VPON occasion of some abuse com­mitted by the Co­rinthians, about the receiuing of the Sacrament, the Apostle deliuers vnto them the first institution of this Sacra­ment of the Lords Supper. For [Page 2] as one sayth well; Where thinges are reduced to the first institution, Tertul. Vbi ad pri­mum veritatem diuer­tuntur, &c. all humane error then ceaseth.

Concerning the institution of the Lords Supper, Paul sets down sundry poynts.

The order of the Apo­stle in this Chapter.First, the Author of it, namely Iesus Christ himselfe, the eternal Sonne of God, and blessed Saui­our of the worlde, for none else hath authority to set on the seale but hee that makes the coue­nant.

V. 23.Secondly, the Apostle notes the time when it was ordained, euen the very night before hee was betrayed; whereby our Sa­uiour Christ woulde teach his Church and people, that nowe there was an end to be put vnto the Passouer, and that this Sacra­ment of his blessed body and bloud was to come in stead ther­of: [Page 3] as also to testifie that his won­derful care of his poore Church and chosen people; that imme­diately before his death and bit­ter passion, he was so mindefull and carefull of their comfort, as that notwithstanding his time was but short, and that his appre­hension drew neare, hee seemeth to neglect himselfe; and the pre­paration he was to make for his owne suffering, and prouides for the comfort and wel-fare of his Church.

Concerning the institution, Christs or­der in the first institu­tion of the Sacrament. it is sayd; First, that he tooke the bread into his blessed hands; to shewe vnto vs, that the bread is now set apart from a common vse, to a holy and religious vse, 1 He takes the bread and wine. to bee the Sacrament of Christs body, and so the wine of his bloud, v. 23.

2. He blesseth them.Secondly, he blessed them; as Christ did open the institution of this Sacrament amongst his disciples, v. 24. with the nature and quality of the same, to what end and purpose it was ordained, he teacheth them likewise the right and holy vse of it, by blessing it by prayer and thankesgiuing to his Father. For these are essential parts of the Sacrament; the o­pening of the institution by the ministery of the word, prayer to the blessing of the elements, di­rection in the vse of this holy or­dinance, and thankesgiuing vn­to God.

3. He breakes the bread, & poureth out the wineThirdly, after hee had thus consecrated the elements, and blessed them, and set them apart for this holy vse, hee breakes the bread, and poures out the wine, which accordingly must be imi­tated [Page 5] of the ministers of the word, that so by the breaking of the bread and powring out the wine, the people may be put in minde of the breaking of the body, and powring out of the blood of Christ.

Fourthly, Christ deliuers it vn­to the Disciples saying, 4 Hee giues them Take eate &c. Shewing that as the com­municant doth take the bread and wine with his bodyly hand, so hee must reach out fayth the hand of the soule, and lay holde on Christ. And so spiritually eate his flesh and drinke his blood, applying the merits of his death and passion vnto his owne soule in particuler.

Fiftly and lastly, 5 Hee shews the end of all, viz. to shew forth his death. Christ laies downe the ende likewise why this blessed Sacrament of his was ordayned, namely to Shew forth [Page 6] his death, and to keepe in remem­brance that his bitter passion vn­to the end of the world: that so often as we come to this Sacra­ment, wee shoulde freshly call to mind the bitter death & passion of our Lord Iesus Christ. What & how cruell tortures & torments he suffered for our sakes, that so we might be brought to the true sight of our sinne, which in no one thing more can appeare then in the sufferings of Christ, which were indeede the very Nayles and Speare that put him to death: and might be brought to bee more thankefull for so great a worke of mercy shewed vnto poore Sinners. These things touching the institution it selfe of this holy Sacrament, the Apostle hath handled in the former part of this chapter.

Now the Apostle hauing set downe the true institution of the Lords Supper, The occa­sion of this Scripture. and also the ende of it. He doth heere labor to pre­pare the Corinthians and in them all Christians, to the right vse of this holy Sacrament. And teach­eth that as the benefits is won­derfull great, if they come to this holy ordinance in a holy man­ner, prepared as they ought to be, as meete guests for so holy a banquet. So is the danger great if wee come to the same vnwor­thyly, and vnprepared; such shall be so farre from receiuing a bles­sing, as that rather they shall pro­uoke the Lord to plague them with some heauie iudgement, or punishment, temporall heere, to bring them to the sight of their sinnes, and to true repentance for the same, if not then with e­ternall [Page 8] condemnation in the life to come. And therefore our bles­sed Apostle here is the more ear­nest in this poynt to perswade al Christians to take heede how they come to so holy an ordi­nance.

This text consists of two parts.

The text deuided.First a precept or commande­ment. Let euery man therefore Examine himselfe, v. 28.

Secondly a reason to inforce the dutie. v. 29.

For hee that eateth and drinketh vnworthyly &c.

In the first of these we haue 2. things

• 1. A preparation.
• 2. A participation.

In the preparation we are to obserue

• 1. The Necessitie of the preparation.
• 2. The Subiect of it, a Mans owne selfe.
• 3. The duty it selfe. Examination.

And first for the Necessitie of this preparation and examinati­on of our selues, 1 A Prepara­tion. before wee per­take of this holy Sacrament, it appeares in the words of the pre­cept, Let a man examine himselfe.

The word Let, may seeme in our English phrase to be a thing leaft as indifferent, to be done or not to be done. Let a man if hee will examin himself. But it is not indeede so indifferent a thing neither is it least as a thing arbri­trary, but propounded as a pre­cept, and implies the necessitie of obedience thereto, and so not a matter of indifferency, [...] the word it selfe in the originall, it seemes to import so much, for it is vsed in the imperatiue moode and implies a dutie as if the holy Ghost should haue said doe thou examine thy selfe. And so the [Page 10] phrase runnes as in the Princes Lawes and act of Parliament Be it enacted, so that it is a flat pre­cept or commandement imply­ing a necessitie of obedience: that if any looke to reape any good or benefit by the vse of this Sacrament, he must Examine him­selfe.

Reasons shewing the necessi­tie of ex­amination.And that the necessitie of this duty may the more clearely ap­peare, wee are to consider the reason which may mooue vs to this examination and godly preparation, and the reasons are these.

First of all Gods Commande­ment, then the which what may be more effectuall to perswade vs to this duty, the Lord hath commanded it, 1 It is Gods Comman­dement. & must be obey­ed in this as in al other his Com­mandements: it is not leaft as a [Page 11] thing indifferent for a man to ex­amine himselfe, or not to exa­mine himselfe, to come, or not to come. But it is a dutie impo­sed vpon all to examine them­selues, now then seeing it is the Lords commandement, and hee hath power ouer his Church to commaund, it is our duty to o­bey. And as he that sweareth, or killeth, or breaketh any of the commaundements of almigh­tie God, is in danger of Gods wrath. So is hee that doth wil­lingly and wilfully breake this commaundement of God.

Secondly, the Lord hath pro­mised to blesse it, 2 The Lord hath pro­mised to blesse it. as a speciall meanes of good vnto our soules, so as if wee come fitted and pre­pared in a holy manner in faith, repentance, loue, reuerence, and and obedience, and seeke to san­ctifie [Page 12] the Lord in his ordinance, wee shall then finde and feele to our endelesse comfort; the sweetenesse and comfort of this Sacrament. The Lord hath pro­mised to blesse his owne ordi­nance, and will bee found of them that seeke him, in the con­scionable vse of the meanes hee hath appoynted.

3 The reue­rence wee owe to these holy things, doth require it.Thirdly the reuerence we owe vnto these holy things, may mooue vs to this duty to exa­mine our hearts, and to prepare our selues, for if when wee come to the table of an earthly Prince or ruler, Pro. 23.1. wee will consider dili­gently what is set before vs, and be so carefull vnto our selues that we doe nothing vnbeseeming so great a presence, Oh how much more carefull ought wee to be, to prepare our selues when wee [Page 13] come to the Lords Table, who is Lord of heauen and earth, with whome we are there present and and with whome we sit.

And indeede this table repre­sents the kingdome of heauen, The Lords Table, represents the king­dome of heauen. and as wee sit heere with our bodies, so ought wee to set our hearts there in the company of God the Father, Sonne, and holy Ghost, with the most blessed Saints and Angels: we are there­fore to come prepared.

Did Ioseph shaue himselfe and chang his rayment, Gen. 41.14 when he was to come before Pharaoh an earthly king and sinfull man, and shall not wee when we come before the king of glory and Prince of power, much more out of our sinful lusts, chang our for­mer conditions, and be cloathed with the robes of Christ our [Page 14] righteousnesse? Did the people of the Iewes in a solemne maner prepare themselues vnto the Passeouer, Exod. 12. 2. Chro. 35. as that the Priests were to sanctifie themselues, and to prepare the people before they came there-vnto, which Passouer was but a signe of this Sacra­ment, and shall we dare to come carelessely, vnreuerently, in our old sinnes, without faith, repen­tance, and loue, vnto this Sacra­ment of the Lords Supper, which is the substance?

We vse greate care about our common meat, we will haue our dishes, cups, and platters cleane and scoured, and our hands and face washed before we eate; and shall wee not much more cleanse our heartes, Iames 4. and prepare our selues to the receiuing of these holy Mysteries, that we receiue [Page 15] them not into vncleane hearts, and polluted soules: Oh the daunger is great to such an vn­worthy receiuer!

Sancta Sanctis sayth a Father, holy things belong to holy men. And the very heathen them­selues in their Sacrifices, when they went about them, and the dueties of their false religion to their gods, they euer proclaimed and cryed out before, procul híc este prophani: Depart away from hence ye prophane. And in the Primitiue Church it was the practice of the faithfull at this time, when they were about to admi­nister this holy Sacrament, to say Who are here? The pra­ctise of the Primitiue Church. and the answer was made, None but good and ho­nest men and women. As if none but good and honest men and women should partake of such a [Page 16] holy thing.

And this was the charge that Almighty God gaue vnto Moses and Aaron, Exo. 12.48. Leuit. 7.20. that no vncircumci­sed person should be admitted to partake of the Passouer; and the very Leuites were to prepare themselues before they came vn­to it, yet all this was but for the figure & type of this Sacrament, how much more ought wee to prepare our selues when we come to the substance; for no vnclean person must dare to touch or come neare these holy things.

Paul would not suffer an vn­cleane person in the Church: much lesse may such be admit­ted to partake of the most excel­lent priueledge of the Church. 4. The benefit and profit by so doing doth bind vs to this duty.

Fourthly, we must examine our selues, and prepare our hearts, in regard of the great benefite and [Page 17] profite that by so doing we shall receiue: Mat. 9.20. For if the woman in the Gospell, that did but touch the hem of Christs garment, was healed of her infirmity, and brought such a benefite vnto her that had faith; what benefite shall the true beleeuer receiue, who in this Sa­crament doth feede on Christ? Surely the benefite and profite that wee, shall reape heere-hence will be wondrous great: for

1 First, The benefit that comes by due re­ceiuing. This Sacrament wil be a speciall prop to stay our weake faith, euen as a weake and im­potent man leaneth vpon his staffe and is supported and stayed vp by the same; It is a prop to the weak euen so a weake faith is vnderpropped and relee­ued by the reuerent vse of this Sacrament.

Because Christ Iesus is now offered more effectually and per­ticulerly [Page 18] to his hart & soule, Gal. 3.1. now is Christ crucyfied a fresh, and more liuely represented and set forth before his eyes, yea as the Church cryeth out, Cant. 2.5. Oh stay mee with the flagons of wine, and com­fort me with apples. It is that which ministreth singuler com­fort to a poore distressed soule.

2 Secondly this sacrament doth in regard of God seale vnto vs Christ and his righteousnesse, It seales vp vnto vs Christ and his righte­ousnesse. Ioh. 6.35. yea it doth assure the true belee­uer of the sweete promises of life and of mercy, that Christ with all the merits of his death & obedi­ence, belongs vnto vs in perticular▪ y ^t euen as verily as we eate the bread and drinke the wine which turne to the nourishment of our bodies, to comfort and refresh the same. So are our soules by faith much more nourished and [Page 19] refreshed by the merits & obedi­ [...]nce of Iesus Christ, Ioh. 6.35. which is the [...]pirituall foode of our soules.

3 Thirdly, this Sacrament ser­ [...]eth to quicken a man and to [...]ut spirituall life into his soule, It quickens to all good duties. [...]o all good duties of thankefull­nesse and obedience to God and man. For when a man comes [...]nce to consider Gods infinit mercy in giuing his Sonne to [...]eath, and Christs wonderfull [...]oue in suffering of death. It will make a heart if there be any loue [...]f God at all shed into it, fearefull [...]o offend God, who hath bene [...]o good and gracious a father [...]nto him, seeking him vp, Luke. 15.4 when [...]e was lost and gone astray, and [...]uickning him that was Dead in Trespasses and Sinnes. Ephe. 2.1. And laye [...] darkenesse and in the shadow of death. And so likewise will it [Page 20] make a man most carefull and willing to please God, to be louing and merciful vnto men▪ because now in this sacramen [...] we come to renew our couenan [...] with God, to seale to it afresh that so euer after wee might be [...] the more careful to keepe it, thes [...] and many more are the sweet [...] benefits that we shall receiue, b [...] comming prepared to this holy ordinance.

5 The hurt and danger which o­therwise wil insue, doth shew the ne­cessity of the same.The fift and last reason to per­swade vs to this duty of prepa­ration, may bee taken from th [...] great hurt and danger which fo [...] want thereof will follow. Fo [...] besides the losse of the benefit, there is a fearefull iudgement threatned to the vnworthy recei­uer, namely such a one becomes guilty of the body & blood of Christ▪ It is not the losse of a mans la­bour [Page 21] that is all, but the fearefull punishment which wil fall vpon such, should terrifie all, such eate and drinke their owne iudge­ment, such doe no better then mock God to his face, because they will seeme to make a coue­nant with God, that God shall be their God, and that they will be his people, but when they should seale this couenant, as euery Christian doth in this Sacra­ment that coms prepared there­vnto, they will not bee brought to that. This is nothing else but to dally with God, for a man to prouoke his maker. Let not such be deceiued, God will not bee mocked, if wee doe not sanctifie our selues, and sanctifie the Lord in our hearts in a holy and god­ly preparation, when we come to this his ordināce that so we may [Page 22] reape some benefit and comfort by it to our owne saluation: let vs assure our selues the Lord will bee sanctified of vs, and wee shall serue his iustice for abusing so holy and excellent an ordi­nance to our owne condemnati­on.

In all which respects let vs learne to make more conscience of this duty, to prepare our harts, and to examine our selues before wee come, that so wee may be fit ghests and meete partakers of this holy banquet.

Wee will now make some further vse of this Doctrine to our selues.

The vse of the Do­ctrine.First, then seeing that exami­nation, and preparation, is so ne­cessary a thing, as that without it, none may dare to come to the [Page 23] Lords Table. This may serue to Vse. 1 admonish the Ministers of the word, Teacheth Ministers their duty, to prepare men for the Lords Table. in a necessary duty that belongs vnto their places, name­ly that they labour to helpe the poore people of God, in further­ing them, instructing them, and that in priuate as publike, and in vsing all other holy helpes and meanes, as preaching, Note. pri­uate conference, catichising &c. that so they may fit them for the Lords Table, and bring them to some competent measure of knowledge fit for this holy du­ty.

This was the charge the Lord giues to the Leuites, 2. Cor. 35.6 that they should sanctifie themselues and prepare the people, The Lord lays this duty vpon them, they are called to that place, that they might instruct the simple. Their [Page 24] lips must preserue knowledge, and the people must heare the lawe at their mouth. Mal. 2.7. They must bee wary and carefull that they admit none of those, whome the Lord doth not admit, such as cannot examine themselues, whether they bee old or yong, rich or poore, Mat. 7.6. for if they do, what were it but to giue holy thinges to Dogs, and pearles to Swine. Which wee are straightly com­maunded of our Sauiour not to doe.

Vse 2 Secondly, seeing no man must presume to come to this Sacrament of the Lords Supper, without a serious examination and preparation of himselfe. Shewes what man­ner of per­sons may not be ad­mitted there-vnto. This serues to shewe what man­ner of persons may not bee ad­mitted there-vnto, namely, such as for want of skil and knowledg [...] [Page 25] in the worde, cannot examine themselues, and prepare them­selues in som good measure, y ^t so they may be meete partakers of this holy mystery. Children. And such are Children, who in regard of the tendernes of their yeares, cannot examin and prepare themselues, they know not what it is to eate Christ spiritually, and the like may be sayde of Mad men, Mad men. Ideots. Ide­ots, &c. yea and such who thogh they be of ripe yeares, and haue the vse of reason, and doe vnder­stand the doctrine of mans re­demption, yet if their liues de­clare that they are vain and pro­phane, such as are contemners of God and godlinesse, Note such as are prophaners of the Lords Sa­both, drunkards, swearers, vn­cleane persons, or such in whom appeares not the worke of mor­tification [Page 26] and sanctification, such cannot be interessed into this Sacrament. None must dare to partake of this holy ordi­nance of God, but onely such as for knowledge can, and for con­science doe Examine and prepare themselues therevnto.

Vse 3 Thirdly and lastly, seeing it is Gods commaundement, Is for triall of our e­states. that none come to this Sacrament, but onely such as can and do ex­amine and prepare themselues there-vnto. Let this serue then to admonish vs all in the feare of God, to enter into our selues, to try our owne hearts and Soules, Whether we be in the faith, 2. Cor. 13.5 or not: how wee are fitted and prepared to come to so holy a banqvet: let vs descend into our owne hearts; aske thy heart this que­stion, whether it be purged of [Page 27] sinne, of ignorance, malice, vn­cleannesse, &c?

And let this examination bee done in a serious maner: Ier. 17.9. For the heart of man is deceiptfull aboue all things. Call to mind thy life that is past, examine it by Gods law, and by his word, whether it hath becommed the gospel of Christ, whether it bee truely humbled, wounded, and bruised for sinne, since by thy sins thou hast grie­ued the good spirit of God, and whether thou hungerest and thirstest after Christ and his righ­teousnesse, desirest to be eased of that burden of sinne and corrup­tion, that hangeth on so fast, and that presseth downe. Heb. 12.1. And if vpon examination, thou findest this to be thy case, be not any whit dis­couraged for thy wants, or too much cast downe for thy sinnes. [Page 28] I will say vnto thee, as sometime the Disciples sayde vnto blinde Bartimeus; Luk. 19. Mat. 11.28. Behold, Christ calleth thee: For so sayth Christ: Come vnto me, all ye that trauaile and are heauy laden, and I will refresh you. Heere is the Physitian that is a­ble to heale thee, and heere is a medicine for thy sicke heart, this Sacrament wil minister comfort vnto thy sorrowfull soule.

But if on the contrary part, vp­on this examination, thou findest thy heart to be fraught with sin, with blindnesse, ignorance, con­tempt of God and godlinesse, pride, drunkennesse, malice, &c. oh deceiue not thy owne soule any longer, but know, that thou canst not receiue this Sacrament to thy good and to thy comfort, but with great hazzard to pro­uoke the Lord to wrath, to pu­nish [Page 29] thee with both temporall and eternall iudgements, with vtter confusion, and eternall condemnation.

And thus much for the neces­sitie of this preparation: wee are now to speake of the subiect of this preparation, and that is a Mans selfe.

The Apostle here giues a spe­ciall command, The subiect of Exami­nation. that euery one should narrowly try and examin Himselfe; that is, that euery man enter into his owne heart and conscience, and examine him­selfe, how it fareth betwixt God and his soule, whether or no hee find his conscience to be at peace with God. q. d. marke and be­hold [Page 30] in what estate you stand, what is the condition of your owne consciences, whether they excuse or accuse, for if our owne hearts condemn vs, God is grea­ter then our hearts, and will much more condemne vs.

Doct. Euery man must bee most dili­gent to know his owne estate.Now in that our Apostle bid­deth vs not to try one another, or our neighbours to try vs, but euery man to try Himselfe, we are taught this poynt of holy instru­ction; That our principall and speciall care and diligence must bee in knowing our selues, and labouring to discern of our own estates, how it fareth betwixte God and our soules. Lam. 3.40 He bids not our neighbour to try vs, or we to try our neighbor, but euery man to try himselfe. Examine your own hearts vpon your bed, Psal. 4.4. sayth Dauid. This is that holy direction that [Page 31] Paul giues vnto the godly Co­rinths. 2. Cor. 13.15. Proue your selues whether ye be in the faith, know ye not that Christ Iesus is in you except ye be re­probates. And to this agreeth that exhortation of the same Apostle to the Galathians: Let euery man [...]roue his own work, Gal. 6.4. that he may haue [...]oy in himselfe. And this duety be­ [...]ongs vnto all, from the highest vnto the lowest, be a man neuer [...]o holy, wise, learned, mighty, &c [...]et before he must dare to come [...]o this Sacrament, this is the du­ [...]y that is to be performed by him [...]e must Examine himselfe. And [...]reat reason:

Reason 1 For, first, none can be so cer­ [...]ine of the estate of a mans hart [...]nd conscience, Euery man is best ac­quainted with his owne estate. as a mans owne [...]elfe. It is true, the Apostle here [...]oeth not exclude others from [...]e tryall of vs; It is lawfull for [Page 32] the Pastor to try vs, and we must be ready to giue an account of our faith, Ministers not exemp­ted from ta­king tryall of vs. 1. Pet. 3.15. and that hope that is in vs, whensoeuer we shall be requi­red. But other men can neuer so search our harts as we our selues may; No man knoweth so much by me as I know by my selfe. No man can be so certaine of the e­state of the heart, and condition of the conscience of an othe [...] man, as he himselfe may. Thou mayest obtaine a good report amongst men, Note well. thy Minister may approoue of thee, thinke thee a meet Communicant, loue thee and delight in thy fellowship and society, yet mayest thou be [...] a secret hypocrite, and perish fo [...] all thy glorious profession in the end. When mens outward behauiour seemes to bee sober and godly, we are bound in consci­ence [Page 33] to iudge charitably of such, and to thinke well of them; but this is not all, it stands euery Christian soule in hand to ap­proue himself to God, as to men, for it is hee that searcheth the heart, and tryeth the reines: Psal. 7.9 1. Chro. 28.9. Hee seeth where man cannot discern, and before him al things are na­ked. In which respect, wee con­clude, that there is none so meete to try the spirit of man, to search the heart, and to proue the con­science of man, as is man him­selfe.

Reason 2 Another Reason to shewe the necessity of this dutie, Euery man shall answer for his own sinnes. Eze. 18. may bee this: Because euery man must answere for his owne sinne; and The Soule that sinneth shall die the death. And heere vnto agreeth that of the Apostle; 2. Cor. 5 10 We must all appeare before the iudgement seate [Page 34] of Christ, Rom. 14. that every man may re­ceiue the things which are done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or euill. A man stands and falls to his owne Conscience. It all the worlde should condemne mee, and ac­count me wicked, if I haue peace in my Soule, and my owne Con­science doth acquite me, I may haue peace. The world can iudg but by y ^e outward appearance, it is the Lord that knoweth the heart. 1. Sam. 1.13 Eli was deceiued in Han­nah, who in the bitternesse of her soule mourned before the Lord, and he iudged her no better then drunke; euen so, if all the worlde should iustifie me, if my own con­science did not beare me witnes, and acquite me before Gods tri­bunal, it would auail me nothing at all. So then whether we consi­der [Page 35] that euery mans estate is best knowne vnto himselfe, or that e­uery man shall answere for his owne sinnes vnto God, we con­clude the necessity of this duety, that if a man would haue com­fort in comming to this sacra­ment, and come prepared as hee ought, this duty is to be perfor­med by him, he must examin him­selfe.

Vse 1 This serues to reproue many in these dayes and times wherin we liue, For reprofe that are very forwarde and busie in prying into other men, pursuing them with their examinations, and that through a glassie spectacle, wherein euery mole seemes a mountaine, and e­uery more a beame; heerein they are Eagle eyed, and quicke sigh­ted, but in the meane time, doe vtterly neglect themselues and [Page 36] those great corruptions and maine deformities that are in themselues, and breake out in their liues, they cannot behold. But what are they that for the most part are so forward to prye into the faults of their brethren, but such as seldome or neuer be­hold their owne deformities. But who art thou that iudgest another mans seruant, Rom. 14.4. seeing he standeth or falleth to his master. The Lorde hath commaunded thee to Exa­mine thy selfe, hee doth not re­quire that thou shouldst so strict­ly examin the wayes of thy bro­ther▪ the Lord hath reserued that to himselfe. Let such remember our Sauiour his checke to Peter for his busie inquisition concer­ning Iohn: Ioh. 21.22. What is that to thee? follow thou me. We are carefully to heede our owne wayes, and [Page 37] our owne walking: It is no wise­dome to neglect our selues, and to bee ignorant of our owne e­states, and to bee so curious in prying into other mens wayes.

Quest. But may we not examin others at all?

Answ. Men are to be considered two wayes, either as publike, or as priuate persons.

Publike persons may & ought to examine others; and thus Mi­nisters in a speciall manner are bound to take tryall of the estate of the flocke that is committed vnto them; the Lord himselfe doth will it so, when he sayth: The Priests lips shal preserue know­ledg, Mal. 2.7. & the people shal seek the law at his mouth. And so are Parents, & Masters of families bound vn­to the same duty, to examin the children and families; for their [Page 38] relation to their congregations and families, makes them pub­like persons, and bindes them to this dutie.

But now for a priuate person, he ought not so to do, vnlesse by way of conference, so to helpe to confirme and strengthen their brethren, Luk. 22.32 vnto which duty al are bound: And so to giue testimo­ny of our obedience, we are like­wise bound to giue an answer to all that shall aske vs, not being a­shamed of Christ or his word, according to that of the Apostle Be ready alwayes to giue an answere to euery man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, 1. Pet. 3.15 and that with meeknesse and reuerence.

Vse 2 Secondly, seeing this duety is so needefull and necessary, For instru­ction. it shal be our wisdome to put the same in execution, that euery one doe [Page 19] search and examine his owne wayes, who will bee so faithfull to thee in this duety as thy selfe? How can hee bee faithfull to a­nother, that is carelesse of him­selfe? Loue euer begins with a mans selfe. Simile. If a mans house bee on fire with his neighbours, will a man be so careful of his neigh­bours, as to neglect his owne? I trow not. Oh my brethren, our soules are set on fire with sinne, why then should any man so ne­glect himselfe, and the welfare of his owne soule, and seeme to bee so mindefull of another mans? of such a one it may bee truely sayd, that he doth little mind the eternall good of either. It is no poynt of good husbandry for a man to acquaint himselfe with the nature of other mens grounds, goods or chattels, and [Page 40] in the meane time, to be altoge­ther ignorant of his owne. Bee diligent to know the state of thy owne flocke, sayth Salomon▪ hee giues not the like charge in any place concerning our neighbours.

So then, wouldst thou haue a­ny comfort in the vse of this Sa­crament, wouldest thou not haue thy hearing, reading, praying, receiuing, and the like holy due­ties, holy I say in themselues, layd vnto thy charge, and put in the score amongst the bedrole of thy sinnes, against the day of rec­koning? learne then betimes to make more conscience of this duety of examining thy selfe, see what leades thee to the perfor­mance of them, whether thou doest them in faith, repentance, and obedience, or for custome [Page 41] [...]ake, and betimes learne to [...]udge thy selfe, that thou bee [...]ot iudged of the Lord.

And thus much conserning [...]he subiect of this examination and that is a mans selfe, the duty followes, which wee referre to another time. ⸪

Let vs pray.

HITHERTO wee haue spoken of the necessity of Examination, & godly preparati­on, that ought to be made of euery christian be­fore hee come to the Lords Ta­ble, as also of the Subiect of it Himselfe. We are now in order to treat of the third circumstance, & that is the duty it selfe layde [Page 43] [...]owne in this word Examine. Let [...] man therefore examine himselfe.

Heere is the duty that euery [...]hristian must performe, that [...]omes to partake of this Sacrament, and desires to be a fit guest [...]or the Lords Table, he must first Examine himselfe.

There is no man that will vn­ [...]ertake a businesse of any im­ [...]ortance: but hee makes some [...]ind of preparation there-vnto. [...]f it be but to goe to the market, [...] a Faire, or to his Meales, how [...]uch more in a matter of this [...]ature, that so highly concernes [...]ods glory, and the saluation of [...]ur own Soules, we are not to go [...]bout this lightly and vnadui­ [...]dly, but with great care and due [...]xamination of our selues, least [...] seeking Comfort in comming [...]nto this so holy an ordinance [Page 44] wee bring vpon our owne head [...] swift damnation.

Most men fayle in the manner of performing most duties.It is an vsuall and common practise of the most, to fayle cheefely in the manner of per­forming of any duty vnto God by reason of that ignorance that is in them; their vnderstanding [...] being not inlightned, and their iudgements informed in the truth. And as in al other duties o [...] Gods worship and seruice, so especially in this. Examination of themselues, either in being igno­rant wherein it consisteth, of in performing the same accor­ding to the truth. What exa­mination is We are there­fore to know, that to examine our selues, is to make a narrow and strict search into our owne hart [...] not in a formal maner but sub­stantially, as a matter of y ^e greate [...] consequence & importance, y ^t s [...] [Page 45] [...]ow we may vncouer and make [...]aked things that are secret and [...]idden, and finde out how the [...]ause stands betwixt God and vs: what sins we are guiltie of, how we stand affected towards them, whether wee haue laboured to subdue them, or haue let loose [...]he raine vnto them, commit­ [...]ing sin with greedinesse, as it were with deliberation, plod­ [...]ing and deuising how wee night accomplish wickednesse, [...]nd whether we haue still a pur­ [...]ose to continue in our former [...]uill wayes.

Such a diligent Examination [...]oth the Apostle call for else [...]here, 2. Cor. 13.5. when hee saith Proue your [...]elues whether ye be in the faith ex­ [...]mine your selues. Psal. 4.4. And that of [...]auid, Lam. 3.40. Examine your selues vpon [...]ur bed. But especialy that of the [Page 46] Prophet Ieremy Let vs search and try our wayes &c. The word sig­nifieth such a searching: as if a man were to search for gold or siluer in a mine in the earth, where there is much earth, but little oare. Thereby giuing vs to vnderstand that sinne creepes into corners, and lieth close, so that if a man would find it out, he must search & that narrowly, o [...] else he may misse of it. This made Dauid to cry out, Psal. 19.12. who can vnder­stand his faults? Oh clense me fro [...] my secret sinnes. Eccle. 7.31. And Salomo [...] saith that God made man righteous, but they haue found ou [...] many inuentions. In all which respects we see, that it must not be [...] triuiall or ordinary examinatio [...] that wil serue turne, but the mo [...] diligent scrutiny and searc [...] that may be, And that,

First, 1 Reasons moouing to performe the duty. because mans heart is a [...]ine of deceipt, and is as a sea of [...]ubtilty, and therefore vnlesse a [...]an dig deepe and diue lowe, [...]t will not be sounded. The heart [...] deceiptfull aboue measure, Ier. 17.9. who [...]an find it out? many mens hearts [...]re like vnto a quagmire, rotten within and yet seeming solide without, like vnto Iezabel, paint­ [...]ng the outside, and making the [...]oule to seeme comely. As let a [...]an demand any question of his [...]eart, how deceitfull shall the [...]nswer bee, if he bring the same [...]o tryall, as in particuler, if a man [...]ske his heart whether hee may [...]ot safely goe to the Sacrament, [...]t will say with Elizeus, 2. Reg. 5.29 goe in [...]eace, whereas indeede there is no [...]eace to the wicked. Esay. 57. vlt And as the A­ [...]ostle sheweth in the verse fol­ [...]owing. v. 29. He that eateth and drink­eth [Page 48] vnworthyly eateth and drinketh Iudgement to himselfe. Yet al [...] who is there in a whole congre­gation, of so lewd and loose a life that thinkes not himselfe fit for the Sacrament, and all this com [...] to passe through the deceitfull­nesse of the heart.

Besides how many are deceiued in their estates, when the [...] compare themselues with others, and when they see tha [...] they breake not out into y ^e sam [...] excesse of ryot with other me [...] (though God knowes they a [...] but kept by a restraining grace and are besides fraught with al [...] manner of hypocrycie) they ca [...] thinke that all is well, Luk. 18.11 yea an [...] glory in that estate too: with Go [...] I thanke thee that I am not as othe [...] men. When they are but meer [...] Pharises, paynted Sepulcher [...] [Page 49] and within are full of all manner of corruption.

Secondly, we had neede very seriously to performe this duety, because of the straight comman­dement of almighty God to that purpose: Keepe thy heart with all diligence. Pro. 4.23. Now this can neuer be done vnlesse we view them tho­rowly, and search into them with exceeding care. The Gouernour of a Castle can neuer defend it from the enemy, vnlesse he haue [...]n eye to euery passage that the enemy may make his entry. And [...]ure it is that wee shall neuer de­ [...]end the Castles of our soules, [...]nles we haue a speciall care vn­ [...]o the in-roads of our senses, and [...]he out-roads of our affections, [...]y the which as so many doores [...]nd Casements, sin and Sathan [...]oth wind himselfe into vs.

And again, this is not the least motiue to stir vs vp vnto this du­ty, because of the danger; for the curse of God is lyable vnto euery one y ^t doth the work of the Lord negligently. Ier. 48.10. There is in no one part of Gods worship and seruice that requires more circumspection, care, and conscience to the right performance of it, then this of the due receiuing of this Sa­crament of the Lords Supper. And therfore, as that great Gom­maundement of Almighty God, of sanctifying his Saboth, hath a speciall memento prefixed before it, because by the careful keeping of it, we shall obserue the rest the better. So of all other, the ordi­nances of God giuen vnto his Church, this being the neare [...] and dearest pledge of his loue he doth in a speciall manner re­quire [Page 51] that men should come pre­pared therevnto.

4 Lastly, consider what the A­postle sayth in the verses follow­ing: v. 31. That if we would iudge our selues, we should not be iudged, and by our negligent and carelesse neglect of this duetie, wee expose our selues vnto the most strict and dreadfull exa­mination of the Almighty. Now were it not better that we should iudge our selues, then that God should iudge vs, which the Lord will neuer doe, if we will truely iudge our selues. Thus did the Prodigall Sonne iudge himselfe, when hee confessed he was not worthy to be called a Sonne, Luk. 15.19. and in so doing found mercy at Gods hands. But when men come short of their duety herein, the Lord fals to his examination, and men [Page 52] that cannot indure to set sinne before their eyes for their con­uersion, the Lord at the last will set them before his, to their con­fusion.

Now hauing considered the reasons to mooue vs to this nar­row search and tryall of our selues, we now come to speak of the duty it selfe, which consists of foure particulars, without which wee can neuer celebrate the Lords Supper to the glory of God, the comfortable discharge of our owne dueties, and with peace vnto our soules.

The first is Knowledge, the se­cond Faith, the third Repentance, the fourth Loue.

If we find not these things in vs in some measure, wee cannot be meete partakers of these holy misteries. Heere then is our duty, [Page 53] Examination

And the things that are to be enquired after, are first, whether wee haue in vs the sanctified knowledg of God and of Christ. Secondly, whether we haue faith in him. Thirdly, whether wee haue repentance for our sinnes, and last of al, loue and charity to our brethren. If these things bee in vs, though but in a weak mea­sure, we may come to this Sup­per of the Lord, heere to haue them strengthened and confir­med, the Lord doth invite such poore soules to come vnto him, and hath promised to refresh them, Mat 11.28. Mar. 12.26. and not to breake the brui­sed Reede, nor quench the smoak­ing Flaxe.

But if on the contrary part, we find vpon Examination, that our hearts are ignorant of God and [Page 54] of Christ, and of our redemption through him, that we want faith in his promises, that our heartes are not broken and wounded within vs for our sins, that we are not in charity with men y ^t haue wronged and iniured vs; Then our estate is most wofull and mi­serable; thou mayest eate panis Domini, but not panem Dominum, as one sayth: Thou mayest get part of the bread of the Lord, but not that Bread the Lord. Thou mayest get it into thy mouth, but not into thy heart: And which shall be so farre from turning to thy good and com­fort, as that it shall rather adde vnto thy sinnes, and bring vpon thy owne head the greater dam­nation.

1. Know­ledge.The first Interrogatory in this our examination is, whether we [Page 55] haue that true and sauing know­ledge of God and of Christ, with­out which there can be no true faith, and so consequently no saluation.

It is knowledge that is the ground of all grace and obedi­ence vnto which eternall life is promised, or which is the means to bring vs to eternall life, as our Sauiour witnesseth, saying; This is life eternall, to know thee to be the true God, and whom thou hast sent, Iesus Christ. What things are absolute ne­cessary to be knowne to saluation. We must be carefull at the least to attaine to the principles of Religion, as they are layd downe in the word: That is, to know that there is but one­ly one God, Creator of heauen & earth, distinguished into three persons, Father, Sonne, and holy Ghost. We must know, that as God created man after his owne [Page 56] Image at the first, Gen. 1.26. Gen 2.17. Esay 53.5. in holines and righteousnesse; so by his wilfull rebellion and transgression, hee plunged himselfe into all mise­ry, and made himselfe guilty of eternall death. And that there was no creature in heauen or earth that could reconcile God and man, but onely Christ Iesus, and that he must take our nature vpon him, satisfie Gods iustice for our sinnes, by bearing the punishment, and fulfilling of the law.

Christ par­taked onely by faith.We must knowe againe, that there is no way to partake of Christ, but onely by Faith. By Faith wee apply vnto our selues all the merites of his death and passion. It is the Hand of the Soule, by the which vvee come to lay hold on Christ, to our own saluation.

And as wee must bee furnished in some good measure with the knowledg of y ^e word in generall, What is to be knowne touching this Sacra­ment. touching God and man, so in particuler conserning this doct­rine of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, wee must bee in­ [...]t [...]cted in the true vse of it. Who did institute and appoynt it, namely the Lord Iesus, where­ [...]ore? For to bee the spirituall [...]oode and comfort of our Soules, that it might be a special meanes to support and strength­en our faith, and to keepe in our minds a perfect memory of the death and passion of Christ: and [...]n what a holy and reuerent man [...]er wee ought to come vnto it. The knowledge af these things, [...]s absolute necessary to saluati­on, and without the which wee cannot beleeue, pray a right, [Page 58] worship God sincerely, heare the word profitably, or receiue the Sacrament worthyly Nay, which is more, The danger of igno­rance. such Ignorance is the fore-runner of destructiō, & an euident signe y ^t the Lord hath passed by such a Soule and hath reserued it as a vessell of wrath to destruction. And this is plainely proued out of sundry places of y ^e Scripture as, Hos. 4.6. my people perish for want of knowledge. So a­gaine Paul saith. That if the Gospe [...] be hid, 2. Cor. 4.3.4. it is hid to those that perish, whome the God of this world hath blinded their minds. Oh fearefull Iudgement of God able to make a stony heart to rend in sunder, Note. if men did duly consider it, what is the wofull estate and conditi­on of men that liue in igno­rance! it is a manifest signe that such shall pe [...]ish. For if the Gospell [Page 59] [...] hid, it is hid to such as perish. So gaine the same Apostle saith in [...]nother place, 2. Thes. 1.8 that the Lord Iesus all shew himselfe from heauen [...]ith his mightie Angels, inflaming [...]e, rendring vengeance to them that [...]ow not God, and obey not the [...]ospel of Christ. And againe, Heb. 3.10. The [...]ord was grieued with that genera­ [...]on, and said, it is a people that doe [...]re in their hearts, for they haue not [...]owne my wayes. Psa. 59.10. By all which [...]aces of Scripture it is most [...]eare and plaine, that hee that [...]ueth in the estate of ignorance, [...]nd dieth without knowledge, [...]annot be saued.

Secondly, It is neces­sary to in­crease in knowledge dayly. as we must trye and [...]xamine our selues whether wee [...]aue this true sauing knowledge [...]f God and of Christ in some [...]easure in vs. So must wee try [...]nd examine our hearts, how we [Page 60] grow and increase in the same knowledge. For the childe of God is like a tree planted by the riuers of water, that doth euer bring forth fruit and grow. And it is imposible, that such a one should stand at a stay in religion, if we grow not forward wee shall draw backward. And indeede, it is a dangrous signe of the want of grace, when men stand at a stay in religion, to be as ignorant and blinde in heauenly matters, this yeare as they were the last yeare, yea many yeares agoe. This is a marke of Gods curse, that vnlesse at the last such a one be called home and plucked as a brand out of the fire. Hee must needes perish eternally. 1. Pet. 2.2.

The Apostle Peter, bids vs grow by the milke of the word. We must then bee carefull to see [Page 61] [...]hat by all holy helpes and meanes, such as are the word, Sa­ [...]rament, prayer, meditation, [...]eading, &c: wee may finde our [...]nowledg to increase, and y ^t wee grow dayly in grace and in the [...]nowledge of our Lord Iesus Christ.

Vse 1 This being so, that knowledg [...] so necessary. This may serue to [...]ondemne that cursed and dam­ [...]able doctrine of the Church of [...]ome: who teach that ignorance is [...]he Mother of Deuotion. And the [...]ore ignorant, the more de­ [...]ote, and Religious. But our Sa­ [...]iour Christ which is the cheife Doctor of his Church, he teach­ [...]th that ignorance is the Mother of sinne, rebellion, and damnati­on: and in euery place the word of God, shewes the danger of this [...]nne. But no maruell though [Page 62] they pleade for ignorance as a maine piller of Popish Religion, for so are men kept from disco­uering their fithy abomination, for if men were not extreame ig­norant in y ^e matters of God, & his word, how could they be abused a [...] they are this day amongst them▪

Vse 2 Secondly, this shewes the fearefull estate of those that liue in ignorance, without the know­ledge of God and his word, these men must needes liue in all sinne and wickednesse, and so bring vpon their owne heades swift [...] damnation, for such cannot bu [...] sinne in all things they put their hands vnto. Rom. 14.23. For whatsoeuer is no [...] of faith, is sinne. And no know­ledge, no faith, for how can a man beleeue that he is ignoran [...] of. So that euen their best dueties they shall bee excercised in [Page 63] [...]s hearing the word, receiuing [...]f the Sacrament, prayer, &c▪ [...]hese are abomination vnto the Lord, and these adde vnto the measure of their sins, being not performed in a holy manner, in [...]aith, repentance and obedience, which is altogether impossible [...]or any that are ignorant to doe. And yet alas, though the estate of such as liue in ignorance, bee so [...]amentable and fearefull as wee [...]eare it is: how many be there [...]hat seeme to haue past a state of [...]heir Soules to ignorance for a [...]earme of life, as if they had who­ [...]y deuoted themselues to sinne [...]nd Sathan, and that there were [...]ot a reckoning day to come!

Vse. 3 Lastly, this may serue for our [...]nstruction to teach vs to vse all care and diligence to get know­ [...]edg especially that knowledge [Page 64] that hath the stampe of grace vpon it, and is proper to the peo­ple of God. And that wee send to heauen for it by prayer vnto the Lord. And attend diligently vppon the worde preached and taught, reading, conference, &c: least it comes to passe that wee perish for want of knowledge, and for our neglect and con­tempt of the same bee damned for euer.

And thus much touching the first Quere, Knowledge.

2. Faith.The second, interrogatory i [...] this our examination, is for ou [...] faith, which is indeede the hand of the Soule, by the which wee lay hould on Christ in this Sa­crament and therfore is called Sacramentum Fidelium. That Sa­crament that belongs onely to the faithfull. This faith is the [Page 65] Queene of all other vertues, with out which our Knowledge shall profite vs nothing at all: It is of that nature, that it purifies the heart, and makes it a fit recepta­cle for Christ, Act. 15.9 Ephes. 3.17 What Faith is. who is sayde to Dwell in our hearts by faith.

Now this Faith is a gift of God, whereby the elect doe ap­ply Christ and the sauing promi­ses of the Gospell to themselues [...]n particular. And according as [...] man beleeueth, so shall hee re­ceiue, as our Sauiour speaketh to the woman of Canaan, O woman, Mat. 15.28. Luk. 7.50 Luk. 8.48. great is thy Faith, be it vnto thee as thou desirest. And vnto the wo­man that annoynted Christs [...]eete, Christ sayth, Thy Faith hath saued thee, goe in peace. This Faith was the hand, by which the poore woman in the Gospel that had the bloudy issue, touched [Page 66] Christ, and was healed, accor­ding to that speech of our Saui­our vnto her: Daughter be of good comfort, thy Faith hath made thee whole. This is it that seasons all our Sacrifices and Seruices that we offer vnto God, whether it be to heare the word, receiue the Sa­crament, prayer, singing of Psalmes, thankesgiuing &c. It is faith that makes them find ac­ceptation with God, and without Faith it is impossible to please God. Heb. 11.6. This made Abels Sacrifice, and Noahs Obedience accepted: this made that cup of water, giuen to a Disciple in the name of a Disciple, to bee regarded of God. And the poore VVid­dowes Mite so acceptable. And without this Faith, there is no­thing that we can doe, can bee pleasing in his sight.

That the holy Ghost speaketh of the word preached, Heb. 4.2. That it pro­fited not, because it was not mixed with faith in those that heard it, may be said of this Sacrament, Mat. 22. That it profiteth not, because it is not mixed with faith in those that receiue it; for it is faith that makes it acceptable, it is faith that bids vs welcom to this feast of the great King. Heb. 11.1 It is the euidence of things not seene. It giues vs a comfortable assurance of Christs presence in the Sacrament. Yea, [...]t is so necessary in the receiuing of this Sacrament, that without [...]t we can neuer receiue aright, or [...]ruely partake of the body and bloud of Christ.

Christ sayth, Ioh. 6.55. The excel­lent vse of faith in this Sacrament. that his flesh is Meate indeede, and his bloud is Drinke indeede, but we must eate [...]he same by faith. For faith is the [Page 68] hand of the soule, by the which we apprehend Christ and all the merites and benefits of his death and passion, and are made parta­kers of the same. Yea faith is the mouth of the soule, by the which we receiue Christ within vs, the stomacke to digest Christ, and that most special part of the wedding garment, without which no man may approach neare the Lords presence.

It must not be a gene­rall but a particular Faith.Now concerning this Faith, we must know, that it is not e­nough to haue a generall Faith, as the Papists teach to beleeue as the Church beleeueth; but wee must labour for a speciall and particular Faith, to apprehend Christ Iesus and all the benefites of his passion vnto our owne selues in particular.

The Deuils haue in them a [Page 69] generall faith, whereby they are brought to beleeue that there is a God, and that Christ dyed for sinners: But that they shall haue any benefite by Christs death, they want faith to beleeue: wher­as the true child of God must la­bour for a particular faith, to say with Paul; Gal. 2.20. I know that Christ loued me, and gaue himselfe for me. And againe, I haue fought a good fight, I haue finished my course, 2. Tim. 4.7 I haue kept the Faith; henceforth there is laid vp for me a Crowne of righteousnesse, which the Lord the righteous Iudge shal giue me at that day. The promises of life and sal­uation, forgiuenesse of sins, &c. wee must beleeue that they be­ [...]ong vnto our selues in particu­ [...]ar. The Scripture calleth Christ [...] Redeemer indefinitely, the [...]rue beleeuer cals Christ a Re­deemer [Page 70] particularly. I know that my Redeemer liueth (sayth Iob): Iob. 19.25. And Thomas out of a speciall apprehension of Gods loue to him, Ioh. 20.28. sayth: Thou art my Lord and my God. And indeede, this parti­cular application of Gods fa­uour in Christ, laying hold on him by faith, is the very summe of Christian Religion, it will put life into all our seruices, and make them acceptable with the most highest.

A hard thing to be­leeue.And thus to beleeue is the hardest thing in the worlde, by reason of the strength of corrup­tion within, and the force of Sa­than his temptations, who seeks by all meanes possible to hinder the faith of the elect. Indeed it is an easie matter for a natural man y ^t finds no opposition, to say he hath faith, and he would be sory [Page 71] to doubt of Gods mercy, which is indeede meere presumption, and no faith. But when Sathan shal win now a poore soule, when his owne heart shall accuse him, when sinne shall lie heauie vpon the soule of a man, and when his conscience shalbe vpon the rack, and the Lord shall seeme to write bitter things against him, Iob. 13.15. as Iob complaineth, then for a man to stand vpright, and to rest him­selfe vpon the rock Christ, and to comfort himselfe in his God, and to say, Mat. 16.16. Though the Lord would kill me, yet wil I trust in him. This, [...]his is the property of a sounde faith indeed, against which the gates of Hell shall neuer pre­ [...]aile.

And thus hauing the godly e­uidence and assurance of a liue­ [...]y faith, we may boldly come to [Page 72] the Lords Table, to this heauen­ly banquet and feast of our soules.

The weake must not be discouragedNeither are we to abstaine and to hang backe from comming to this Sacrament, because we feele and finde sundry wants and de­fects in our faith, for wherefore hath Christ least this Sacrament to his Church, but as a stay and prop for a weake faith? There is a weak faith. An ear­nest and vnfained desire to be re­conciled vnto God in Christ, God accepteth, and embraceth, and accounteth the very desire of faith as faith it selfe. And the very desire of a Christian soule, hungering and thirsting after re­conciliation and forgiuenesse of Sinnes, shall bee auaileable to worke out our attonement and redemption.

It is not the case of al the godly [Page 73] [...]o come to the fulnesse in Christ, [...]o say: I am perswaded, Rom. 8.38 that neither [...]ife nor death, nor things present, [...]or things to come, neither Angels, [...]or principalities, nor powers, nor [...]eight, nor depth, nor any other [...]reature, shall seperate vs from the [...]oue of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. Only to this assurance, [...]hey labour to come, and seeke [...]fter, and so goe on from faith [...]o faith, and strength to strength: [...]ntill at the last (through Gods mercy) they begin to take foot­ [...]ng vpon the battlements of [...]eauen, and can bid defiance vn­ [...]o the deuill, the world, and all [...]he enemies of their Saluation.

No doubt there were some, Comfort to the weake. [...]hat with a weake eye beheld the [...]rasen Serpent in the wilder­ [...]esse, Num. 21.8. yet were cured as well as [...]hey that saw more clearely, euen [Page 74] so hee that hath but a little faith in the Sonne of God, shall neuer haue his Saluation denied him, endeuouring after more faith & more Sanctitie of life. Luk. 17.5.6. When the Disciples prayed that the Lord would increase their faith, our Sauiour declared presently vnto them, Mar. 2.23. that if faith be but as a graine of Mustard-seede in quan­titie: it should be effectuall vnto saluation, promising withall that hee would not breake the brused reede, nor quench the smoking flaxe. But would rather cherish and nourish the least sparke of grace in his children. The Dis­ciples themselues, were ignorant of many things conserning Christs death & Resurrection, and therfore are called by Christ, Men of little faith. Luk. 2.4.25 And such likewise was the faith of him, whose childe was possessed with [Page 75] [...] dumbe and deafe Spirit, when Christ saide vnto him. If thou [...]anst beleeue all things are possible [...]o him that beleeueth. Straightway [...]e cried out with teares, I beleeue, Lord helpe my vnbeleefe. Christ [...]oth not reiect him, Mat. 7.7.8. nor cast him [...]ff, because his faith was weake, [...]ut answereth him in the desires [...]f his Soule, teaching vs thereby [...]or to be dismaied, though wee [...]nd many wants & imperfectiōs [...]o be in vs, inasmuch as hee hath [...]romised to couer them all, if we [...]e humbled for our wants, and [...]eeke to improue those gifts and [...]races we haue already receiued.

And to that end wee may bee [...]irred vp the more to labour for [...]o excellent a grace, consider du­ [...] these reasons. Faith most excellent.

1 First, that without it, whatso­ [...]er we doe is sinne. Rom. 14.23 Whatsoeuer [Page 76] is not of faith is sin.

2 Heb. 11.6.Secondly wee cannot please God in any particuler action without it. For: Without faith it is impossible to please God.

3 Thirdly, if we want faith, wee cannot heare the word with pro­fit and comfort. Heb. 4.2. For: The word which they heard, being not mixed with faith, did not profit them.

4 Fourthly, we cannot pray with­out faith, Iam. 1.6. for the Apostle wils vs to pray in faith and wauer not.

5 And last of all wee cannot bee saued without it, Mar. 16.16. for thus runs the promise, He that beleeueth and is baptized shall be saued, but he that beleeueth not shall bee dam­ned.

Vse. 1 Seeing then that faith is so ne­cessary, as that without it we can­not please God, in any particuler action that we shall doe, that we [Page 77] [...]annot heare y ^e word with profit, [...]ray aright, haue any assurance [...]f our owne saluatiō, nor receiue [...]is holy Sacrament with any [...]uit or comfort to our owne [...]oore Soules. Oh how doth this [...]and euery one in hand to try & [...]xamine his own heart, 2. Cor. 13.5 whether [...]e hath this excellent grace or [...]oe. Proue your selues whether ye be [...] the faith: Know ye not that Christ in you except ye be Reprobates. [...]nd to waite vpon God in the [...]onscionable vse of al holy helps [...]nd meanes appointed of God, [...]oth for the begetting as also for [...]e increasing of so excellent a [...]race. Least by making light [...]count of it, wee should shew [...]ur selues rebellious against God [...]nd iniurious to our own Soules.

And because the ministry of [...]e word is the principal meanes [Page 78] ordained of God, both for the begetting of faith, How faith is wrought. and also for the dayly increase of the same, As saith the Apostle, Rom. 10.14 How shall they beleeue in him, of whome they haue not heard. And how shall they heare without a Preacher. And the inference vpon that, is this verse, 17. That faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God Therefore euery one must with all care and conscience attend vpon that his ordinance: making conscience of the duties of the Sabboth in publike and priuate, as hearing, reading, praying, con­ference, meditation &c. Which are the meanes the Lord ordina­rily doth vse, both for the be­getting as also the dayly increase of this grace in vs.

Vse. 2 And surely this doth disco­uer vnto vs, that the faith o [...] [Page 79] many amongst vs, is but a meere [...]magination and fond presump­ [...]ion, for why? doe not many [...]oast of their strong faith, and [...]et liue in the continuall neglect [...]nd contempt of the publicke [...]inistry of the word, either they [...]re careles in cōming vnto it, or [...]se care not to profit by it. Poore [...]oules, how do such deceiue thē ­ [...]elues: whose faith one day will [...]ppeare but a fancy, and in time [...]f neede will then deceiue them.

And thus much touching the [...]cond Quere, Faith.

Vse. 3 The third interrogatory, in [...]is duty of examination is for [...]ur Repentance. For those that [...]e vnited vnto Christ by Faith, Repen­tance. [...]nd made his members, they [...]ust needes repent and become [...]w creatures, and bee holy as [...]hrist is holy. Such must be truly [Page 80] humbled for their sins, hate and abhorre euery euill way, and en­deuour in hart and life to obey God in all his Commandements.

What re­pentance is.Now this gift or grace of Re­pentance, is nothing else but a conuersion or change of the whole man from sin vnto God. When a man comes to consider, & to examin his own wayes, and vpon his examination finds his estate to be miserable and cursed, [...] he is in extreame danger of God wrath, and eternall condemnati­on for his sinnes. This will mak [...] a man deny himselfe, and t [...] seeke for helpe of God.

And this is that passe, th [...] euery one of vs must labour t [...] bring our hearts vnto, if we des [...] to come prepared vnto th [...] Lords Table, and to reape an [...] benefit and comfort vnto o [...] [Page 81] Soules by the vse of this so holy [...]n ordinance.

Now if we will duely examin our selues, and search into our owne hearts, we shal find, that we haue run farre into Gods score, [...]nd that our sinnes are infinite of all sorts, sins of omission, and sinnes of commission, sinnes of [...]nfirmitie, and presumptuous sinnes, in the time of our igno­ [...]ance, and in the dayes of our knowledge, against God, and a­gainst man, yea and against our owne soules: for all which, if our harts be not hardened in sin, [...]nd wee our selues come to that height of impiety, to be past fee­ [...]ing, our hearts cannot chuse but smite vs, and wee our selues bee brought to cry out of our selues, and to say: Ier. 8.6. Alas! what haue I done? Which if the Lord do shew [Page 82] vs that mercy, that we can once thorowly come to the sight of it, it must needes worke in vs sor­row for sin, and to seeke to make our reconciliation with GOD, whom we haue offended.

And because our hearets can neuer smite vs for sinne, before our iudgement be truely enligh­tened & informed, that we haue sinned, and sin must be seene be­fore it can be sorrowed for.

How to come to re­pent.Wee must therefore first of all▪ make a narrowe search after sin, according to that of the Pro­phet: Lam. 3.40. Let vs search and try our wayes, and turn vnto the Lord. And this search ought to be strict and narrow, in regard of the deceit­fulnesse of our our owne hearts which are deceitfull aboue al [...] things, Ier. 17.9. and there are in them ma­ny secret lurking-holes for sin▪ [Page 83] [...]hich wil be vnespied, vnlesse a [...]rict search be vsed. And there­ [...]ore the Prophet exhorting vnto his duty, saith; Gather your selues, Hag▪ 2.1. [...]at is, gather your wittes toge­ [...]er, and fix them vpon the con­ [...]deration of your estate.

And this is to be obserued as [...]e only way to true repentance, 1 To see sin. [...] get a sight of sinne, for he that [...]es his sinnes thorowly, will be­ [...]aile them hartily. Dauid consi­ [...]ered his wayes, and what fol­ [...]wed vpon the sight of his error [...]d wandring: Psa. 119.59 I turned my selfe in­ [...] the wayes of thy testimonies. It is [...] possible that a straying trauel­ [...]r should euer returne into the [...]ght way, y ^t doth not vnderstand [...]s error: When God will bring [...]ome a poor wandring sinner in­ [...] y ^e way of life, he giueth him e­ [...]r a heart to question his estate, [Page 84] after this maner, God hath made me a man, endued me with a rea­sonable soule, affording vnto me the meanes of grace and saluati­on; what now doth my walking answere this mercy of his? is my life a walking in, or rather, not a wandring from the paths of his commandements? This makes a Sinner with Ephraim to smite vpon his Thigh, and to be asha­med, which before was as an vn­tamed calfe, and then conclude [...] he thus after, when I was instru­cted, Ier. 31.18.19. I Repented.

And this may be assigned a [...] the onely cause of that grea [...] hardnesse of heart, and sencelesnesse that so raigneth this day i [...] the world, euen that bruitish in consideration, that men goe o [...] still in sinne, adding sinne vnto sinne, not considering what they [Page 85] doe, but flattering themselues [...]n their euil waies, and abandon­ [...]ng the very thoughts that shold make their estates questionable; Oh this is the case of many thou [...]ands in the world, which doeth manifestly declare how far they [...]re from the practise of true Re­ [...]entance.

This is a matter (I confesse) [...]hat woulde aske heere a large [...]iscourse, if I should speake of all [...]he parts of Repentance, I desire [...]ut briefely to obserue some [...]ew passages of the same.

As there must bee in the first [...]lace a sight of sinne (as we haue [...]eard), 2. To be humbled for sin. so in true repentance [...]here must be a sorrow of heart [...]or the same sinnes: Neither will [...]uery sorrow for sinne serue the [...]urne, or hath Repentance ac­ [...]ompanying it, but onely Godly [Page 86] Sorrow.

Two sortes of sorrow. 2. Cor. 7.10There is a worldly sorrow that bringeth death, as there is a god­ly sorrow, the end whereof is life and peace.

The first sort of Sorrow is to be found amongst hypocrites and wicked men, which are ma­ny times full of sorrowe, but it is not for sinne because it is sin, and offends the maiesty of God, but because of the punishment which by their sinnes they haue drawne vpon themselues, euen a guilty conscience, a trembling heart, and wounded soule, and withall, a fearefull expectation of iudgement. These are the ef­fects of sin, and these wound the hart of the sinner, and maks him to fall out with his sins, or rather indeede with the punishment▪ like vnto Caine, Gen. 4.14. Exod. 9.28. Pharaoh, Saul, [Page 87] and Iudas, &c. which onely were affected with the punishment, Mat 27.5. and could haue wished with all their hearts, that the same had beene no sin, that so they might haue liued in the same without controlment.

But besides this, What godly Sorrow is. 2. Cor. 7.10 there is also a godly Sorrow, which is onely to be found amongst the godly: which hath the promise annex­ed vnto it▪ And that is, when the Child of God is grieued for sin, because by sinne hee hath grie­ued God, a good and gracious Father in Iesus Christ; and if ther were neither hell, nor Sathan, nor punishment for sin after this life, yet inasmuch as the Lord is offended, and his righteous laws are violated, this is it that makes the hart of y ^e godly to smite them and they to be humbled for their [Page 88] Sinnes. And this Sorrow, these sighes and throbs of the godly for sinne, are those sower hearbs wherewith we must ea [...]e our new Passeouer; Exo. 12. and such troubled spi­rits shall be acceptable Sacrifices vnto God, and such broken and contrite hearts the Lord will not despise. Psal. 51.17.

The means of godly Sorrow.Now the meanes by which this godly Sorrow may be attai­ned vnto, are these:

1 First, a man ought to take no­tice of the manifold fauours and mercies the Lord hath bestowed vpon him, and his own vnthankfulnesse againe vnto him, and this will bee a good meanes to breake a mans heart with sorrow for sinne: Thus doeth Nathan deale with Dauid, 2. Sam. 12▪7.8. putting him i [...] mind of Gods mercies in aduan­cing him to be King ouer Israel, [Page 89] [...]d deliuering him out of the [...]nds of Saul, adding moreouer, [...] that had bin too little, hee would [...]aue giuen thee more. That was it y ^t [...]rought remorse and sorrow in [...]e heart of Dauid. And this was [...] that preuailed so with Ioseph, [...]nd kept him from sinne, euen [...]e consideration of Gods good­ [...]esse, formerly extended towards [...]im. How can I doe this great [...]ickednesse, and [...]in [...]e against God. Gen. 39.

2 Secondly to call to mind, and [...]horowly to weigh the ill effects [...]hat follow vpon sinne, I meane, [...]ot onely the shame before men, [...]unishment heere, losse of goods [...]c, but principally y ^e wound of [...]oule and conscience, dea [...]ing [...]nd dulling our hearts and af­ [...]ctions, when wee are to per­ [...]rme good duties, and making [...]s a burthen to the Church, our [Page 90] selues, the very earth we tread vpon, besides the full fruition of Gods wrath and eternall ven­geance in the life to come.

3 Thirdly, to attend diligently vpon the word preached, that so sinne may bee discouered, and the heart may come to smite for the same, and thus were the poore Iewes brought to com­punction of heart for their sin of crucifying y ^e Lord of glory. Act. 2.37. And this word is called the Hammer of the Lord, for by it the Lord doth breake the hard and stony hearts of men.

4 Fourthly, of all Sins, so in [...] speciall manner to take heede o [...] presumptuous sinnes, for the [...] are the sinnes that wound deepe and one of them will stand Sathan in steade of many This made Dauid to pray in [...] [Page 91] speciall manner, that the Lord would keepe him from Sinnes of this nature, saying, Keepe thy Seruant from presumptuous sinnes. Psal. 19.13. Knowing that they would at the [...]ast, lie heauie vpon the Soule [...]nd conscience of that man that [...]ommitted them, when hee [...]hould come to a true sight of [...]hem.

But heere the weake Christi­ [...]n is bewayling his want, that he [...]annot bring his heart to any [...]easonable passe to be sorrowful [...]or sinne, but howsoeuer, that [...]ine he would, and withall his [...]eart hee desires that his heart [...]ould dissolue into teares, yet he [...]ndes that his heart is fat, and [...]ill not stoope, and this makes [...]im grieue because hee cannot [...]ieue, yea and mourne because [...]e cannot mourne.

Let such for their comfort ob­serue.

1 Comfort for the weake.First, that the constitution of euery mans body is not alike, & there may be true compunction and contrition of heart for Sin, though at all times it doe not manifest it selfe in the eye by teares,

2 Secondly, consider that God measureth out this sorrowe and contrition of heart vnto his Ser­uants, according to their abilitie and strength to beare, for hee i [...] that most wise and skilfull Phy­sician, who knoweth well what a potion of physick will worke▪ and more or lesse will not serue whose promise is, that hee wi [...] not lay more vpon vs then he [...] will giue vs strength to beare.

3 And last of all, let such kno [...] for their comfort heerein, tha [...] [Page 93] [...]he Lord lookes after the maner, [...]hen the measure of any duty, or grace. And, 2. Cor. 8.12 Accepteth vs accor­ding to that which we haue, not ac­cording to that which we haue not. And hath promised that he will not Quench the smoking flax, Mt. 12.20. nor [...]reake the brused reede. And so [...]ong as wee please not our selues [...]n these poore beginnings, but [...]ndeuour after more grace, and [...]ouet after the best giftes, 1. Cor. 12.3 the [...]ord doth except both of vs and [...]hem.

3 Thirdly and lastly, as we must [...]abour to see Sinne, and to get Godly sorrow for the same: [...]o that wee may reape the [...]intage and comforte of all, we must adde a leaving and for­ [...]aking of sinne. To leaue and forsake sinne. For he that hath [...]oue his penance once truly be­ [...]ore God, I meane, hath had this [Page 94] hearty sorrow for his sinne, it will abandon sinne in his Soule, for when this Godly sorrow comes in, sinne goes out. A man that hath surfeited of such meate once, will afterwards loath it. This poynt is very cleare by the examples of all the godly, of whome wee neuer reade, they fell into the same sinnes againe after their repentance. They made not a trade of sinne, as of Dauid, of whome it is saide, That Dauid did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the dayes of his life, 1. Reg. 15.5 saue onely in the matter of Vriah. And Zacheus, no sooner called by Christ, but leaft his former course. And great reason: for euery true penitent is par­taker of Christs death, and the power of the same, which cau­seth him that hee is now become [Page 95] dead vnto sin: Rom. 6.6. and withall hath y ^e spirit of God dwelling in him, whose proper worke is to purifie the heart, and not to suffer any [...]ilthinesse to remaine where it [...]oth lodge. Act. 15.9.

And thus wee haue seene the [...]arts of true repentance, and wherein it doth consist: Wee [...]re now to speake of the necessi­ [...]ie of the same.

The necessitie of this duty [...]ppeares by that speech of our [...]auiour, The neces­sitie of Re­pentance. Except ye repent ye shall [...] perish. Luk. 13.5. And the words are there [...]ice repeated, to shew the cer­ [...]intie of it. And againe, If ye wil [...]t returne but continue still in your [...]s, I will visite you saith the Lord, Ier. 5.3.9. [...]d bee auenged on you. Many are pathetical exhortations, in the [...]ripture to this purpose, to ex­ [...]rt men to repentance. O Ieru­salem, [Page 96] wash thy heart from wicked­nesse that thou maist be saued. Ier. 4.14. And Cast away from you all your trans­gressions whereby ye haue trans­gressed, Ier. 18.31. and make you a new heart and a new Spirit. And againe, Let vs search and try our wayes, Lam. 3.40. and turne vnto the Lord. This is that louing admonition, Hag. 1.5.7. Christ giues vnto the Church of Eph [...] sus who had lost their first loue, Reu. 2.5. she should Remember from whence shee: Ephe. 4.23. was fallen, and repent. The [...] and infinit places more doe suf [...] ciently declare the necessitie [...] Repentance, Rom. 12.2. Seeing without we cannot be saued.

Yea all our Sacrifices and Se [...] uices that we offer vp vnto Go [...] whether it be to heare the wor [...] to receiue this Sacrament, [...] pray &c. Without repentan [...] are nothing worth. Faith an [...] [Page 97] Repentance, makes all our seruice [...]o God to be accepted: and that [...]his may the more euidently ap­ [...]eare, consider what the Lorde [...]ayth by his Prophet Esay: When you come to appeare before me, who hath required this at your [...]ands, to tread in my courts? Esa. 1.12.13.14.15. Bring [...]o moe oblations in vaine; Incense [...] abhomination vnto me, I cannot [...]uffer your new Moones, nor Sab­ [...]oths, nor Solemn dayes, nor Assem­ [...]lies: And when ye stretch out your [...]ands, I will hide my eyes from you; [...]nd though you make many prayers, will not heare. These are feareful [...]hreatnings that the Lord de­ [...]ounceth against the Iewes his [...]wne people: But would wee [...]now the cause of all? the Lord [...]eclares the same in the very next [...]ords following: Because your [...]ands are full of blood. They came [Page 98] in their old sinnes, without Re­pentance, and thought that so long as they offered vp their sa­crifices, all was well, God could not chuse but accept of them. But the Lord regarded not the sa­crifices of his owne worship and seruice, when men did not per­forme them in an holy manner, in Faith and Repentance. And therfore the Lord exhorts them thus: Esa. 1.16. Wash you, make you cleane, take away the evill of your workes from before mine eyes: Cease to doe evill, learne to doe well. &c. This were the way to haue their Sa­crifices accepted, to breake off their sinnes by repentance, with­out which the Lord accepteth of nothing that we do. The truth is further manifested by the same prophet, where he sayth, that H [...] that killeth a Bullock, Esa. 66.3. is as if he slew [Page 99] [...] man: He that sacrificeth a sheepe, [...] as if he cut off a dogs necke: He [...]hat offereth an oblation, as if he of­ [...]ered swines flesh. Now what is the [...]eason of this? did not the Lord [...]equire these things at the peo­ [...]les hand? did not his worship [...]nd seruice consist in them? I [...]nswer yes. Yet for all that, these [...]hings were abhomination vnto [...]he Lord: For in euery duetie [...]ere is the Matter, and the Man­ [...]er; the Lord neuer regards the [...]atter of his seruice, if men faile [...] the Manner, if they doe not [...]erforme the same in Faith, Re­ [...]entance and Obedience. And [...]herefore the Lord layes downe [...]e reason why their Sacrifices [...]ere reiected, viz. Because their [...]ule delighted in their abhominati­ [...]. They came vnto them in [...]eir sinnes, which caused the [Page 100] Lord to hate both them & their Sacrifice.

Vse 1 This serues to put the Mini­sters of the word in mind of their duty, what doctrine it is that in a speciall maner they are to teach, and to vrge vpon the conscien­ces of the people; euen the do­ctrin of the law in the first place, and in a speciall manner; that so men may bee brought vnto a sight of their sinnes, and repen­tance for the same.

And surely, in our dayes and times, there is more neede of the Sonnes of Thunder then of Con­solation, inasmuch as sinne doth abound in euery place and con­gregation, and that here bee so few that come truly to the sigh [...] of the same.

Vse 2 Oh then in the feare of God let vs try and examine our selue [...] [Page 101] [...]eriously in this one poynt espe­ [...]ially, whether we find our harts [...]o be broken and wounded in vs [...]or sinne, for the euils of our life [...]ast, desiring to walke more holi­ [...]y for the time to come. For this [...] the end wherefore we come to [...]his Supper of the Lord, that we [...]ight bee strengthened against [...]nne, and bee knit vnto Christ, [...]nd so receiue the power of his [...]eath to kill sinne in vs, and [...]ight haue more power to [...]ease God.

So that wee must try our Re­ [...]entance, how wee find and feele [...]ur hearts humbled for our ma­ [...]ifold sinnes and offences com­ [...]itted; whether wee be grieued [...] our soules, for offending so [...]ood and gracious a God; whe­ [...]er we come to this Sacrament [...]ith a hatred and detestation of [Page 102] all our former euill wayes, and with a constant purpose, to walke in newe Obedience, in all thinges purposing to please him.

And when we haue partaked of this Sacrament, we must then examine our hearts, and see how we preuaile against our corrupti­ons. So that though we haue re­pentance before, yet now wee must renewe our Repentance, and labour to finde more powe [...] and strength against sinne the [...] before.

But if wee come in our old [...] sinnes, in our ignorance, blindnesse, hardnesse of heart, pro­phanenesse, lying, swearing, vn­cleannesse, &c. it were better tha [...] we neuer came at all, we canno [...] looke euer to reape any benefi [...] by this holy ordinance of God [Page 103] but in stead of a blessing, shall bee sure to drawe downe from GOD some heauie iudgement. Let vs not then come in our old sinnes, as Iudas in his hypocri­sie, least we reape the rewarde of Iudas.

The Iewes had foure daies to [...]o prepare themselues, and they must eate the Passeouer with vn­ [...]eauened bread and sower herbs, Exo. 12. [...]y which Ceremony they were [...]aught to come in Repentance, [...]ith harts grieued for sinne, and [...]o prepare themselues for so [...]reat a mystery. And the Apostle [...]xhorteth vnto this duety, when [...]e sayth: Purge out the old leauen, 1. Cor. 5.7. [...]at ye may be a new lump: for Christ [...]ur Passeouer is sacrificed for vs.

And thus much for the third [...]art of our examination, viz. Re­ [...]entance.

Loue.The fourth Interrogatory in this our examination is for our loue to man, or reconciliation to our brethren. This vertue, as it is necessary at al times, so especi­ally at this time, when we come to partake of this Sacrament, which is a Supper of loue. This is as needefull and necessary to the due receiuing of this sacra­ment as the former: For wha [...] were our knowledge, if wee ha [...] the same in neuer so great a measure, what were our faith, or repentance, if loue to our brethre [...] be wanting, we may well call th [...] truth of them all into question, i [...] we find not our selues ready an [...] willing to remit and forgiue o [...] brethren their iniuries and trespasses committed against vs.

This Sacrament is called th [...] Communion, to teach vs this duty [Page 105] how we ought to come vnto the same in loue, we haue one God, one Mediator, and redeemer, one Spirit, one mother the church of God, we be all members of one, and the same misticall body, and therefore when we come to this Supper we should come in loue.

That which our Sauiour saith of Sacrifices, may very well bee saide of this Sacrament. When [...]hou commest to the Alter, Mat. 5.23.24. and [...]here remembrest that thy brother [...]ath ought against thee. First bee [...]econciled to thy brother, and then [...]ome and offer thy gift. There must be first reconciliatiō to our brethren, before the Lord will [...]ccept of our Sacrifice or Ser­ [...]ice. Nay more, the Lord will [...]aue his owne seruice and wor­ [...]hip to cease for a time, till [...]his reconciliation bee perfor­med. [Page 106] I will haue mercy, and not Sacrifice, Hos. 6.6. sayth the Lord: mea­ning indeede, that men can ne­uer performe aright the dueties of the first Table, vvhere they make no conscience of the due­ties of the second, Loue, and ser­uices to man.

And hence it is that our Saui­our doth most diligently exhort his Disciples and in them all christians vnto this duty, saying: By this shall all men knowe that you are my Disciples, Ioh. 13.35 if ye loue one a­nother. 1. Ioh. 3.14 And againe, This is my commandement that ye loue one a­nother. 1. Ioh. 4.12 1. Ioh. 4 7. Our Sauiour makes this loue a badg or cognisance by the which wee are knowne to be his Disciples, this assures vs [...]t we are Gods children, and that wee are translated from death to life. And, Heereby we know that God [Page 107] dwelleth in vs, and his loue is perfect in vs. And Paul most earnestly ex­horteth vnto this duty, when he saith, as the elect of God, Col. 3.12. holy & be­loued, put on tender mercy, kindnes humblenesse of mind, meekenes, long-suffering, forbearing one another, forgiuing one another, If any man haue a Quarrell to another: Euen as Christ forgaue you, euen so do eye, And aboue all things put on loue, which is the bonde of perfection. Where the holy Ghost doth re­quire vs, that wee would make it manifest to our selues & others, [...]hat we are the elect of God, and [...]hat the loue of God is shed into our hearts, that wee haue tasted of the Lords mercy towards our own Soules in particuler, for the pardon of our sinnes. Which we [...]hall doe by shewing our selues [...]eady and willing to forgiue o­thers, [Page 108] as wee haue founde the Lord both ready and willing to forgiue vs.

And to this end hath the Lord ordained this Sacrament of his Supper, that it might bee a feast of loue, and a band or chaine to knit vs fast one vnto another. Wherefore not vnfitly is this Sa­crament called the Communion, to shew that there would bee a holy and blessed agreement a­mongst those that come there­vnto y ^t they come in loue, with one hart & mind, euen as one man, as the Apostle teacheth. We that are many are one bread & one body, because wee are all partakers of one bread.

Reasons to proue the necessitie of loue.And to prouoke vs vnto this duty, consider.

1 First it is Gods commandement that we should loue one another; [Page 109] This is his commandement, that we should loue one another. 2. Ioh. 5,

2 Secondly, it is a marke or cog­nisance by the which wee are known to be Christs Disciples: Ioh. 13.35. By this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples, if ye loue one another.

3 Thirdly, we come all to one Table, drinke of the same Cup, eate of the same bread, and so professe the communion of Saints to be amongst vs.

4 Fourthly, It is a certaine marke [...]nd most euident signe, that wee are translated from darkenesse vnto light, 1. Ioh. 3.10. from death vnto [...]ife, euen our loue to the bre­theren.

5 And last of all, this is that grace that seasons all other the gifts [...]nd graces of God. And as Io­sephs brethren were welcom for Beniamins sake, euen so are all du­ties [Page 110] accepted for Loues sake, o­therwise what will it profit a man to heare, to reade, to pray, re­ceiue the Sacrament, &c: yea though he should giue his body to the fire, 1. Cor. 13 14. that it burned, and had not loue, it shoulde profit him nothing.

Vse. 1 Seeing then that loue, is so excellent a gift & grace of God, as that it ministreth vnto vs the certaine assurance of our electi­on, that wee are the Sons of God, that it is it, that seasons all our actions in Gods seruice, and makes all duties accepted to God or man. Oh how shoulde this cause vs to labour for this excellent grace, Col. 3.12. that we Put on tender mercy, kindenesse, humblenesse of minde, meekenesse, long Suffering &c, and aboue all things Loue, the bond of perfection, otherwise we [Page 111] [...]ot exspect any fruit or comfort [...]n the vse of this Sacrament, or [...]ny other the ordinance of God.

Vse. 2 Secondly, Seeing loue and Charitie with man, is so neces­ [...]ry to the due receiuing of this [...]acrament. This may serue to [...]eproue those that are growne [...]uen rustie, with rancor and ma­ [...]ce towards their bretheren, that [...]ake euery small occasion or [...]espasse, occasion sufficient of [...]llings out amongst them, such [...]en deceiue themselues, and [...]eir owne Soules, if they looke [...]r any benefit or comfort in this [...]acrament.

Obiect. Obiect▪ I did him noe wrong, [...]e wronged me, and if he would [...]me and confesse his fault, I [...]ould forgiue him, but I will [...]uer seeke vnto him. But marke [Page 113] this is the flesh and the Deuill, and as yet thou hast taken coun­sell of none but them, Answ. Christ will teach thee another lesson. If thou remember that thy brother hath ought against thee &c. Mat. 5.23. stand not vpon such tearmes but goe thou to him, looke not for him to come to thee first, and seeke re­conciliation with him, hereby thou shalt heape coales of fire vpon his head.

Otherwise with what hart cans [...] thou pray, forgiue vs our trespas­ses, as we forgiue them that trespass [...] against vs. Doest thou not pray the Lord to hasten thy destruction, and no way to forgiue thee in asmuch as thy heart is shut vp against thy brother? whereas in deede wee are taught to loue ou [...] very enemies, after the Exampl [...] of Christ, who prayed for h [...] [Page 113] Enemies, thus vnto his Father. Father forgiue them they wot not what they do. Luk. 23.35. Act. 7. vlt. And that of Stephen, Lord lay not this sin to their charge. Oh this, this is the truth, let vs then acknowledge it. And this is the way, let vs then walke in it, otherwise let vs not looke [...]o reape peace vnto our Soules, [...]or comfort by any of Gods or­dinances.

And thus (Beloued) you haue [...]cene the necessitie of a Christi­ [...]n mans preparation, The Con­clusion. before hee [...]omes to this holy Sacra­ment. You haue seene againe [...]he Subiect of it, not another, [...]ut a mans selfe. And last of all, [...]ou haue seene wherein this du­ [...]y doth consist.

Now if wee finde our selues [...]urnished with some competent [...]easure of Knowledge, Faith, Re­pentance, [Page 114] and Loue, as you haue heard, all which are requi­red to the due receiuing of this Sacrament, wee may then with comfort come vnto it. And howsoeuer these graces bee in vs but in part, and in much weake­nesse, yet if we be humbled for our wants, and desire to increase in our Knowledge, to be streng­thened in our Faith, to bee bet­tered in our Repentance, &c. Heere we are called to the liuing Fountaine, from whence we may looke to haue supply made vnto all our wants. But if on the con­trary part, vpon examination, we find our selues altogether igno­rant of God, and his Son Christ, and the meanes of our redemp­tion, that we haue not our harts truely touched with our sinnes and that we are not at peace with [Page 115] men, better not come; for this were but to abuse so holy an or­dinance, to mocke God to his face, and to stirr him vp to wrath against vs. And by this that hath beene sayde, it may appeare that few come worthily, and prepa­red as they ought, but ignorant­ly, and for custome sake, to the great dishonor of God, and abuse of so holy an ordinance.

And thus much concerning the preparation that is to be made by euery faithful communicant: the participation follows, which we referre to another time.

Let vs pray.

WHen wee haue Examined our soules, and pre­pared our harts, and bring the true VVedding garment of Knowledge, Faith, Re­pentance, and Loue: then wee are to come to this holy banquet and feast of our soules.

And so let him eat of that bread, and drinke, &c.

Heere we haue the act of Re­ceiuing to be perfourmed by the true Communicant, his taking and receiuing of the Bread, and the Wine.

In which acti­on we note

• 1. The Duety it selfe, Eate, Drinke.
• 2. The Qualification of the person, implyed in this word, So.
• 3. What hee must Eate and Drinke; This Bread, Of this Cup.

And first, for the dutie it selfe: As before he was inioyned to ex­amine himselfe: So heere by no [...]esse straight an iniunction to Eate, and to Drinke. The Do­ctrine is,

Doct. 1 That it is not leaft to our [...]hoyce, To receiue th [...]s Sacra­ment is not a thing in­different. whether we wil come to [...]his Sacrament, or not, to receiue [...]t, or not to receiue it; but it is the [Page 118] will of God, and his commande­ment, that we should come vnto it as often as conueniently vvee may. And so let him Eat, &c. This is not a bare permission, but ra­ther a precept, and binds all vnto obedience therevnto: And ther­fore as it is our duty to heare the Worde, to pray, to sanctifie the Lords Sabboths, &c. because the Lord hath so commanded; euen so hath the Lord commanded vs this dutie likewise, to come and partake of this holy Sacrament. And the necessity of this wil ap­peare, if we do but consider, how straightly the Lord inioyned the people of the Iewes the obserua­tion of the types of both the Sa­craments. Such as was Circumci­sion vnder the Lawe, when the Lord commanded the vncircum­cised Man-child (that was not cir­cumcised [Page 119] according to the ordi­nance of the Lorde) to bee cut off from his people, Gen. 17.1 Exo. 3.24.5 Num. 9.13 as one that had bro­ken the Couenant. And so for the Passeouer, he that did not keepe it solemnly, according to the law was to be cut off from Gods peo­ple: now then, if it hold so in the ceremony, then how much more in the Substance? But the Rea­sons that followe, will shewe the necessity of the same more clear­ [...]y.

Reason 1 First, the receiuing of this Sa­ [...]rament in a holy manner, is a [...]rincipall part of Gods worship [...]nd seruice, which euery Christi­ [...]n is bounde to perfourme. Now [...]he Lorde will bee serued accor­ [...]ing to his will prescribed in his Worde. It resteth not in man to [...]rescribe or appoynt, but to re­ [...]aine and embrace that which is [Page 120] taught by him. For in vain do they worship me, Esa. 29.13, 14 teaching for Doctrine, men precepts. Mat. 7.7.

Now one principal part of his worship consists in the due recei­uing of this sacrament, and ther­fore in obedience to so holy an ordinance of God, men must com therevnto.

Reason. 2 Secondly, it is an holy helpe and meanes to increase grace, howsoeuer of it selfe, it cannot conferre grace; for vnto some, both the worde and Sacraments are but the sauour of death vnto death. 2. Cor. 2.16 Yet notwithstanding, this Sacrament may truely be sayde to bee a Conduit, to conuay the grace of regeneration and remis­sion of sins vnto the true belee­uer: Simile. Euen as the Princes Letters are saide to saue the life of a ma­lefactor, whereas indeede, they [Page 12] doe but signifie the Princes plea­sure that he shall be saued. And [...]he Lord working grace in the hearts of his seruants, hath [...]n his wisedome appoynted the [...]ord, Sacraments, prayer &c. to [...]e the meanes for the effecting of [...]he same.

Reason. 3 Thirdly, this Sacrament is a [...]onfirmation of our couenant, [...]nd serues to bee a seale of the [...]ame, betweene God and vs, Gen. 17.1. that [...]e will be our God, Esay. 43.25 and wee will [...]ecome his people, by the which [...]s by a most sure and certaine [...]ledge giuen on Gods part, Ier. 31.31. and [...]eceiued on ours, Zach. 8.8. God of his [...]reat mercy, doth as it were [...]nd himself to vs by an euerlast­ [...]g decree to bee our God, and [...]ee againe binde our selues vn­ [...] him to remaine his people, [...]nd to keepe a constant course [Page 122] of obedience before him.

Vse. 1 And surely this condemnes those as do wittingly and wilful­ly abstaine from the Lords Sup­per. For reprofe. As many do offend in com­ming vnworthily and vnpre­pared, so many offend in com­ming not at all, when occasion & opportunitie is offered vnto them to come. Doth not the practice of such men beray that they do lightly esteeme of Gods ordinance. Simile. If the King or some other greate parsonage, should haue graunted vnto a man the lease of some goodly Mannor vppon very reasonable conditions, and appoint a day to seale the writinges, who woulde not giue attendance, or rather what great ingratitude, were it for a man not to come at the time appointed, but [Page 123] [...]ilfully to refuse and contemne [...] friendly an offer. Oh beloued, [...]he Lord of heauen and earth, he [...]ath promised to giue vnto vs Christ and with him al things▪ Rom. 8.32. Hea­ [...]en, eternall life, and the saluati­ [...]n of our Soules. The very day [...]nd time of the Administration [...]f this Sacrament of the Lords [...]upper, what is it but the sea­ [...]ng day wherein the Lord offers [...]o confirme his graunt vnto vs, [...]nd to stablish that his couenant, [...]hat ingratitude then shall wee [...]e guiltie off, if wee neglect so [...]reat saluation.

And surely this Sinne of wil­ [...]ll refusing or abstaining from [...]e Lords Table is not all one, [...]ut it hath many other sinnes at­ [...]nding vpon it, and accompa­ [...]ying it.

First such men as doe wilfully [Page 124] abstaine and absent themselues, doe contemne and despise the commandement of Christ him­selfe, What sins they are guilty of, that neglect to tome to the Lords Supper. who hath commanded al to doe this. To examine, to take, and t [...] 1 eate. Now to rebel against God & Christ, is noe small sinne, Since herein they cannot but declare what a light esteeme they hau [...] of the couenant, God hath mad [...] with them, & the seale of y ^e same

2 Secondly, such make light ac­count and despise the memor [...] of the blessed death and passio [...] of Iesus Christ, which hee s [...] straightly commaunded vs to keepe in memory, as wherei [...] wee shall shew forth his death v [...] till his comming againe. For so ofte [...] as ye shall eate this bread, and drink [...] this cup, ye shew the Lords death t [...] he come.

3 Thirdly, this wilfull con [...]empt [Page 125] in any, doth manifestly [...]eclare the great vnthankefull­ [...]esse of such vnto God. Vnthanke­fullnesse in a great mea­sure. Who [...] great measure and deepe com­ [...]assion towards our poore soules [...]oth afforde vs such props and [...]ayes, to support our weake [...]ith, as this Sacrament is. For [...]ch is our weakenesse while we [...]e here, euen when wee haue [...]ained vnto the greatest mea­ [...]re of grace, and assurance of [...]r Saluation, that wee stand in [...]ede dayly of the word and Sa­ [...]ments, as to beget, so to con­ [...]me and strengthen vs in the [...]ce receiued: And therefore [...] neglect the same, when the [...]rd doth offer it vnto vs, doth [...]nifestly declare great ingrati­ [...]e against God.

4 Fourthly, such bee guiltie of [...] contempte of the price of [Page 126] their redemption euen the most precious body and bloud of Christ, which is offered in this sa­crament vnto euery true belee­uer. Mat. 26.2 28▪ 6. This is my body, which is giue [...] for you &c: And the very foode of their soules, Ioh. 6.55. men so loath, & so lightly regard.

5 Fiftly, such men beray their infidelity, & do no lesse then temp [...] God as Ahaz did, which refused y ^e signe, the Lord offered vnt [...] him, & said, I will not aske a sig [...] nor tempt the Lord. But becaus [...] he asked not a signe, therefore h [...] did tempt the Lord, & what is i [...] else, but a tempting of God, for [...] man to neglect the meanes appointed of God, & make trya [...] whether hee will saue him with out y ^e meanes or not. Wee kno [...] y ^t the word, and Sacraments, a [...] y ^e meanes appointed of God, n [...] [Page 127] onely to beget faith and other graces, in y ^e harts of his children, but are meanes likewise ordai­ned of God, to helpe y ^e weakenes of our faith, and to neglect or lightly to esteeme of these, doth manifestly declare y ^t such men haue either no faith, or that they [...]egard not the increase or con­ [...]irmation of the same.

6 And lastly such as willingly [...]nd wilfully refuse to come, de­ [...]pise the communion of Saints, [...]nd the fellowship of the Church [...]nd people of God, and heereby [...]ut themselues off from Christ [...]nd his Church. For this Sacra­ [...]ent is the Communion of the [...]ody and bloud of Christ, from [...]e which they cut and seuer [...]emselues, vs vnworthy.

And thus you haue seene how [...]any sinnes such men are guilty [Page 128] of, as neglect the due receiuing of this holy Sacrament, which must be duly considered of vs, least by the heaping vp of these sinnes now, one vpon the necke of another, wee bring vpon our owne heades swift damnation.

Now because there is none that either refuseth or neglecteth duly to come to this holy ordi­nance of God: But haue some excuses for themselues, I desir [...] therefore breefely to remou [...] some of the cheefest of them, an [...] so come to the further vses to b [...] made of this poynt.

Obiections answered.

This first and most common excuse, men haue for themselue [...] is they are not prepared, Obiect. 1. & the knowe that it is a dangero [...] thing to come vnprepared, succate and drinke their owne damnation.

Answ. I answere, that this obiection doth certainly bewray great im­piety in the heart of such a one: What, art thou not prepared, and therefore wilt not come? What is this but to pay one debt by a­nother, and to adde vnto such mens sinnes, and to make them [...]xceeding sinfull. For knowe O [...]hou vaine man, that it is thy sin [...]o neglect to come to the Lordes Table, when occasion is offered [...]nto thee from the Lorde, and [...]hou hast aggrauated thy sinne, [...] that thou art not prepared to [...]ome vnto it. What do such men [...]at glory in their owne shame? [...]ur life should bee a continuall [...]eparation, and setting of our [...]ues in order for euery Christi­ [...] duety, yea such as our dayly [...]crifice is to be offered vp vnto [...]od. And Christians are com­manded [Page 130] to be watchfull, that so we may be alwayes ready, Mat. 24.44. euer expsecting the comming of the bridegroome. And therefore a­way with such excuses, which are but demonstrations of a graceles hart, & no better then Fig leaues, that shall neuer hide thy naked­nes from the eyes of the almigh­ty: But the Lord one day will make it an argument against the [...] that thy condemnation is mos [...] iust, and out of thy owne mout [...] will condemne thee.

Obiect. 2 Secondly, others thinke the haue better ground for their abstinence, some businesse or othe [...] that is in hand that must be se [...] vnto, Mat. 22. like vnto those in the go [...] pel; one that must be excused b [...] cause he had bought a farme, [...] nother fiue yoke of Oxen, a thi [...] that had married a wife, a [...] [Page 131] therefore could not come, these haue some iorney to ride, or one triuiall businesse or other, that is matter sufficient to keepe them from the Lords Table.

Answ. Vnto such kind of men I will say with Christ: What shall it pro­fite a man to win the whole worlde, and to lose his owne Soule? Is not thy Soule more precious vnto thee then thy body? and y ^e wel­fare of the one to be preferred before the welfare of y ^e other, since the losse of thy Soule, a whole world cannot recompence: make not light account then of y ^e Lords gracious cal, neither belike those prophane Gadarens, to prefer thy Swine before Christ I meane, the world before thy saluation.

Obiect. 3 Other there be that alledg for themselues, or rather indeede a­gainst themselues, y ^t they are not [Page 132] in charity, and therfore they dare not come: Doe you not knowe, and haue you not taught vs that we must come in loue, otherwise we cannot receiue the sacrament worthily; Now such a one and my selfe, we are not friendes, and hee hath so wronged mee, that I can neuer put it vp.

Answ. Oh how doe such men be­wray both their impiety and hy­pocrisie! Dare you not come? Dare you pretend Religion and conscience in abstaining, especi­ally vpon this ground, that you are not in Charity? Whose fault is it that thou art not in charity [...] thy owne. Art thou not required to forgiue thy brother his tres­passes, Mat. 6.12. Mat. 5. and to goe and bee recon­ciled to thy brother? yea though hee hath trespassed against thee, and iniured thee. Religion and [Page 133] Christianity doth teach the pro­fessors thereof to seeke reconci­liation with their brethren. But of this before in the duety.

Many more are the obiections of wicked men, which when they come to be weighed in the weightes of the Sanctuary, will prooue to light, and manifestly declare the want of grace in the soule: For where there is true Sanctification in the hart of any, such a one is euer conscionable [...]n the vse of such meanes as are [...]ppoynted of GOD, for the in­crease of grace: Amongst which [...]he reuerent vse of this Sacra­ment is not the least.

There are other obiections, [...]hat are of another nature, made [...]y weake Christians, who are [...]uch discoraged in themselues: [...]nd obiect against themselues as [Page 134] followeth.

Obiect. 4 First, they say they are so farre from loathing this Sacrament, as that they long after it, but now their wantes are so many, and their infirmities are so great, their faith so weak, repentance so smal as that they are afraid to come.

Answ. Vnto such a one I say with the Disciple to blind Bartimeus, Behold, Christ calleth thee. Mar. 10.49 Such are fit pa­tients for Christ the spiritual Physician to worke on. If this com­plaint or the like, proceede from an inward feeling of their wants, and from a hart truely humbled for them, hauing in them a hun­gring and thirstie desire after Christ and his righteousnesse, Surely such a one is not farre from the kingdome of Heauen. And therefore, for the endlesse comfort and consolation of such [Page 135] that are thus humbled and de­iected through the conscience of their owne wants: Consider

1 First, Comfort to the weake Christian. that the feeling of the want of grace, with griefe for the same, is grace it self, for the grace­lesse and faithlesse doe seldome or neuer find any such defects in them.

2 Secondly, Christ inuiteth such poore soules vnto him, saying: Mat. 11.38 Come vnto me &c.

3 Thirdly, that Christ pronoun­ceth such to be blessed, that doe [...]ut hunger and thirst after righ­ [...]eousnesse, and hath said, Mat. 12.20. that he [...]il not breake the bruised reede, nor [...]uench the smoaking flaxe.

4 Fourthly, that the Lord doth [...]ore regard the truth of grace, y ^t [...]aboureth after perfection, then [...]he measure of it, as that gift that was so highly commended by [Page 136] our Sauiour in the poore wid­dow.

5 And last of all, that this Sacra­ment of Christs Supper, was in­stituted and ordained for the weake, not for the strong, for the poore, not for the rich, & for the sicke and broken harted, and not for the whole.

Now then, what an absurditie were it for a man to refuse to eat, because hee were hungry, and to refuse to drinke, because he were thirsty. Doe not then discourage thy self more then there is cause, but come, O come vnto this hea­uenly banket & feast of thy soule, where thou hast a promise, that by the conscionable and holy vse of this ordinance, thou shalt haue thy faith strengthened, thy repentance increased, and all o­ther graces of God confirmed in [Page 137] thee, to thy endlesse comfort.

Obiect. 5 Some againe obiect that the Iewes receiued y ^e passeouer, but once in the yeare. In the fourth­ [...]eenth day of the first moneth at euen, is the Lords Passeouer. Exo. 12.18. Leuit. 22.5. And y ^e passeouer wee knowe was but a [...]ype of this Sacrament.

I answer, we now compare the [...]haddowe and the substance to­gether in that particuler where­ [...] they are not to bee com­ [...]ared. For touching this Sacra­ment of the Lords Supper it is [...]is will, that it should bee admi­ [...]istred and receiued often, for so [...]ith our Sauiour, So oft as ye shall [...]te of this bread &c, And as for [...]is Annuall communicating, is [...]ow hatcht in time of popery in [...]e infancy of the Church, and [...]y no meanes to bee immitated [...]f vs, that liue now in the Sun­shine [Page 137] of the Gospell.

But to leaue these obiections we come now to make some fur­ther vse of the poynt.

Vse. 2 Seeing then wee see the ne­cessitie of this duty, For instru­ction. that it is not left as a thing arbitrary, to come or not to come, but it is rather a flat precept imposed vpon all, To come and eate of this breade, and drinke of this cup. Let this serue for our instruction y ^t wee learne to make more conscience of this duty of comming to this Sacra­ment. If the Lord should require as our hands a thing that were hard and heauie, wee ought with all chearefulnesse to vnder­goe it, and willingly to submit out selues vnto it, in regard of his commaundement. How be it, this the Lord requireth at our hands, is not hard, but easie, not an intollerable burthen, but tha [...] [Page 138] which may delight the Soule of christian. And therefore were shame not to do it. It was well [...]aid of Naamans Seruant to his Maister. Master if the prophet had [...]id thee do some great thing, 2. Reg. 5.12 oughtest [...]ou not to haue done it? how much [...]ore when he saith wash & be clean. [...]f Christ should haue imposed [...]ppon vs greater things then [...]hese, ought we not to doe them, [...]ow much more, when he saith, [...]ake and eate. How wil we drinke cup of Martyrdome for Christ: [...]at will not drink the cup of [...]luation with Christ.

Vse. 3 And last of all this may serue [...]r matter of singular consolatiō [...]to the godly that make con­ [...]ience of this duty, For conso­lation. that hunger [...]d thirst after this spirituall [...]nquet, more then their ap­ [...]ointed foode: such may surely [Page 139] exspect a blessing. Whatsoeuer thy wants are, y ^e Lord will couer them all. Do thou take the Lords offer when hee calles thee to his Table, and come with a cer­taine exspectation of good suc­cesse, and see if the Lord doe not open the windowes of heauen vpon thee, and raine vpon thee aboundantly the showers of his grace, and refresh thy hungry Soule, with good things.

And therfore in Gods name le [...] this bee an incouragement vnto vs, Iam. 4. to Draw neare vnto God, seeing he will draw neare vnto vs. And although we cannot prepare ou [...] selues as we would, Yet when we labour after holinesse, and San­ctification of life, let vs come and not bee discouraged, the Lord will be mercifull vnto vs, [...]. Cro. 30.19. though we are not cleansed according to [Page 140] the purification of the Sanctu­ [...]ry.

And thus much for the first [...]enerall circumstance of the Text, the duty Eate, Drinke, wee [...]ome now to the qualification [...]f the person [...].

And so let him Eate &c. 2. Cir. The quali­fication of the person that must communi­cate.

The qualification of the [...]erson, is imployed in this word [...]. Which hath reference to the [...]rmer part of the verse, exami­ [...]tion it selfe. The doctrine is [...]eare.

Doct. 2 That after a man hath exami­ [...]d himselfe as before, It is not suf­ficient to come but to come prepared. and finds [...]mselfe in some measure fitted [...] Knowledg, faith, Repentance, [...]d Loue, then he may come, yea [...]s he alone, that hath warrant [...] come and none other, and is [...]e required to participate of [...]s holy ordinance. It is not [Page 142] sufficient that a man come to the Lords Table, but that he S [...] come, that is in an holy man­ner vnto such an holy ordi­nance.

Mat. 22.11.At the Marriage banquet i [...] the Gospell, ma [...] were bidde [...] to the feast, and many came, bu [...] that was not all. If there bee bu [...] one in the company, that come without the wedding garment, b [...] is discouered, and it was not h [...] beeing present at the feast, th [...] would serue his turne, but in a much as hee was not perpar [...] and fitted thereunto, hee is th [...] sentenced, Mat. 26 to be bounde hand, [...] foote, and to be cast into vtter dar [...] nesse. Iudas receiued this Sacr [...] ment as well as Peter, from [...] blessed hand of Christ: yet b [...] cause he was not prepared th [...] vnto, it proued his bane, [...] [Page 143] gaue Sathan the more aduan­ [...]age, euen for the abuse of so ho­ [...]y an ordinance, to enter into Iu­das. Mat 25. The foolish Virgins seemed [...]o exspect the Brid-gromes com­ming, but in asmuch as their Oyle was spent and their Lampes gone [...]ut, they were taken vnprepa­ [...]ed, and so for euer shut out of [...]he Marriage chamber, and the Bride-gromes presence. These [...]nd the like examples, whereof [...]he Scriptures are full, they all [...]erue as a cloud of witnesses, to [...]onfirme vnto vs the vndoubted [...]ruth of this doctrine, that it is [...]ot sufficient y ^t a man come vnto [...]his Sacrament of Christs Sup­ [...]er, and so ioyne with the rest of Gods people in receiuing of the [...]me, but he must So come, y ^t is [...]ted and prepared by a godly [...]xamination as before.

The reasons follow.

Reason. 1 First, it is Gods commaunde­ment as to come, so to come worthyly and prep [...]red, without which preparation better neuer come. For we shall but offer th [...] Sacrifice of fooles, Which is abhomination vnto the Lord. Ecle. 4. And a [...] our hearing, praying, receiuing▪ &c: When we come vnto them for custom sake and fashion sake not in a holy manner, in faith▪ repentance, and obedience, ar [...] so farre from pleasing God, a [...] that they rather prouoke hi [...] Maiestie and stirre him vp to wrath against vs.

Reason. 2 Secondly, such a one as come prepared as he ought, may safely exspect a blessing from God, wh [...] hath promised to adde a blessing to all that come prepared vnto his ordinances, and hath said, h [...] [Page 145] wil be found of al them that seek him, in the conscionable vse of those means he hath appointed.

Reason. 3 Thirdly, as it were a sinne for a man to receiue vnprepared, so were it no lesse a sinne for a man to bee prepared, and not to re­ceiue, for his preparation other­wise were to little purpose.

Vse 1 Seeing then y ^t it is not inough for a man to come, vnles he come prepared: Oh how shoulde this humble euery one of vs, that haue many times come and partaked of this royall feast and supper of the Lord, without our wedding garment; Note. many a time haue we receiued this Sacrament, when we made litle or no preparation vn­ [...]o it: and this was our case before our calling, in the time of our vn [...]egeneracy, howsoeuer it hath fa­ [...]ed with vs since. And surely it [Page 146] was Gods wonderfull mercy vn­to vs then, that wee were not de­stroyed for abusing so holy an or­dinance, and his gracious & glo­rious presence therein. And now (my brethren) albeit we haue es­caped our deserued iudgement, which the Lord might then haue most iustly inflicted vpon vs, yet now should wee iudge our selues worthy, then to haue beene de­stroyd, and labor to bee hum­bled for our olde sinnes, least they bring vpon vs new iudge­ments.

Vse 2 Secondly, this may serue for matter of terror vnto all wicked and vngodly men, that make no conscience of this duety, who either seldome or neuer come to this holy ordinance of God, or if they come, come altoge­ther vnprepared. What though [Page 147] the Lord in this Sacrament doe offer vnto them his owne Son, and the benefites of his passion, remission of sinnes, redempti­on, his Spirit, and Kingdome. They preferre their sinnes be­fore these, and by no meanes will bee brought to part with them, but haue their appetites so taken vp with earthly things, that they haue no minde at all, or appetite to spirituall thinges. Oh, the case of such men is most miserable and fearefull. Hovv iust shal their condemnation one day bee, when the Lorde shall enter into iudgement with them for neglecting so great Saluati­on.

Vse 3 Thirdly and lastly, this may minister matter of singular ioy and consolation vnto the god­ly, For conso­lation. that labour to prepare them­selues, [Page 148] and seeke to put away their sinnes by godly sorrowe. Though this man cannot bee so fitted and prepared as hee de­sires, he may not be discouraged, but drawe neare vnto God in his ordinance, who wil accept of the poore desires of his seruants, and hath inuited such hungrie and thirstie soules to come vnto him, and hath promised to satisfie them: but of this before.

Now because the heart of man is deceitfull aboue all things, Ier. 18.17. and we are ready to deceiue our selues heerein, I shall very shortly pro­pound such degrees of grace, as are in some measure found in those whose hearts are at all sea­soned with grace: and without which no man, The least degrees of grace are can come vnto this Sacrament with comfort, or exspect any blessing from God.

First, they must see their wants, 1 To see sin. this is required in euery one, to haue their vnderstādings enligh­tened, by the which they come [...]o see what God requireth, and how farr short they come of that obedience the Lord requires at [...]heir hands; and this is indeede [...] first step to true repentance and [...]ound conuersion, to attaine to [...]he sight of our owne wandring, [...]nd is one of the smallest degrees [...]f grace that can be in any. And [...]ecause that wicked men and hy [...]ocrites may attaine vnto this, [...]hat shall neuer bee saued, vnto [...]his more must be added.

And in the second place, 2 To be hum­bled for sin. this [...]an must bee humbled for his [...]ants, and not please himselfe in [...]em. And this is it, as I take it, y ^t [...]ts the difference betweene the [...]odly Christian and the Hypo­crite, [Page 150] though both see and dis­cerne sin in them, yet both doth not dislike sin, because it is sin, and offends the Maiesty of God. There is euer in the heart of an hypocrit some secret sin or other y ^e which howsoeuer in his iudge­ment he knoweth to be a sin, Note. yet in his affection he could wish it were no sinne, that so he might liue in the same without controlment, for this appeares by his of­ten relaps into the same sin, whe [...] as y ^e child of God is content tha [...] the sacrificing knife of the Law, shold be applyed to the throat o [...] euery sin, euen to his darling and beloued sin, that so he might no [...] offend so good & louing a fathe [...]

3 To pray for the par­don of sin.Thirdly, he is earnest with Go [...] to pray for pardon, not resting in the former degrees of grace, to see sin, and to be grieued for it [Page 151] but making conscience of al ho­ly meanes by the which hee may obtain deliuerance. And because it is God alone that is offended, and his most righteous lawes vi­olated, vnto God goes hee, and desires as earnestly that God would cure his corrupt nature for the time to come, as to par­don his sinnes that are past in his life: And O Lord thinkes hee, that I could be more holy, and lesse sinfull; and it is the on­ [...]y griefe of his heart, that he can­not master his corruptions as he [...]hould, and as he would.

Fourthly, 4 To resolue for the time to come of new obedi­ence. he resolues heereaf­ [...]er to come more prepared; as to [...]ee and acknowledge his want of due preparation, with griefe of heart for the same: So there is a [...]esolute purpose in his soul, in al things to please God, and for the [Page 152] time to come, to walke in new o­bedience. These are the least de­grees of grace, and in some mea­sure are to bee found in the wea­kest Christian, and in him whose hart is truly seasoned with grace: as for others, they are able to practice more excellent degrees of Mortification and Sanctifica­tion.

Doct. 3 And So let him Eat, &c: That is, being fitted and prepared as be­fore. Wee may yet obserue one note of instruction further. That Circumstances in Gods seruice are to bee obserued, Circum­stances in Gods ser­uice must be obserued. and good thinges must bee done in a good Maner. This is in effect the same that was handled in the former doctrine; I shall handle the same so much the more briefely.

The Manner as the Matter of Gods seruice is to be looked after, [Page 153] [...]nd hence is it, that many men [...]auing performed the outward worke of some commendable duty, and fayling in the circum­ [...]tance of the manner of perfor­ming of it, haue mard all.

The people of the Iewes per­ [...]ormed many thinges in them­ [...]elues commendable, Esa. 1.14.15. yet haue­ [...]ng their faylings in some perti­ [...]ulars, the Lord did abhor both [...]hem and their seruices, & hence [...]s it that Dauid giuing direction [...]nto Salomon his son, touching Gods worship. Doth prescribe [...]s y ^e matter, so the circumstances [...]hat belong vnto it, how and [...]fter what manner hee shoulde [...]erue the Lord. And thou Salomon [...]y sonne, 1. Cro. 28.9 knowe thou the God of thy [...]ather, and serue him with a perfect [...]eart, and with a willing minde &c And the same doth Salomon a­gaine [Page 154] in his time giue touching Gods worship, Eccle. 5.1. When thou goest in­to the house of God, take heede to thy feete. How is this thing vrged in all the Epistles of the Apostles, that men should regard circum­stance in the Act of Gods wor­ship, and the manner how they performe it, as the matter, as: The Lord loueth a chearefull giuer. Iam. 2.12. So runne ye that ye may obtaine, and So speake ye, 1. Cor. 9.26 and so doe ye, as they that shall bee iudged by the perfect law of libertie. These present texts of Scripture, and the like, where­of the Scriptures are full, they all serue to confirme vnto vs the vn­doubted truth of this doctrine, that circumstances are to bee re­garded in Gods seruice, and men must regarde the manner, as the matter in the true performance of the same.

Reason. 1 And great reason, for the Lord that hath commaunded the one, hath commanded the other, and we haue a commaundement for circumstance, as well as for sub­stance, and God lookes that his worke should be well performed, as performed.

Reason. 2 Secondly, Circumstances of actions may ouerthrowe an acti­on: Giue me children (saith Ra­chell) or else I die. A speech pro­ceeding from a Spirit very im­patient of delay. That notwith­standing, the desire it selfe was not vnlawfull, yet her manner spoyled the matter; and so in the [...]andling of the word of God, when men shall leaue the foun­ [...]aine, the pure word of life, and [...]tuffe their Sermons with philo­ [...]ophy, and the vaine fantacies of mans braine, and so in prayer, [Page 156] when men will seeme, to Drawe neere vnto God with their lipps, when their hearts are far from him. And to giue Almes pharisayical-like to bee seene of men, circum­stances make or marre all.

Reason. 3 Thirdly and lastely, God is a Spirit, and hee that will worship him, must worship him in Spirit and truth. It is not shewes and shaddowes that will serue his turne, make we neuer so glorious a shewe, if wee giue not the Lord our hearts, all is nothing worth. So then, whether wee consider, that God hath commaunded the manner, as the matter, that cir­cumstance of an action, may o­uerthrow an action, or that God beeing a Spirit must be worship­ped spiritually, we conclud y ^e cir­cumstancs in Gods seruice, must bee regarded of vs, that so holy [Page 157] duties may bee performed ho­lily.

Vse. 1 And surely this serues in the first place, to reproue such as stand vpon the worke-done, Forreprofe. not regarding any circumstance, or the manner of doing it. How many haue we in euery congre­gation, who thinke they can say inough for themselues, that they they haue beene at the Church vpon y ^e Sabboth, & if they haue offered their, there presence once or twise vpon that day, God [...]s much beholden vnto them, & [...]hey haue done inough, yea, as­much as any, or as the Lord doth require. And so if once or twice [...]t the most in the whole yeare, [...]hey partake of this Sacrament, what would we more? although (poore Soules) in the meane [...]ime they haue but offered the [Page 158] Sacrifice of Fooles, and the Lord one day will say vnto such, Who hath required these things at your hands? yet heerein they thinke they highly honour God, neuer regarding how or after what manner they come there­vnto.

Vse. 2 Seccondly, this may serue for our instruction, to teach vs to learne what circumstances are required in euery duty, For instru­ction. and how and after what manner wee should performe the same, both in publick and priuate, the hear­ing of the word, receiuing of this Sacrament, Prayer, Singing o [...] Psalmes, &c, that so performing them aright both for matter and manner, or at the least so indeuoring, wee may bring some glory vnto God, and peace and com­fort vnto our owne Soules, th [...] [Page 159] which we shal neuer doe, so long [...]s wee rest contented with the outward matter of Gods seruice: [...]nd looke not after the right [...]anner of our performing of [...]he same, but of this before.

And thus much for the Qua­ [...]fication, of the person that [...]ust communicate. Wee come [...]ow to the third and last cir­ [...]mstance, what hee must Eate, [...]d Drinke: Of this Bread: of this [...]up.

And so let him eate of this Bread, [...]d drinke of this Cup.

the handling of [...]is point we are to serue two things.

• 1. What it is to Eate and Drinke.
  3. Circum­stance What he must eate and Drink.
• 2. What we Eate and Drinke.

For the first, A two-fold eating. wee must know [...]t there is a two-fold Eating [...]nally, and Spiritually

The first is an outward par­taking of the outward signe of Bread & Wine carnally, 1 Carnally. which indeede a wicked man may doe which doth reape no benef [...] nor comfort thereby, as Iuda [...] did, and as all wicked and impenitent persons that liue in thei [...] sinnes, and want Faith, the han [...] of the Soule (whereby the tru [...] beleeuer doth lay hold vpo [...] Christ) doe at this day.

The second, is spirituall an [...] mysticall, 2 Spiritually. and that is by faith i [...] wardly to feede vppon the bod [...] and bloud of Christ. And [...] much importeth those words [...] our Sauiour. I am the bread of li [...] hee that commeth to mee shall ne [...] hunger. Ioh. 6.36. And hee that beleeue on me shall neuer thirst. And th [...] to feede on Christ, What it is to feede on Christ. is to belee [...] in Christ. And it is an action [Page 161] the Soule, when as wee doe by faith apply Iesus Christ his death and passion vnto our own soules in particular, beleeuing that hee dyed for our sinnes, Rom. 4. vlt. and rose againe for our iustification: According to that of Iohn: As many as receiued him, to them he gaue prerogatiue to [...]e the Sonnes of God, euen to them that beleeue on his name. So then, [...]o feed on Christ is to beleeue in Christ.

And indeede, To feed on Christ, and to beleeue in Christ all one. Christ attribu­eth the same fruite and effect to [...]hem that beleeue in him, that [...]e doth to them that eate his bo­ [...]y and drinke his bloud, to teach [...]s, that by eating and drinking, [...]e meaneth nothing but belee­ [...]ng. And to this end, to con­ [...]me vs heerein, compare these [...]criptures together▪ He that ea­ [...]th my flesh, and drinketh my bloud, Ioh. 6.54. [Page 162] hath eternall life. verse 40. And This is the will of my Father, that euery one that beleeueth in the Sonne, should haue eternall life, and I will rayse him vp at the last day. Where­by it appeares, how Christ doeth attribute that to belee­uing, hee doeth to eating and drinking.

And hence it is that vnder the Law, before Christ came in the flesh, it is sayde, that the Fathers did Eate the same spirituall meate, and drink the same spirituall drinke the Corinthians did, 1. Co.. 10.1.2. and other Christians that liued vnder the Gospell. And how could this be, but onely by faith, resting vpon the promises of Christs com­ming, that it was hee alone tha [...] should take away the sinnes o [...] the Worlde. Luk. 23.40 And thus did the beleeuing theef vpon the crosse [Page 163] [...]hough he did neuer receiue this [...]acrament, eate the body, and [...]rinke the bloud of Christ to e­ [...]rnall life.

Obiect. If to beleeue is to eate Christ, [...] what ende then serues the [...]se of the Sacraments in the Church?

Answ. They still retaine their vse, [...]d are most holy and excellent [...]rdinances of God, to be vsed of [...] for our benefit and comfort: [...]d serue, as for the begetting of [...]ith, and other the graces of [...]od in vs; so for the confir­ [...]ation and strengthening of the [...]me.

Now who hath that grace of [...]od so firme and perfect in him [...]ut stands in neede of helpe dai­ [...], and of the further confirma­ [...]on of the same. Loe this is one [...] y ^e most excellentest ordinance [Page 164] of God, that he hath sanctified to the same end, which in all ho­ly obedience wee are bound to vse, as a thing most necessary while we liue heere. So then, the poynt of Instruction is: That

Doct. 4 The faithfull onely feeede on Christ in this Sacrament, The faith­full onely feede on Christ in this Sacra­ment. As a man comming to a feast being hungry, is assured there to be re­freshed and strengthened, so the true beleeuer, that hungers and thirsts after righteousnesse, is sur [...] heere to be satisfied. And indeed [...] inasmuch as the fruite and benefit thereof doth appertaine vnto a spirituall and eternall life, wic­ked men cannot thus partake o [...] Christ in this Sacrament. The [...] wante a hand to lay holde o [...] Christ, a mouth to receiue Chris [...] a stomack to disgest Christ, a [...] can only ta [...] of the outward el [...] ments [Page 165] of Bread and Wine, to the preseruation of a temporall life: but can in no wise so partake of them, as they may serue for the strengthening of their soules vn­ [...]o eternall life. For heerein in­deed, is that true which the holy Ghost speakes of the word prea­ [...]hed: That it profited not, Heb. 4.2. because [...]t was not mixed with faith in them [...]hat heard it. So, euen so may it be [...]ayd of this Sacrament, that it [...]rofiteth not, because it is not [...]ixed with faith in them that [...]eceiue it. But this point was suf­ [...]ciently declared in that part of [...]he communicants examination [...]hich shewed the great necessity [...]f faith to the due receiuing of his Sacrament. The vses follow.

Vse. 1 Seeing then that the faithfull [...]nely feed on Christ, in this Sa­ [...]rament, wee may hence learne, [Page 166] that all men doe not receiue a­like: Some catch onely the Shaddowe, some lay holde vp­on the Substance: Some feede on Christ, others feede onely on the elements of Bread and Wine. Some are strengthened in the inward Man, and Christ doth dwell in their hearts by faith▪ Others againe haue but the bo­dy only refreshed, and their souls in the meane time, hunger-star [...] ­ued and ready to perish. Vnto some this Sacrament is a sauou [...] of Life vnto Life, vnto others the wofull sauour of Death vnto Death: and eating the same vn­worthily, eate and drinke Iudge­ment vnto themselues. And thi [...] is the condition of all such a [...] want faith.

Vse. 2 Secondly, seeing the faithful reape such benefite by the reue­rent [Page 167] vse of this sacrament, to feed on Christ, and to bee nourished vnto eternall life. Whereas wic­ked men that want faith, reap no fruit or benefite by it But on the contrary, this Sacrament is as poyson vnto them, and prooues the very bane of their Soules, so as they eat and drink their owne damnation.

This shewes what ought to be the care of euery godly Pastor [...]nd faithfull Minister, euen to [...]arre from so sacred an Ordi­ [...]ance, all such as shewe them­selues vnfaithfull, and impeni­ [...]ent, and in whose liues there ap [...]eares not the worke of Sancti­ [...]ication, all are not indifferent­ [...] alike to be admitted for that [...]ere to make y ^e Church of Christ [...] Stye of Swine: No, Holy things [...]e not to be giuen to Dogs. Mat. 7. A [Page 168] naked sword in the hand of a child or mad-man that cannot vse it. Let discipline haue her place, and wicked men as rotten members cut off, that so they may bee brought to the sight of their sinnes, and repentance for the same, that the rest may feare, and so be preserued in sound do­ctrine, and holinesse of life and conuersation.

Note.Oh, if Ministers would but consider of this, that in giuing of these Seales to any, they do thu [...] much, as if they should say vnto euery one whom they do admit; I as the Minister of Christ, and in hi [...] stead, do by these Seales assure thee that thou art the childe of God, [...] member of Christ, who is wholly thine, for thy eternall Saluation which to do to a lymb of Satha [...] how horrible a sinne were it.

And for this cause it is well pro­ [...]ided in our Church in this and, that the Minister must not onely examine such as hee ad­mitteth vnto the Lords Table, [...]ut also refuse such as he findeth [...]o bee ignorant, and can giue no [...]estimony of their faith, be out of charitie, or any other wayes [...]e notoriously wicked, and shew [...]o token of repentance. These [...]nd such like, euen by the order [...]f our Church ought to bee de­ [...]arred & not suffered to partake [...]f the Lords Supper. So y ^t, what Minister can admit such, but [...]ust incur Gods heauy displea [...]ure, abuse his Sacred ordinance, [...]reeue Gods faithfull people, [...]ncourage others in sin, & make [...]imself guiltie of other mens ini­ [...]uities, then the which, what can [...]e more fearefull.

Furthermore Ministers must know that this Sacrament is the Lords broade seale of eternall life. The keepers whereof are the Ministers of God. Now ther­fore as the Lord-keeper of the Kings broad seale is guiltie of of great offence, if not of treason it selfe, that should giue it with­out authoritie from his Maiestie: How much more haynous is that Ministers sinne, who shall giue the seale of Gods kingdome to such, as he is not able to iustifie it before God, that is fit for the same.

This I speake not as though I meant that any man can iudge of the heart, for that is proper to the Lord. Onely this I say, that God who hath made his Mini­sters keepers of his seale, hath plainely shewed to whome they [Page 171] must deliuer it, and hath put as it were a rule and measure into their hands to measure euery one by, that so they may know whom to allow, & whome to dis­allow.

Vse. 3 Thirdly and lastly, seeing that onely y ^e faithfull feede on Christ vnto eternall life, and that to be­ [...]eeue in Christ, is to eate Christ. This may minister matter of singuler comfort and consolati­on vnto the Godly, in time of [...]ryall, tribulation, Sicknesse and [...]ther aduersitie, to consider, [...]hat howsoeuer by sicknesse, per­ [...]ecution, imprisonment &c, they [...]ay bee kept from partaking of [...]is holy banquet, they cannot [...]e kept from partaking of Christ [...]y faith, and howsoeuer they [...]ay be seperated from the con­ [...]regation and societie of the [Page 172] faithful, yet they haue stil a secret and sweete fellowship & societie with Christ their head, who will accept of the will for the deede, and answer the desires of their Soules when they cannot come vnto his ordinance, with a graci­ous supply of his owne spirit.

Now as we haue heard what it is to eate Christ, viz. to beleeue in Christ, and that it is a priuiledg that belongs only vnto the faith­full so to doe.

So now we are to obserue our spirituall vnion, which by this meanes wee shall haue with Christ.

The Godly haue com­munion with Christ in this Sa­crament.For this word Eate and Drinke serues to set out vnto vs our Spi­rituall vnion and communion that we haue with Christ, being made now bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh. That as verily [Page 173] as wee see and feele our bodyes to bee nourished and fed by the outward elements. So, euen so vndoubtedly are our soules like­wise nourished & strengthened, by the body and bloud of Iesus Christ, applyed by Faith. So as y ^e true beleeuer becomes now as­sured that Christ Iesus with all the merits of his death and passi­on, becomes to be his righteous­nesse and obedience, and doth [...]ruly belong vnto him, seeing Christ is his. Euen as truly as Bread and Wine is turned into his substance, and becomes his, so Christ and his benefites becomes [...]is likewise. Christ in this Sacra­ment doth giue the true beleeuer a sure posses­sion of him­selfe. So that the Instruction Doct. 5 that doth arise hence to the [...]ndlesse comfort of euery true [...]eleeuer, is

That Christ Iesus in this Sa­ [...]rament of his Supper doth giue [Page 174] vnto the true beleeuer, a sure pos­session of himselfe. And heereby wee come to bee ingrafted into Christ, and to haue a spiritual be­ing in him.

So that as the spirituall eate­ing of Christ, consisteth in faith, by the which the true beleeuer doth truly partake of Christ, so doth it in a consequent and effect of faith, which is our spirituall vnion and coniunction we haue with Christ. And this the Apo­stle calleth a Great mistery. Speak­ing of Christ and his Church: Ephe. 5.32. for what vnion can be greater or stronger then that which is be­tweene the thing nourshing, and the thing nourished. The cup of blessing (saith Paul) which we blesse▪ is it not the communion of the bloud of Christ? 1 Cor. 10.16. And the bread which we breake, is it not the communion of [Page 175] the body of Christ? And the Bread and wine, are not onely pleadges of what shall bee bestowed vpon [...]s, but effectuall meanes to con­ [...]erre & exhibite the things pro­mised vnto vs. Yet what can be [...]earer vnto vs then our Meate [...]nd Drinke. Wee can haue no [...]reater interest into any thing [...]hen in our foode, for that is part [...]f our selues, and turnes into our [...]ery substance, and there is no [...]e member of the body, but [...]ceiues life and strength from [...] what then can more liuely ex­ [...]resse this vnion and coniuncti­ [...]n, y ^t wee haue with Christ, then [...]read and Wine, in this Sacra­ [...]ent doth.

[...] am not ignorant, how the spi­ [...] of God in the Scripture, doth [...]der diuers similitudes, labour [...] set out this our vnion and [Page 176] coniunction with Christ, as by the Similitude of a Marriage, the strongest coniunction tha [...] can be betwixt any. By a build­ing, whereof Christ is the foun­dation. By a tree, whereof Chri [...] is the Roote, wee the branches: Nay more, which is strange, the [...] is scarce two things in nature come to bee made one: But th [...] spirit of God in some one plac [...] or other doth borrowe a compa­rison from the same, to expres [...] our vnion and communion tha [...] wee haue with Christ. But amongst al other things none ca [...] more liuely set out the same vnt [...] vs, then this Sacrament doth where Christ doth in a most liuely manner communicate himselfe vnto the true beleeuer. [...] the which, he comes to be tran [...] formed, and trans-changed int [...] [Page 179] into the Godly Nature, 2. Pet. 1.4. making vs one with himselfe.

Obiect. But Christ is in heauen, and we are vpon earth, how then can [...]t bee that wee are vnited vnto him?

Answ. I answere, that though Christ [...]e in heauen, and we on earth, [...]o distance of place can hinder his vnion, inasmuch as it is spi­ [...]ituall, and so hath Christ promi­ [...]ed to be present with hi [...] church [...]nto the end of the world, Ioh. 14. spiri­ [...]ally. We may see this to bee [...]eare, by the members of Christs [...]ysticall body, howsoeuer they [...]e scattered and dispersed tho­ [...]wout the whol earth, and haue [...]uer seene each other, yet are [...]otwithstanding knit together [...] the bond of one spirit into an [...]ly Communion, Note. and haue in [...]em a fellow feeling of the mi­series [Page 180] one of another.

Then why should wee doubt but that the head and members of this mysticall body, are also one by the same spirite, though Christ be in heauen, and wee vp­on earth. There needes not any corporall presence for the effe­cting of this vnion, his spirite is sufficient while we abide heere, which is giuen to all that truely beleeue.

Now from this ground of a Christian mans vnion with Chris [...] there proceedes many comforts.

Comforts arising from our vnion with Christ First then, seeing we are vnite [...] vnto Christ, and made one wit [...] him, heere-hence ariseth a not [...] ble comfort; That the Lord Iesus Christ, 1 Comfort. who sanctified o [...] Nature, that hee might assum [...] it, hee will also sanctifie vs, i [...] [Page 181] asmuch as hee hath vnited vs vnto himselfe. It is not so leaft vnto vs to doe, as that the Lord Iesus Christ will bee a meere patient, but hee hath ta­ken it into his owne hand to per­fourme. Moses may marry an AEthiopian, but hee cannot change her colour: but the Lord Iesus Christ shall make to himselfe a glorious Church, Eph. 5.27. not hauing spot nor wrinkle. And from him shal we haue such a garment as shall couer all our nakednesse from Gods sight, Euen Christ our righteousnesse, who being vnited vnto vs, and we vnto him, shal co­uer vs therwith. For, shall the wo­man in the Gospell but touch Christs garment, & be cured, and [...]hal we be incorporated into his body, Mat. 9.20. and made one with him, and not haue the running sores of [Page 182] our corruptions stayd, and more and more solued in vs, by the worke of Gods Spirite that is in vs.

2 Comfort.Secondly, we haue by our vni­on with Christ, a communion of estates; for being vnited vnto him, he must needes be touched with compassion of our infirmi­ties. This is clearely to be seene in a naturall body, as the Apostle witnesseth: 1. Cor. 12.16. If one member suffer, all suffer with it. The foote can­not be payned, but the head is af­fected with it; one finger cannot ake, but al the body suffers payn. Euen so it fares in this mysticall body: He that toucheth you, touch the apple of mine eye. Zach. 2.8. There being a most sweete and secret sympa­thy betwixt Christ and his mem­bers, so as to persecute them, is to persecute him, Act. 9.4. Mat. 25.40. he still partaking [Page 183] with them in their weale or woe; a sweete comfort.

Thirdly, we haue by vertue of this vnion and coniunction with Christ, 3 Comfort. a most certaine assurance of the resurrection of these our bodies to life eternal, for so saith the Apostle; Rom. 8.11. If the spirite of him that raysed vp Iesus from the dead dwel in you, he that raysed vp Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortall bodies, by his Spirite that dwelleth in you. And this is like­wise confirmed by that of our Sauiour, where he sayth; Ioh. 6.33.54.58. Whosoe­uer eateth my flesh, and drinketh my [...]loud, hath eternall life, and I will [...]ayse him vp at the last day. What [...]hough these bodies of ours, for [...] time doe tast corruption, they [...]hall not perish in corruption. Trees, and plants of the earth in [...]he winter season, appeare like [Page 184] dead trees, without leaues or fruite, but in the Spring time they budde, blossome, and bring forth. And the reason is, be­cause of that vnion and con­iunction which they haue with the roote, where lies the Sappe all the Winter season. Euen so, by vertue of our vnion and coniunction we haue with Christ, these decayd bodies of ours shall one day rise againe, and that to life eternall, where we shall euer enioy the Lord.

And last of all, this our vni­on with Christ, 4 Comfort. vvhat doeth it but assure vs of the grace of perseuerance, that we shall holde out firme and constant vnto the ende, so as the gates of hell shall neuer preuaile against vs. And the reason is cleare: Mat 16.16. Rom. 11.18 VVee beare not the Roote, the Roote beareth [Page 185] vs. VVee are fast knit vnto him that is the Lorde of Life. Wee are built vpon a sure foun­dation, Ephes. 2.20 Christ himselfe beeing the chiefe Corner stone. And Because I am not changed, there­fore yee are not consumed, Oh yee Sons of Iacob. And surely in time of temptation, this is a sure stay vnto Gods people, to consider the manifold priuiledges that follow such as are vnited vnto Christ. Now the vse in a word.

Vse. Seeing the godly are thus knit vnto Christ, and haue such an v­nion and coniunction with him, it shews, as the happy and blessed estate of all those that are thus v­nited vnto Christ, in regarde of their manifold priuiledges they enioy by him: So the miserable estate and condition of such as are left in their olde sinnes, as [Page 186] wild Oliues, not plucked vp, and planted into the stocke Christ: Their nature is not change, Christ partakes not with them in their sufferings, but the same is inflicted as a iudgment of God vpon them. Little comfort can such haue in their life, whose hope and glory is but vaine, and dyeth with them, if not before them: Lesse comfort in death, inasmuch as Iudgement doeth follow, Heb. 9.27. and they are then to giue vp their account vnto God. Poore soules, if such onely bee happy and blessed, who haue the Lord for their God, and are thus knit vnto him, oh, where shal the vngodly and sinner appeare, that are solyable vnto al miseries, cros­ses, and curses in this life, & here­after to bee separated for euer from his glorious presence: But [Page 187] of this before.

And thus much for y ^e first cir­cumstance, what it is to Eate, and what to Drinke. The second, fol­ [...]oweth, and that is what we eate, [...]nd what we drinke.

Of this Bread: Of this Cup.

It is Bread then that we eate, 2 Circum­stance what it is that we Eate and Drinke. [...]nd it is Wine that wee drinke, [...]wo of y ^e most excellent creatures [...]hat God ordained for the vse [...] comfort of mans life, the one, [...] strengthen mans heart. The o­ [...]er, to glad mans heart. For vse [...]nd comfort, what would wee [...]aue more, and therefore of all [...]her creatures the fittest for [...]ch an holy vse. Teaching vs [...]us much.

Doct. 6 That the true beleeuer that [...]rtakes of Christ, Christ euery way a suffi­cient Saui­our vnto the elect. as euery true [...]leeuer doth in this Sacrament, shall find him euery way a suf­ficient [Page 188] Sauiour, whatsoeuer our wants are, wee shall here finde a Supply made vnto them all; for the weake; here is Bread to streng­then them. For the sorrowfull here is Wine to comfort them, And thus doth the Lord by his prophet Esay make a free and a large profer of his heauenly graces vnto his Church, yea such good things as shall make a Sup­ply vnto all our wants. H [...]e euery one that thirsteth, Esay. 55.1. come ye vnto the waters: And ye that haue no sil­uer come buy and eate, come I say, buy Wine and Milke without money &c. Whereby Wine and Milke &c. are to bee vnderstood the graces of Gods spirit, yea such good things as wil fit euery man [...] turne, according to their seuerall necessities. Some haue Sorrow­full hearts, for such he hath wine [Page 189] to comfort them. Some are Babes, for such hee hath Milke to nou­rish them. Others are feeble [...]nd weake, for such hee hath Bread to strengthen them, [...]thers are grown Christians and [...]espect their pleasure, and vnto [...]hem hee hath Let your Soule de­ [...]ght in fatnesse. So y ^t Christ is all [...] all vnto all, Col. 1.19. for so saith the A­ [...]ostle, It pleased the Father, that in [...]m should all fulnesse dwell. And [...]his fulnesse wee all receiue grace [...]r grace. Mat. 1.21. Hee is Iesus a Sauiour [...]d shall saue his people from their [...]nes. Hee is the way, the truth, 1. Cor. 10.3.4. [...]d the life, and there is saluation [...] none other. Say wee then [...]th the Apostle, Lord whether [...]ll we goe? thou hast the words of [...]rnall life. It shall little auaile to goe to Saints or Angels, or the Virgin Mary, to procure [Page 190] a pardon from the Pope, indul­gence &c. in asmuch as for al our wants, of what nature soeuer, here we may haue supply.

The reasons followes.

Reason. 1 For first, the Lord Iesus Christ he hath satisfied the law fully in the rigor thereof, & by his death hath remoued the curse: euen that iudgement, that was due for sinne. As also by his obedience merited our peace and procured the blessing. So that now we may safely reason with the Apostle▪ If when we were enemies wee were reconciled vnto God by the death o [...] his Sonne: Rom. 5.10. how much more being re­conciled, we shall be saued by his life The reason is cleare.

Reason. 2 Secondly, God the Father i [...] he that was offended with man­kinde, for his disobedience, and he it is, y ^t threatneth the curse an [...] [Page 191] [...]flicteth the punishment, now [...]ath not he appoynted his own [...]onne to bee our peace-maker? [...] worke-mans reconciliation? [...]nd to make Attonment for vs? [...]ow then can he but be pleased [...]ith his owne sacrifice, and ac­ [...]ept of the obedience of Christ: [...]nasmuch as he appoynted him [...] suffer for the same end.

Reason. 3 Thirdly, the infinit power [...]at is in Christ Iesus, and the [...]onderfull validitie that is in his [...]bedience and sufferings, doth [...]eare this truth, and to the end­ [...]sse comfort of euery christian [...]ule may settle our iudgements, [...]d comfort our consciences, [...]at Christ is euery way a suffici­ [...]t Sauiour vnto the true belee­ [...]r, that As by ones mans disobedi­ [...]ce many became sinners, euen so, Rom. 5.19. [...] the obedience of one, many be made [Page 192] righteous. The meanes that Christ hath vsed, being more forceable to repaire our breaches, and to set vs at libertie, then Adams si [...] could be to procure our misery, and to keepe vs in bondage.

Reason. 4 And vnto all that hath bee [...] said, may be added the wonderfull loue of Iesus Christ toward his Church and people, who a [...] hee is a Prince of wonderful [...] riches, power and glory, bein [...] the Soueraigne Lord of al thing [...] and hath in his power and po [...] session great varitie of all goo [...] things. So is hee ready and wi [...] ling to communicate the sam [...] vnto others, calling vpon men [...] come, and to Eate, and to Refre [...] themselues with good things. An [...] who can doubt of this, that he [...] that was so willing to lay down [...] his life a ransome for vs, when w [...] [Page 193] were his enemies, can deny vs any good thing, inasmuch as we are now reconciled vnto him. Oh no, the Lord is very bounti­full and needes not to be sparing as man in his gifts, in asmuch as in him lie hid all the treasures of life and of happinesse.

Vse. 1 This serues, to refute that hor­rible doctrine and practice of [...]he Church of Rome, that leaue [...]he fountaine, & dig vnto them­selues cisternes that can holde [...]o water. I meane which leaue [...]esus Christ, in whome all the [...]reasures of happinesse are hid [...]nd through whose sufferings a­ [...]one we come to haue life, and [...]o relye vppon the merits of [...]aints and Angels, and so patch [...]nd peece out their owne merits [...]ith others, denying the free iu­ [...]ification of a sinner by Christ [Page 194] alone, a Doctrine; then the which, what can bee more dero­gatory to the bloud of Christ, when men shall mingle heauen and earth together, the merits of fraile men, with the al-sufficient sufferings of Iesus Christ.

Vse. 2 Secondly, this may minister matter of singuler ioy and con­solation vnto the Godly; tha [...] Christ is euery way a sufficien [...] [...]au iour. Whatsoeuer then ou [...] wants and necessities are: Le [...] Christ be our refuge, and to him let vs goe, heere wee may hau [...] supply made vnto them all Christ is a gracious helpe an [...] remedy vnto all afflicted con­sciences, hee hath promised t [...] satisfie the hungry, and to refres [...] the thirstie soule, yea hee will fi [...] vs with all good things, an [...] neuer send vs away emptie.

Doct. 7 Note further heere, that the true Communicant is not onely to Eate, but to Eate and Drinke▪ Christ deliuered both these signes, not onely the Bread, but the Wine also vnto the Disciples. So that the instruction is, That both kinds by the Minister are to be deliuered, Communi­cants are to partake of both kinds. and both kindes by the Communicant are to bee re­ceiued: not Bread onely, nor Wine onely, but Bread and Wine.

And great Reason.

Reason. 1 For first, it is Christs com­mandement that wee should doe [...]o. After a man hath examined [...]imselfe, he is inioyned To Eate [...]f this Bread, and Drink of this Cup. Luk. 22.19. 1. Cor. 11.24. Luk. 22.20. Ioh. 6.54. And often are these words vsed [...]y Christ; Take, eate, this is my bo­ [...]y, which is giuen for you, and [...]hich is broken for you. And so for [Page 196] the Wine, Drinke ye all of this: and This is my bloud which is shed for you. This then being Christs commaundement, and his owne ordinance, doeth bind all to this duety.

Reason. 2 Secondly, the true communi­cant ought to partake of both signes, and communicate vnder both kinds, in regard that Christs bloud was indifferently shed for all the faithfull; for the Layetie aswell as the Clergie, and All are commaunded to shewe foorth Christs death vntil he come, and how shall this bee done, but by eating of the Bread, & drinking of the Wine: for so sayth the A­postle; 1. Cor 11.26. As often a [...] yee shall eate o [...] this Bread, and drinke of this Cup ye shew the Lords death till he come▪ And againe, of the Wine, Chris [...] sayth thus; This is my body, whic [...] [Page 197] is shed for you, and for many, for the remission of sins. Mat. 26.28. Why then should the bloud of Christ, or the Cup, which doth represent the same vnto vs, bee denied them vnto whom Christ hath giuen it. If [...]hey haue part in Christs death, which is the thing signified, why [...]hen not in the Signe and Seale [...]hereof?

Reason. 3 Thirdly, to receiue this Sacra­ment vnder one kind, is to make [...]he condition of Christians vn­ [...]er the Gospell, inferiour to the [...]state of the people of Israell vn­ [...]er the Law: For what sayth the [...]postle; 1. Cor. 10.4 They did all drink of that [...]iritual Rocke that followed them, [...]d that Rocke was Christ. But [...]at were absurd, to make the [...]ndition of such that liued vn­ [...]er the shadow, to excel the con­ [...]tion of such as liue vnder, and [Page 198] enioy the substance, no, no, the Lord doth more highly honour his Church vnder the Gospell, then so to keepe them back from any priuiledge they enioyed vn­der the Law.

Vse 1 This doth shew how sacrilegi­ously the Church of Rome doth deale with the people, who will not suffer them to partake of this Sacrament in both kindes, but depriue them altogether of the Cup, separating those thinge [...] which God hath ioyned toge­ther, and so bereaue the poore people of GOD of the sweet [...] comfort of this Sacrament, ma­king them but a dry feast only o [...] Bread, whereas Christ hath insti­tuted and appointed Wine aswe [...] as Bread, to be vsed in this Sacrament, of all such as come prepared thereunto.

Now if any should aske, Why Bread and Wine. why Christ should make choyce of Bread and Wine, rather then a­ny other creature, to represent his death and passion in this Sa­crament.

I answer, because it is his will: and if there were no other rea­son to be assigned, this were suf­ficient, and with this we ought [...]o rest contented, it is his plea­sure, it is his will. As it is sayde [...]oncerning the preaching of the Gospell: 1. Cor. 1.21 It pleased God by the foo­ [...]shnesse of preaching, to saue them [...]hat beleeue.

Yet there may bee other rea­ [...]ons giuen, wherefore Christ in [...] speciall manner might make [...]hoyce of these signes in this Sa­ [...]rament.

Because Bread is the most ordi­ [...]ary food of the body, and ther­fore [Page 200] called the Staffe of mans life, So is Christ the foode of the soul, by the which we are nouri­shed vnto eternall life: Howbeit these elements doe but in part shadow out the same, the one be­ing earthly, the other heauenly, the one seruing but to preserue a temporall life, and that but for a time: the other tending to the preseruation of a spirituall life, and that for euer.

And heerein indeed do these signes make wonderfully for Gods glory, in that hee shoulde make choyce of such weake meanes, that so his glory might appeare. If we had bin to receiue [...] any other signes, or things of a [...] higher nature, we should haue been ready to haue pored so vp­on the shadow, as that we should haue lost the substance, and ou [...] [Page 201] senses woulde haue beene more wrought vpon then our heartes, which the Lord in his wisedome hath preuented, in giuing vs these signes of Bread and Wine.

Of this Bread: Of this Cup.

Doct. 8 Last of all, obserue heere that if Christ took, gaue, Bread and Wine retain still their natures. and deliuered Bread and Wine, then they must needes retaine their former na­tures, and their former proper substance, and still remaine the same elementes, euen after the words of consecration. Against the doctrine of the Church of Rome, which holde, that after the words of consecration, there remaineth no Bread at all, but that it is transubstantiated into the very body & bloud of Christ, a meer fable and fantasie, against all diuinity, philosophy, reason, sense, and experience.

1 Reasons a­gainst tran­substantiati­on.First, it doth ouerthrow the ve­ry nature of a Sacrament, which consisteth of two partes: an out­ward signe, & an invisible grace. Now then, if after the wordes of consecration, the Bread & Wine were transubstantiated into the very body and bloud of Christ, then the signe must needes bee taken away, and the element o­uerthrowne.

2 Secondly, the Lord leads vs to the spirituall vse of this Sacra­ment by sense, thus: that as the substance of the bread and wine receiued, strengtheneth and com­forteth the body, euen so Christ receiued by faith, Ioh. 6.33. doeth nourish and strengthen the soule. Now then, to take away the naturall vse of this sacrament, wherin can our faith be cōfirmed & strengthened, which euer relies vpon this [Page 203] in the vse of this Sacrament that as the bread and wine serueth to nourish and feede our bodies, so doth Christ Iesus and the merits of his death & passion feede our soules, so that while they take a­way the substance of bread and wine in this Sacrament, the very nature and spirituall vse of the Sacrament is taken away with it.

3 Thirdly, wee now that liue [...]nder the Gospell receiue the same in substance, which our [...]ore-fathers did vnder the Lawe. But the Manna they eate off, and [...]he Spirituall Rock they dranke [...]f, 1. Cor. 10.1 was not Christs body and [...]loud corporally, because hee [...]as not then come in the flesh, [...]either had he taken our nature [...]pon him. Therefore it was by [...]ith that they fed on Christ vn­ [...]er the law. Neither is there any [Page 204] other feeding on Christ vnder the Gospell.

4 Fourthly, if the bread & wine should so miraculously be turned into the very body and bloud o [...] Christ, how could it bee, that i [...] should not appeare vnto the out­ward senses? for our senses still apprehend the same to bee Bread and Wine. The eye seeth it, the taste deserneth it, to bee Bread and not flesh, to bee Win [...] and not bloud. And therefor [...] that doctrine of transubstantiation is most false and absurd.

I might hereunto adde diue [...] reasons of this nature: As namely if that should be granted the [...] mayntaine, what absurditie [...] would follow it. As Hypocrite [...] shoulde then eate the flesh o [...] Christ, and so be saued, inasmuc [...] [Page 204] as Christ hath said. Hee that eat­eth my flesh, and drinketh my bloud, Ioh. 6.15.54. hath eternall life.

Besides, what canibals would they make of christians, to feede vpon mans flesh, which nature it selfe doth abhorre.

And to make a naturall body [...]n diuers places at one time, which cannot be.

Vse. And last of all, as this doctrine serueth to confute our aduersa­ries the Papists, that hold there [...]s no bread at all in the Lord Sup­per. So it maketh no lesse against such as conceiue there is nothing [...]ut bread to bee expected there, [...]nd this is, the condition of many thousands, that come [...]hereunto. They are not able to [...]o discerne of the Lords body: [...]oore Soules, they want the eye [...]f faith, and this must be spiritu­ally [Page 206] discerned. Whereas the true beleeuer, beholds the Lord truly although not corporally to offer vnto him Iesus Christ, with al the precious merits of his death and obedience▪ vnto his endelesse comfort, though naturall men neither see nor feele it, inasmuch as they being not able to dis­cerne of the Lords body, come vn­to this Supper as to their ap­poynted and ordinary foode.

And thus much for the Apo­stles precept or commandement▪ Let a man therefore exam, &c.

Let vs pray.

IN the former verse wee haue heard the Apo­stles precept, that euery one ought [...] Examine himselfe before hee [...]ome to the Lords Table: and [Page 208] partake of these holy Mysteries. Wee haue heard the necessitie of that duty. The subiect of it, a mans selfe. And the duty it selfe, examination. And wherein the same doth consist.

Wee are now to speake of the second generall part of the text, and that is the reason the holy Ghost doth heere lay downe to inforce the dutie: and the Rea­son, is taken from the great hurt and daunger which for want of this Examination is like to ensue: layd downe in these words, For hee that eateth and drinketh vnwor­thily, eateth and drinketh his owne Damnation.

That is by eateing and drink­ing these holy mysteries vnwor­thily, that is vnprepared and vn­reuerently, they doe thereby pro­uoke the Lord to plague and [Page 209] [...]unish them with some iudge­ [...]ent or other in this life, to [...]ring them to the sight of their [...]innes, and to repentance for the [...]ame: if not, then with condem­ [...]ation in the life to come.

[...]nd in handling of [...]is reason, we will [...]bserue this order [...] speake

• 1. Of the persons.
• 2. Of the punishment
• 3. Of the cause of their punishment.

Of vnworthy receiuers, Two sorts of vnworthy receiuers. there [...]e two sorts, one pertaining to [...]ods couenant, the other not: [...]e one, the godly who thorow [...]egligence and carelesnesse, may [...]me to to this Sacrament vn­ [...]ted and vnprepared, without [...]at reuerence and due respect [...]ey ought to shewe vnto such [...]cellent mysteries. The other, [...]icked and profane, that want [...]ith, and so come in their sins, [Page 210] ignorance, blindenesse, malice &c. vnto whome this ordinance of God is a sauour of death vnto death.

And Two sorts of punish­ment.And as the persons do differ so doe their punishments, the godly if they come vnprepared vnto this ordinance, withou [...] that godly examination and preparation they ought to mak [...] thereunto, the Lord wil not pass [...] by that sinne of theirs, but he will bee sure to chastise them so the same, they eate and drinke iudgement vnto themselues bu [...] what iudgement [...] [...]fflictioni [...] iudgement of affliction, that is such stir vp the Lord to wrath, as this Church of Corin [...] did. For whose vnreuerent pa [...] taking of this holy ordinanc [...] the Apostle saith in the ver [...] following, that many were wea [...] [Page 211] sicke and some of them taken away by death.

But as for the punishment of wicked and vngodly men, it is certaine that such vnworthy re­ceiuers, eate and drinke [...] condemnation, iudgement of eter­nall condemnation vnto them­selues, that is by that their vnre­uerent and vnworthy receiuing of this so holy an ordinance, they sinne highly against God, which sinne of theirs, shall bee punished with no lesse punish­ment then with eternall con­demnation.

Before I enter into these par­ [...]iculers, I will propound one in­ [...]truction from the scope of the holy Ghost in this text, and that [...]. Seeing the Apostle hath be­ [...]ore exhorted vnto that christian [...]uty of godly examination and [Page 212] preparation, that euery christian ought to make before hee come to partake of this holy ordi­nance, and now vseth such a rea­son to inforce the duety, as is ta­ken from Gods Iustice and Iudg­ments, which for want thereof, hee will execute and inflict vpon them.

Doct. 2 We learne, that the considera­tion of Gods iudgements should make men performe holy duties in an holy manner: The consi­deration of Gods iudg­ments shold make men perfourme holy duties holily. And hence it is, that it is very vsuall with the Lord by his seruants, when hee hath exhorted vnto any one holy duety, to annexe vnto the same some forcible reason to perswade therevnto. This is cleare by the practice of Almighty God him­selfe with our first parents, A­dam and Euah, Gen. 2.18. who hauing giuen them but one Commandement [Page 213] to obserue, hee vseth a reason to bind vnto obedience, and that is taken from Gods Iustice: The day thou eatest therof, thou shalt die the death. And thus doeth Almighty God deale with Cain, Gen. 4. one of the Sonnes of Adam, per­swading him first to wel-doing, to breake off his sinne by repen­tance, euen that malice hee had conceiued against his innocent Brother: But if that woulde not serue, the Lord addes one reason more, and that is taken from Gods iustice and vengeance, which otherwise will bee sure to follow: If thou do ill, sinne lyeth at [...]hy doore. And this is that one [...]y Reason that Moses doeth [...]se vnto the people of Israell; That they should hearken vnto [...]he voice of the Lord their God, which if they would, it shoulde [Page 214] then goe well with them, and with their children after them: If not, what then? It shall come to passe, Deu. 28.15 16.17. &c. if thou wilt not hearken vnto the voyce of the Lord thy God, to ob­serue and to doe all his commaunde­ments, and his statutes which I com­mand thee this day; that all these curses shal come vpon thee, and ouer­take thee: Cursed shalt thou bee in the Citie, and cursed shalt thou be in the field: Cursed shall be thy basket and thy store, &c.

And this is the order that Da­uid vseth in his exhortation vnto Salomon: And thou Salomon my Sonne, 2. Cro. 28.9 know thou the God of thy fa­thers, and serue him with a perfect heart, and with a willing minde. And he adds a reason to inforce his exhortation, and that is taken from Gods Iustice: If thou forsake him, hee will forsake thee, and cast [Page 215] thee off for euer. And what thing else did our Sauiour intende, when hee bade Remember Lots wife: Luk. 17.32. but to mooue all men to consider her sinne, and her pu­nishment, that so fearing the one, we might learne to take heed of the other. And why doeth the Spirit of God in the Scriptures, lay down so many examples be­fore vs of Gods iustice and ven­geance vppon the Angels which [...]ept not their first estate: 1. Cor. 10.6 11. 2. Pet. 2.4. Iude 6. Pro. 14.16. Vpon [...]he worlde of vngodly men, In [...]he dayes of Noah: Vpon the Cit­ [...]ies of Sodome and Gomorrah, tur­ [...]ing them into ashes: but to this [...]nd, that all men might feare. And this is the reason why the [...]postle heere doeth propounde [...]he iudgements of God vpon the [...]orinths, for that their vnreue­ [...]nt receiuing of this sacrament, [Page 216] to this ende, that all men that heare of the same might learne to feare, and to come more reue­rently and prepared there-vnto. And great reason, that the consi­deration of Gods iudgements shoulde worke this effect in vs: For

Reason. 1 First, because of the certainety of Gods iudgements and venge­ance, which otherwise will not be auoyded. The Lord is euer the same God, iust, & righteous, vnchangeable in iudgment, and the same sinnes doe euer procure the same iudgements. Did the Lord strike the Corinths, some with feeblenesse, some with sick­nesse, and some with death, be­cause of their vnworthy recei­uing of this Sacrament, and shall wee thinke to escape? It can­not be: Their iudgements must [Page 217] we lay to heart and be warned by them

Reason. 2 Secondly, the consideration of Gods iudgments should make vs come prepared vnto this or­dinance, because they are insuf­ferable and intollerable. Heb. 12. vlt. Our God is a consuming fire. If man will not turne, he wil whet his sword, and make ready his bow, and the sinner shall not escape. This is cleared by the Author of the Epistle to the Hebrewes, where he sayth, Heb. 10.28 29. that If he that despised Moses Law, dyed without mercy, vnder two or three witnesses, Of how much sorer punishment shall he be worthy, which treadeth vnder foote the Sonne of God: counteth the Bloud of the Newe Testament as an vnholy thing: and so despites the spirit of grace.

Where hee shewes, that Gods [Page 218] iudgements must needes be hea­uie vpon such as abuse this ho­ly ordinance, by comparing their sinne with those that despi­sed Moses Law.

Vse. 1 And surely this may serue to discouer the wonderful hardnes of their hearts, For reprofe. that are no whit mooued with Gods iudgements vpon others, nor those fearefull threatenings that are dayly de­nounced against themselues, no­thing can terrifie them from sin­ning. It fareth with such, as with the Sonnes in law of Lot, when Lot spake vnto them, he seemed vnto them as if he had mocked. They are ready still to skinne ouer the deadly woundes of their Soules with peace, peace, and secure themselues against the iudgment to come. Poore soules, their damnation doth not sleepe, the [Page 219] Lord will one day visit for these things, and pay, and repay tribu­ [...]ation, anguish, and sorrow vpon [...]hem, when hee shall come to make good his threatnings, and [...]ccomplish his iudgements vp­on them, which will prooue so much the more intollerable, by [...]ow much the lesse they euer [...]eared them.

Vse. 2 Secondly, this may serue to [...]dmonish vs all in the feare of God, For instru­ction. that we doe not lightly e­ [...]eeme of Gods iudgements, ei­ [...]her executed vpon others, or [...]hreatened against our selues: [...]ut make this vse of them, that [...]hey may inforce vs vnto good [...]ueties, and binde vs vnto obe­ [...]ence.

I confesse that this ought [...]ot to be the principall motiue [...]to vs therein: in asmuch as the [Page 220] loue of God shoulde constraine vs, and our obedience should be free and willing, and not wroung out from vs euen as the seruice of a louing and dutifull childe the Loue of whose Father vnto him, makes him most carefull to obey, and most fearefull to of­fend. Yet let the thoughts o [...] his iudgements haue place in vs likewise, that so wee may learne to feare him with Dauid. My flesh trembleth for feare of thee: and I am afraide of thy iudgements, and to obey him and to walke humbly before him in all holy obedience, in asmuch as he is a God so fearefull and terrible, iust in hi [...] iudgements, and true in his word.

Men naturally are afraide o [...] water, Fire, Rauenous beasts, &c oh let vs learne to feare our God [Page 221] who is a consuming fire. And will be sure to punish sinne, Heb. 12. and take vengeance vpon the impenitent.

And what though the Lord do not presently punish vs haue­ing offended, shal we say with the wicked, Tush God careth not for it. Or is their any knowledge with the most high? oh no, let that be farre, from vs, but know that it is his mercy to bring vs to repentance. Which effect, if the Lords pati­ence and long-suffering towards vs, worke not in vs, his iudge­ments when they come will bee so much the more fearefull.

Hauing now handled the do­ctrine in generall, from the scope of the holy Ghost in the whole verse, we come now to the parts of it. And first for the persons.

1 The godly themselues may some­times bee saide to eate and Drinke vnworthily.There are of the godly them­selues, as well as wicked men that may bee said to eate and drinke vnworthily. When they shall come and partake of this holy ordinance of almightie God, without that godly exami­nation & christian preparation they ought to make thereunto. Neither may this seeme strange, that euen the godly themselues, may eate and drinke vnworthily, in asmuch as they are not at all times alike, carefull to fit them­selues and to prepare themselues vnto this duty; But either the world & the businesses of the same, hath so taken vp their af­fections, and their most precious time, when this preparation ought to bee made: or else some secret sloath and drowsinesse, hath crept into them, that they [Page 223] haue omitted the same. It was the case of this Church of Corinth, albeit Gods people, that many amongst them had their failings herein, Verse. 30. for which sinne of theirs, the Lord did not spare to punish them, with diuers and sundry temporall iudgments.

Now as the child of God may eate and drinke vnworthily, so it followes, that such must needes eate and drinke iudgement vnto [...]hemselues. Howbeit as I said be­ [...]ore, iudgement of affliction. Not [...]udgement of condemnation, for [...]here is no condemnation to them [...]hat are in Christ Iesus. Rom. 8.1. And so [...]ndeede the word [...] doth [...]ignifie not properly condemna­ [...]ion, but iudgement of afflicti­ [...]n, and so is the same word vsed [...] diuers places of Scripture, as [...]at of Peter, Iudgement must be­gin [Page 224] at the house of God. 1. Pet. 4.17. That is, punishment and correction must begin with his owne children, and so our Apostle expounds the same in the verses following. For this cause, many are sick amongst you: and many weake, and some are fallen a sleepe. And he addeth further, that wee are Iudged of the Lord. That is punished and corrected, That wee should not be condemned with the world. So y ^t it is not pro­perly to bee vnderstood, as our common translation reads it of e­ternall condemnation, that Gods children might eate and drinke, so vnworthily, but rather of tem­porall punishment and correcti­on.

Now then, seeing that the godly themselues may thus eate and drinke vnworthily, and for that sinne of theirs may prouoke the [Page 225] [...]he Lord to correct them with [...]emporall chaistsements and cor­ [...]ections as we haue heard. Wee [...]earne heere-hence, this instructi­on.

Doct. 2 That many are punished tem­ [...]orally that are not condemned [...]ternally. Many are punished temporally that are not condemned eternally. The Lord would not [...]uffer this sinne in these beleeue­ [...]ng Corinthians to escape vnpu­ [...]ished, but layd sundry sharpe [...]orrections vppon them, Verse 31. yet in [...]e midst of iudgment, the Lord [...]ough vpon mercy, they were [...]dged, (that is corrected) of the [...]ord. Num. 27.12.13.14. That they might not be con­ [...]mned with the world. And thus [...]d the Lord deale with Moses [...]d Aaron; inasmch as they had [...]ouoked the Lord to wrath, the [...]ord woulde not suffer them to [...]ter into y ^e land of Canaan. The [...]e may bee said of Vzza: that [Page 216] staid vp the Arke, 2. Sam. 6.7. who hauing no calling of the Lord thereunto was stricken of the Lord. And Iosiah who albeit hee was a good King, and serued the Lord from his youth, yet the Lord gaue him into the hands of Pharaoh Necho, 2. Reg. 23.29. King of Egypt, who pu [...] him vnto a violent death.

Num. 11.33.The history of the Israelits in their iournying towards Canaan For whose sinne of murmuring the Lord did smite them wit [...] exceeding great plagues, Psal. 90. eue [...] iudgement vpon iudgement, vntill he had almost consumed th [...] greatest part of them: doth mak [...] this cleare. The like may be [...] saide of Manasses Iehosophat, H [...] zechiah and the like. All whic [...] testimonies as a cloude of wi [...] nesses, they all serue to confirm [...] our iudgements in the vndoub [...] ted [Page 227] truth of this doctrine: That many haue beene punished tem­porally, that haue not perished e­uerlastingly. And that God will not spare, no not the godly them selues, be they neuer so neare or deare vnto him; but if they will sinne against him, he will visite their transgressions with the rod, and their iniquity with scourges. And this did the Corinthians [...]ind by wofull experience, who [...]or wante of their preparation, [...]nd godly Examination before [...]hey came to the Lordes Table, [...]he Lorde did punish them with [...]ore afflictions, although they [...]erished not eternally.

Reason. 1 And the Reason is, that all the [...]orld may take notice of his iu­ [...]ce, that hee is no respecter of [...]ens persons, but is a God that [...]th not iniquitie, but hates al [Page 228] Sinne whensoeuer, wheresoeuer, or in whomsoeuer hee findeth it. He accepteth not the person of Prin­ces (sayth Elihu), Iob. 34.19. nor regardeth the rich, more then the poore, they beeing all the worke of his handes. And thus doeth the LORD declare himselfe to bee most righteous, and iust in his iudge­ments and corrections for sinne, that all men to the ende of the worlde, might learne to quak [...] and tremble at the committing thereof.

Reason. 2 Secondly, God doeth often­times thus chastice his own [...] Children in this world, least the [...] should bee condemned with the wi [...] ked, 1. Cor. 11.32. in the world to come. Sinn [...] must bee iudged, and sinn [...] must bee condemned. An [...] surely it is Gods mercy vnto h [...] seruantes, that the Lorde vv [...] [Page 229] not let them so thriue and go on in their sinnes, for so would they multiplie their iniquities against him, but doth correct them be­times, and labours to preuent more heauy iudgements, which by their sinning they woulde o­therwise draw vpon themselues.

Vse 1 This serues then in the first place, to reproue the common course of many men in y ^e world, that iudge of Gods fauour, or displeasure, by outwarde pro­speritie or aduersitie: Whereas Salomon saith; All things happen alike to all, Eccle. 9.10. meaning all outwarde [...]hings, such as is prosperity and [...]duersity: yet many will take vp­ [...]n them to iudg & censure men [...]o bee out of the fauour of God, [...]ecause of some outward afflicti­ [...]n y ^t lies heauy vpon them. But [...]hus might these beleeuing Co­rinthians [Page 230] bin condemned as wicked, who notwithstanding their temporall chastisements, were not condemned with the world. Who euer had such a load of af­flictions, as Christ himselfe had layd vpon him? Why should we conclude then, that such are out of Gods fauour? No, no. Iudge­ment begins at Gods house. And if the Lord doe not correct men in this life, Note. it is a sign that the Lord reserues such a one to the con­demnation of the rest of the worlde, and such indeede haue iust cause to suspect themselues, that they are Bastards, and not Sonnes, for the Lord doeth cha­stise them whom he loueth, and no heauier iudgement can there be vpon any, then to thriue in sinne, and grow vp in iniquitie, & yet to be free from correction.

Vse 2 Secondly, the consideration of this one thing, may bee a stay and a prop vnto vs, in time of temptation, and sore affliction: When the waters seeme to haue gone ouer our soules, as Dauid complai­neth: And the Lord shall seeme to vexe vs with all his stormes, as Iob confesseth. Euen this, that [...]his is the portion of all the [...]aints. It hath euer been the con­ [...]ition of the Church. God many [...]imes feedeth them with the bread [...]f teares, Psal. 80.5. and giueth plentie of teares [...]o drinke. Rom. 8.38. Yet there shall be no­ [...]hing able to seperate vs from God, nor diuide vs from his pre­ [...]ence. Let vs then confesse the [...]and of God in all our troubles, [...]nd withall confesse our sinnes, [...] the procuring cause of al Gods [...]dgements: Lam. 3.40. and amongst the [...]st of our sinnes, acknowledge [Page 232] that our want of preparation to this Sacrament hath prouoked the Lord to punish vs. Little doe men thinke, that this negligence of theirs in comming vnto this holy ordinaunce, and wante of Preparation there-vnto, hath beene the cause of their sicke­nesse, troubles, afflictions, &c. but what sayth the Apostle? For this cause some are sicke, &c. The Lord doth surely chastise for thi [...] sin of vnworthy receiuing this sa­crament.

Again, inasmuch as the Lord i [...] thus stirred vp to wrath agains [...] his owne children, for this sin o [...] vnpreparednes, to chastise them so seuerely with sicknesse, weaknesse, yea and with death it selfe albeit they bee not condemne [...] for euer.

We learne by the greatnes o [...] [Page 233] the punishment, to conceiue of the greatnesse of sinne. And here hence we may learne; That is is Doct. 3 no small sinne to come vnwor­thily vnto the Lords Table, It is a great sinne to re­ceiue vn­worthily. but it is a very great & grieuous sin, such a sin as highly prouokes the Maiesty of God to anger, and drawes Gods iudgements vpon his owne Children, that howsoe­uer he wil not for euer condemn them, yet hee will punish them, and correct them for comming vnworthily and eating and drin­king these holy mysteries, not with that reuerence as they ought to doe. These Corinthians were the Church of God, embraced the Gospell, beleeued in Christ, yet because they came vnworthi­ [...]y to the Lordes Table, not so fitted and prepared with that reuerence as they ought to [Page 234] haue done, Paul tels them, that for this very cause, and for this very sin of vnworthy receiuing of this Sacrament, the Lord sent those iudgements amongst them.

Reason. The Reason of this poynt is cleare. It must needes bee an heauie sinne, that procures such a heauie punishment, and the greatnesse of the sinne may bee iudged, by the greatnesse of the punishment: Because the Lorde is euer iust in the distribution of his iudgements; Hee doeth not lay heauie iudgements vppon light transgressions, nor light punishment, where Sinne is grie­uous.

Obiect. But some will say, this seemes hard, that for some neglect and negligent ouersight in comming to the Lords Table, the Lord [Page 235] shoulde punish so seuerely and sharpely.

Answ. I answer as our Sauiour him­selfe speaketh of his Ministers, He that receiueth you, receiueth me, Luk. 10.16 and hee that refuseth you, refuseth mee. He that offers any wrong, to any Messenger, Legate, or Em­basador of a Prince, offers wronge vnto the King that sent him, or he that abuseth the kings picture or coyne by clipping it, or treading it in the mire, it is [...]eason against the King him­selfe. Euen so, howsoeuer Christ [...]e in heauen, and the bread bee not transubstantiated into the [...]ody, & the wine into the bloud [...]f Christ, as the papists teach. [...]et because these eliments are [...]y Gods ordinance, set a part, or­ [...]ained, and sanctified by the [...]ord, and prayers to bee signes [Page 236] and seales of the body & bloud of Iesus Christ; the abuse of them therefore redounds vnto Christ himselfe.

Vse. 1 This condemnes the practise of most men and women, that seldom or neuer regard, how they come to the Lords Table, though they come in ignorance, blindenesse, and all manner of prophanesse and wickednesse, in their old sinnes and abomina­tions, and because that iudge­ment is deferred, thinke either that they haue not sinned, o [...] that they shall not bee punished Oh how doe such deceiue them­selues they may bee sure that th [...] Lord will not so lightly pass [...] this sinne ouer, but at the least will bring vpon the transgressor some temporal chastisement an [...] correction to humble them, an [...] [Page 237] to bring them to see and ac­knowledge this sinne of theirs, and so to Repentance for the same, if not, the Lord will be sure to punish the same eternally.

Vse. 2 Secondly, if they cannot e­scape Gods iudgments that eate and drinke vnworthily, euen the very seruants of God themselues, who come in some weakenesse and infirmitie, without that due examination and godly prepara­tion they ought to make there­vnto, oh then, how shall such e­scape Gods wrath & vengeance that contemne this Sacrament, make light account of it, and will not come at all vnto it, that thinke it is at their owne choyce [...]o come or not to come, to re­ceiue or not to receiue. Heb. 2.4. If euery [...]in and transgression receiue a re­compence of reward. How shall [Page 238] such escape as neglect so greate saluation. Exo. 4.24. When Moses did but omit the Sacrament of circumci­tion, either of some negligence or carelesnesse, or else as it is thought, for feare of his wife and Father in law, it was like to haue cost him his life, the Lord made as though hee would haue slaine him. What punishment then doe such deserue, and shall one day draw downe vpon their owne heads, that despise the sub­stance, and make light account of the bloud of the couenant, Christ and his righteousnesse, who is heere crucified afresh and offered in this Sacrament vnto euery true beleeuer.

Vse. 3 Thirdly, seeing this is so great a sinne to receiue vnworthily, wee learne heere that it is not in­ough to repent and to be greiued [Page 239] for grosse and grieuous sins, such as the world cryes out of, but we must bee humbled for our secret sinnes, infirmities, & wants. Our carelesnesse in prayer, hearing of the word, receiuing of the Sa­crament; yea wee must be hum­bled for our vnworthy com­ming to the Lords Table, for re­ [...]eiuing this Sacrament careless­ [...]y, vnreuerently, and vnworthi­ [...]y;

And hence it is that Dauid [...]rayes that the Lord would par­ [...]on his secret sinnes, Psal. 19.12. and Peter [...]ils Simon Magus to repent, Act. 8.22. and [...] pray that the thoughts of his [...]eart might be pardoned. The [...]ord hath threatned a curse to [...]em that doe his worke negli­ [...]ntly, saying, Ier. 47.10. Cursed bee hee that [...]th the work of the Lord negligent [...] And yet notwithstanding that [Page 240] we haue all of vs had our failings there in, where is the man that is humbled aright, and saith, Alas what haue I done? and seekes to to stay Gods wrath and to ap­pease his anger before the decree come forth, Ier. 8.6. and the Lord begins to punish for this sin.

Vse. 4 And last of al, seeing weake­nesse, sicknesse, yea and death i [...] selfe with other sharp corrections are all inflicted for sinne and as for other open and grieuous impieties, so for this sin o [...] vnworthie receiuing of this Sacrament. Learne we then, whe [...] the Lord sends sicknes in body diseases, weakenesse, and want o [...] health, or other temporal iudgements in our bodies, goods o [...] names, amongst other cause [...] let vs impute them to bee se [...] of God for sinne especially fo [...] [Page 241] this common sin of ours; the vn­worthy receiuing of this Sacra­ment of the Lords Supper. But alas, though y ^e Lord send abroad his iudgements, sicknes, diseases, weakenesse in mens bodyes, &c, Who thinkes of sin as the cause of all, especially of this sinne of vnworthy receiuing of this Sa­crament: little do men thinke, y ^t that is, is cause of all, well the A­postle concludeth thus: For this [...]ause many are weake amongst you [...]nd sick &c: Note. And experience [...]eacheth, y ^t the Lord vsuall doth [...]ot send more sicknes at any one [...]ime all the yeare after, then at [...]his time of the yeare, when most [...]houlde or doe receiue this Sa­ [...]rament of the body and bloud [...]f Christ.

Thus much concerning the first [...]rt of men y ^t may communicate [Page 242] vnworthily, euen the godly man himselfe, for want of this godly examination and preparation therevnto: as also for his punish­ment.

But now, howsoeuer y ^e Lord in mercy doth thus deale with his seruants, and for this sin of theirs correcteth them here, that they may not perish hereafter. It is not so with the wicked, their vn­worthy receiuing is punished af­ter another manner, They eate and drinke their owne damnation. Tha [...] is amongst all other their sinnes this their vnworthy receiuing is not the least, but the Lord doth and will impute the same vnto them, 2 Sorts of vn­worthy re­ceiuers are the wicked, properly so called. and this doth helpe to fil [...] vp the measure of their iniqui­ties, and hasteneth their condemnation.

And now being to speake o [...] [Page 243] the wicked and their punish­ment: we will labour to discouer the person of the vnworthy re­ceiuer, and then to speake of his punishment,

Now for the more certaine discouery of the person of the vnworthy Communicant, Vnworthy receiuers discouered by being compared with the worthy. and who it is that may most properly be so called, and who it is that doth thus abuse Gods holy ordi­nance, and eate and drinke vnto his own eternall condemnation; [...] take it to be needfull, first, to [...]hew who they bee that receiue Worthily: So shall wee come the [...]etter to discerne who they bee [...]hat receiue vnworthily. For rea­ [...]on it selfe doth teach vs, that it [...] the readiest manner of teach­ [...]ng one, to know which is the [...]rong way, by instructing him [...]st which is the right way, for [Page 244] that is but one, whereas other by-wayes are many. For whoso­euer is not a worthy receiuer, must needs be an vnworthy one, whether he come too short, or goe too farre.

Who re­ceiue wor­thily.Now such onely receiue this Sacrament worthily, who both see and acknowledge their own vnworthinesse.

Wherein there is first of all, Knowledge required, 1 Such as haue a com­petent mea­sure of knowledge. which is the ground of all other grace: And that is to be considered two wayes.

First, more generally, in the knowledge of the principall poynts of Christian religion.

Seuen things to be knowne of euery wor­thy recei­uer.Secondly, more particularly, in the Knowledge of this Sacra­ment.

Touching the first of these seuen particulars must be known [Page 245] of euery worthy receiuer.

1 First, that y ^e Lord hath reuealed in his Worde, what wee ought both to know, and acknowledg concerning his VVill, that all thinges therein contained are true. VVhich whosoeuer know­eth not, cannot bee in the estate of grace, much lesse can bee a worthy receiuer of this Sacra­ment.

2 Secondly, touching God him­selfe, the worthy receiuer must know, that there is but one God, who is of a spiritual nature, most wise, iust, mighty, and mercifull, who hath ordained all thinges, created al things, and gouerneth all things according to his owne will. And that this God hath re­uealed himselfe in three persons, Father, Sonne, and holy Ghost, and that these three are but one God.

3 Thirdly, concerning man, the worthy receiuer must know, that God in the beginning created man in a most happy estate, per­fect in soule and body, after his owne Image, who by his owne disobedience, lost his own hap­pines, procured Gods curse, and made both himselfe and posteri­ty subiect vnto all misery.

4 Fourthly for our selues, wee must acknowledge our selues to bee corrupted seede of corrupt Parents, conceiued and borne in Sinne, and brought forth in ini­quitie, whereby we deserue Gods curse, and euerlasting condem­nation.

5 Fiftly concerning our remedy, the worthy receiuer must know, that neither himselfe, nor any Creature in Heauen or Earth, could free him from that cursed [Page 247] estate, but that God the Father of his meere loue and tender com­passion, without any desert of man, did send his owne Sonne to take our nature vpon him, and in the same, to worke our redemp­tion, and to reconcile vs vnto God.

6 Sixtly, the worthy receiuer must know, that forasmuch as his redemptiō is wrought by Christ, wee must haue some meanes to make that ours which is Christs, and that is onely Faith, for it is Faith that apprehends and ap­plies Christ and his obedience, and makes the same ours, as wee had wrought it our selues.

7 And last of all, the worthy re­ceiuer must know, that this faith [...]s not in our selues, but it is the [...]ree gift of God, wrought by the Spirit of God, by the Ministerie [Page 248] of the word, and that God hath appoynted meanes, as for the be­getting of faith, so for the streng­thening, and daily increase of the same in vs, such as are the Word, Sacraments, Prayer, &c.

Secondly, Besides the know­ledge of Christian religion in generall, Rom. 10.2 Particularly in this Sa­crament. there is further required in all worthy receiuers a particu­lar knowledge of this sacrament, the nature of it, as namely, what he doth receiue, how he doth re­ceiue, and why he doth receiue, al which we haue spoke of in the former Sermons,

Vse. Now then (my brethren) is this knowledg to be required in euery worthy receiuer, then may we by this first property perceiue what an infinit number come to the Lords Table vnworthily, and in so doing, eat and drinke their [Page 249] owne damnation; for alas, how few do truly know these things, but are altogether ignorant of these maine and fundamentall poynts of Christian Religion, without the knowledge wherof none can be saued, much lesse receiue this Sacrament vvorthi­ly.

This being so, wee see what great need there is for euery one that will approach to the Lords Table, to labour for Knowledge, and to vse all holy helpes and means whereby they may attain vnto it. Least for their ignorance they be iudged vnworthy recei­uers, and so bee guiltie of this fearefull iudgement, to Eate and Drinke their owne dam­nation.

The next thing required to a worthy receiuing of this Sacra­ment 2 Faith. [Page 250] is Faith, which cannot bee without Knowledge, but must follow it: For heere by Faith is meant, not onely a giuing cre­dit to all those things we spake of before in Knowledge, but a cer­taine assurance of the heart in e­uery Child of God, and worthy receiuer of this Sacrament, that all those promises which God hath made vnto his Children, pertaine vnto him.

Now this Faith standeth in two thinges, as Knowledge did.

For, the Faith that is required of the worthy receiuer, must take hold vpon Christ, as he is offered in the Preaching of the Gospell, and so of his death, obedience, and resurrection, whereby hee comes to haue assurance that his sinnes be forgiuen him, and hee [Page 251] receiued into fauour.

But besides this, there is ano­ther degree of Faith required in this Sacrament, and that is, as Christ Iesus hath and doth most truly offer himselfe vnto the true beleeuer in this Sacrament. So the worthy receiuer must be as­sured thereof: and accordingly takes these outward signes as seales and pleadges, whereby his faith becomes more & more con­firmed, then by the bare promise made in the Gospell.

Vse. Whereby, againe we may see how many more Vnworthy re­ceiuers there bee. Seeing that as the greatest part wants know­ [...]edge. So of those that haue Knowledge, the greatest part of them wante Fayth, as [...]heir liues doe sufficiently de­clare.

3 Repen­tance.The last propertie that I will stand vpon, is Repentance, which proceedeth from a true faith, and is most necessarily required of al those that worthily receiue this Sacrament. For marke I pray you, whereas in this Sacrament we be cuppled with Christ, and are made one with him, of ne­cessity now wee must become New creatures, and be changed, inasmuch as we are now knit vn­to Christ. And wee must now parte with the practice of sinne for the practice of Godlinesse else how can wee haue any fellowship with Christ, for to sa [...] we haue fellowship with Chri [...] & to walke in darkenesse, we ly [...] for there can bee no agreemen [...] betweene light and darkeness [...] Beest thou in Christ, declare, d [...] clare it, by thy walking, For th [...] [Page 253] that are Christs, haue crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

And surely this true repen­tance, extendeth it selfe very far euen to the obedience of the whole law of God. First, to the hating and forsaking of al things that bee euill and forbidden in the Lawe, as also in the loue and practising of all that which God requireth. And here-hence doe flowe all those graces of God, which doe so adorne his Ser­uants, as loue to God and his children, humilitie, meekenesse, patience, &c. which such, as are not knit vnto Christ, are stran­gers vnto, and altogether vnac­quainted with.

Whereby, as by the former, we may see how many more are cut off from the number of wor­ [...]hy receiuers, euen all vngodly [Page 254] persons, who though they haue neuer so much knowledge, and boast neuer so much of their faith, yet inasmuch as there appeares not in their liues, true repen­tance for sinne. Which will shew it selfe euer by the effects of it. Certaine it is that their know­ledge is but braine-knowledge, not experimentall and sanctified knowledge, and their faith they boast of, presumption and not faith.

And thus as shortly as I could, I haue shewed what is required to worthy receiuing. Whereby it may most euidently appeare what it is to receiue vnworthily. For whatsoeuer is not agreeable vnto this, must needes be vnwor­thy receiuing, and such doe eate and drinke vnto their own dam­nation.

Of which sort be all those that bee ignorant of these necessary poynts of christian religion, Who re­ceiue vn­worthily. who come in their old sinnes, igno­rance, 1 Such as are ignorant. blindnesse, vnbeleefe, &c, Who, as they are ignorant of Gods word and will, so they know nothing of the doctrine of this Sacrament, but are ex­ [...]reame ignorant and blinde in [...]hese holy mysteries: not know­ [...]ng the institution of this Sa­ [...]rament, the matter of it, nor in [...]hat manner they should come [...]nto it. Such ignorant soules [...]ust needs come without the [...]edding garment, and so eate & [...]rinke their owne Damnation, vn­ [...]sse they repent.

Vse. 1 Which must serue to admo­ [...]sh all ignorant people, and [...]ore blind ignorant soules, to [...]e heede that they doe not ig­norantly [Page 256] rush vpon their owne destruction, and eate and drinke vnto their own damnation, but labour to be instructed, & learne to know how they should come worthily, and prepared thereun­to.

Secondly, this may be noted further as a good direction vnto the ministers of God, how to be haue themselues towards suc [...] as are ignorant, want faith, an [...] yet abide in their sins. Such mu [...] not be admitted vnto the Lord Table though they would thru [...] in themselues thereto. An [...] to allowe and admit of such one, for ought I can see, is to be made partaker of his sinne. A [...] it were to put a sword into a ma [...] mans hand, is to make himsel [...] guiltie of what hurt he shall do [...] euen so that Minister that sha [...] [Page 257] know one to be vnworthy, and yet admit him, who can account him innocent.

Obiect. But the Minister hee doth not know him to be vnworthy, he is to haue charitie towards all.

Answ. Nay rather, I say with the ho­ly Ghost that y ^e good shepheard must know the State of his sheepe. And euery faithfull Minister must labour to know the state of his flocke, who may be admitted [...]nto the Lords Table, and who [...]ot. And therefore the Lord [...]equireth this at the hands of [...]uery good shepheard, that hee [...]trengthen the weake, Heale the [...]cke, Binde vp the broken, Eze. 34. and [...]ing into the way all such as wan­ [...]er. None of which can he doe [...]nlesse hee knowe the estate of is flocke. 2 Such as come in vn­beleefe.

Secondly, such eate and [Page 258] drinke vnworthily, which come in their vnbeleefe without faith in Christ, Rom. 14.23. which is all in all. For faith is the hand of the soule to lay hold on Christ, Heb. 11.6. the mouth of the soule to feede on Christ, and without which, whatsoeuer we doe, is sinne.

Vse. Which may teach all men that desire to come to the Lords Table, first of all, according to the precept of the Apostle, to Prooue themselues whether they be in the faith. 2. Cor. 13.5 In asmuch as it is that grace that must bid vs wel­come, and make both vs and our Sacrifice accepted.

3 Such as come with­out repen­tance.Thirdly, such doe eate and drinke vnworthily as come with­out Repentance, that is, which doe not finde their harts hum­bled and broken for sinne, in whome there appeares not the [Page 259] worke of Sanctification and sound Conuersion, that are not yet made New Creatures, but liue in all Sinne. A manifest declaration, that such are not in Christ.

And thus hauing discouered the person of the vnworthy Re­ceiuer, compared with the wor­thy; wee will now come to pro­pound a Doctrine or two, from the consideration of the person and the punishment, and so ha­sten towards an end.

Note heere, that wicked men will bee eating and drinking of these holy mysteries of the bo­dy and bloud of Christ, aswell as others, howbeit not with the same fruite and effect as others. The Doctrine is cleare, that

Doct. 4 A man may Communicate, and Communicate vnworthily, A man may Communi­cate, and yet vnworthily. else what meaneth the Apostle heere to say, that He that eateth and drinketh, &c. were it not that there are some that eate and drinke vnworthily, and so draw downe iudgement vpon their owne heads.

And as in this, so in all other the dueties of Gods worship and seruice, as the hearing of the Worde, Prayer, &c. a man may perfourme them, and yet not in a holy manner, as God com­maunds, and therein the same become sinnes vnto them. This appears by the example of Cain, who offered Sacrifice aswell as Abell, yet it was so farre from being pleasing vnto God, Gen. 4. and ac­ceptable with the most highest, as that it added vnto the number [Page 261] of Caines sinnes. And thus did the people of the Iewes offer their Sacrifices in a great abun­dance, Esa. 1. but the Lord tels them, that he had no pleasure in them. This was the case of these Corinthians: Paul tels them, They came together for the worse. And notwithstanding they had met together at the Lords Table and partaked of this Sacrament, they had been so farr from plea­sing the Lord therein, as that ra­ther, they had stirred him vp to wrath against them. VVitnesse those heauy iudgements that were inflicted vppon them, for their vnworthy receiuing. But the Reasons that followe, will further cleare this trueth vnto vs.

First, because there are in the Church, that are not of the [Page 262] Church; Secrete and close hy­pocrites haue euer shrouded themselues vnder the profession of the trueth, yet inasmuch as they ioyne with the rest of the Church in Gods seruice, wee are not onely to embrace their fel­lowship, but to hope the best of their seruice, till the Lord shall at the last discouer them. Now what is that duety that a wicked man will not ioyne with Gods seruants in? Especially in pub­like, such as is the hearing of the Word, receiuing of the Sacra­ment, publike Prayer &c. And yet for all that, highly prouoke the Lord in the doing of y ^e same. But of this before.

Reason. 2 Another Reason why a man may Communicate, and yet vn­worthily, is layd downe by the Apostle. Heb. 11.6. All men haue not Faith. [Page 263] And therefore cannot receiue this Sacrament worthily. For without Faith it is impossible to please GOD in any particular action that wee doe. It is Faith that seasons all our actions that we do in Gods seruice, & makes them to haue a gracious accep­tance with the Almighty. This made the widdows mite accep­ted, and that cup of water, that was giuen vnto a Disciple, not to lose it reward. But now, wicked men, and hypocrites that liue in the Church, albeit they heare the Word, pray, receiue the Sacra­ment. &c, it profits not them, be­cause their persons are not ac­cepted with God, they are out of Gods fauour, and vnto them the Word is but the fauour of death vnto death.

Vse. 1 Seeing then that a man may [Page 264] Communicate, and Communi­cate vnworthily, how doth this discouer the folly of them that stand vpon the worke done, and neuer looke after the manner of doing the same. Oh, it is the case of many thousands in the worlde, that thinke they haue highly honoured God, if vpon the Sabboth day they haue pre­sented their bodies before the Lord in his house, and there haue heard the word, and perhaps, for company sake, haue receiued the Sacrament with the rest. But as for the maner of performing this duty, they neuer looke after, but hand ouer head, rush vpon them, and rest satisfied with the doing of them. Poore soules, how doe such deceiue themselues. At the last day, I doubt not, there shalbe as many condemned for the ill [Page 265] doing of good actions, as for the doing of those things as are simply euill. As many condem­ned for ill hearing, Note. as not hear­ing, for bad praying, as for not praying, and for vnworthy com­municating, as not communica­ting, for vnconscionable preach­ing, as for seldome preaching. It shall not auaile any to say, these and these thinges haue I done, when men haue not regarded how they haue done them.

Neither would I bee so vnder­stoode, as if there were no hope that God will accept of our ser­uice, vnlesse it be absolute in the manner of perfourming, God forbid wee should so thinke; for then, what would become of the best dueties, euen of the best? No, better to heare in weake­nesse, then not to heare; better [Page 266] to pray with infirmity, then not to pray, and to Communicate with some defect, then vtterly to forbeare. Better it is to limp, and creepe in the way, then not to come at al. Yet we must learne to make conscience of the manner of our performing of good due­ties, and bee humbled for our wants therin, least the Lord reiect both vs and them, and say vnto vs one day, when wee looke to haue comfort in them; Who hath required these thinges at your hands?

Vse. 2 Secondly, this Doctrine may affoord vnto vs matter of tryall and examination of our selues. When Christ told the Disciples one of them should betray him, euery one began to say, Master, is it I? They doubted the worst that might be in themselues, and [Page 267] out of a godly ielously make question, Master is it I?

So my bretheren do we heare, that some may communicate and that vnworthily. Eateing and drinking iudgement vnto themselues. Let vs doe as the Disciples did say, good Lord is it [...]l? I haue now partaked of this Sacrament, as I haue often done hereto-fore: Is not that all; may wicked men, and Hypocrits doe the same? and such as shall euer­ [...]astingly perish in the end? It be­ [...]oues me to look vnto it, that I goe beyond such in the per­formance of this duty, least I [...]eape their reward one day: oh his godly feare and care ought [...]o be in all the children of God, [...]hen they come to be exercised [...]bout this duty, that so they may [...]ot performe the same formally, [Page 268] as wicked men doe, but in a holy and sanctified manner, in Faith repentance, and obedience, that so the same may bee accepable vnto God.

Doct. 5 Wee may yet further take no­tice of the miserable estate o [...] wicked men. Vnworthie com­municants, euen whilest they are perfourming of this duty, of re­ceiuing of the Lords Supper, a dutie in it selfe commendable, they sinne greuiously, and haste [...] their own iudgement, There is no ordinance of God so holy, but wicked men abuse it to their owne condemna­tion. yet herein fill vp the measure of their sinne [...] and hasten their finall condemnation. The Doctrine is

There is noe ordinance o [...] God so holy, but wicked me [...] may abuse it to their owne condemnation.

As this Sacrament of the Lords Supper is a heauenly ban­quet vnto the hungry and thir­stie soule, that groanes vnder the burthen of sinne, and desires to be eased & refreshed. So wicked men instead of receiuing any spi­riturall foode: they receiue (ex­cept the speciall mercy of God preuent them,) that which will be the bane and poyson of their Soules. Gen. 4. Cain sinned not onely [...]n slaying his innocent brother, [...]ut in offering his sacrifice. This [...] cleare by y ^e inditement which Christ brings against the old [...]orld. They Eate and Drank, Mat. 24.38. Mar­ [...]ed, and were giuen in Marriage. [...]ll which were things lawfull in [...]emselues. yet became sinnes [...]nto them that liued in that [...]me, and tended to hasten their [...]estruction; for they onely mind­ed [Page 270] their pleasure therein, thei [...] hearts being set vppon carna [...] lusts, they gaue themselues wholy to satisfie their sinfull desires and so fell vppon those things good in themselues withou [...] feare, without prayer or thank [...] giuing vnto God, as if they wer [...] no way beholden vnto the Lor [...] for them. And this is furthe [...] cleared by y ^t of Salomon, Hee tha [...] turneth away his eares from heare ring the Lawe, Pro. 28.9. euen his prayers sha [...] be abomination. The meaning i [...] that the very best duty that wicked man can performe, tha [...] liues in sin and wants faith, tha [...] shoulde season all his actions i [...] Gods worship and seruice, a [...] not better then abominatio [...] vnto the Lord. And the like i [...] alledged by our blessed Sauiou [...] against those filthy Sodomits tha [...] [Page 271] They bought, they sould, Luk. 17.28. they plan­ [...]ed, they builded: Things in them­selues lawfull, but now they be­come so many sins vnto them, in­asmuch as they abused them, they bought and sold with co­ [...]etuous desires. They builded [...]ot for necessitie sake, but to [...]hewe their pride & vanitie. And thus it fares with wicked men in [...]his sacrament. They cannot but [...]buse it to their own perdition. And the Bread and Wine which [...]hey receiue, shal be so farre from being vnto them the body and blood of Christ vnto their salua­ [...]ion. As it shall rather be as the [...]op vnto Iudas, a meanes in and [...]y y ^e which sathan shal enter into [...]uch, vnto their condemnation.

The reasons are cleare.

First, because wicked men are [...]gnorant how to vse the ordi­nances [Page 272] of God aright, and stand vpon the matter of them, not regarding the manner, I shal not neede to presse this reason far­ther, in regard of the affinitie i [...] hath with the former doctrine.

Reason. 2 Secondly, though some doe know that the manner of God [...] seruice, as the matter, is to be re­garded: Yet their wils are s [...] froward, that they neuer s [...] themselues arigh [...] about the du [...] performance of any, like tho [...] stubborne Iewes, which sayde w [...] will not heare, nor obey. Nay the walke on stubbornely again [...] the Lord, and against his word and notwithstanding their iudgments be often conuicted, & the themselues therein constraine to consent vnto this truth: Y [...] their rebellious wils, not bein [...] sanctified: leade them away from [Page 273] all obedience. Whose condem­nation doth not sleepe.

Reason. 3 A third reason may bee that of Paul to Titus, where hee doth manifest this truth more cleare­ly, when he saith, Tit. 1.15. that To the pure [...]e all things pure. But vnto the wicked is nothing pure, but euen their minds and consciences are de­filed. They are like vnto a cold stomacke, that turnes the best foode into putrifaction, and corruption, the most holy things of God are defiled by such, and [...]urne in the end vnto their vt­ [...]er ruine and destruction.

Vse. 1 This serues in the first place, [...]o discouer vnto vs the miserable state of wicked and vngodly [...]en, whose sinnes increase day­ [...]y, not onely by their open and [...]orrible crimes that breake out [...] their liues, to the great disho­nour [Page 275] of God. But euen in th [...] performance of Good duties their hearing of the word, thei [...] praying, receiuing of the Sacrament &c. The Lord make these thinges turne to the vtte [...] ruin and Destruction of wicked men. Oh then how doe wicked men increase their sins dayly and multiply their iniquities, i [...] asmuch as their best duties ar [...] sinfull and cal down iudgement vpon them. And if to doe goo [...] things in an euill manner bee s [...] farefull a sinne, what wil one da [...] become of those, that haue don [...] euill things in a worse manne [...] to be layd to their charge lik [...] wise▪ Let such consider this thin [...] well betimes, before they be p [...] into the reall possession of th [...] iudgement, which waytes and a [...] tends vpon them.

Vse. 2 And last of all, let this serue for our instruction, to teach vs to feare, and aboue all thinges, to looke that we performe holy du­ties in an holy manner, least wee incur the iudgement that is here threatned. For if when wee haue beene at the Lordes Table, and haue receiued this Sacrament vnworthily, we had but only lost so much labour, this were too much, that wee should so much dally with God in his ordinance. But alas, that were nothing to this, to eate and drinke to dam­nation! If God should punish vs after this manner, to turne the Bread and Wine that we receiue in this Sacrament vnworthily, [...]nto a bodily poyson, woulde it not make vs to feare and tremble [...]ow we receiue them, were wee [...]o perswaded, that for want of a [Page 276] godly preparation, it would bee our last Bread that euer wee should eate, and would turne to the bane of our bodies. Oh (my brethren) the Lord hath threat­ned the vnworthy receiuer, not with a bodily death for this sinne of his: but with a spirituall and eternall death, euen with the death both of body and Soule for euer; and shal not this moue vs?

If our bowels and intrals should be in danger to rot with­in vs, Note. for receiuing this Sacra­ment vnworthily, would it no [...] make vs looke about vs? And what? shall we no way regard [...] what the Lorde hath heer [...] threatened, that Hee that eatet [...] and drinketh vnworthily, eateth an [...] drinketh his owne damnation. Th [...] were a pittifull folly. The Lor [...] [Page 277] open our eyes at the last, to see our misery heerein, and giue vs hearts truely to be humbled for our sinne.

Hitherto of the persons, and their punishment, we come now to the last circumstance, and that is the ground and cause of the punishment.

In these wordes, the Apostle comes to lay downe the cause of the aforesaide punishment, why men doe by their vnworthy re­ceiuing, eate and drinke iudgement vnto themselues: That is, hale downe some iudgment or other vpon themselues, temporal here, or eternall hereafter: the reason is, Because they discerne not the Lords body.

The meaning is, they put no difference betweene these Sacra­mental elements, and other com­mon Bread and Wine. They doe not consider that the Bread and Wine, now sanctified and set a­part for such an holy vse, differs from common Bread and Wine, as signifying and representing vnto vs the body and bloud of Christ, and are as signes and seales to confirme vnto vs, all those precious promises that God hath made vnto vs in his Sonne.

Quest. Heere then it will bee first as­ked, what it is to Discerne the Lords body?

Answ. I answere, the originall word [...] heere vsed, signifieth to seuer something, and to set it a­part from the common vse and accompt, and to esteeme of it [Page 279] more highly and honourably then we doe of other things, and accordingly to vse it. And so the same worde is vsed else-where: Haue compassion on some sinners, Iude. 22. and put a difference: That is, put a difference between such as tru­ly repent, and such as be impeni­tent. So againe; 1. Cor. 4.7. Who maketh thee [...] to differ.

So then, What it is to discerne the Lords body to discerne of the Lordes body in this place, is to distinguish that bread that is vsed in this Sacrament, as a most precious and blessed signe and seale of the body of Christ, from all other Creatures, and therefore to vse it with all reue­rence and due respect, as a thing set apart of God, by his owne ap­poyntment and institution to be a signe and seale of the body and bloud of Iesus Christ, and of all [Page 280] those benefites which wee haue and receiue by him, and therfore that wee come not vnto it, as wee come vnto our common meate and drinke, but as to a holy my­stery and signe of a blessed bene­fite.

Doct. 6 And now in that the Apostle makes this, the grounde of that curse or punishment, that wick­ed men doe draw downe vppon their owne heads, euen their own condemnation, They discerne not the Lords body: It is the property of an vnworthy receiuer, to put no dif­ference betweene bread and wine in this Sacrament, and com­mon bread and wine. that is, put no dif­ference between those elements thus sanctified, and set a part for such an holy vse, from their ordi­nary foode: We learne, That

It is the propertie of an vn­worthy receiuer, and of such a one as doth eate and drinke vn­to his owne Damnation, to put no difference between Bread and [Page 281] Wine in this Sacrament, and com­mon bread and common wine, but eate and deuoure the Bread and Wine, neuer looking after, or regarding to feede on Christ, who is therein exhibited to eue­ry true beleeuer.

Now what is this else, but to contemne Christ and his merits, and the vndeserued loue of God the father himself, who hath pre­pared such a bountifull feast for vs, when we will not see nor re­gard that foode by the which we should liue for euer.

So that, againe here commeth to be considered the grieuousnes of that sinne of vnworthy recei­uing, the Apostle cals it, a not dis­cerning of the Lords body: and here by doth not lessen the fault, but rather teacheth vs, y ^t this light e­steeme, and slight regard that [Page 282] most men haue of this so holy and sacred an ordinaunce, how­soeuer men make light account of it, and the grace that is there­in offered. Yet it is such a Sinne, as grieuously offendes the Maiestie of God, and pulleth downe vpon men his fearefull wrath.

If the King should passe by vs, and wee knowe him not, how coulde wee doe him that reue­rence wee ought, inasmuch as wee could nor discerne him, nor know his person. Euen thus fa­reth it with men in this Sacra­ment, albeeit the Lorde bee nigh vnto his seruants that come in a holy manner there-vnto, in Faith, Repentance, and true O­bedience; And that such feede vpon Christ to their endles com­fort. Yet it is not so with the [Page 283] wicked, the reason is, they Dis­cerne not the Lords body. They cannot see nor perceiue any dif­ference at all betwixt this bread, and their ordinary foode, they want the eye of faith to discerne Christ, who is spiritually discer­ned. And hence is it that they in stead of reaping comfort and be­nefit by this his ordinance, doe rather dishonour God, con­temne Christ and his merits, and draw downe vppon their owne heads swifte damnation.

Vse. 1 Now then, if all those that bee not able to Discerne of the Lords body. Receiue vnworthily, and eate and drinke their owne dam­nation, this shewes in what a lamentable and fearefull estate many thousands in the world be at this day; For aske them what they receiue in this Sacrament, [Page 284] they make you a maruellous silly and ignorant answer. They re­ceiue their Maker. A bit of bread and a little wine, and the like. By which ignorant and prophane speeches of theirs, they shew that they discerne not the Lords body. But eate and drinke vnto their owne perdition.

Vse. 2 Secondly, let this serue for our instruction, that as we desire to receiue this Sacrament wor­thily, and so as wee may finde true peace & comfort vnto out soules, let vs labour to be rightly instructed in the doctrine of it that so wee may bee able to Dis­cerne the Lords body. And to ap­prehend what rich treasures are offered vnto euery true beleeue [...] herein, euen Christ with all his merits, and not a peece of Bread as many fondly imagine. And [Page 285] that these elements being set a part by God himselfe, and sancti­fied vnto vs by the worde and prayer, are now become vnto vs, signes and seales of the body and bloud of Christ, and of those be­nefits that come vnto vs by his passion, and so bee able to put a difference betweene them and common bread, and common wine.

First, because they are set apart by God to a speciall vse, not so much to feede the body, as to Nourish and refresh the soule.

Secondly, because being now sanctified, they serue to be Sacra­ments, signes and seales of hea­uenly things, and spirituall mysteries: euen of the body and bloud of Iesus Christ, and all those singular benefits that come vnto vs by the same.

And thus much for the Apo­stles Reason in this 29. verse. To inforce his former duty of prepa­ration. ⸪

Let vs pray.

OVr holy and bles­sed Apostle Saint Paul, hauing in the former part of this chapter, The Co­herence. [...]et downe the true and holy manner of ministring and recei­uing [Page 288] the Supper of the Lord, as [...] direction for all good Minister and people to follow. Doth i [...] the seuenth and twentith verse threaten the vnworthy receiuers that they are guiltie of no less [...] then high treason against th [...] blood of Christ, for prophaning and vnworthy receiuing of th [...] same.

And verse 28. He layes dow [...] a generall rule to be obserued o [...] all, that will come worthily an [...] prepared as they ought. Let euer [...] one therefore examine himselfe, an [...] so let him eate, verse. 28. &c. First his knowledge, whether it be sound an [...] sanctified. 2. His faith, whether i [...] be firme or not. 3. His Repentance, whether hee haue a dislik [...] of sinne past, a resolute purpo [...] and indeuour to auoyd sinne fo [...] the time to come, resoluing to obey [Page 289] God in all things. 4. whe­ther he come in loue and chari­tie to man. All which are abso­lute necessary in euery true com­municant, y ^t desires to receiue this Sacrament worthily.

Verse 29. The better to a­wake al carelesse and vnreuerent receiuers of this holy Sacrament. The Apostle comes to shew them the danger of the want of this preparation: viz. That such doe not onely loose their labour, or the benefit which otherwise they might receiue by the vse of this Sacrament, but such doe indeede prouoke Gods heauie wrath and displeasure against them, & hereby hasten and pro­cure their owne iudgement. Because they discerne not the Lords body. That is, they put no diffe­rence betweene the Bread and [Page 300] Wine thus consecrated and set apart for such a holy vse, and ordinary Bread, and ordinary Wine.

Now in this 30. verse the words of this text, the Apostle comest o [...] proue that which hee had se [...] downe before: viz. that the vn­worthy receiuer of the Lord [...] Supper, drawes downe God [...] heauy wrath and vengeance by this meanes vpon him, and this hee doth by bringing in the Church and people of God in Corinth, to witnesse this truth who for this very sin of vnwor­thy receiuing of this Sacrament, were many of them stricken, some with one disease, and some with another: saying For this cause many are sicke and weake &c.

q.d. You your selues oh Corin­thians [Page 291] finde this to bee true, that the vnworthy receiuer of this Sa­crament eateth and drinketh his owne iudgement. Seeing that for this sinne of yours, the iudg­ment of God is vpon you, in pu­nishing many of you with faint­nesse, sicknesse, yea and with death also. All which iudge­ments of God now resting vpon you, are so many witnesses of Gods displeasure against you for this sinne. This is the some of this verse.

Doct. 1 Wherein wee are to obserue how our Apostle applyeth par­ticularly, that which he had so generally propounded touch­ing the abuse of this Sacra­ment. It is the mi­nisters duty to make particular ap­plication of their Do­ctrines. Teaching

That it is the duty of euery faithfull minister of Iesus Christ, to make particular applications [Page 292] of those Doctrines the which they deliuer: not to sooth the people in their sinnes, but plain­ly to set them before them, and to shew them the iudgments of God that are vpon them for the same. And thus doth Nathan make a particular application of the pa­rable of the sheepe, saying to Da­uid, 2. Sam 12.7 I. Reg. 21. Exo. 9.13 Act. 14.25. Mar. 6.18. Ioh. 4.9 Thou art the man. Thus doeth Elias reproue Ahab: Moses, Pharao Paul, Felix: and Iohn Baptist, He­rod, &c. yea, thus doth Christ him self deale with the woman of Sa­maria, who did but dally with Christ, vntil he came to lay to her charge her particular sin, that she was a wicked woman, no better then a whore or harlot; and then she was tamed, and began to li­sten vnto Christs doctrine. And there is great reason that the Mi­nisters of God should deale thus [Page 293] truely and faithfully with mens soules: For

Reason. 1 First, it is Gods commaunde­ment, that his ministers shoulde deale so plainely, Eze. 33. and faithfully with the soules of men, to lay o­pen their sins, and to acquaint them with the iudgment to com. And heere-hence it is, that the Lord doth giue vnto his seruants in the Ministery, such names and titles, which serue to put them in mind of their duety heerein: Eze. 3.1. Eze. 34.1. 1. Sam. 9.9. 2. Pet. 1. [...]3. as Watch-men, Shepheards, Seers, Re­membrancers, &c.

Reason 2 Secondly, because we know, that conviction is the ready way to Conuersion. And the iudge­ment of man must first of all bee convicted to see its error, before he can come to leaue and forsake the same.

Now then, inasmuch as this is it [Page 294] where-vnto all the labours of Gods seruants in the Ministerie, doeth tende to bring men to see their sins, and to repent for the same; this can they not more better effect, then by the particu­lar application of their Doctrins, bringing downe the same, and applying it vnto the consciences of the hearers.

Vse. 1 for reprofe.And surely this doth serue to shewe, why so many that labour in the Lords vineyard amongst vs are so vnprofitable, and do so lit­tle good in their Ministerie; the reason is plaine, they deliuer ge­nerall Doctrines, without their Vses; they make not a true and particular application of the same vnto the Consciences o [...] their hearers, and so it wants the life of all Application, and fals to the ground. Men hauing no [...] [Page 295] their portion out of the same de­uided amongst them.

Vse. 2 Secondly, for instru­ction to Ministers. this may serue to admonish all Ministers of the Worde, that as they desire to see some fruite of their labour, the conuersion of their hearers, and those the Lord hath committed vnto their charge: So to behold Pauls practice here, to deale faith­fully with mens soules, to rip vp mens consciences to smite home, to presse them with their sinnes, and to say with Nathan, Thou art the man. For indeede, such is the deceiptfulnesse of mans nature, that vnlesse men be plainely and faithfully dealt withall, wee may see, that selfe-loue wil make men put off the most wholesome in­structions vnto others, as if they did no whit concern themselues. This is a good lesson for such, and [Page 296] such a man, I would they had heard it: Whereas indeede, it concer­neth none more then them­selues. Paul preuents this a­mongst this people of Corinth, and tels them, That many amongst them were weak, &c. Oh that this duty were duly regarded of all in the ministery, it could not be but we should then find the fruite of the same: much peace in our own soules, in the conscionable discharge of our duty therin, and the good of many a poore soule that is vnder vs.

Vse. 3 For instru­ction to hearers.Thirdly, & lastly, if this be the duty of Gods Ministers, to make particular application of his do­ctrines, and to presse the same vp on y ^e consciences of his hearers: You that are our hearers, must be thus content to bee dealt with­all, and not to storme against [Page 297] the Minister, nor to kicke against the word. For this know, that if the word of God be not as an ed­ged sword, to cut y ^e throat of thy sins, it is a sign the Lord hath cast thee off from his care, & intends to glorifie himself in thy destru­ction. And therefore, as you ten­der the saluation of your owne soules, suffer the Lords Chyrurgi­ans to make incision into your souls, by the sharpe razour of the Law, who best know what will be the danger of a festred soule with Sinne, and must launce the same before it can be cured: ra­ther say with Dauid: Let the righteous smite me friendly: Psa. 141.4. a good signe of an humbled soule, and broken heart.

Heere we haue three kinds of corrections & visitations, that al­mighty [Page 298] mighty God layeth vppon this people.

1. Many were weake: That is, had vppon them some lingering and fainte diseases, as the Con­sumption, &c.

2. Some were Sicke, and so were vexed vvith more paine­full griefes: as Agues, Fluxes, Fe­uers, &c.

3. Some were fallen asleep: that is, the Lord had by his own hand taken them out of the worlde by death.

Obiect. But here lyeth the doubt, how the Apostle knewe, that these plagues and punishments sent of God, were for this sin of theirs, their vnworthy receiuing of this Sacrament.

Answ. I answere; First, he was taught and instructed by Gods spirite what to say: and therfore might [Page 299] boldly say it. But besides, Paul knew that God had threatned thus to plague his people for this sinne, as hee threatened by Moses his seruant. Deu. 28.21.22.27.28. And had fur­ther in all ages, executed sundry iudgements vppon his Church and Children, for such open and common transgressions. And therefore Paul seeing these iudg­ments vpon these Corinthians, and knowing this to be a com­mon sin amongst them, as Gods Minister, concludeth thus: For this cause, &c.

And heerin I see not the con­trary, but the seruantes of God haue warrant to say the like, namely, that when we see a iudg­ment of God vpon a place, and withall, doe see some great and common sinne to raign amongst them; we may safely put them in [Page 300] minde of their sinnes, and tell them that this iudgment of God is vpon them for such sinnes, as are so rife & notorious amongst them. There was good cause then why Paul shoulde thus charge them.

Doct. 2 Now for the seuerall iudge­ment, it is not needeful to search & so to determine what diseases they were, that this Church and people were sicke of, and died, It is sufficient for vs to knowe that these sicknesses and diseases which the Lord had sent, were strange diseases, as may ap­peare, in that our Apostle doth take speciall notice of them, which he would not haue done if these had been ordinary. The note that we may obserue here­hence is

That sicknesse, Sicknesse and disea­ses are the fruit of sin. diseases &c. are [Page 301] the fruit of sinne, according to that of the Prophet Ieremy: Man suffereth for his sin. Lam. 3.39. And this doth Moses most clearely set downe, when hee denounceth so many seuerall punishments against the people of Israell, as the Pestilence, Deu. 28.22 Feuer, burning Ague, Consumpti­on &c: if they should disobey the the voyce of the Lorde their God.

But of this we haue spoken more fully in the former Ser­mon. The reasons are

Reason. 1 First, the Lord is iust, and can­not do any wrong. He neuer cor­recteth, but their is some thing amisse.

Reason. 2 And Secondly, euery man is guilty of many sinnes, the least whereof, deserue all those cor­rections that are layd vpon him. And wee haue euer cause to say [Page 302] moreouer, Lam. 3.22. That it is the Lords mercy that we are not consumed. Our sinnes euer deseruing hea­uier plagues, and more greuious iudgements.

Vse. 1 Let this teach vs then in all our afflictions, to acknowledge our sinnes to be the cause there­of, and to make a good vse of the same to reformation of life. For these diseases of what nature so­euer, they be but the fruit of sin. This was that counsell that Da­niel gaue to Nabucadnezzer, Dan. 4.24. Namely to breake of his sinnes by repentance. And his trans­gressions, by hauing compassion on the poore. And surely this is the best counsell that one Chri­stian can giue to another in af­fliction, viz. To breake of their sinnes by vnfained repentance and turning vnto the Lord. This [Page 303] is the way to stop the breach of Gods wrath, and to moue the Lord to reuoke his iudgements, and without which we shall but wearie our selues in vaine, for we must first remoue the cause of Gods iudgements, our sinnes, or else the hand of God cannot bee remoued.

Vse. 2 Secondly, this condemnes that hellish and brutish speech of many, who when they are weake, or sicke, or at the poynt of death, ascribe all to fortune, chance, or this or that cause. But neuer looke vnto the correcting hand of God. Iob acknowlegeth all these things to come from God, though it was, the deuill and wicked men that spoyled him. Oh let vs in Gods name, Iob. 1.21. learne to bee wise herein, to ac­knowledge that all sicknesse, and [Page 304] euery kind of disease, is Gods visitation, sent of God to hum­ble vs, to make vs to know, and to acknowledg our sinne, and to seeke vnto him for mercy. And surely when wee know that sick­nesse comes from GOD, it will make vs not onely to seeke vnto him for helpe and deliue­rance from trouble, but be a good meanes likewise to worke in vs patience, to wayte his leasure, when wee can perswade our selues that they come from a lo­uing Father, & sent for the good of our Soules.

Hence I might obserue diuers things.

Doct. 3, First, y ^e mercifull and gracious dealing of the Lord GOD to­wards his children, Gods iudg­ments are seasoned with mercy. who ra­ther then they shoulde come to [Page 305] eate of this Sacrament vn­worthily, Esay. 57.2. and so to prouoke him to wrath against them, doth first humble them by sicknesse, Esa. 54.7.8. and after takes them away by death. And thus in­deede the Lord takes away his children, when they are at the best, and by death hee doth pre­uent many euilles in them to come. And thus the faithfull are taken away from the Euill to come. Psal. 103.13.14.15. And howsoeuer he may seeme for a time to hide his face, yet with an euerlasting mercy he hath compassion on his; But I will not stand long on this poynt.

Vse. The vse, shewes what a foolish custome that is amongst the Pa­pists, yea & amongst many other that are ignorant herein, who in time of sicknesse and weake­nesse [Page 306] must then receiue the Sa­crament at home in their houses, in their chambers, and on their beds. I do not speake this as that I holde it in all cases vnlawfull so to doe, but that the sicke de­siring it, may haue the same ad­ministred vnto him, that doth hunger and thirst after the same, and is in some good measure prepared thereunto. But I speake as y ^e same is commonly so vsed, o [...] rather indeede abused. For wha [...] do such else but crosse God to his face. For whereas y ^e Lord doth by sicknesse tye vp a man or wo­man, and doth as it were, round them in the eare, and say, thou maiest not receiue at this time thou art vnfit, they say oh, but we will receiue, and that at home though the Lord say nay. And whereas the Lord hath shut them [Page 307] out of his house, and keepe them backe from his Table, least they shoulde abuse so holy an ordi­nance, they notwithstanding are so far from being humbled for their sinnes, and for their par­ticular failings therin in this du­ty, as that if the Lord do not strik with the stroke of death it selfe, they will not be kept from abu­sing the same still.

I speake not this I say, to dis­hearten any from receiuing of this Sacrament, either at home, or in time of sicknes, but to warn men of their superstitious cu­stome therein, who receiue the same superstitiously, and consi­der not that the Lords hand is e­uen then vpon them, for abusing the same before.

Doct. 4 The last thing that we may ob­serue from this texte is, The death of the godly is but a sleepe. how the Apostle calleth here the death of y ^e godly a Sleep. A poynt indeede of singular comfort to the god­ly, in that the death of their bo­dies is nothing else, but a sweete sleepe. They die not, but sleepe. And so it is sayde of Dauid, Salo­mon, Hezechias. &c. That they Slept with their Fathers. And so in the New Testament, death is vsually tearmed a Sleepe. As when CHRIST came to La­zarus, Ioh. 11. hee sayth, Lazarus is not dead, but Sleepeth. And of Ste­phen it is sayde, Act. 7. that Hee fell a­sleepe. And so are the graues of the Sayntes departed called Beds, according to that of the Prophet: Esay 57.2 And they shal rest in their Beds, euery one that walketh before the Lord in righteousnesse.

Now the Reasons of this re­semblance are thus conceiued:

Reason. 1 First, as such as lie downe in their beds to sleepe, doe not lye downe for euer, but rise againe much refreshed, and more chear­full then before, to doe the work of life: Euen so the elect of God, and the bodies of his saints, how­soeuer they tast of corruption, do not perish in corruption, but are layde in their graues, as in a bed of Downe, Reu. 14.13 that so resting from their laboures, and from all paine and griefe, they may rise a­gaine at the last day, to eternall life.

Reason. 2 Secondly, a man that is asleepe, may bee awaked out of the same by another: Euen so the dead are as easily reuiued by the voyce of God, as the liuing man awaked out of his shallowest slumber.

Vse. 1 Such then do erre, not know­ing the Scriptures, nor the pow­er of God, that teach and main­taine, that the body by death is resolued into its first principles, without hope of restoring to life. As also, against all Sadduces, that conclude against the Article of our resurrection: But not to stand on this.

Vse. 2 We learne heere, not so much to feare death; For, it cannot hurt the Childe of God, there is nothing in death to be feared of the godly: It is the passage into life, the body resting in the graue as in a bed, vntill that great day of the Lord shall come, when it shall rise againe to life. Which may teach vs likewise, to mode­rate our lamentation for the de­parture of our friends: 1. Thes. 4.13. Brethren, sayth Paul, I would not haue you ig­norant, [Page 311] concerning them that sleepe in the Lord, that ye should mourne, as men without hope. Shewing, that this immoderate feare of death, and this excessiue mour­ning of many for the dead, it springs from ignorance & want of Faith: For, if we beleeued this, that they are layd a sleepe, and their Soules beeing in heauen, their bodies lie in the earth, as in a bed of Downe, vntill the iudg­ing day, and then that they shall rise to glory, why shold we mourn so much for them?

In this verse, the Apostle shew­eth a reason why the Lord dea­leth so sharpely with his people, [Page 312] and correcteth them so sorely for this sinne of theirs, their vn­worthy receiuing of this Sacra­ment, namely, because they wold not see their sin, be humbled for the same, and condemne them­selues as guilty before God, of vnworthy receiuing of this Sa­crament: And therfore the Lord was constrained to take the mat­ter into his owne hand, and to correct them for the same.

That is, enter into our owne hearts, examine our owne wayes, and call our own sinnes vnto ac­count, and condemne our selues for the same, then should we not in this manner, be iudged, and condemned of the Lord.

Concerning this remedy heere prescribed by the holy Ghost, to auoyd Gods iudgment, and eter­nall [Page 313] condemnation. It stands we see, in the practise of this most needefull and Christian duty of mens entering into their heartes and Soules, to examine and find out their sins, and to iudge and condemn themselues for y ^e same.

Now that we may perform this duty aright, we must know, Four things necessary to the iudging of a mans selfe. there is a fourfold duty to be performed by vs: for in iudgment there must be examination, accusation, condem­nation, and execution. And these foure are likewise necessary to the iudging of a mans selfe.

First, Exami­nation. there must be a serious ex­amination of our selues, and of our own estates, how it fareth be­twixt God and our soules, which is wrought by the law of God, by the which as in a glasse, we may behold the sundry sins we haue committed, as so many spots and [Page 314] blemishes in our soules, and this examination and tryall of our own hearts and estates is so need­full, as that without it, it is im­possible to iudge himselfe, or to repent truely of his sins: For by the conscionable perfourmance of this duty, coms the knowledg of sin, and of our misery, which is the first step vnto true repen­tance.

And to this end, in the word of God, the Lord doth often call vp on men to consider their wayes, and to call their liues to acount, and that so they may attaine vn­to the sight of their sin, and come to repentance for the same. The Prophet Ieremy doth often call vpon this saying: Ier. 3.13 Know thy sins, O Ierusalem. Lam. 3.39. And againe, Wherfore is the liuing man sorrowfull, man suf­fereth for his sin. Let vs search and [Page 315] try our wayes and turne vnto the Lord. Where he shewes that for want of this iudging of our selues, men are punished, and be­cause they will not enter into a narrow search of their owne soules, they doe not returne vnto the Lord. So Dauid, I considered my own wayes, and turned my feete to thy Testimonies. Ps. 119.5 [...] And the like speece is vsed by the Prophet Zephany: Zeph. 2.1.2 Fan your selues, oh my peo­ple. Yea common reason doth require the same, before a man can frame himselfe to enter into a right course, hee must tho­rowly bee resolued and perswa­ded within himselfe, that hee hath beene mistaken in his for­mer course of life. I might mul­tiply testimonies in this kinde, but these shall suffice, to direct vs in this duty, how necessary this [Page 316] strict tryall and examination of our owne estates, is to the iudge­ing of our selues.

Ioel. 2.13.Onely let me adde this, that in this our examination we must not only search after our grosse sins, Act. 8.22. but euen after our most secret corruptions. For true repen­tance extends it selfe not onely to the grosse euiles of mens liues, but euen the most secret corrup­tion of the heart, and of the Soule.

And we must withall consider the Circumstances of our sinnes, as when, where, & how, we haue committed the same, that so ac­cordingly wee may labour for humiliation for the same. And herein it shall bee safe for vs to passe thorough the whole law of God, and take a viewe of our liues by euery particular com­mandement, [Page 317] that so we may the better come to see and ac­knowledge our misery, and want.

Vse. 1 First, then this serues to disco­uer vnto vs y ^e reason why there is so little faith & true repentance in the world, why men are no more humbled for their sins, and doe not repent of the same. Poore Soules, they know not that they doe euill, such either cannot or do not search themselues, they call not their owne wayes to ac­count. Now then how can such come to repentance, and to haue their sinnes pardoned, that neuer yet called their sinnes to ac­count, nor questioned their e­state. Such neuer came as yet where repentance grew. Well then I say againe, marke well this poynt, doe not lightly passe [Page 318] it ouer, but esteeme it as the blessed truth of God, that the sight and vnderstanding of our owne wandering, is the first step vnto eternall life and saluation, and to iudge our selues, that so wee may in the ende escape the condemnatorie sentence of the Almighty.

Vse. 2 Secondly, wee may obserue hence, what a singular a fauour of God it is, when he doth open a mans eyes to see his miseries, & to find himselfe like a lost sheepe to haue gone a stray. Surely, sure­ly, this is the begining of al grace & true conuersion vnto God. Whereas such as are yet igno­rant of their own estates, or can­not abide to looke into the Law, whereby sinne comes to be dis­couered. It is a plaine signe that such a one, is in a most desperate [Page 319] case, past hope, Psal. 50. and God him­selfe must bee faint to take him into his own hand, for sin must be iudged.

And thus much for the first degree of iudging of our selues: our examination of our owne estates.

The second particular, 2 Accusation. where­in this iudging of our selues doth consist, is Accusation. Or the preferring of bils of inditement against our selues: and to accuse our selues before God for our sinnes. And indeede, if wee woulde not bee iudged and con­demned of the Lord, we must bring our selues as poore priso­ners to y ^e barr of Gods iudgment seate. And this wee do when wee set our selues, in the presence of God, and enter into a narrow re­coning with our owne Soules, [Page 320] and consciences, as if now were the day of iudgement. To see what our conscience (which is as a little God and iudg in our bosom) woulde say against vs. And surely the often perfor­mance of this duty, Note. to bring our selues thus into Gods presence, to see what an acnount we can make vnto GOD of our liues past, will be a good meanes to bring vs to this duty, to iudge our selues, that we be not iudged of the Lord: and where men doe truly come to the sight of their sinnes, and vnto true repentance for the same, there will euer fol­low this Accusation for sinne. In true repentance there is euer­more a disposition to lay to a mans owne charge asmuch as is possible. A penitent sinner needs none other aduersarie then his [Page 321] owne conscience, he himselfe is his owne foe. And this appeares clearely by that of Dauid, I haue sinned exceedingly (saith he) and done very foolishly. 2. Sam. 24.10. And it is the practise of Ezra in that confes­sion of his, hee makes in the be­halfe of the whole Church: Our iniquities are increased ouer our heads, Esay. 9.6. and our trespasses are growne vp to heauen. And that of the Pro­phet Daniel is most excellent to this purpose when he saith, Wee haue sinned and committed iniquitie and haue done wickedly, Dan. 9.5. and haue rebelled, euen by departing from thy precepts, and from thy iudgemens. How doth the Prophet there ac­cuse for sinne, by the acknow­ledgment of the peoples degrees of sinnes: 1. Tim. 1.13 And if we require some examples, we may behold Paules practise herein, confessing him­selfe [Page 322] to bee a Blasphemer, an Op­pressor &c. Yea the Cheefe of sin­ners. And that of the Prodigall, who confessed that he had sin­ned against heauen and against God &c. All which as a cloud of witnesses, Serue to informe our Iudgement, and to settle the same in the truth of this poynt, that vnto this iudging of our selues there must be selfe-accu­sing▪ and indeede where there is true repentance, there is in some Vse. 1 measure this disposition.

The vses followe.

If this accusing of a mans selfe be so necessary vnto the iudge­ing of our selues, that so we may escape the condemnation of the Lord: what shall we say to those that study the Art of mincing and extenuating of sinne? poore soules, such neuer came where [Page 323] repentance gr [...]we. And yet the world affords thousands of these, who notwithstanding, thinke themselues to bee in good cause▪ that can put vppon couetous­nesse, the cloake of frugality and good husbandry: vpō drunken­nes, good-fellowship &c, so far are many from accusing themselues for sin, as that they rather iustifie themselues in their euill wayes.

Vse. 2 But let this serue for matter of instruction vnto vs all, that as we desire the pardon of our sinnes▪ & to haue some good euidence vnto our owne soules, of our re­pentance, to aggrauate our sins, & to accuse our selues vnto God for our manifold impieties. Oh it is an excellent signe of grace in a man, to think he can neuer lay enough vnto his owne charge. Oh this is the onely way to haue [Page 324] our sin couered before God, to confesse and vncouer the same vnto him. For he will iustifie vs if we condemne our selues. Hee forgets our sinnes, if we remem­ber them: and when we are vile in our owne eyes, wee are most precious in the Lords, and when we are lost in our selues, wee are found of him.

3 Condem­nation.The third degree of this iudg­ing of our selues, is Condemnati­on. And that is a passing of Sen­tence against a mans selfe, ac­knowledging that if the Lorde did bring vppon him swift dam­nation, hee were most iust and righteous in his iudgementes: Like y ^e penitent theefe vpon the Crosse: Psal. 51.4. Psal. 32.5. We are iustly punished. And this was Dauids case in diuers places of his Psalmes, saying I sayd (or determined with my [Page 325] selfe) I will confesse my sinne against my selfe. And so Iob: Iob. 4 [...].6. I abhor my selfe, and repent in dust and ashes. And indeed, herein lyeth a prin­cipall part of this iudging of a mans selfe, when a man comes so to see his sinnes, and Gods hea­uy displeasure for the same, as that he can subscribe vnto Gods iustice, euen in his owne con­demnation: acknowledging that God is iust, and that he himselfe deserues far more greater iudg­ment: And neuer comes a man to bee truely humbled for sinne in himselfe, till hee be brought to this passe, to iudge and con­demne himselfe.

And vnto the three former de­grees of iudging a mans selfe, 4 Execution there may be added a fourth, and that is Execution, 2. Cor. 7 11. and holy Re­uenge. And this is when we beat [Page 326] downe our bodies, and mortifie our members, denying them that sway and swinge in the wayes of vanity: And the vndertaking of good dueties, that the like occa­sions may bee preuented for the time to come.

By all which wee see that this iudging of our selues is no small matter, nor easie thing, which shold make vs so much the more carefull to performe the same a­right. And thus we haue seene what the iudging of our selues is, a duty how necessary, appears in the last clause of this verse.

In which wordes, the Apostle meaneth that wee should not be condemned and punished of the Lord, and heerin giuing vs to vn­derstand:

Doct. 5 That the onely way to turne away the Lords wrath, is, The onely way to turn away the Lords wrath is to iudge our selues. Pro. 28. to iudg our selues, as hath beene decla­red, and might further be manifested by many testimonies, as that of Salomon: He that hides his sinnes shall not prosper, but hee that confesseth and forsaketh them, shall find mercy. And how often doth the Lord by his Pro­phets tell the people, that if they woulde turne from euill wayes, that he would Repent him, Ier. 26, 3.13. Psal. 78.34. &c. and turne from his fierce wrath he had conceiued against them: euident testimonies to cleare this truth.

And for this cause, did the Lord call vpon his Prophets, to meete the Lord before the Decree came forth, and the Lords wrath was kindled against his people. [Page 328] To kisse the Sonne, least hee were angry: Ionah 3.9 Psal. 2.1. Esay 55.6 And to seeke the Lorde, whilest he may be found, &c. And indeed, the Scriptures affoord vs diuers examples, of such as by iudging themselues, haue turned away the Lords iudgement, not only the godly, but euen among the wicked themselues, Exo. 9. as Pharao Ahab, &c. And not only of men, but the same hath beene proued true of whole Cities, and Coun­tries: as Niniueh, and of the peo­ple of Israel, and the like.

Vse. This serueth for our instructi­on, to perswade all men thus to iudge themselues, since it is the onely way to escape the iudge­ment of God. Which mercy and blessing none can sufficiently prize, but such as haue felt what a fearefull thing it is, to fall into the hands of the Almightie, and [Page 329] and haue themselues felt his heauie hand.

And therefore in Gods name, as we desire to escape the iudge­ment of God, let vs make consci­ence of this remedy, to enter in­to our owne heartes, call our owne wayes to accompt, that so iudgeing our selues, vvee may not bee iudged of the Lord.

In this verse, the Apostle makes plaine his meaning, and sets down the principal end why God correcteth his children, viz. That they should not be condemned [Page 330] with the world.

Which the Apostle doeth to this end, to answer a doubt that might arise and trouble the con­science of Gods Children, to whom this comfort doth apper­taine. And that is this:

Obiect. If God sent these strange iudge­ments amongst them, for their sinne of vnworthy receiuing, and that because they did not iudge themselues: They might by and by gather, that they were out of Gods fauour, and therefore feare that these iudgements were to­kens of his wrath, and shoulde turne to their destruction.

Answ. To this doubt of theirs, the Apostle answereth in this verse, that howsoeuer they had indeed deserued the Lordes ouerlasting wrath, yet the Lorde in iudgeing them, did not cast them off, [Page 331] or like a rigorous Iudge, in fury take vengeance vppon them: But rather, as a Father, did cha­stise them, and that to this ende, that heereby, they might bee brought to repentance, and so deliuered from condemnation with the world.

Out of these wordes wee may gather three conclusions.

First, that the wicked worlde, Three conclusions from the text. or the world of wicked men, shal assuredly be condemned.

Secondly, that the godly shall not be condemned, but certain­ly saued: and

Thirdly, that one principall means that God doth vse to free [Page 332] his children from condemnati­on is correction.

Doct. 6 First that the world, that is the wicked men of the world, who are so called because of their multitud, The wicked shall cer­tainely bee condemned shal moe assured­ly be condemned. And the Lord will take vengeance vpon them at last. There is nothing of more certaintie then the seueritie of Gods iustice vpon [...]ose, who are no way prouoked by the a­bundance & riches of his mercy to repent. Gen. 18. And hence is it that the Lord in the Scriptures is cal­led a Iudge, Psal. 50.6. and a righteous Iudge, to shew that the Lord in time will take vengeance vppon the wicked. 2. Tim. 4.8. Iob. 21.20. And Iob speaking of the wicked saith, His eyes shall see de­struction. Pro. 17.15. And Salomon saith that He that iustifieth the wicked: and he which condemneth the iust, are both [Page 333] an abhomination to the Lord. And by the Prophet Esay, Esay. 5.23. the Lord de­nounceth a heauy woe against those which iustifie the wicked. Now if the Lorde doe hate it in others, to acquite the inocent and to condemne the iust; wee may be well assured, it will bee far from the iudg of all the world to doe vniustly. For he is not respecter of mens persons. Act. 10. But wil in the ende most certainely execute iudgement and vengeance vpon the wicked.

And if we would looke vpon some particular examples, the Scriptures afford vs diuers, as euident testimonies of the se­ueritie of Gods iudgement vpon the wicked. Hee spared not the Angels (saith Peter) which kepte not their first estate. 2. Pet. 2.4. Iude. 6.

He suffered the old worlde [Page 334] long, but at the last he cleared his iustice, and brought a Flood of destruction vpon the wicked; and so at last hee remembred the sins of the Sodomites. And answe­red the cry of them with fire and Brimstone from heauen. What though Pharaoh, Saul, Ahab, and Iesabel, flourish for a time, it will be but for a time, their Damnati­on doth not sleepe, nay more to shew the certaintie of the con­demnation of all wicked and vngodly men, Iohn. 3.18. our Sauiour saith, that the wicked are condemned already.

First, in the iustice of God who will punish th [...] transgressors of the law: Gal. 3.10 Cursed is euery one that abideth not in all things, &c.

Secondly, in the court of a wicked mans conscience, where­in God doth begin to execute [Page 335] the sentence of condemnation vpon them, giuing them either a guiltie and an accusing consci­ence, as it were y ^e flashes of hell in this life; or else hardnes of heart, and blindnesse of minde, which iudgement of God is no way in­feriour to the former.

And thirdly, in Gods decree and Gods accoumpt, they are condemned already: that is, are as sure and certaine of condem­nation. As if they were already plunged into it.

Vse. 1 This serues, first of all to assure as that there is a day of iudge­ment comming, when euery man shall receiue according to his workes. 1. Cor. 5.10 Against all those blasphemies of the wicked, who say, where is the promise of his comming, for since the beginning, all things continue alike. And thus the wicked that con­temne [Page 336] religion, scoffe at al pietie and godlinesse, make but a scoffe of the iudgement day, ei­ther that it shall not come at all, or that the Lord will iustifie the wicked and the sinner in that day. Oh how hath Sathan blind­ed the mindes of such. I aske such why that day is called the day of the Lord. 2. Pet. 3.10. And the terrible day of the Lord shall come as a theefe &c. Luk. 19.42. Rom. 2.5. And y ^t it is called the day of the Declaration of the iust iudgement of God. 1. Thes. 1.5.8. But that the Lord will be exalted in iudgement in that day. When hee will reuenge himselfe vpon his enemies, and vpon all impenitent sinners.

Vse. 2 Secondly, this may serue for matter of terror vnto all wicked and impenitent sinners, to con­sider in what a wofull and feare­full estate they are in, they are as [Page 337] sure and certaine to be condem­ned (without repentance) as if they were plunged in hell al­ready. What though a traytor that is condemned, haue the libertie of the Tower or Castle wherein he lyes, and may follow his sports and pleasures there? poore soule, what ioy can hee haue, to thinke that euen in the midst of them all, the King may [...]all him to the block. Euen so what though the wicked abound [...]n pleasure? Iob. 21.9. what though their [...]uses are peaceable and without [...]eare, and the rod of God be not vp­ [...]n them. Shall we say their estate [...] happie? Eccle. 8.11. when their sin lyeth [...]t the dore. As God tolde Cain. And their condemnation doth [...]ttend vpon them? Oh but y ^e day [...]f iudgement is not come yet; Gen. 4.7. [...]t is true because iudgement; [Page 339] deferred, therefore the wicked waxe bold. But know, Oh know; thou that liuest in thy sinne, and puttest in this manner from thee the euill day, that the sentence then to bee ratified is already pronounced, and that which is then to bee executed is already begun, thou art now as it were vpon y ^e hurdle, draging along to the place of execution, the rop [...] is as it were about thy neck, and nothing is wanting but the tur­ning off the ladder. Oh conside [...] this ye that forget God, Psal. 50. least I ta [...] you in peeces, and there be none to d [...] liuer.

Vse. 3 Thirdly, this may serue to reprooue that vaine conceipt o [...] many, that thinke that God [...] made all of mercy, and one s [...] full of clemency, as that whe [...] they will, they can make the [...] [Page 339] peace with him, and that a Lord haue mercy vppon mee, will serue the turne, though it bee but at the very houre of death. But know, O thou vaine man, that strengthenest thy selfe in thy sinfull course, vnder this hope, that the LORD will shewe thee mercy at the last: That thou mayest so farre a­buse his mercy, goodnesse, and grace, which should haue led thee to repentance, as there will bee no place of repentance lefte for thee, though with E­sau, thou seeke the same at Gods handes with teares. Else, Heb. 12.17 what meaneth that, Prou. 1.24 25.26. where the Lord sayth: Because I haue cal­led, and ye refused: I haue stretch­ed out my hand, and none woulde regard: But ye haue despised my councell, and would none of my [Page 340] correction. I will also laugh at your destruction, and mocke when your feare commeth. But to shew that the Lorde will not regarde the cries, and moanes that the wicked shall make at the last, that haue hardened their owne hearts against his gracious call, and turned away their eares, when he spake vnto them in his word.

Vse. 4 And last of all, this may teach vs not to enuie the felicitie of the wicked: Poore soules, they rather deserue pitty then enuie. The reckoning that is behinde, will make them pay full deare for these sweete pleasures for a time, Note. and in the middest of all their pleasures, and height of all their pompe and glory, they are but cursed and con­demned [Page 341] creatures. And novv for a short time, and a little sea­son, what though the Worlde admire them, and they haue many to stoope vnto them with cap and knee: God hath al­ready condemned them, Psal. 15.4.6 and they are despised in the eyes of all good men.

And thus much for the firste conclusion.

Obserue hence in the second place, what is Gods immutable counsell and decree touching the godly, hee will that they shall not be condemned, and to this ende, doeth many times correct them in this worlde, that so they may not bee condem­ned [Page 342] with the World. So that, our second Conclusion vvill be

Doct. 7 That the godly shall not bee condemned, The godly shall not be condemned but most certainely saued. but certainely sa­ued. For, Who hath resisted his will? If the Lord will haue the Elect to be saued: And amongst other the meanes he hath ordai­ned and sanctified to the same purpose, hee hath appoynted correction to bee one in this world, to make his seruants e­scape the condemnation of the wicked in the Worlde to come. The Lord euer effecteth what is the purpose of his owne will. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance, Rom. 11.29 Ioh. 13.1. whom he lo­ueth, he loueth to the end. His loue is perpetuall, and there­fore sayth: Esay 44.8 With an euerlasting loue had I compassion on thee sayth [Page 343] the Lord thy redeemer. And in­deed, this is a most certaine rule, that where God beginneth the good worke of grace, there is no opposition whatsoeuer, that can bee made by the Deuill, the World, or our owne Corrupti­ons, shall euer be able to hinder the same. And therefore sayth Paul: I am perswaded, Phil. 1.6 that he that hath begun this good worke in you, will finish the same, vntill the day of Iesus Christ. And it is made the very finall cause, why God sent his Sonne into the VVorlde, euen this: That all that beleeue in him, should not perish, Ioh. 3.16 but haue life euerlasting. And vnto all that I haue sayd, adde these Testimo­nies: I know my Sheepe, Ioh. 10.27 28. I giue vn­to them eternall life, and they shall neuer perish: Neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. Rom. 8.1. And there is no condem­nation [Page 344] to them that are in Christ Iesus. 2. Tim. 2.19. And that the foundation of the Lord remaineth for euer sure. Surely there is no poynt of Do­ctrine more often vrged, or clear­ly proued in the Scripture, then this, to shew the certainety of the saluation of al the elect, that their life is hid with Christ in God. Col. 3.3 And that such shall neuer perish: And hence it is, that Christ is called the Author, Heb. 12.2 and finisher of our faith to comfort and stay the poore sheepe of Christ with this, that if the Lorde haue in any measure begun in them the true worke of grace, as he is the author of it; For euery good gift, and euery perfect gift coms from him that is the Father of light, Iames 1.6 and God of all consolation. So he will neuer cease, vntill he haue brought the same vnto perfection

And the reasons heereof are

Reason 1 First, because the Lord that hath from all eternity, willed the saluation of all the elect, is im­mutable and vnchangeable. His gifts are without repentance, Rom. 11.29 his foundation standeth sure. And wee are kept by his power vnto salua­tion. 2. Tim. 2.19

Reason 2 Secondly, the Elect are sure of Saluation, in regarde of the price of the same, and that is the bloud of Iesus Christ, which cleanseth from all Sinne. 1. Ioh. 1. And that beeing giuen as a ransome for many, what a fearfull impu­tation shoulde wee cast vppon it, if the same shoulde not be a­uaileable vnto the elect to Sal­uation.

Reason 3 And thirdly, it were di­rectly to crosse Gods iustice, which being satisfied in the death [Page 346] of the Sonne of God, for the sins of all the elect, and to make the same of no validitie, if the elect redeemed by Christ, should finally fall away, and perish euer­lastingly. But not to stand vppon these Reasons.

The vses are,

Vse 1 First, to take notice of Gods vnspeakeable loue and mercy vnto his Church and Children. Who euen heerein hath mag­nified his mercy towards vs, not only setting vs free from the pri­son of our sinnes, and from the fearefull punishment belonging vnto the same, but hath also in deepe compassion towardes our poore Soules, acquainted vs that we shall not come into condem­nation, but shall escape from death vnto life: To the end that being free from that same [Page 347] bondage, and seruile feare, that the Wicked liue vn­der; Wee might learne to serue the LORDE in Righ­teousnesse and Holynesse yea with much ioy, and comfort, Luke. 2. all the dayes of our life.

Vse 2 Secondly, this serues to discouer a wonderfull poynt of folly that raignes in the world; of all the mercyes of GOD this is the cheefest, when the Lord doth giue vnto a man, Christ, and the benefits of his passion, amongst which, this is not the least assurance of Gods loue, touching remission of sinnes and our euerlasting saluation. And yet (alas) wee see of all things this is lesse sought for, as if saluation and eternall life were not worth the seeking. [Page 348] Heerein wee are like vnto little children, y ^t looke after babies in a booke, and regard not the matter. Oh why shoulde wee bee so foolish, to seeke those things which cannot continue, and let goe those things as are both perpetuall and eter­nall. Doe we affect perpetuities, doe wee desire a glorious, a comfortable, an honorable and withall an vnchangeable estate. Beholde heere is an excellent estate indeede. Eternall Sal­uation, an Eternall inheritance. An Eternall wayte of glory. A Lease not of one and twenty yeares, but for tearme of such a life as shall neuer see death. Why then seeke wee not after it, and get good euidences of the same, that so at last, Salua­tion may be our portion.

And thus much breefely for the second conclusion.

The Apostle herein labours to prooue, that these iudgments of Almighty God (vnto them y ^t can make a right vse of them) are but Fatherly chastisements and instructions, to keepe his children from the condemnati­on of the world. We are chastised of the Lord &c. q. d. You are euen in the midst of your trials, trou­bles and afflictions, to beholde Gods mercy towards you, who doth thus correct you, not out of any hatred hee beares to any of you: but euen as a louing and [Page 350] deare Father correcteth his own childe, to preuent more danger­ous courses, which might bring him to shame in the end. So God doth exercise you with these temporall chastisements, that thereby hee might keepe and restraine you from falling into such sinnes, as might bring you to Damnation with the rest of the world: the Doctrine then is,

Doct. 8 One prin­cipall meanes that God doth vse to free his children from con­demnation is correcti­on.That one principall meanes that God doth vse to free his Children from condemnation, is correction. For whereas by nature they are corrupt aswell as the wicked: God vseth this correction as a soueraigne Medicine to Purge out their corruption, and so to cleanse them from their sin, [Page 351] to bring them to repentance, and to Saluation. This is in­tended by Christ when he saith, Euery branch that beareth not fruit in mee, he taketh away, Iohn. 15.2 and euery one that beareth fruit, he purgeth: That it may bring forth more fruit. And most a­greeable vnto this, is that of the Prophet Dauid, Psa. 94.12. Blessed is the man whome thou chastisest O Lord, and teachest him in thy Law. That thou maiest giue him rest from the dayes of euill, whilest the pit is digged for the wicked. Whereby wee learne what an excellent fruit commeth to Gods children by correction, euen no lesse then such as accom­panie eternall life and Salua­tion. Which commeth to passe, not simply thorough af­flictions: For then shoulde the [Page 352] wicked haue the same fruit of them, inasmuch as All things happen alike to all. Eccle. 9. But onely thorough the great mercy of GOD, who Sanctifieth the same vnto his children, and vn­to the wicked. The Scriptures are full of proofes for the con­firmation of this Doctrine. Ex­cellent to this purpose is that of the Prophet Hoseah, I will be to Ephraim as a Lyon, and as a yong Lyon to the house of Iudah. Hos. 5.14.15. I, euen I will teare and goe away &c. Till they acknowledge their offence and seeke my face. And this is ac­knowledged by the prophet Dauid, who coulde speake herein by experience Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now haue I learned thy commande­ments. Psa. 119.71 And Paul concludeth thus, 2. Cor. 4.17 For our light affliction, which [Page 353] is but for a moment: causeth vnto vs a far more excellent and eternall waite of Glory. And great rea­son, that the afflictions of Gods Seruants shoulde worke this worke, in them.

Reason. 1 First, because the Lord in his owne decree and counsell, hath appoynted the same for a helpe and remedy, against our strong corruptions, and these must needes bee now as wholsome potions very medicinable, be­ing vsed by such a heauenly Physition.

Reason. 2 Secondly, howsoeuer the workes of correction are vnplea­sant for the present. For no af­fliction is for the time present, ioyous but grieuous, yet they are by Gods blessing vpon them, excellent meanes to worke in vs contri­tion, and true humiliation for [Page 354] our sinnes. The ready way to conuersion. And this ap­peares by the incestuous per­son vpon whome Paul required to be layde that feareful penalty of Excommunication, that hee should be deliuered ouer to Sathan: 2. Cor. 5.5. And excluded out of the Church vntill hee repented. It appeareth that hee was awake­ned thereby, and so brought to Godly sorrow for his sinne.

The vses follow.

Vse. 1 Seeing then, that afflictions are so vsefull vnto a childe o [...] GOD as the effects thereo [...] do declare, proouing as whol­some Medicines, and as Father­ly chastisements to amend and reforme vs. This may stay the children of GOD, from being too much dishartened in time [Page 345] of affliction: But rather with all meekenesse submit our selues vnto our most wise GOD, who euer correcteth for our good. And chasteneth vs for our profit, Heb. 12.10 that we might be parta­kers of his holynesse. How many notwithstanding are there that make many hard conclusions against themselues in time of affliction. As if God had forsaken them, and they cleane cast out of his fauour. But Oh consider wherefore doth the Lorde lay thee vpon thy sicke bed, afflict thee in thy VVife, Children, Goods &c: Surely for no other ende, then to bring thee vnto himselfe. What cause then hath any to murmur or complaine in time of affliction.

Vse. 2 Secondly, this serues to Magnifie the Power, and Wise­dome [Page 356] of God, that can and doth so ouer-rule the nature of all thinges, that they shall serue for much good vnto his children, according to that of the Apostle All thinges worke for the best to them that loue God, Rom. 8. As the skill­full Apothecary, of poyson, makes Triakle to expell poyson, so can God make the poyson of afflictions, (which in themselues are the curse of the Lawe) to driue out the poyson of sinne, as wee may clearely see in the examples of Manasses, 2. Cro. 33.11. Ier. 31.18. Act. 16. Luke. 15. Ephraim, the Iaylor, Prodigall &c: The af­flictions of whose outward man: were by Gods blessings vppon them, good meanes to saue both the outward and inward man.

Yet euen herein wee must ob­serue a difference betwixt the godly, & the wicked, to the one, [Page 357] they are helpes to heauen, to the other forerunners of greater tor­ments, as in the deluge the wa­ters that bore vp the Arke for the sauing of Noah, drowned the wicked of those times. And this wee may often see vnder the Crosse, the godly to pray, the wicked to blaspheme, the drosse consumes, while the gold is puri­fied, So much mattereth it not, what is suffered, but what the persons be that suffer.

And thus much for our helps and direction, how to receiue the Sacrament, and that worthily.