v out_o of_o it_o so_o that_o they_o who_o do_v but_o touch_v the_o border_n of_o his_o garment_n be_v heal_v of_o their_o disease_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o operate_v effectual_o without_o some_o previous_a preparation_n of_o faith_n in_o matth._n 15._o 28._o he_o tell_v the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n that_o will_v not_o be_v put_v off_o before_o he_o have_v take_v compassion_n upon_o her_o child_n o_o woman_n great_a be_v thy_o faith_n be_v it_o unto_o thou_o even_o as_o thou_o will_v and_o when_o the_o woman_n with_o a_o bloody_a issue_n have_v but_o touch_v his_o clothes_n though_o she_o be_v afraid_a for_o her_o presumption_n be_v at_o last_o discover_v yet_o receive_v she_o this_o gracious_a answer_n daughter_n be_v of_o good_a comfort_n thy_o faith_n have_v make_v thou_o whole_a matth._n 9_o 22._o on_o the_o contrary_n you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o incredulity_n of_o people_n do_v as_o it_o be_v bound_v up_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n and_o shut_v up_o the_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n so_o that_o his_o miracle_n be_v very_o few_o where_o their_o faith_n be_v very_o rare_a a_o clear_a instance_n we_o have_v in_o matth._n 13._o in_o his_o own_o country_n at_o nazareth_n he_o do_v not_o many_o mighty_a work_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n v._o 58._o some_o indeed_o he_o do_v for_o he_o heal_v a_o few_o sick_a person_n who_o have_v faith_n to_o be_v heal_v but_o st._n mark_n tell_v we_o that_o many_o mighty_a work_n he_o can_v not_o do_v there_o marc._n 6._o 5._o now_o to_o bring_v down_o this_o consideration_n to_o our_o present_a business_n the_o body_n of_o christ_n do_v still_o cast_v like_o influence_n and_o virtue_n from_o heaven_n and_o his_o spirit_n do_v dispense_v they_o at_o this_o sacrament_n but_o he_o dispense_v they_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o he_o be_v not_o please_v to_o work_v miracle_n on_o such_o as_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o every_o one_o receive_v it_o according_a as_o he_o be_v prepare_v by_o faith_n we_o see_v the_o sun_n dart_v his_o beam_n into_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n insensible_o and_o make_v every_o plant_n to_o bud_n and_o germinate_v and_o shoot_v forth_o but_o yet_o his_o ray_n have_v no_o power_n over_o root_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o rot_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o irresistible_a power_n over_o thing_n below_o whereas_o the_o influence_n which_o flow_v down_o from_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n do_v not_o act_v physical_o and_o after_o a_o uncontrollable_a manner_n neither_o be_v there_o that_o intrinsic_a power_n in_o the_o sacrament_n or_o such_o virtue_n of_o the_o spirit_n go_v along_o with_o it_o as_o to_o work_v upon_o heart_n that_o be_v not_o open_v to_o its_o operation_n by_o a_o lively_a faith_n no_o the_o sacrament_n be_v the_o outward_a and_o ritual_a mean_n but_o faith_n be_v the_o moral_a and_o inward_a instrument_n of_o bring_v christ_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o every_o man_n receipt_n be_v according_a as_o he_o believe_v and_o therefore_o among_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o search_v and_o inquire_v into_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o look_v well_o into_o our_o creed_n and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n examine_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o faith_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 2_o corinth_n 13._o 1._o mean_v that_o we_o must_v approve_v our_o faith_n unto_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n and_o see_v that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o our_o heart_n must_v bear_v we_o witness_n that_o we_o believe_v as_o we_o shall_v do_v before_o we_o presume_v to_o eat_v of_o this_o bread_n and_o to_o drink_v of_o this_o cup._n 2._o now_o because_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o approve_v his_o faith_n or_o to_o make_v any_o judgement_n of_o it_o at_o all_o unless_o he_o do_v first_o know_v what_o his_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o how_o far_o it_o be_v require_v to_o extend_v therefore_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o promise_v to_o show_v viz._n what_o it_o be_v that_o every_o communicant_a be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o you_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o your_o mind_n whether_o you_o be_v sufficient_o prepare_v for_o the_o communion_n in_o this_o respect_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v the_o rather_o because_o many_o have_v speak_v very_o loose_o and_o extravagant_o upon_o this_o theme_n as_o if_o none_o can_v be_v a_o worthy_a receiver_n except_o he_o be_v persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n that_o god_n elect_v he_o to_o salvation_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o except_o he_o be_v assure_v that_o all_o his_o sin_n be_v certain_o pardon_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v absolute_o and_o infallible_o save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o conceit_n i_o be_o confident_a have_v serve_v to_o deter_v thousand_o from_o this_o admirable_a and_o heavenly_a ordinance_n who_o though_o they_o have_v never_o such_o good_a meaning_n and_o honest_a purpose_n and_o be_v as_o we_o may_v believe_v sincere_a in_o their_o heart_n yet_o because_o they_o can_v not_o find_v themselves_o thus_o persuade_v have_v refrain_v come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n to_o the_o great_a disquiet_n and_o prejudice_v of_o their_o soul_n therefore_o to_o remove_v this_o rub_n out_o of_o the_o way_n be_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n before_o he_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o be_v confident_o assure_v of_o his_o present_a forgiveness_n or_o his_o future_a felicity_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o all_o man_n must_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n promise_n in_o the_o general_a nor_o do_v we_o deny_v but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v to_o believe_v in_o particular_a that_o he_o himself_o may_v be_v pardon_v and_o shall_v be_v happy_a on_o condition_n that_o he_o sincere_o and_o honest_o endeavour_v to_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v neither_o but_o a_o strong_a assurance_n there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n especial_o when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v bind_v before_o he_o do_v communicate_v to_o be_v absolute_o and_o peremptory_o assure_v of_o his_o happiness_n be_v a_o very_a extravagant_a and_o groundless_a conceit_n and_o that_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o the_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o of_o this_o or_o that_o man_n be_v particular_a condition_n god_n have_v not_o make_v any_o such_o revelation_n in_o his_o word_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o thing_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n write_v be_v the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o our_o faith_n so_o we_o right_o affirm_v against_o the_o romanist_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o tradition_n and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o affirm_v against_o all_o enthusiast_n too_o with_o reference_n to_o their_o airy_a and_o confident_a opinion_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v our_o guide_n and_o what_o they_o do_v not_o say_v be_v not_o necessary_a for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o believe_v quod_fw-la de_fw-la scripture_n non_fw-la habet_fw-la autoritatem_fw-la eadem_fw-la facilitate_v contemnitur_fw-la qua_fw-la probatur_fw-la as_o st._n jerom_n say_v meaning_n that_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o a_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n now_o look_v into_o the_o bible_n and_o see_v if_o you_o can_v find_v your_o name_n write_v there_o or_o in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n if_o you_o can_v any_o where_o find_v it_o say_v that_o your_o sin_n be_v pardon_v or_o if_o you_o can_v discover_v any_o absolute_a decree_n that_o you_o shall_v infallible_o be_v save_v it_o be_v true_a the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v we_o all_o many_o excellent_a promise_n many_o great_a and_o comfortable_a hope_n but_o still_o it_o speak_v in_o general_n that_o they_o who_o believe_v shall_v not_o perish_v that_o they_o who_o repent_v shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o that_o they_o who_o persevere_v in_o well-doing_n unto_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o it_o say_v not_o in_o particular_a that_o i_o be_o such_o or_o that_o i_o shall_v fare_v so_o only_o indeed_o i_o may_v draw_v particular_n out_o of_o general_n by_o way_n of_o argumentation_n and_o rational_a discourse_n and_o i_o may_v judge_v of_o myself_o by_o measure_v myself_o with_o the_o rule_n and_o by_o compare_v my_o condition_n and_o state_n with_o the_o gospel-term_n and_o so_o i_o may_v have_v very_o comfortable_a and_o strong_a hope_n enough_o to_o quiet_a my_o mind_n and_o spirit_n that_o i_o be_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o god_n will_v show_v mercy_n unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n but_o to_o go_v far_o and_o to_o
likely_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n against_o conscience_n which_o be_v the_o high_a aggravation_n any_o action_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o that_o let_v he_o palliate_v it_o as_o he_o can_v it_o be_v undoubted_o a_o wilful_a habit._fw-la and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o such_o a_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a as_o change_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n such_o a_o repentance_n as_o make_v a_o man_n lie_v aside_o utter_o every_o vicious_a custom_n such_o a_o repentance_n as_o effectual_o bend_v his_o mind_n to_o a_o entire_a practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n for_o the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o transform_v every_o one_o into_o the_o divine_a image_n to_o make_v he_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o render_v he_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a nature_n holy_a and_o pure_a as_o god_n himself_o be_v and_o sorrow_n for_o what_o be_v past_a be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o such_o a_o godlike_a life_n that_o repentance_n must_v needs_o be_v trifle_a and_o impertinent_a which_o do_v not_o powerful_o carry_v on_o those_o divine_a purpose_n and_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o one_o that_o persist_v in_o a_o evil_a state_n and_o course_n to_o be_v a_o true_a penitent_a at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v hell_n and_o heaven_n meet_v together_o in_o one_o repentance_n be_v a_o high_a and_o noble_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o sob_n and_o groan_n nor_o mere_o in_o the_o anguish_n and_o throw_v of_o a_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o rack_n for_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o gild_n and_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o inward_a torment_n may_v proceed_v pure_o from_o a_o present_a apprehension_n of_o vengeance_n which_o every_o man_n will_v willing_o avoid_v though_o he_o delight_v in_o that_o which_o bring_v it_o upon_o he_o no_o repentance_n that_o be_v genuine_a work_v a_o total_a change_n turn_v the_o desire_v towards_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n improve_v and_o raise_v up_o the_o deprave_a nature_n of_o man_n to_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o god_n of_o who_o glory_n those_o divine_a grace_n which_o religion_n propose_v to_o our_o practice_n be_v a_o copy_n and_o transcript_n infinite_o distant_a from_o this_o be_v the_o life_n of_o that_o man_n who_o love_v to_o wallow_v in_o vice_n sensuality_n and_o corruption_n people_n of_o this_o sort_n and_o temper_v be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v a_o right_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o pardon_n and_o peace_n which_o be_v tender_v by_o the_o evangelical_n covenant_n and_o which_o be_v seal_v at_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n that_o the_o scripture_n plain_o threaten_v indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n to_o every_o soul_n that_o work_v evil_a after_o this_o manner_n to_o such_o as_o obey_v vnrighteousness_n to_o such_o as_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o sin_n to_o such_o as_o let_v sin_n reign_v in_o their_o mortal_a body_n to_o such_o as_o yield_v themselves_o up_o to_o vnrighteousness_n to_o such_o as_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o such_o as_o obey_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o to_o such_o as_o walk_v on_o in_o darkness_n and_o lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o conform_v themselves_o to_o this_o world_n by_o all_o which_o expression_n and_o many_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o scripture_n mean_v such_o as_o continue_v and_o persist_v in_o a_o ungodly_a course_n in_o a_o crooked_a way_n in_o a_o vicious_a manner_n and_o habit_n of_o life_n for_o which_o reason_n when_o man_n intend_v to_o go_v to_o the_o holy_a communion_n where_o every_o one_o be_v sure_a to_o receive_v something_o either_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n to_o himself_o they_o shall_v take_v themselves_o to_o a_o very_a strict_a account_n and_o impartial_o observe_v what_o that_o way_n be_v wherein_o they_o be_v use_v to_o go_v and_o if_o they_o find_v themselves_o so_o ill_o give_v as_o that_o they_o willing_o follow_v their_o own_o heart_n lust_n and_o resolve_v to_o do_v so_o still_o in_o spite_n of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o check_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o must_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a present_v themselves_o at_o the_o lord_n table_n but_o utter_o forbear_v till_o they_o have_v true_o humble_v themselves_o under_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o impiety_n as_o work_v that_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o entrance_n upon_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n and_o true_a religion_n if_o there_o be_v not_o this_o divine_a disposition_n of_o soul_n in_o they_o they_o be_v no_o more_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n than_o judas_n that_o betray_v he_o or_o pilate_n that_o condemn_v he_o or_o the_o jew_n that_o mock_v he_o or_o the_o soldier_n that_o stick_v a_o spear_n into_o his_o side_n and_o if_o he_o go_v to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n while_o he_o go_v on_o still_o in_o his_o wickedness_n he_o do_v but_o take_v a_o large_a step_n towards_o his_o own_o destruction_n such_o a_o one_o despise_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n trample_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n under_o his_o foot_n and_o account_v it_o a_o unholy_a thing_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o refreshment_n for_o a_o beast_n and_o he_o be_v like_o one_o that_o bring_v a_o swine_n into_o the_o sanctuary_n to_o feed_v upon_o the_o bread_n of_o eternal_a life_n therefore_o before_o we_o celebrate_v so_o great_a a_o mystery_n we_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o strict_a engagement_n to_o bind_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o most_o serious_a vow_n and_o to_o set_v up_o very_o strong_a and_o powerful_a resolution_n of_o amendment_n lest_o in_o make_v too_o great_a haste_n to_o so_o divine_a and_o solemn_a a_o ordinance_n we_o make_v haste_n to_o perish_v and_o to_o be_v undo_v for_o nothing_o make_v we_o capable_a without_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n as_o 2._o as_o justin_n mart._n apol._n 2._o justin_n martyr_v say_v the_o food_n at_o the_o eucharist_n be_v not_o lawful_a to_o be_v receive_v but_o by_o such_o as_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o be_v true_a and_o have_v be_v wash_v in_o the_o laver_n of_o regeneration_n and_o lead_v their_o life_n according_a to_o christ_n prescription_n 53._o prescription_n habentem_fw-la adhuc_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la peccandi_fw-la gravari_fw-la magis_fw-la dico_fw-la eucharistiae_fw-la perceptione_n quam_fw-la purificari_fw-la s._n aug._n de_fw-fr eccles_n dogmat._n c._n 53._o and_o he_o that_o approach_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n with_o a_o design_n and_o purpose_n to_o sin_n on_o still_o instead_o of_o be_v refresh_v and_o purify_v by_o receive_v be_v the_o more_o heavy_o lade_v and_o receive_v a_o cup_n of_o bitterness_n instead_o of_o a_o salutary_a cordial_n here_o a_o question_n may_v arise_v whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o one_o to_o communicate_v upon_o serious_a vow_n and_o resolution_n only_o that_o be_v before_o he_o have_v try_v the_o strength_n and_o efficacy_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n who_o have_v lead_v a_o dissolute_a life_n to_o be_v through_o the_o pierce_a power_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n strike_v so_o on_o a_o sudden_a into_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o gild_n and_o danger_n as_o to_o resolve_v and_o undertake_v present_o to_o forsake_v his_o impiety_n and_o perhaps_o too_o his_o outward_a circumstance_n may_v be_v such_o that_o if_o he_o miss_v the_o opportunity_n he_o have_v now_o before_o he_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a danger_n of_o not_o meet_v with_o another_o in_o which_o particular_a case_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o debar_v he_o from_o the_o use_n of_o this_o ordinance_n which_o effectual_o give_v the_o benefit_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n to_o every_o true_a penitent_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o give_v they_o to_o that_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n who_o be_v convert_v in_o a_o moment_n indeed_o where_o man_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v straighten_a in_o their_o circumstance_n but_o have_v probable_o time_n before_o they_o to_o make_v some_o experiment_n of_o their_o resolution_n it_o be_v very_o expedient_a for_o they_o to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o retirement_n to_o weep_v bitter_o to_o observe_v what_o ground_n they_o be_v able_a to_o gain_v of_o their_o habitual_a vice_n what_o victory_n they_o get_v over_o their_o own_o heart_n by_o suitable_a act_n of_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v undertake_v for_o the_o eradicate_v of_o inveterate_a habit_n by_o these_o mean_n they_o will_v afterward_o come_v to_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n with_o better_a advantage_n because_o with_o more_o comfort_n with_o more_o confidence_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n than_o such_o as_o have_v not_o make_v any_o trial_n of_o the_o firmness_n and_o
many_o infirmity_n than_o it_o be_v time_n to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n to_o enter_v at_o least_o upon_o a_o life_n of_o holiness_n to_o wash_v our_o hand_n and_o heart_n in_o innocence_n and_o so_o to_o compass_v the_o altar_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o right_o dispose_v we_o be_v then_o to_o behold_v the_o fountain_n which_o be_v open_v to_o we_o for_o sin_n and_o for_o uncleanness_n i_o mean_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o purge_v our_o conscience_n from_o all_o dead_a work_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n heb._n 9_o 14._o now_o it_o be_v a_o seasonable_a time_n for_o we_o to_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o coronary_a thorn_n the_o scourge_n the_o nail_n and_o the_o spear_n which_o open_v this_o fountain_n to_o remember_v our_o bless_a lord_n agony_n in_o the_o garden_n his_o bloody_a sweat_n his_o buffet_n and_o stripe_n his_o dolour_n and_o most_o bitter_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n to_o consider_v that_o all_o this_o be_v for_o we_o sinful_a man_n and_o for_o our_o salvation_n to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o his_o father_n to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o beget_v we_o again_o to_o a_o lively_a hope_n to_o a_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a and_o undefiled_a and_o that_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v in_o heaven_n for_o we_o because_o he_o so_o love_v we_o all_o that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n these_o holy_a meditation_n be_v not_o only_o proper_a and_o seasonable_a when_o we_o be_v now_o at_o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lamb_n but_o they_o be_v moreover_o natural_o apt_a to_o inflame_v your_o affection_n with_o the_o love_n of_o jesus_n to_o dissolve_v and_o melt_v you_o into_o penitential_a shower_n to_o ravish_v your_o heart_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o fill_v you_o with_o divine_a ecstasy_n and_o rapture_n and_o to_o fix_v your_o resolution_n of_o obey_v for_o ever_o the_o author_n of_o your_o salvation_n of_o follow_v his_o bless_a step_n with_o all_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o of_o bear_v not_o only_o his_o yoke_n but_o even_o his_o cross_n too_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n of_o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o his_o image_n next_o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n let_v the_o love_n of_o all_o mankind_n replenish_v and_o possess_v your_o heart_n god_n forbid_v that_o malice_n or_o uncharitableness_n or_o bitterness_n and_o rancour_n of_o spirit_n god_n forbid_v that_o any_o of_o these_o or_o such_o unclean_a thing_n shall_v ever_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o altar_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n if_o he_o so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o because_o he_o taste_v death_n for_o every_o man_n he_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n he_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o all_o man_n especial_o of_o they_o that_o believe_v and_o see_v every_o soul_n be_v precious_a in_o his_o sight_n every_o soul_n shall_v be_v dear_a to_o we_o and_o our_o love_n to_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v extensive_a and_o unlimited_a as_o he_o be_v and_o to_o express_v this_o love_n we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o and_o devout_o pray_v as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v who_o heart_n be_v so_o warm_a with_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n not_o only_o for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o for_o every_o part_n and_o member_n thereof_o but_o for_o all_o too_o that_o be_v as_o yet_o without_o the_o border_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o for_o all_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n that_o no_o corner_n of_o the_o universe_n may_v be_v too_o remote_a for_o our_o charity_n and_o that_o however_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o chance_n or_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n may_v sever_v or_o distinguish_v we_o yet_o nothing_o may_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o those_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v these_o be_v divine_a thing_n to_o exercise_n and_o employ_v your_o mind_n at_o this_o great_a solemnity_n and_o as_o touch_v your_o outward_a deportment_n there_o be_v these_o particular_n which_o i_o will_v recommend_v to_o your_o christian_a practice_n at_o the_o time_n of_o ministration_n 1._o that_o you_o dispose_v of_o yourselves_o as_o near_o as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n that_o you_o may_v behold_v what_o be_v transact_v there_o for_o beside_o the_o decency_n which_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n itself_o when_o the_o child_n of_o god_n humble_o present_v themselves_o round_o about_o his_o table_n this_o be_v apt_a to_o exalt_v and_o heighten_v your_o devotion_n still_o and_o to_o give_v your_o affection_n a_o new_a warmth_n when_o you_o see_v as_o it_o be_v jesus_n christ_n crucify_v before_o your_o eye_n 2._o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o passion_n be_v thus_o visible_o represent_v by_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n the_o symbol_n of_o his_o body_n and_o by_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wine_n the_o symbol_n of_o his_o blood_n then_o sursum_fw-la corda_fw-la as_o the_o exhortation_n be_v in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o christianity_n lift_v up_o your_o heart_n to_o he_o who_o be_v dead_a and_o be_v now_o alive_a for_o evermore_o and_o offer_v unto_o he_o private_o these_o or_o the_o like_a holy_a ejaculation_n o_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n grant_v we_o thy_o peace_n o_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o 3._o throughout_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n wherein_o you_o be_v concern_v be_v sure_a to_o bear_v your_o part_n with_o heart_n and_o voice_n too_o for_o this_o do_v not_o only_o help_v to_o preserve_v a_o man_n be_v own_o zeal_n in_o a_o due_a fervour_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o mind_n fix_v and_o intent_n and_o free_a from_o distraction_n but_o it_o be_v moreover_o a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o raise_v the_o devotion_n of_o other_o communicant_o when_o every_o one_o assi_v and_o all_o joint_o mingle_v their_o devotion_n the_o common_a flame_n be_v very_o much_o increase_v every_o one_o bring_v spark_n to_o the_o altar_n to_o kindle_v in_o each_o other_o heart_n the_o love_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o every_o sensible_a man_n experience_n who_o desire_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n how_o lovely_a how_o delightful_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o when_o people_n meet_v together_o to_o worship_n god_n to_o send_v up_o their_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o he_o with_o one_o lip_n and_o how_o apt_a be_v this_o to_o inspire_v every_o good_a heart_n with_o fervency_n and_o to_o heat_v every_o one_o affection_n each_o man_n catch_v some_o fire_n from_o his_o neighbour_n how_o like_v then_o be_v the_o church_n to_o heaven_n and_o how_o transport_v do_v we_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o if_o we_o be_v among_o that_o bless_a choir_n above_o where_o st._n john_n in_o his_o vision_n see_v the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n fall_v down_o before_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o worship_v he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o cast_v their_o crown_n before_o the_o throne_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n for_o thou_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o thy_o pleasure_n they_o be_v and_o be_v create_v rev._n 4._o 10_o 11._o and_o where_o shall_v we_o imitate_v this_o bless_a and_o heaven-like_a harmony_n if_o not_o at_o this_o divine_a solemnity_n where_o we_o celebrate_v the_o memorial_n of_o our_o redemption_n too_o of_o our_o redemption_n i_o say_v the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n a_o work_n so_o worthy_a of_o god_n so_o stupendous_a so_o full_a of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n that_o to_o be_v unconcern_v among_o the_o common_a thanksgiving_n of_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o mind_n very_o dull_a and_o insensate_a very_o deep_o possess_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o slumber_n 4._o when_o you_o be_v now_o to_o receive_v the_o divine_a food_n and_o jesus_n as_o it_o be_v come_v under_o your_o roof_n receive_v with_o all_o humility_n let_v every_o lofty_a imagination_n fall_v and_o every_o knee_n bend_v not_o that_o we_o may_v adore_v the_o sacramental_a bread_n and_o wine_n that_o be_v idolatry_n to_o be_v abhor_v of_o all_o faithful_a christian_n but_o as_o a_o humble_a profession_n of_o our_o own_o great_a unworthiness_n and_o as_o a_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n of_o those_o infinite_a mercy_n wherewith_o god_n be_v please_v to_o crown_v we_o at_o this_o time_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v decent_a and_o become_v we_o to_o be_v prostrate_a
manner_n in_o that_o country_n fall_v down_o before_o his_o foot_n so_o that_o st._n peter_n himself_o do_v it_o upon_o the_o miraculous_a draught_n of_o fish_n luke_n 5._o and_o why_o may_v not_o all_o the_o disciple_n do_v this_o at_o his_o institution_n of_o the_o bless_a sacrament_n which_o he_o tell_v they_o be_v the_o representation_n of_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o blood_n especial_o after_o he_o himself_o have_v preach_v unto_o they_o a_o lecture_n of_o humility_n when_o he_o have_v wash_v their_o foot_n indeed_o the_o sacred_a story_n give_v we_o no_o authority_n to_o affirm_v this_o positive_o and_o dogmatical_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v probable_a argument_n for_o man_n conjecture_n this_o way_n and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v all_o other_o opinion_n be_v but_o conjecture_n and_o i_o hope_v we_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o opine_n as_o well_o as_o other_o men._n but_o we_o can_v be_v so_o confident_a as_o to_o determine_v this_o matter_n in_o regard_n that_o we_o want_v the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n though_o reason_n may_v be_v on_o our_o side_n and_o herein_o we_o will_v give_v a_o pattern_n to_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n to_o be_v modest_a in_o opinion_n for_o which_o they_o have_v no_o solid_a foundation_n where_o i_o pray_v be_v the_o ground_n they_o go_v upon_o touch_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o kneel_v as_o a_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n since_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v what_o that_o example_n be_v it_o may_v be_v a_o posture_n of_o kneel_v and_o adoration_n for_o aught_o they_o know_v sit_v it_o be_v not_o i_o dare_v confident_o affirm_v in_o all_o probability_n it_o be_v not_o a_o stand_a posture_n neither_o perhaps_o it_o be_v the_o posture_n which_o we_o customary_o use_v if_o not_o it_o be_v a_o lean_a posture_n upon_o pallet_n and_o no_o body_n now_o insi_v upon_o that_o for_o a_o example_n to_o we_o 3._o and_o yet_o three_o be_v the_o example_n both_o of_o christ_n disciple_n and_o of_o christ_n himself_o apparent_o such_o as_o some_o man_n conjecture_v they_o will_v not_o yet_o be_v lead_v and_o authoritative_a precedent_n to_o we_o in_o this_o point_n for_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v by_o all_o christian_a divine_n that_o the_o example_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o universal_o to_o be_v follow_v much_o less_o the_o example_n of_o his_o disciple_n in_o some_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a in_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o proper_a in_o many_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o follow_v that_o copy_n where_o we_o have_v the_o example_n and_o the_o precept_n too_o there_o indeed_o we_o be_v bind_v and_o i_o wish_v man_n will_v consider_v of_o those_o weighty_a thing_n rather_o than_o of_o matter_n of_o slender_a importance_n but_o where_o we_o have_v no_o command_n there_o to_o take_v a_o example_n for_o our_o rule_n be_v to_o make_v ourselves_o guilty_a in_o some_o instance_n of_o folly_n and_o in_o some_o of_o superstition_n and_o presumption_n the_o practice_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v no_o rule_n for_o we_o in_o circumstantial_o and_o rite_n unless_o they_o be_v make_v necessary_o practical_a by_o some_o positive_a direction_n and_o command_n now_o we_o have_v no_o command_n in_o this_o case_n the_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o no_o not_o evident_a example_n to_o direct_v we_o and_o therefore_o they_o talk_v vain_o and_o impertinent_o who_o condemn_v kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n as_o a_o unlawful_a posture_n since_o no_o law_n can_v be_v derive_v either_o from_o christ_n precept_n or_o from_o his_o or_o his_o disciple_n practise_v that_o do_v evident_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o it_o the_o church_n then_o be_v leave_v to_o her_o liberty_n what_o posture_n to_o use_v think_v fit_a to_o choose_v that_o of_o kneel_v for_o these_o three_o reason_n chief_o 1._o to_o testify_v our_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n godhead_n have_v he_o be_v a_o mere_a creature_n as_o all_o other_o man_n be_v we_o may_v have_v have_v some_o encouragement_n to_o present_v ourselves_o at_o his_o table_n as_o his_o fellow_n and_o in_o a_o common_a table-gesture_n as_o those_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v who_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o divinity_n but_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o equal_a to_o the_o father_n he_o have_v a_o right_a and_o claim_v to_o the_o humble_a service_n we_o can_v think_v of_o to_o express_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o sense_n we_o shall_v have_v of_o his_o infinite_a greatness_n and_o majesty_n especial_o at_o a_o ordinance_n which_o be_v institute_v in_o honour_n to_o he_o 2._o as_o a_o posture_n that_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mystery_n itself_o here_o we_o commemorate_v the_o lord_n infinite_a goodness_n and_o love_n his_o unexpressible_a suffering_n for_o we_o and_o his_o humble_v of_o himself_o to_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n here_o we_o feed_v upon_o the_o symbol_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n here_o we_o seal_v anew_o unto_o god_n our_o covenant_n of_o faith_n mortification_n and_o obedience_n and_o god_n renew_v unto_o we_o his_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o morcy_n here_o all_o that_o we_o do_v be_v divine_a worship_n the_o mystery_n be_v a_o most_o solemn_a encharist_n or_o thanksgiving_n a_o real_a and_o lively_a form_n of_o praise_v god_n as_o psalm_n and_o hymn_n be_v at_o other_o time_n and_o all_o this_o be_v attend_v with_o devout_a prayer_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n the_o whole_a congregation_n pray_v for_o all_o estate_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n the_o minister_n pray_v for_o every_o particular_a communicant_a and_o each_o particular_a communicant_a consent_n to_o the_o prayer_n join_v his_o own_o suffrage_n and_o pray_v in_o his_o own_o person_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o that_o adoration_n and_o worship_n be_v our_o whole_a work_n at_o this_o time_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o a_o adore_a posture_n not_o only_o with_o eye_n and_o hand_n lift_v up_o but_o with_o bend_a knee_n too_o which_o all_o nation_n have_v ever_o think_v the_o most_o solemn_a and_o suitable_a posture_n of_o adoration_n 3._o the_o church_n have_v choose_v it_o as_o a_o posture_n that_o be_v most_o expressive_a of_o our_o gratitude_n to_o god_n for_o the_o astonish_a mercy_n which_o all_o worthy_a communicant_n receive_v at_o this_o great_a solemnity_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n peace_n with_o god_n the_o increase_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n divine_a influence_n from_o above_o from_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n with_o a_o earnest_n and_o pledge_n of_o a_o happy_a resurrection_n and_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n from_z all_o which_o consideration_n every_o pious_a and_o humble_a soul_n may_v argue_v after_o this_o manner_n since_o this_o be_v the_o symbol_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n which_o be_v shed_v for_o i_o and_o for_o many_o for_o the_o remission_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n shall_v i_o not_o receive_v it_o upon_o my_o knee_n since_o heaven_n be_v his_o throne_n and_o the_o earth_n his_o footstool_n what_o place_n can_v be_v too_o vile_a or_o what_o gesture_n too_o lowly_a for_o sinful_a dust_n and_o ash_n since_o we_o be_v now_o admit_v to_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o heaven_n o_o come_v let_v we_o worship_n and_o fall_v down_o and_o kneel_v before_o the_o lord_n our_o maker_n and_o redeemer_n if_o the_o bless_a jesus_n in_o his_o agony_n fall_v down_o with_o his_o knee_n place_v on_o the_o bare_a ground_n how_o can_v i_o now_o begrudge_v the_o bow_n of_o i_o since_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v now_o to_o be_v in_o my_o mouth_n what_o better_a example_n can_v i_o follow_v than_o those_o elder_n in_o heaven_n who_o fall_v down_o before_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o worship_v he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o say_v holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a which_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v since_o my_o bless_a redeemer_n be_v please_v to_o humble_v himself_o even_o to_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n what_o humility_n can_v be_v great_a enough_o for_o i_o who_o be_o now_o to_o gather_v up_o my_o life_n and_o happiness_n at_o his_o foot_n since_o i_o be_o now_o to_o beg_v for_o a_o bless_a eternity_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o my_o whole_a self_n a_o reasonable_a holy_a and_o live_v sacrifice_n what_o more_o reasonable_a for_o i_o than_o to_o beg_v god_n acceptance_n of_o my_o prayer_n and_o oblation_n upon_o my_o bend_a knee_n and_o since_o my_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n be_v a_o pledge_n of_o so_o many_o stupendous_a mercy_n to_o come_v how_o can_v i_o choose_v but_o kneel_v when_o i_o take_v the_o seal_n of_o his_o
promise_n at_o his_o hand_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v what_o a_o become_a and_o suitable_a posture_n kneel_v be_v at_o this_o great_a solemnity_n and_o how_o natural_o it_o follow_v where_o people_n entertain_v right_a notion_n of_o it_o and_o come_v unto_o it_o with_o humble_a mind_n nor_o can_v i_o sufficient_o admire_v that_o of_o all_o the_o usage_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o so_o significant_a so_o decent_a a_o ceremony_n shall_v ever_o become_v a_o stumbling-block_n and_o matter_n of_o dispute_n certain_o it_o must_v be_v a_o ill_a sign_n of_o very_o lofty_a imagination_n when_o there_o be_v such_o stiffness_n in_o man_n knee_n but_o it_o be_v high_a time_n for_o i_o to_o proceed_v chap._n xii_o of_o our_o behaviour_n after_o receive_v when_o we_o have_v thus_o devout_o employ_v this_o bless_a hour_n we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o our_o great_a business_n be_v at_o a_o end_n that_o we_o may_v now_o drop_v those_o religious_a consideration_n which_o hitherto_o take_v up_o our_o time_n and_o thought_n that_o we_o may_v now_o go_v home_o leave_v our_o vow_n and_o resolution_n behind_o we_o in_o the_o church_n much_o less_o may_v we_o think_v ourselves_o free_a to_o fall_v afresh_o upon_o our_o former_a course_n of_o life_n i_o must_v tell_v you_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o business_n be_v yet_o before_o we_o and_o to_o stop_v and_o rest_v here_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v hitherto_o employ_v our_o mind_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o unravel_v our_o whole_a work_n and_o to_o defeat_v the_o design_n of_o this_o heavenly_a ordinance_n for_o this_o rite_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n though_o it_o be_v of_o admirable_a use_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o natural_o and_o intrinsical_o good_a as_o those_o act_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v wherein_o the_o substance_n and_o excellence_n of_o religion_n do_v consist_v but_o it_o iâ—_n a_o relative_n thing_n institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o promote_v and_o carry_v on_o that_o noble_a end_n for_o which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n that_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 12._o here_o indeed_o we_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o life_n of_o virtue_n by_o devote_v unto_o god_n the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o member_n of_o our_o body_n but_o as_o the_o groundwork_n be_v in_o order_n to_o a_o superstructure_n so_o be_v our_o action_n now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o further_o edify_v and_o perfect_v of_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v build_v up_o more_o and_o more_o in_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n and_o be_v sit_o frame_v together_o and_o compact_a may_v grow_v and_o rise_v up_o by_o degree_n to_o a_o holy_a temple_n for_o the_o lord_n to_o be_v a_o habitation_n of_o god_n through_o the_o spirit_n this_o you_o will_v easy_o perceive_v if_o you_o observe_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n itself_o it_o be_v first_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o very_a death_n of_o christ_n a_o representation_n exhibit_v to_o our_o sense_n by_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o wine_n and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a but_o to_o awaken_v our_o fear_n by_o show_v we_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o for_o the_o expiation_n of_o the_o world_n gild_n spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n nor_o will_v be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o world_n at_o a_o low_a rate_n than_o by_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o torment_n and_o death_n for_o we_o all_o what_o do_v it_o mean_v but_o to_o set_v our_o zeal_n a_o work_n upon_o mortify_v all_o our_o lust_n and_o affection_n and_o upon_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n what_o do_v it_o mean_v but_o to_o make_v we_o ever_o watchful_a and_o circumspect_a lest_o we_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n heb._n 10._o 26._o it_o be_v second_o a_o memorial_n of_o christ_n love_n love_v strong_a than_o death_n that_o make_v he_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o the_o ungodly_a and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a but_o to_o kindle_v in_o our_o heart_n the_o most_o ardent_a affection_n to_o he_o again_o who_o so_o love_v we_o as_o to_o die_v for_o we_o the_o great_a affection_n this_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o mortal_a man_n to_o express_v to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n but_o yet_o infinite_o short_a of_o that_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n express_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o his_o enemy_n in_o this_o he_o commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o above_o all_o proportion_n and_o comparison_n in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a it_o be_v three_o a_o foederal_a solemnity_n whereby_o we_o renew_v the_o covenant_n we_o enter_v into_o at_o our_o baptism_n vow_v promise_v and_o engage_v over_o the_o symbol_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n and_o swear_v as_o it_o be_v with_o our_o hand_n lay_v upon_o the_o redeemer_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o will_v henceforth_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a but_o to_o bind_v we_o with_o the_o most_o solemn_a security_n and_o under_o the_o most_o dreadful_a penalty_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n to_o deny_v all_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n so_o as_o not_o to_o follow_v or_o be_v lead_v by_o they_o and_o not_o only_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o spirit_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o purity_n but_o to_o present_v even_o our_o body_n a_o live_a sacrifice_n holy_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o and_o for_o the_o farther_n of_o all_o these_o noble_a end_n this_o mystery_n be_v in_o the_o four_o place_n the_o very_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n a_o instrument_n that_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o present_a possession_n of_o all_o necessary_a and_o suitable_a assistance_n and_o a_o title_n under_o seal_n to_o all_o the_o evangelical_n promise_v and_o particular_o to_o this_o that_o he_o that_o persever_v unto_o the_o end_n the_o same_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n god_n will_v render_v eternal_a life_n rom._n 2._o 7._o and_o what_o do_v this_o mean_a too_o but_o that_o we_o shall_v grow_v in_o grace_n that_o we_o must_v not_o grieve_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v seal_v to_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o he_o may_v and_o give_v all_o manner_n of_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n unto_o grace_n sure_a and_o effectual_a by_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n or_o courage_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o to_o temperance_n patience_n and_o to_o patience_n godliness_n and_o to_o godliness_n brotherly_a kindness_n and_o to_o brotherly_a kindness_n charity_n charity_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n to_o all_o mankind_n and_o even_o to_o our_o enemy_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o ordinance_n itself_o be_v such_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o high_o useful_a for_o the_o present_a but_o of_o mighty_a importance_n for_o the_o future_a it_o have_v a_o tendency_n forward_o and_o it_o drive_v at_o mighty_a end_n which_o our_o endeavour_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v about_o after_o the_o celebration_n of_o it_o be_v over_o that_o we_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o come_v every_o day_n near_o and_o near_o to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v this_o still_o we_o may_v observe_v second_o that_o those_o very_a preparation_n which_o be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o our_o worthy_a communicate_v do_v all_o look_v the_o same_o way_n and_o have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n thus_o faith_n or_o the_o hearty_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n upon_o those_o evidence_n and_o motive_n it_o carry_v with_o it_o be_v natural_o productive_a of_o constant_a obedience_n to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n for_o as_o it_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o folly_n the_o shamefulness_n and_o the_o bitter_a fruit_n of_o sin_n so_o it_o show_v
to_o our_o progress_n in_o virtue_n it_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n necessary_a to_o stand_v upon_o your_o leg_n and_o to_o be_v in_o a_o move_a and_o walk_v posture_n 2._o the_o second_o thing_n therefore_o we_o be_v to_o be_v careful_a of_o be_v to_o remember_v the_o promise_n and_o resolution_n we_o have_v make_v and_o to_o pursue_v they_o so_o as_o to_o transmit_v they_o into_o a_o settle_a practice_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n this_o direction_n consist_v of_o several_a branch_n 1._o we_o be_v to_o keep_v our_o vow_n of_o amendment_n as_o fresh_a in_o our_o memory_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o understanding_n be_v the_o original_a principle_n of_o action_n which_o govern_v the_o low_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n according_a to_o those_o idea_n and_o notion_n that_o it_o work_v by_o itself_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o act_v with_o any_o certain_a regularity_n when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o apprehend_v or_o do_v not_o remember_v what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v notion_n that_o be_v quite_o lose_v have_v no_o more_o power_n and_o influence_n upon_o we_o than_o if_o we_o have_v never_o entertain_v they_o and_o this_o be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o religion_n that_o man_n do_v not_o sufficient_o charge_v their_o duty_n upon_o their_o memory_n nor_o revolve_v their_o obligation_n in_o their_o mind_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v but_o lay_v aside_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o former_a engagement_n like_o those_o unfruitful_a hearer_n st._n james_n speak_v of_o who_o though_o they_o find_v by_o the_o precept_n of_o christ_n how_o undefiled_a and_o pure_a their_o whole_a man_n shall_v be_v yet_o inconsiderate_o drop_v all_o care_n of_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o their_o pollution_n as_o those_o who_o behold_v their_o natural_a face_n in_o a_o glass_n and_o then_o go_v their_o way_n straightway_o forget_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n they_o be_v that_o be_v what_o spot_n there_o be_v in_o their_o face_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v wipe_v off_o jam._n 1._o 23_o 24._o when_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o resolution_n we_o make_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n do_v slide_v so_o soon_o out_o of_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o they_o shall_v bring_v any_o fruit_n unto_o perfection_n though_o many_o be_v serious_a and_o strong_a for_o the_o time_n because_o they_o be_v not_o root_v enough_o in_o the_o heart_n to_o spring_v up_o like_o corn_n cast_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o a_o kind_o soil_n but_o be_v lose_v present_o for_o want_n of_o deep_a digestion_n like_o seed_n scatter_v by_o the_o way_n side_n upon_o stony_a ground_n which_o lie_v a_o little_a to_o be_v pick_v up_o by_o the_o next_o bird_n that_o come_v due_a consideration_n be_v very_o powerful_a to_o invigorate_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o make_v they_o productive_a of_o a_o new_a life_n because_o it_o keep_v the_o mind_n in_o such_o a_o constant_a motion_n as_o maintain_v the_o whole_a soul_n at_o its_o daily_a work_n be_v sure_a therefore_o often_o to_o renew_v the_o remembrance_n of_o those_o vow_n which_o you_o make_v to_o god_n at_o this_o covenant-feast_n consider_v and_o meditate_v upon_o they_o every_o day_n as_o you_o shall_v upon_o your_o latter_a end_n or_o that_o i_o may_v allude_v to_o moses_n in_o another_o case_n lay_v up_o those_o vow_n in_o your_o heart_n and_o in_o your_o soul_n and_o bound_v they_o for_o a_o sign_n upon_o your_o hand_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o phylactery_n before_o your_o eye_n and_o think_v of_o they_o when_o you_o sit_v in_o your_o house_n when_o you_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o you_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o you_o rise_v up_o deut._n 11._o 18_o 19_o 2._o the_o next_o business_n be_v to_o transmit_v they_o into_o practice_n for_o neither_o be_v lazy_a wish_n to_o any_o purpose_n nor_o can_v feeble_a resolution_n or_o faint_a endeavour_n ever_o answer_v the_o great_a end_n of_o christianity_n as_o virtue_n be_v acquire_v by_o single_a act_n so_o be_v it_o improve_v by_o repeat_v exercise_n and_o perfect_v by_o the_o assiduous_a discipline_n of_o perseverance_n it_o be_v a_o mistake_n to_o think_v that_o christ_n spirit_n work_v after_o such_o a_o physical_a manner_n as_o to_o transform_v a_o man_n perfect_o in_o a_o moment_n or_o to_o make_v he_o complete_o religious_a all_o at_o once_o by_o a_o sudden_a and_o uncontrollable_a infusion_n of_o habitual_a holiness_n his_o operation_n be_v successive_a allure_a stir_a and_o strengthen_v man_n to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n gradual_o and_o by_o help_v they_o to_o rectify_v and_o refine_v humane_a nature_n more_o and_o more_o just_a as_o evil_a custom_n help_v to_o deprave_v it_o therefore_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a because_o it_o can_v be_v think_v how_o the_o frequent_a lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n can_v otherwise_o be_v mortify_v or_o how_o a_o crooked_a disposition_n can_v otherwise_o be_v reform_v and_o straighten_v or_o how_o inveterate_a habit_n can_v otherwise_o be_v eradicate_v to_o the_o full_a 3._o this_o three_o must_v be_v a_o settle_a practice_n a_o state_n a_o tenor_n a_o life_n of_o virtue_n to_o resolve_v one_o day_n upon_o a_o regular_a progress_n and_o then_o to_o let_v those_o resolution_n go_v off_o with_o one_o first_o sleep_v be_v but_o a_o part_n with_o one_o sin_n in_o a_o kind_n of_o pet_n like_o the_o part_n of_o lover_n who_o the_o next_o opportunity_n reconcile_v many_o thing_n may_v provoke_v people_n to_o fall_v out_o with_o their_o lust_n for_o a_o while_n either_o the_o penetrate_a faculty_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o a_o sudden_a and_o surprise_a prospect_n of_o hell_n or_o the_o snubbing_n and_o lash_n of_o a_o restless_a mind_n or_o some_o outward_a calamity_n that_o renew_v the_o smart_n of_o a_o old_a sore_a and_o revive_v the_o sense_n of_o former_a gild_n as_o the_o imprisonment_n of_o jacob_n son_n in_o egypt_n bring_v it_o into_o their_o fresh_a remembrance_n how_o guilty_a they_o have_v be_v concering_n their_o brother_n gen._n 42._o nor_o do_v i_o deny_v but_o such_o passion_n be_v sometime_o preparatory_a to_o a_o true_a repentance_n if_o right_a reason_n step_n in_o before_o the_o fit_n be_v over_o and_o obtain_v full_a liberty_n of_o audience_n but_o if_o these_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v not_o settle_v into_o a_o compose_a state_n of_o virtue_n but_o be_v only_o temporary_a and_o transient_a thing_n like_o a_o morning_n cloud_n and_o the_o early_a dew_n that_o go_v away_o to_o use_v the_o prophet_n comparison_n hos_fw-la 6._o 4._o they_o can_v profit_v as_o to_o the_o main_a because_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o end_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o effectual_o perfective_a of_o our_o nature_n 4._o for_o four_o our_o resolution_n shall_v pass_v into_o the_o practice_n of_o universal_a holiness_n the_o perfection_n of_o god_n himself_o consist_v in_o the_o infinite_a glory_n and_o rectitude_n of_o his_o nature_n that_o he_o be_v most_o perfect_o wise_a just_a good_a pure_a true_a and_o the_o like_a and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o entire_a harmony_n within_o himself_o that_o there_o can_v be_v the_o least_o aberration_n or_o declension_n of_o his_o will_n from_o the_o infinite_a reason_n of_o his_o mind_n but_o that_o in_o all_o his_o action_n his_o power_n be_v conduct_v by_o reason_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o own_o perfection_n that_o be_v by_o reason_n that_o be_v perfect_o just_a and_o good_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o himself_o because_o he_o have_v the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o infinite_a good_n now_o this_o show_n that_o as_o our_o happiness_n do_v consist_v in_o our_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n by_o a_o rectitude_n goodness_n and_o purity_n of_o nature_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o finite_a and_o mortal_a condition_n so_o our_o perfection_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o entire_a and_o universal_a conformity_n of_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o his_o when_o we_o choose_v and_o refuse_v love_n and_o hate_n in_o every_o particular_a just_a as_o he_o command_v we_o this_o i_o say_v be_v our_o perfection_n because_o hereby_o we_o be_v conduct_v as_o he_o himself_o be_v by_o the_o infinite_a reason_n of_o his_o mind_n only_o indeed_o we_o be_v govern_v by_o it_o at_o second_o hand_n for_o as_o his_o will_n go_v along_o by_o the_o prescription_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o all_o his_o action_n so_o we_o go_v along_o by_o the_o prescription_n of_o his_o will_n and_o then_o we_o be_v perfect_a as_o god_n be_v i_o mean_v still_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o that_o our_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v