Ten Sermons for the Worthy Receiving of the Lords Supper, Overview
A BRIEFE DIALOGVE CONCERNING PREPARATION, FOR THE WORTHIE RECEIVING of the Lords Supper, taken for the moſt part, out of the Sermons following.
WHat is the Lords Supper?
It is a Sacrament of the eternall couenant, Math. 26.28.whereby through the vſe of bread and wine, rightly adminiſtred, and faithfully receiued, Ioh. 6.27.54. &c.the ſoules of them that are ingrafted into Chriſt, are ſpiritually nouriſhed vntounto eternall life.
What then is required of thoſe that will be partakers of this heauenly food at the Lords table?
They muſt be prepared as meete gueſtes for ſuch a banquet.Math. 22.12. 1. Cor. 11.28.
For the better attaining to this preparation, how many things are there to be conſidered?
Three: firſt, what is to be done before the partaking of it. Secondly, what at it. Thirdly, what after it.
What is that which muſt be done before?
There muſt be 1. an examination how fit wee are to receiue. 2. A premeditation of the benefits that wee are to receiue. And 3. faithfull and feruent praier for Gods bleſſing vponupon our examination, premeditation and receiuing.
Of what points are we to examine our ſelues?
Firſt, Examination. 1 in generall, whether wee bee of the number of the faithfull, and hauehave in vsus the life of grace: for otherwiſe wee are vtterly vnfit to be partakers of the Lords Supper, which is appointed for food to continue ſpirituall life where it is, and not to worke it where it is not: to bee for nouriſhment vntounto Gods children; but for the bane and deſtruction of dogs and ſwine, that dare preſume to meddle with the ſame.
Secondly, wee muſt examine our ſelues more particularlie.
Concerning what matters?
Whether wee hauehave attained vntounto a competent meaſure of repentance, knowledge, faith, and louelove: which if we can finde in our ſelues, we may reſolue our hearts in that point of general examination, and conclude, that we are within the couenant of grace, and hauehave communion with Chriſt Ieſus, and therefore are in ſtate to be communicants at his table.
How ſhould we trie our ſelues in the matter of repentance?
Wee muſt examine, Repentance. 1 1. whether wee hauehave at any time carefully ſifted our hearts and behauiour, to finde out as many of our corruptions as poſſibly we could. 2. Whether we hauehave beene, and are hartily ſorrowfull for the ſame. 3. Whether wee hauehave rightly confeſſed them before the Lord, with an earneſt deſire of the pardon thereof. And 4. whether wee purpoſe and reſolue for euer hereafter (through Gods gratious aſſiſtance) to reforme both our hearts and waies.
Is there any neceſſitie of that ſearching of our ſelues?
Yes verily: Searching. 1 for otherwiſe wee ſhall bee found hiders of ſinne, See the Sermon on Prou. 28.13. Doct. 1. Iob. 20.12.which hindreth all true proſperitie, and argueth plainlie that there is in vsus a louelove of iniquitie, and abundance of hypocriſie, which will keepe vsus from reaping benefit by the word or Sacrament.
Whereby ſhould we trie our ſelues to the intent we may come to a more full and particular ſight of our corruptions?
By the law of God, pſal 119.59.which is, the true touch-ſtone: examining our ſelues by eueryevery commandement, that ſo wee may diſcerne, if not all, yet the moſt part of the corruptions of our ſoules, and errors of our liues: and for our more orderly proceeding herein, we may vſe this direction following; wherein are ſet downe the chiefe heads of moſt of the ſinnes againſt eueryevery commandement.
Sinnes againſt the firſt Commandement.
1 ATheiſme, which is, If any deſire prooues of Scripture for theſe particular ſinnes mentioned, he may vſe the helpe of M. Dods booke on the commandements: or of the True watch, where many of theſe are touched.when men either thinke there is no God, or liue as if there were no God.
2 Idolatrie, which is, the hauing of a falſe God.
3 Ignorāce, vncapablenes of knowledge, errors, & hereſies.
4 Forgetfulneſſe of good things, eſpecially of thoſe that moſt concerne vsus, and chiefly at that inſtant when we ſhould make vſe of them. 2. Remembring of euill things, eſpecially of thoſe that may moſt corrupt vsus; and chiefely then, when wee ſhould be moſt free from the thought of them.
5 Vnwillingneſſe vntounto good things, principally to the beſt: readineſſe vntounto, and wilfullneſſe in euill, eſpecially the worſt. 2. Impatiencie vnderunder croſſes.
6 Diſtruſt of Gods power, merciemercy, &c. promiſes, and prouidence, whence carnall feares are wrought and cheriſhed, and the true feare of God is expelled and baniſhed.
7 Preſumption vponupon Gods merciemercy.
8 Carnall confidence in wit, learning, wealth, ſtrength, friends, &c. thinking our ſelues the better or ſafer ſimply for them: whence ariſeth pride, and ſecuritie.
9 Too much louelove of euil: as alſo of our ſelues, our friends, our pleaſure, profit, credit &c. 2. To little louelove of God and of goodneſſe, of Gods ſeruants, and ſeruices.
10 Hatred of God and goodneſſe. 2. Want of hatred againſt our owne, and others ſinnes.
11 Abundance of worldly ſorrow, ſhame and diſcontentment, 2. want of ſpirituall griefe, and indignation againſt our owne and others tranſgreſſions. 3. Not lamenting for the calamities of Gods people, priuate, or publike.
12 Immoderate carnall mirth: too little ſpirituall ioy.
13 Hardnes of heart, benummednes of Conſcience: or helliſh terrors, and accuſations, proceeding from doing things either without, or againſt the rules of the word.
Sinnes againſt the ſecond Commandement.
1 BAſe and vnwarranted conceits of God, as when wee frame any image of him in our minds.
2 Worſhipping of images.
3 Adoration of Angels or Saints, obſeruing holy daies in deuotion to them, ſwearing by them, &c.
4 Approbation of Idolatrie by preſence, ſpeech, geſture, ſilence, keeping of ſuperſtitious relikes and monuments, keeping companie with Idolaters, &c.
5 Neglect of any of Gods ordinances, as of preaching, hearing, reading, meditation, conference, the vſe of good bookes, and of good companie, of priuate and publike praier, faſting, making of vowes, &c.
6 Superſtitious faſting, raſh vowes, breach of lawfull vowes, abuſe of lots, &c.
7 Want of ſorrowe for being borne of Idolatrous forefathers.
Sinnes againſt the third Commandement.
1 PRofeſſion ioyned with profaneneſſe, whereby Gods name is diſhonoured.
2 Abuſing of Gods word, by 1. fruitleſſe ſpeaking of it. 2. framing ieſts out of it, or againſt it, 3. maintaining of ſin by it, 4. applying it to charming, &c.
3 Abuſing the names or titles of God. 1. By admiration, as by ſaying in our common talke, ô Lord, oh Ieſus, &c. 2. by curſing &c.
4 Swearing vainely, outragiouſly, falſely, &c.
5 Blaſpheming.
6 Taking a lawfull oath without due reuerence and conſideration.
7 Praying without faith, feeling, reuerence, feruency, not waiting for an anſwer &c. asking euill things: aiming, morein our requeſts, at the releeuing of our neceſſitie, then at the aduancement of Gods glorie.
8 Hearing, reading, meditating, conferring, ſinging of Pſalmes, and receiuing the Sacrament without preparation, attention, reuerence, delight, and profit.
9 Light paſſing ouer of Gods great workes of creation, preſeruation, redemption, as alſo of other his mercies, and iudgements.
10 Abuſe of our Chriſtian libertie, to the hardening, inſnaring, peruerting, or iuſt greeuing of any.
Sinnes againſt the fourth Commandement.
1 NEglect of preparation for the Sabbath before it come, and of fitting our heartes for holy ſeruices when it is come.
2 Profane abſence from, or vnfruitfull preſence at Gods ordinances.
3 Exceſſiue eating and drinking, which cauſeth drunkenneſſe, and vnfitneſſe for Gods worſhip.
4 Doing any ordinarie worke of our calling.
5 All recreations which diſtract.
6 Vaine and worldly ſpeeches, and thoughts.
7 A ſecret deſire that the Sabbath were ouer.
8 Neglect of calling our ſelues or others to a reckoning after holie exerciſes.
9 Giuing libertie to our ſelues in the night before the whole Sabbath be ended.
Sinnes againſt the fifth Commandement.
Sinnes of all inferiours in reſpect of their ſuperiours.
1 VVAnt of reuerence inward or outward. 2. Neglect of praier, 3. and of humble ſubmiſſion.
Sinnes of all Superiours.
1 Want of louelove. 2. Failing in praier, 3. and in giuing good example.
Sinnes of Children in reſpect of their Parents.
1 Diſobedience.
2 Murmuring at their parents corrections, though vniuſt.
3 Contemning of them for any defect of body or minde.
4 Vnthankefulneſſe in not releeuing them, not ſtanding for their deſerued credit, &c.
Sinnes of Parents.
1 Negligence in not inſtructing their children betime.
2 Not correcting them till it bee too late: or doing it with bitterneſſe, without compaſſion, inſtruction and praier.
3 Giuing them ill example.
4 Neglect of bringing them vp in ſome lawfull calling.
5 Not beſtowing them timely, and religiouſly in mariage.
6 Light behauiour before them, and too much familiaritie with them, whereby they become vile in … eies.
7 Louing beautie, or any outward parts more then Gods image in them.
8 A ſin peculiar to the mother is, re…ſing to nurſe them.
Seruants ſinnes inreſpect of … …ouernours.
The three firſt ſinnes of childre… may be in ſeruants, as alſo theſe that follow.
1 Idleneſſe in their calling.
2 Vnthriftineſſe and vnfaithfulnes in dealing with their Maſters goods and affaires.
3 Stealing, priuy defrauding of them, &c.
4 Eie-ſeruice.
Diuers ſinnes of Parents are found in Maſters, as alſo theſe that follow.
1 Vnaduiſed entertainement of ſinfull ſeruants.
2 Not vſing religious exerciſes with them: not admoniſhing nor correcting them, or doing it in an ill manner: greeuing more when they faile in their buſineſſe, then when they are ſlacke in Gods ſeruice.
3 Not recompenſing their labours, by giuing them a due reward when they are with thē, & when they part frō them.
4 Neglect of them in ſickeneſſe: vniuſt ſtopping of their wages for that time.
5 Not releeuing them (if they be able) in their age, who hauehave ſpent their youth in their ſeruice.
Sinnes of the wife in reſpect of her huſband.
1 Failing in reuerence, which appeareth in froward looks, ſpeeches or behauiour.
2 Diſobedience in the ſmalleſt matters.
Sinnes of the Husband.
1 Not dwelling with his wife.
2 Neglect of edifying her by inſtruction and example.
3 Denying her comfortable maintenance, and imploiment.
Sinnes common to them both.
1 Want of louelove.
2 Bewraying one anothers infirmities: diſcouering each others ſecrets.
3 Ielouſie. 4. Contention.
Sinnes of the people in regard of their Miniſters.
1 Diſobeying and oppoſing againſt their doctrine.
2 Denying them competent maintenance.
3 Not ſtanding for them when they are wronged.
Sinnes of Miniſters.
1 Slackeneſſe in preaching. 2. Vnprofitable or hurtfull teaching. 3. Giuing ill example.
Sinnes of Subiects.
1 Rebellion, 2. refuſing to pay dues.
Sinnes of Magiſtrates.
1 Careleſneſſe in eſtabliſhing and promoting true religion, 2. of maintaining peace, and prouiding that malefactors may be puniſhed, and wel-doers be incouraged.
Sinnes of Inferiours in gifts or age.
1 Not acknowledging, nor reuerencing, nor imitating the graces of their Superiours.
2 Deſpiſing of the aged.
Sinnes againſt the ſixt Commandement.
1 RAſh anger, enuy, hatred, malice.
2 Brawling, reuiling, threatning, and prouoking of others.
3 Fighting.
4 Cruelty in puniſhing, oppreſſing, &c.
5 Murdering of our ſelues or others, or conſent thereto.
6 Immoderate worldly ſorrow: neglect of Phyſicke, of wholeſome diet and exerciſe, ſurfeting, and drunkennes, all which are enemies to the health and life of man.
7 Cruelty to our owne, or others ſoules.
Sinnes againſt the ſeuenth Commandement.
1 ADulterie, fornication, inceſt, rape, Sodomie.
2 Al wantōnes, ſecret or open, alone, or with others
3 Nocturnall pollutions, luſtfull dreames, &c.
4 Vnholy mariages, in regard of religion, age, neerenes of blood, want of parents conſent, &c.
5 Abuſe of the mariage bed, not obſeruing the time of natural ſeparat. ō. Leu. 18.19. ſolemne humiliation.
6 Nouriſhing of the cauſes and occaſions of wantonneſſe, as impure luſtes, ſurfeting, drunkenneſſe, Idleneſſe, laſcruious apparell, ſociety with laſciuious perſons, leaud bookes, ſongs, or ſpeeches: wanton lookes, pictures, ſtage-plaies, dancing, dalliance, &c.
7 Wearing apparell contrarie to our ſexe.
8 Vnlawfull diuorce.
Sinnes againſt the eight Commandement.
1 COuetouſneſſe, and all deſire of our neighbours goods, albeit through feare or ſhame wee cannot get them.
2 Church-robbing.
3 Robbing of our ſelues by waſtefulneſſe in diet, apparell, gaming, &c. by idleneſſe, vnaduiſed ſuretiſhip, nigardlineſſe, &c.
4 Robbing of others, taking away the ſmalleſt things, 1. by fraude, 2. vncharitable incloſure, 3. dealing wrongfullie with the goods of the deceaſed, 4. deceite in buying and ſelling, 5. withholding, either things committed vntounto vsus, or things found, lent, earned, or otherwiſe due.
5 Not making of reſtitution.
6 Counſelling, or conſenting to others in theft.
Sinnes againſt the ninth Commandement.
1 Falſe-witneſſe-bearing in publike or priuate, or conſent thereunto.
2 Raiſing, ſpreading abroad, or liſtening to falſe reports of tale-bearers.
3 Raſh ſuſpition, hard iudging, interpreting things in the worſt ſenſe.
4 Aggrauating, and diſcouering others infirmities without care of their credit, others edification, or our owne good.
5 Flatterie.
6 Lying, though in ieſt, or to a good end.
7 Boaſting.
8 Iniurious charging of our ſelues to be hypocrites in time of temptation.
9 Want of care, of our owne, and others good name, that God might hauehave more glory.
The breach of the tenth Commandement: by,
MVltitudes of euill thoughts and motions againſt our neighbours, and ſcarcity of ſuch as are good.
When wee hauehave attained to a particular ſight of our many and greeuous iniquities and tranſgreſſions, what is further to bee done of vsus?
We muſt labour to bring our hearts to true ſorrow and contrition for the ſame.2. Godly ſorrow.
What vſe is there of that?
It is very requiſite in diuers reſpects; See the Sermon. on Iſa. 1. Doct. 1. Iam. 4.8.9. Iere. 4.14. Ioel. 2.13. Zach. 12.20. & Chron. 13.1.it beeing a ſpeciall meanes to purge our ſoules from the pollution of ſinne, to moue the Lord to hauehave compaſſion on vsus, and plentifully to poure downe his mercies vponupon vsus; without which, it is certaine there is no ſound repentance in vsus, nor mercy to bee expected from our God.
Sith it is ſo neceſſarie, ſhew mee how it may be gotten?
Firſt, we muſt beſeech the Lord (from whom proceedeth eueryevery good and perfect gift) to worke it in our hearts.
Secondly, wee muſt vſe all good helpes to ſtirre vp our ſelues thereunto: as,
1 To call to minde the multitude, Neh. 9. Pſal. 51.and grieuouſneſſe, and offenſiueneſſe of our ſinnes, together with our long continuance therein: aggrauating them by euerie circumſtance to make them more odious to our ſoules.
2 To goe to the houſe of mourning, and to make vſe of euerie ſtroake of God, Eccleſ. 7.as well vponupon others, as our ſelues.
3 Not only with pacience to endure, but with earneſtneſſe to intreate, and with gladneſſe to accept of the helpe of ſuch as hauehave broken hearts themſelues, and ſo are more able and skilfull to pierce and wound the ſoules of others.
4 When by our owne ſifting, and others faithfull dealing, our hearts are touched with ſome remorſe, let vsus ſeriouſly and throughly ponder vponupon the infinite merciemercy of God the father, in giuing his ſonne, and of Chriſt Ieſus in giuing himſelfe for vsus, who by reaſon of our ſinnes were deadly enemies vntounto him: the conſideration whereof cannot but moue our hearts to relent, vnleſſe they be altogether flintie, and hard as an Adamant.
When our bearts are touched with inward griefe for our ſpeciall corruptions, what is to be done in the next place?
We muſt bring them in an holie confeſſion before God.3. Confeſſion Prou. 28. See the 13. Sermon.
What motiues are there to induce vsus ſo to doe?
Diuers: for,
1 Without this there is no promiſe of pardon of ſin, Doctr. 2 nor indeede any godlie ſorrow, 1. Iohn 1, 9. 2. Sam. 24.12or ſound repentance for ſinne.
2 This is a ſouereigne preſeruatiue againſt relapſes, as may be ſeene in Dauid, Peter and Paul.
3 This is an effectuall meanes to quicken our heartes vntounto praier.Dan. 9.19. Nehem. 1.5.6
4 Hereby God is much glorified in his Truth, MercieMercy and Iuſtice. Ioſua. 7.19.
Seeing this acknowledgment of ſinne is ſo needfull, declare how it muſt be performed?
Theſe rules muſt bee obſerued therein.
Firſt, that it proceed from a good roote, Viz.
1 From an vtter hatred of ſinne: not from wearineſſe vnderunder the croſſe, as in Pharaoh, nor from ſome ſudden paſſion, as in Saul.
2 From hope of merciemercy: for if that be wanting, 2 Sam. 14.12.wee ſhall neuer reſt on God for pardon.
Secondly, that it be made in a good manner, Viz.
1 Hartilie and ſincerely, not coldly and hypocritically.Ier. 31.19.
2 Particularly and with enumeration of our ſpeciall and moſt beloued ſinnes; as in Paul, and Ezra.
What will follow vponupon ſuch a confeſſion?
A deſire of generall reformation, and a full purpoſe to abandon the allowance of eueryevery infirmitie, and the practiſe of eueryevery groſſe ſinne.Reformation. See the Sermon on Prou. 28.
How may this reformation be attained vntounto?
1 We muſt conſtantly and carefully auoid all the occaſions of ſinne, Doct. 3 and be moſt iealous of our ſelues where wee are moſt prone to be ouertaken.Act. 19.18. Iſa. 1.16.
2 We muſt conſcionably and continually vſe al the meanes of goodnes.
3 When we are ouertaken through infirmitie, we muſt preſently and hartely lament our fall, and ſeeke a reconciliation.
4 If theſe meanes preuaile not, wee muſt binde our ſelues by a ſolemne vowe, to ſtriue againſt our principall ſinnes, and moſt dangerous corruptions.
What other notes are there beſides theſe already ſpoken of, whereby wee may be aſſured that our repentance is ſound, and that our hearts doe not deceiue vsus therein?
Theſe following.Notes of ſound repentance. Pſalm. 119 6. See the Sermon on that place.
1 If we be vniuerſall in our obedience, deſiring to practiſe or forbeare whatſoeuer God would hauehave vsus: not giuing a diſpenſation to our ſelues for the committing of any ſinne, or for the omitting of any dutie, but diſliking all manner of euill, both in our ſelues and others.
2 If we increaſe in goodnes, neither waxing worſe, Doctr. 2 Pſal 3.13.14.nor ſtanding at a ſtay, but daily getting ground of our corruptions.
3 If in all our intents and actions, Iob 31.1. &c. 1. Cor. 4.3.we looke vntounto the Lord, as the ſearcher of our hearts, and the trier and rewarder of our workes: not diſcouraging our ſelues whatſoeuer men thinke, or ſpeake of vsus and our doings, ſo that God doe approue of vsus and them: nor contenting our ſelues with mens approbation, when the teſtimonie of God is not for vsus.
4 If welike beſt, and deſire moſt that companie in priuate, and that teaching in publike, where our ſpeciall corruptions ſhall bee roundly, and wiſely, and mercifully reprooued and inueied againſt, and the duties wherein wee come ſhorteſt, moſt earneſtly preſſed, and ſtood vponupon. Neither falling out with thoſe that admoniſh vsus, nor denying, cloaking, excuſing, or extenuating our faults.
What elſe is required in a worthy receiuer?
A competent meaſure of knowledge, ſo that hee be able to diſcern between the elements, Knowledge.and the Lords body and blood: taking eueryevery thing in it owne nature and kinde: not confounding the ſigne with the thing ſignified, nor putting no difference betweene the Sacramentall, and common bread, but vſing each of them in the manner appointed by Chriſt, and with ſuch reuerence as is due vntounto them, and to that end for which they were ordained; namely, the commemoration of Chriſt his death, and our neerer and fuller communion with him.
What further examination muſt wee vſe, before our communieating at the Lords table?
Wee muſt trie whether we hauehave faith, Faith. Heb. 11.6. Rom. 14.23.or not: without the which it is impoſſible to pleaſe God, and whatſoeuer wee doe is ſinne.
What then is to bee beleeued concerning this particular ordinance?
That it is ordained of God not onelyonly to bee a ſigne to ſignifie, See the 2. Sermon on Mar. 14.and repreſent; but a ſeale alſo to confirme, and an inſtrument to exhibit Chriſt with al his merits vntounto eueryevery beleeuer.
Why is louelove vntounto men required in all faithfull receiuers? Doct. 7
Firſt, LoueLove.becauſe being deſtitute of that, wee cannot be aſſured of Gods louelove vntounto vsus, nor of our louelove vntounto him.
Secondly, 1. Iohn 3.we cannot with any confidence expect at the Sacrament crament a generall acquittance from all our debts vntounto God, Math. 18.35.except we in louelove, can paſſe by ſmall offences in our brethren.
Thirdly, the Lords Supper is ordained as a ſeale of the mutuall felloſhip, and communion of Gods people, as with their head Chriſt, ſo with one another.
What rules are we to obſerue in louelove?
Firſt, if any indignitie, or iniurie hauehave beene offered vsus, See the Sermon on Iſa. 1.wee muſt forgiue, and forget the ſame, and ouercome euill with goodneſſe: louing them that hate vsus, Doct. 2 and praying for them that ſpeake and practiſe euill againſt vsus, Math 18.35. Rom. 12. Math. 5.at leaſt deſiring and ſtriuing ſo to doe.
Secondly, if we hauehave done wrong vntounto others, we muſt vndoe it againe: otherwiſe our ſacrifice and ſeruice cannot bee accepted.
But what if thoſe whom we hauehave wronged be farre off, that we cannot ſeeke vntounto them: or will not yeeld to a reconciliation when it is ſought for?
God will accept of our true and vnfained deſire in that behalfe, when a reconciliation is deſired, but occaſion denied; and if others will not bee pacified towards vsus, it is their fault, and not ours, neither muſt that keepe vsus from the Sacrament.
Thus much concerning examination.
What is that Premeditation which much be vſed?
It is a ſerious conſideration of the benefites which we are to receiue by Chriſt Ieſus.Premeditatiō.
What are thoſe?
They are ſet downe in the new couenant (whereof the Lords Supper is a ſeale) and they may be reduced to theſe heads.Ezek. 36.21. Ier. 31.31. See the Sermon on Prou. 28.
1 Firſt, freedome from all maner of euill whatſoeuer, whether of ſinne or miſery, in this life or in that which is to come. Doct. 4
2 Secondly the enioyment of all good things.and that on pſal. 119.
1 In this world: and that
1 For the inward man
1 Perfect iuſtification.
2 True ſanctification.
a good name, eſtate,
ſafety, health, &c.
2 For the outward man
2 In the world to come, all manner of happineſſe.
Hauing thus examined our ſelues concerning our repentance, knowledge, faith and louelove, and vſed premeditation of the benefites that are to be expected of allworthy receiuers, what remaineth further to be done by vsus?
Wee muſt before our approaching to the Lords table, earneſtly beſeech his maieſtie to giuegive a bleſſing to thoſe our indeauours: Praier.and where we hauehave come ſhort in fitting our ſelues, we are to intreat him to pardon it; to accept of vsus in the mediation of his deare ſonne; and to make a ſupply of all our wants, of his rich mercy and free grace.
But what if a man finde that he commeth very ſhort of that examination, and preparation that is required, were hee not better to abſent himſelfe from the Sacrament, till he be bette fitted?
In no wiſe: See the Sermon on 2. Chron. 30.for if he be vpright-hearted, though neuer ſo weake, the Lord will accept of him. And if he feele his ſickeneſſe to be greeuous and dangerous, Doct. 2.3. he hath the more neede to haſten to the Phyſition: neither is ſtaying from Gods Ordinance a meanes to better his eſtate, but rather to make him worſe, and to pull Gods heauie iudgements vponupon his ſoule and bodie. Num. 9.
Thus much concerning the duties tending to Preparation before our receiuing.
How muſt we be diſpoſed in the preſent act of receiuing?
Wee muſt preſent our ſelues with reuerence before the Lord, How wee are to bediſpoſed in the act of receiuing.ſetting our ſences and our faith a worke, and heedfullie meditating on theſe 4. things.
1 Firſt, when we ſee the bread broken, and the wine powred out, we muſt conſider of the bitter paſſion of Chriſt Ieſus, who was wounded for our trangreſſions, Iſa. 53.and broken for our iniquities: who encountred with his fathers wrath, and with Satan, death and hell; and for our ſakes in particular ſuſtained ſuch wofull terrors in his ſoule, and torments in his body, that he cried out in the bitterneſſe of his heart, my God, my God, why haſt thou forſaken me; and at length, ſhed foorth his moſt precious blood for the pacifying of his fathers diſpleaſure, and the ſatisfying of his infinite iuſtice. And withall wee ſhould ſeriouſly ponder vponupon the inconceiuable louelove of God the father, in giuing his onelyonly and welbeloued ſonne, to ſuffer ſuch vnſpeakeable tortures for vsus, who were curſed rebels againſt him: and thence bee drawen to thinke on the hainouſneſſe and odiouſneſſe of our ſinnes, which ſo farre incenſed the Lords wrath and indignation, that nothing could quench the flame thereof, but onelyonly the precious blood of his deere ſonne.
Secondly, when we ſee the miniſter diſtributing the bread and wine, we are to conſider, that as thoſe outward elements are offered vntounto vsus by man: ſo Chriſt Ieſus with all his benefits is offered vntounto vsus by the bleſſed Trinitie.
Thirdly, when we reach foorth our naturall hand to receiue the bread and wine, we muſt withall reach foorth the hand of faith to apprehend and lay hold of Chriſt.
Fourthly, in eating the bread, and drinking the wine, we muſt apply Chriſt with all his merits particularly vntounto our ſelues, and be aſſured that as that bread and wine are made the nouriſhment of our bodies; ſo Chriſt his body and blood are made the nouriſhment of our ſoules: and as certainly as the bread and wine are made one ſubſtance with vsus, to ſtrengthen our bodies and to refreſh our hearts, ſo ſurely Chriſt is made one with vsus, and we with him, and than our ſoules ſhall bee ſtrengthned, and our hearts ſpiritually reuiued; either preſently in the very act of receiuing, or afterwards in due time, when wee ſhall ſtand in moſt neede of comfort. And therefore in aſſurance of faith wee ſhould ſtirre vp our hearts to expect all the forenamed benefits, of remiſſion of ſinnes, and ſanctification of our natures; together with the fruition of all neceſſarie outward bleſſings, and the remoouall of all hurtfull croſſes.
Well were it for vsus indeed, if wee could looke for theſe things to be bestowed vponupon vsus: but the greatnes and multitude of our ſinnes is ſuch, that we iuſtly feare they will keepe good things from vsus.
This doubt ſhould not perplexe, nor trouble vsus, See the Sermon on Iſa. 1.if wee bee truely penitent for all our tranſgreſſions: for Chriſt hath paid for many and great ſinnes, as well as for fewer and leſſer: Doct. 7 1. Iohn 1.9. Ezek. 36.25.and through him the Lord is ready to pardon all, and all manner of iniquities, as well the greateſt of them, as the ſmalleſt: and if once our ſinnes bee done away, all the fore named benefites, doe of right belong vntounto vsus.
Thus much concerning the meditations that are needefull in the very act of receiuing.
What is to be done after our receiuing?
1 Firſt, wee muſt giuegive hartie thankes vntounto the Lord for this ineſtimable benefit which we hauehave receiued in being partakers of the Lords ſupper.What to bee done after our receiuing
Secondly, wee muſt carefully marke how wee ſpeed, and what ſucceſſe we finde; and if the Lord afford vsus preſent comfort, wee muſt bee much more thankefull, and endeauour by all good meanes to nouriſh and cheriſh the ſame; and if wee miſſe of it for that time, wee muſt notwithſtanding giuegive God the glorie of his truth in making good his couenant, and euerie part thereof; and therefore with confidence and conſtancie waite and pray for the bleſſing: reſoluing with our ſelues (eueryevery one in his owne ſoule) that as ſure as God is true and faithfull in his promiſes, wee ſhall in the fitteſt ſeaſon, reape fruite and profit by his ordinance which in conſcience and obedience vntounto him, we hauehave been partakers of. In which regard, eueryevery particular beleeuer may boldly ſpeake, in this, or the like manner vntounto his owne ſoule: I hauehave with as great vprightneſſe as I could, communicated at the Lords table, and there receiued the ſeale of the euerlaſting couenant of grace, and therefore ſhall it aſſuredly bee performed vntounto mee: and albeit my faith, and aſſurance of Gods fauour bee but weake, it ſhall be ſtrengthned; and whatſoeuer Satan, or mine owne deluded conſcience tell me, all mine iniquities are pardoned and couered, and I am at this very inſtant, as free from ſinne in Gods account, Pſal. 32.as Adam was before his fall, and as the Saints and Angels are now in heauen; yea as Chriſt Ieſus himſelfe is, I being a member of his myſticall bodie.
And ſo for Sanctification, though I be tainted with much ignorance, with many errors, with bad affections and euill actions; yet the Lord according to his couenant, will reforme all, and giuegive me a minde to know him, and his will; and a memory to hold faſt what I know: hee will giuegive me a heart to louelove him, to feare him, and to obey his commandements. I ſhall hauehave Chriſt his power to ſtrengthen and vphold me, his wiſdome to inſtruct and direct me, & his ſpirit to work al needful graces in me; ſo that all the powers of hel ſhal neuer be able to preuaile againſt mee, much leſſe ſhall the affictions of this world be able to ſeparate me frō Chriſt Ieſus. I need not feare any euill: For all ſhall worke together for the beſt vntounto mee: Rom. 8.neither can I want any thing that is good, for God hauing giuen vsus his ſonne, how ſhall hee not with him giuegive vsus all things?
Thirdly, wee muſt determine and endeuour to lead a new life, bringing foorth the fruits of repentance, faith and louelove more abundantly then in former times, as hauing renewed our couenant with the Lord for that purpoſe: and therefore when wee finde any ſinnefull motions ſtirring within vsus, wee ſhould reaſon thus, did I not at the Sacrament vowe and couenant with God to ſtriue againſt all manner of corruptions? and did I not receiue the ſeale of the couenant in aſſurance that I ſhould hauehave power and ſtrength againſt them? why then ſhould I yeelde vntounto them? why ſhould I bee any longer in bondage vntounto them? nay, I will not ſerue ſinne in the luſts thereof, but will reſiſt it, and by the power of Chriſt, I ſhall get victorie ouer it: Rom. 6.14.for the Lord hath ſaid that ſinne ſhall not hauehave dominion ouer vsus.
So alſo when we finde wants and imperfections in our beſt ſeruices, as coldneſſe in praier, diſtractions in meditating, vnfruitfulneſſe in hearing, deadneſſe in ſinging of Pſalmes, &c. As alſo impatiencie or fainte-heartednes vnderunder croſſes, diſgraces, perſecutions, &c. Let vsus then relieue our ſelues with theſe or the like meditations: was I not lately at the Lord table where I receiued a pledge of my ingrafting into Chriſt, who is the true vine; and is there not in him ſufficient Iuice of all good graces to bee deriued to eueryevery branch that is in him; and is not the ſecond Adam as able to conuey his vertues into mee, as the firſt Adam was to conuey his corruptions? why then ſhould I not ſeeke to him in aſſurance of obtaining ſtrength to doe and ſuffer whatſoeuer hee will hauehave me? yes, Iohn 15.I will runne vntounto him, and craue power and abilitie from him, and asking I ſhall obtaine; for he hath ſaid it that will neuer falſifie the leaſt part of his truth.
May it not then be concluded, if immediatly vponupon the receiuing of this Sacrament we grow worſe then we were before, that we came vnworthily thereunto?
Yes verily: if we be indeede worſe, and not in our owne conceite onelie, it is ſure that there was ſome ſinne or other vnrepēted of, lying vponupon our conſciences, which cauſed Gods ordinance to be ineffectuall. Indeed the worthieſt receiuers, in their owne imaginations, and through Satans falſe ſuggeſtions, ſeeme vntounto themſelues to be worſe, (when in truth they are not ſo) becauſe they feele their corruptions ſtirring more violently, and temptations ruſhing vponupon them more fiercely then euer before: but this is ſo farre from being an argument of vnworthy receiuing, that if they ſet thēſelues to reſiſt in this combate, there can be no more euidēt teſtimony of their worthy receiuing: for now that their ſin hath had a deadly blow, it beginneth (like a madde bull in the ſame caſe) to rage more furiouſly; and Satan being diſpoſſeſſed of his holds, plyeth his buſineſſe with new and fearefull aſſaults; and therefore ſuch hauehave no cauſe at all to be diſmated, but rather very great cauſe to bee comforted.
But (will ſome ſay) what ſhall I thinke of my ſelfe in this matter, when I finde that whereas I reſolued vponupon new obedience, I come ſtill farre ſhort of that which I am deſirous to performe?
You neede not diſcourage your heart for all this: the ſight of your imperfections argueth that your eyes are more inlightned then in former times, and that you hauehave gotten an humble and lowly conceit of your ſelfe, and your good deeds, which are things very pleaſing vntounto God: neither doth hee require ſuch ſtrict obſeruation of the commandements, See the Sermon on Iſa. 1.as that we ſhould obey them in perfection, but onelyonly that wee ſhould conſent in our hearts, Doct. 8 and labour in our practiſe to yeeld obedience thereunto: which if we can doe, the Lord will graciouſly accept of vsus, See the Sermon on 2. Chron. 30.and of thoſe duties which we performe, ſeeing that we faile not in the ſubſtance of his ſeruice, Doct. 3 but onelyonly in ſome circumſtances, and that full againſt our willes.