Christian Directions, Chapter 9
CHAP. IX.
Of our behaviour at Meals.
AS thou must be watchful against all kind of Sin, so likewise over the things which in their own nature are lawful; for it is in the use of things lawful wherewith the Devil doth most prevail, at least with those who are not grosly wicked and prophane▪ I shall shew thee some instances of things lawful, over which thou oughtest to be watchful, viz. Eating and Drinking, Recreation, thy Calling, &c.
Considering our Adversary the Devil layeth in every place baits and s…ares to entrap us, so especially at our Tables; therefore it concerns us in a special manner to bee watchful over our selves at our Meals.
For your better help therein take these Directions.
I. Forget not to pray unto God for a blessing on the creatures whereof thou art to partake, for as the Apostle speaketh, Every Creature of God is good,1 Tim. 4. 4, 5 being sanctified by the Word of God, and Prayer.
It was the usuall practice of our Saviour to lift up his eyes to Heaven, and crave a blessing upon the Creatures before hee did partake thereof;1 Sam. 9. 13 and this hath been the usual practice of the Saints,Acts 27. 35 and people of God before, and since Christs time. Having therefore such worthy Patterns and Presidents, follow them, not daring to partake of any of Gods good Creatures, till thou hast lifted up thine heart to God, and craved his blessing upon them; for otherwise, how justly mightest thou expect from God a curse, rather than a blessing?
II. Eat as in the presence of God; God is ever present with us wheresoever we are,foreign. Greg. Naz. as in our Beds, so at our Boards, eying and observing all our actions, like a well drawn Picture, that eyeth each one in the room; so God eyeth each one in the wor…d, as if his eye were upon him alone. It will be therefo…e thy wisdom wheresoever thou art, to carry thy self as in the sight and presence of God, more particularly at thy Meals, when thou art most apt to forget God, and to give out thy self to the Creature, and to the satisfying of thy carnal lust and appetite.
III. Season and sanctifie thy Meals with spiritual communication, and holy, at least useful discourses, that thy …oul as well as thy body may be fed and nourished. And in regard of your great backwardness unto, and barrenness in spiritual discourses, that you cannot suddenly find out any fit matter for it, it will be a point of spiritual wisdome in you, before-hand to think of some seasonable, savoury Heads whereon to discourse at Meals, which may tend to the good and edification of others; and resolve to embrace every opportunity that is by any offered to you for good discourse. Yet I deny not▪ but you may lawfully at Meals discourse as of Newes, so of Civil matters, or of your own affairs, and the like, especially …hen you perceive that your company is unfit, or unwilling to fall upon any spiritual discourse; yet you shall doe well … season your Civil and Moral discourses with some spiritual and savoury expressions.
IV. Fail not to give thanks after meals, for that comfortable refreshment you have found from the creature. As yee ought to begin your Meals with Prayer unto God for his blessing, so yee ought to end them with praises and thanksgivings unto God; which the Lord gave in special command unto his people,Deut. 8. 10 saying, When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God; and saith the Prophet Ioel to Gods People,Joel 2. 26 Yee shall eat and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God; yea we read that the Heathenish Idolaters at their feasts were accustomed to praise their false gods,Dan. 5. 4 for it is said, They drank Wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, and of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stones. Is it not then a wonderful shame for Christians after their Meals not to praise the true God, from whom we receive all the good things we doe enjoy? yea what is it but brutish and swinish ingratitude, if when God openeth his hand, and filleth us with plenty of good things, we doe not open our mouthes in praises and thanksgivings unto God, giving unto him the glory thereof?