Practical Truths to Promote Godliness, Sermon 5

Practical Truths to Promote Godliness · Sermon 5

p. 117The Lords Supper is an Ordinance which Believers are under an indispensible Obligation to Observe.

1 COR. 11. 25.

This do ye.

IN this Context, the Apostle taketh notice of some abuses a…d profanations, which the Corinthians were gui…ty of, with respect unto that sacred Ordinance of the Lords Supper. And in order to a Reformation thereof, he puts them in mind of, and endeavours to reduce them unto the Pr…mitive Institution.

In this, w…th the two preceding verses, the Apostle declareth what Christ did and said; at the time when he first insti…uted, and administred the Lords Supper; as also the principal end for which that Ordinance was ordained, sc. to be a p. 118commemoration of the death of Christ, and so of the Redemption purchased thereby.

In the words before us to insist on, we have,

1. The duty commanded, This do, h. e. the bread being according to Christs Institution, blessed and broken, take and eat thereof; and the cup being also consecrated, take and drink thereof; This is that which is to be done: in other wo…d… it i… as much as if it were said, se… that you rel…giously observe and celebrate the L…r…s Supper, according to divine Institut…on.

2. We have the persons, immediately concerned in this command: Ye, h. e. you that a…e the Disciples of Christ, you that are Believers, and able to discern the Lords Body.

Doct. That the Lords Supper is an Ordinance, which Believers are under an indispensible Obligation to observe.

There are three things which may here be enquired into. 1. What the Lords Supper is? 2. Who are meet subjects to partake of that Ordinance. 3 The Reason why Believers should a… this.

Q. 1. What is the Lords Supper?

A…s. The Lords Supper is the last Sacrament of the New-Testament.

There are three particulars contained in this p. 119Proposition, which …y b… distinctly spoken unto and e…ced.

1. That the Lords Supper is a Sacrament.

2. A Sacrament of the New Testament.

3. The last Sacrament thereof.

1. It is a Sacrament. When spiritual mysteries are represented by outward s…gns thats a Sacra…e…t: so it is h…e. In every Sacrament there is an outward and and an inward part: a ca…n…l and a spiritual part, …omet…ing th…t is visible and sensi…l…, and s…met…i…g that is not appreh…ded b… the outward s…nses, which only the soul seeth, and an eye of …aith looketh upon; or the outward sign and the thing signified. If inward Grace be signified by outward sign…s, thats a Sacrament. Thus in the Ordinance of the Lords Supper, there are outward Elements and Sacramental Acti…ns, all which have a spiritual significa…cy with them.

1. Bread and Wine are the outward Elements which by the sacred appointment of the Lord Jesus Christ are to be made use of, in that holy institution of his; as is expresly declared in this Context. So in the Gospel we read how Christ blessed Bread, &c, Mat. 26. 26. And the Cup, ver. 27, 28. this cup, h. e. the wine in this cup. That it was Wine a…d nothing else which that sacred cup contained, is evident from verse 29. where it was called the fruit of the Vine. Now as for the Bread, which the Lord Christ, hath p. 120charged his Disciples to seed upon in this Ordinance, thereby his B…y is …gnified, so did the Lord himself declare at the time when he commanded this service to be relig…ously attended. This is my Body, h. e. it is so Sacramentally. It is necessary that we should know and believe, that the words are figurative, and not to be taken in a proper sense; as if the Bread were Christs real Body, or as if Bread were real Flesh, which is impossible. Figures are frequently used in Sacr…mental phrases in the Scripture; the sign being called by the Name of the thing signified thereby. It is said of Circ…mcision, this is my Covenant, h. e. … sign thereof, Gen. 17. 10 And the Lamb is calle… the Lords Passe…ver, Exod. 12. 10. And the Apostle speaking of that rock whose waters followed the Children of Israel, saith, that …eck was Christ; meaning that Christ was thereby signified, 1 Cor. 10. 4. so is the Bread in the Sacrament called the Body of Christ, because that is signified thereby. As for the Wine, which the …ord Christ hath charged his Disciples to drink of in remembrance of him, his …lco… is signified thereby. And there is, it many respects, an apt res…mbla…ce between the s…gn and the thing signified; more especially as to the Wine ma…e in the l…a…d of Canaan, which is called the blood of the Grape▪ Deut. 32. 14. because of its red colour, resembling blood.

And the Lord Jesus Christ, hath shewed his p. 121wonderful wisdome and g…odness, i… c…asi…g such common E…me…ts, which may easily … obtained, so far as the necess…y … such a… Ordinance doth require. …a… the Lord appointed a rare and sumptuo…s Feast to be …requent…y obser…ed, unto the hono…r of his Name; …n… as a memorial & means of Communion with …mself, many of hi… poor Members must …eeds h…ve gone without it; bu… i… is not so now & there is a…ptness in these E…ements, to signifie that which they are i…tenced for▪ Bread, wh…c… doth s…reng…hen and nourish the body, doth a…ly set forth …hat sp…ritu…l nouris…ment wh…ch we have from Christ And Wine which d…th re…resh the Spirits of m…n, i… fitly made use of▪ to put in mind, of that refreshing which the Souls of Believers find in the b…ood of Christ.

2. Those Sacram…ntal Actions, which the Lord hath commanded his Servants to obs…rve, in partaking at his Table, have a…so a spiritual significancy w…th them. These are implied in the Text, being comprehended under th…s expression, Do this, h e. as you must make use of such Elements, so of such Sacramental Actions, as are of the Lords Institution. There is not any Action relati…g to this Ordinance; but hath a spiritual mystery in it. The Sacramental actions are. 1. Taking, 2. Blessing. 3. Breaking. 4. Giving, 5. Receiving. 6. Eating and Drinking.

p. 1221. Taking, as here ver. 23. Christ took bread, and be took the cup. That Sacramental action, signifieth to us, that the Son of God hath taken our nature i…to personal union with himself, Heb 2. 14. It puts us in mind of that great mystery of godliness God manifest in the flesh. Even the incarnation of the Son of God, and the personal Union of the Humane Nature with the Divine.

2. Blessing, Mat. 26. 26. Jesus took bread and blessed it. He also blessed the Cup. Therefore the Apostle speaketh, as 1 Cor. 10. 16. The Cup of blessing which we bless. Thereby the consecration of the Elements, is intimated. They are to be solemnly set apart, from a common unto a sacred and Religious use. Thus hath Christ been consecrated and set a part unto the work and offi…e of a Mediator, Heb. 7. 28. God ha…h set him apart thereunto, Psal. 4. 3. And Christ hath set himself ap…rt for that service. Therefore he speaketh, as in Joh. 17. 19. For their sakes I sanctifie my self. As a Sacrifice was set apart from a common use; and consecrated to the Lords use; so did Christ sanctifie himself, and became a sacrifice unto divine Justice, for his peoples sake.

3. Breaking the bread, Mark 14. 22. Jesus took bread and blessed it, and brake it. Hence the Apostle speaketh, as 1 Cor. 10 16. the bread which we breake is it not the Communion of the body of p. 123Christ. The An…ichristian Chu…ch (and some others also) do greatly sin against the Institution of Ch…st in …mi…ting tha… rite of b…eaking the bread, in this Ordinance For it is so essential unto h… regular ad…i…istration …f it, as …hat the whole ordinance is sometime …n th… Scripture, denom…nate …rom th…t action. …ct 20. 7. & 2. 42. … sig…ified …hat Christ hath been broken …or t…e … …f his p…opl… th… Lord therefore said. This is my body w…c… was broken for you. He was …oun…ed …or our transgressions, and brui…ed …or …iquities …t pleased the Lord to bruise him and to put him to g…ief, Isai 53 5 …0. He was bruis…d to death upon the Cross: yea, and his very Soul was broken with the sen…e of t…e wra…h of God, due for the sins of his people: therefore did he …ay, my Soul is sorrowful unto the death. The breaking of the bread in the Sacrament puts us in mind of those suff…rings which the Body (i. e. the Humane Nature) of Christ was subject unto.

4. Giving, That Sacramental action is mentioned by the Evangelists, though it be not expressed by the Apostle in this Context. Christ gave the blessed bread, and the blessed cup to his Disciples. Thereby is signified, the Lords giving himself to and for his Church. So it is expressed and explained, Luk. 22. 19. He gave to them saying, this is my body which is given for you. Also this giving declareth that God hath given p. 124Christ to and for his people. In and by this Ordinance, the Lord speaketh unto the Believer after this manner, Thou seest bread provided for thee, even so have I provided a Saviour for thy Soul. Behold! I have sent Christ to thee, saith the Lord. Take my Son for thy Saviour. I give him freely to thee. Take Christ for thy own and let thy Soul now take everlasting hold on him. Therefore,

5. Receiving, is another Sacramental Action. Christ said Take, this is my body. And this taking is implied in the Text, when it is said, this do, part of the meaning is, receive the Bread, and receive the Cup, as Christ hath commanded. And thereby our receiving of Christ is signified: that we are to take him, for our Lord and Saviour; yea, and to be renewing our closure with him by Faith, that so our Souls may take yet stronger hold of him. At the moment when the hand taketh the bread, the heart should again receive Christ. And this Ordinance doth signifie to the worthy receiver, that as surely as he doth take bread into his hand and mouth, so certainly doth h… take Christ into his Soul, to become one with him:

6. Eating and Drinking are also Sacramental Actions to be attended at the Lords Table. Eating of that bread, signifieth our feeding upon a crucified Christ, by Faith, Joh. 6. 54. Whoso …atech my flesh hath eternal life. Those words of p. 125Christ were spoken before the Lords Supper was Instituted, and therefore must not be restrained unto Sacramental eating. A man may feed upon Christ Sacramentally, and yet not have eternal life; but if when he feeds upon Christ Sacramentally, he doth at the same time feed upon him sp…ritually by Faith, he bath eternal life. And not only eating of the bread, but drinking of the cup is a Sacramental action.

The Papists have slain and murdered thousands for maintaining this Truth, and bearing witness against their Sacriledge in depriving the Lords People of the cup; but it is admirable to consider, that the Lord Christ, when he Instituted this Ordinance, did expresly say, Drink ye all of it, Mat. 26. 27. The Lord did not say, when he gave the bread, Eat ye all of it, (though he intended that all should eat) but drink ye all; because the Spirit of Christ did foresee; that some would arise in after times, denying the cup to all Partakers. Hereby is signified, that Believers do by Faith drink down the blood of Christ, whereby their Souls are cleansed from the guilt of sin, 1 Cor. 10. 16. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the Communion of th… blood of Christ? Is not our Communion wit… Christ in respect of the saving benefits purchas… by his blood, signified and confirmed when we drink of that blessed cup? it is so. And that we all drink of the same holy Spirit. The Apostle p. 126hath respect unto ha… drinking at the Lords Table, which is of divine institution, when he saith, We have been all made to drink into one spirit, 1 Cor. 12. 13 Intimating that our Communion with Christ in respect of his holy Spirit, is signified, when we all partake of the same blessed cup. Thus we see, that the Lords Supper is a Sacrament.

2. It is a Sacrament of the New-Testament. For,

1. The Covenant which God hath graciously made with Believers on Christ, is hereby confirmed. The wisdome of God …ath se…n meet to appoint signes and seals for the confirmation of the Covenant, that is between himself, and the children of men. Under the first Covenant, that of works, made with Adam in Paradise, there were Sacraments appointed for the confirmation of it. The Tree of Life, was a Sacrament unto Adam, signifying to him, he should have life, if he kept the Covenant; and the Tree of knowledge of good and evil, did seal death unto him in case he should break that Covenant. And the Covenant of Grace, hath under all its various manners of Administration had Seals and Sacraments annexed to it. Sacrifices of old were Sacramental signs for confirming the Covenant, Exod 24 8. Psal 50. 5. My saints that have made a Covenant with me by Sacrifice. So was Circumcision, Act. 7. 8. And after that the p. 127Passeover, in the room whereof the Lords Supper is Instituted. Therefore Christ did institute this Ordinance, at the time of the Passeover; yea, and at the last Passeover, which was celebrated by him; thereby signifying that this Ordinance of the Lords Supper, was to succeed and come in the room of that of the Passeover. By this then the Covenant between God and his People is in the most solemn manner confirmed, and assented unto. It is so on our part. When we come to this Ordinance we do as it were take an Oath of Fidelity unto God, and to the Lord Jesus Christ, which indeed is the meaning of the word Sacrament. It is orginally a Military word. Among the Romans, Souldiers did take an Oath of Fidelity to their General: which Oath they called the Sacrament. With them, have you taken the Sacrament? was as much as to say, have you taken the Oath of Fidelity to your General? Such as had taken that Oath, were said to … Militia sacrati: they were under solemn engagement to be loyal to their General, and to persist in his service to the death. Thus, when we come to the Lords Supper, we do thereby profess and promise, to endeavour in all things to approve our selves the faithful Servants of God, and to follow the Lord Jesus the Captain of our Salvation, and to oppose his Enemies (Sin, Satan, and the World) unto the death. The Lord also, doth confirm the Covenant on his part. He p. 128saith from Heaven, to the worthy Receiver, I am & will be …hy God forever, and thy guide unto the death. God saith, I am thy Father, Christ saith, … am thy Redeemer, the Holy Spirit saith, I am thy Sanctifier, and will be thy everlasting Comforter. Thus the Covenant is mutually confirmed.

Hence 2. The Believers Right unto, and interest in those Blessings▪ which only the new covenant makes mention of, is signified and sealed in this Ordinance. Christ with his saving benefits is a new covenant blessing. The first covenant said nothing of a Saviour: it is the covenant of Grace only, that revealeth him to the miserable children of men▪ And indeed christ is the substance of the new covenant. Hence is he called the Covenant, Isai. 4…. 6. not only in that, he is the great Patentee in that Royal Charter of the new covenant; the original Grant is to him; but also, because he is the su…n and substance thereof. Have Christ, and have All, Col. 3. 11. But now Christ is ex…bited in this Ordinance of the Supper; and the Believers right unto and everlasting in…erest in the Lord Jesus, is sealed and confirmed to him, when he doth partake therein. The Lord saith to him, as truly As thou dost take the holy bread in thy hands and eat it, the blessed cup and drink o… it, so truly is Christ with all his merits, righteousness and salvation thine. Eat him and thou shalt live by him, Job. 8. 57. Remission p. 129of sins, is a new covenant blessing, Jer. 32. 31, 34. And it is exhibited and sealed to the worthy Receiver, in and by this Ordinance. Therefore when Christ did first Institute it, some of the words which he spake were these, This is my blood of the New-Testament, which is shed for many for the Remission of sins, Mat. 26. 28. As ver…ly as a man doth receive the bread and the cup, (if he be a worthy Communicant) so verily doth the Lord say to him from Heaven, all thy sins are forgiven, though they have been many and great, they are all washed away in the blood of Christ. I have pardoned them all saith the Lord. When a Believer hath been at the Sacrament; he hath the pardon of all his Transgressions confirmed to him under the Seal of Heaven.

3. The Covenant of Grace as under its last and best way of Administration, is confirmed by this Ordinance of the Lords Supper. It doth declare, that all the good promised in the covenant is already obtained for the Believer. Hence the Covenant, in the dayes of the Gospel is called the New-Testament, because it is now under its last and so newest way of administration. Having been ratified by the death and blood of Christ the Testator, no more alterations can be made in it. Hence is that expression of the blood of the everlasting Covenant, Heb. 13. 20. The Covenant of Grace, not only as to the substance of it (for p. 130so it was alwayes) but as to its way and manner of administration, is become everlasting and unchangeable, because confirmed by the blood of Christ. So then, in doing this we commemorate the work of Redemption as accomplished and finished. The Sacraments of the Old Testament, signified that Redemption was to be obtained only b… Jesus Christ; the Passeover, and all the Sacrifices, declared no less, but that this Redemption was future. Whenas the Lords Supper holds forth the coming of Christ to accomplish the work of Redemption, as a thing past and done. It sheweth that Christ is come, and that he hath paid the price of our Redemption; that his blood is shed, Mark 14 24. This is my Blood of the New-Testament which [is] shed for many. Christs blood was not actually shed, at the time when those words were spoken, yet i… asmuch as the design of this ordinance is to signifie that Christ hath a …eady shed his blood, it is spoken in the present Tense. By … this, we profess that we do believe …hat Christ who is now indeed alive, and behold he liveth for ever more, was dead, 1 Cor. 11. 26. As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye shew the Lords death until he come, And the Lord Jesus Christ saith, to the worthy Receiver, I have died for thee, I have satisfied the Justice of God for thy sins, I have ransomed thy life and soul from everlasting destruction.

p. 1313. The Lords Supper is not only a Sacrament of the New-Testament (as hath been c…inced) but the last Sacrament thereof▪ There are only two Sacraments of the New Testament, viz. Baptisme and the Lords Supper: We re…d in the Gospel, that when Christ was crucified, one of the Souldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came thereout blood and water, Joh. 19. 34. so there is the Sacrament of Water and of Blood. Thus some interpret that difficult Scripture, 1 Joh. 5 8. There are three that bear witness on Earth, the Spirit, Water, i. e. Baptisme, and Blood, i. e. the Lords Supper, and these three agree in one. The Lord by his spirit in his word, also by the Sacraments of the New Testament, declareth and testifieth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, there are those three witnesses which agree in one as concurring in their Testimony concerning Christs person and coming. Baptisme is an Evangelical Sacrament as well as the Lords Supper, but that is the first, and this the last Sacrament of the Gospel. And thence none ought to partake thereof, but such as have been first Baptized. As in respect of the Sacraments of the Old-Testament, none but such as were circumcised might be admitted to the Passeover, Exod. 12. 48. thus we read concerning the three thousand converts, they were first Baptised, and then received into fellowship, in breaking of bread, &c. Act. 2. 41, 42. Hence also the Lords Supper is a p. 132very solemn Ordinance, and ought to be much regarded by those that would approve themselves like Christians. It is the last Sacrament that ever was instituted, or that ever shall be, whilest the World endureth. It was Instituted at the last Supper that ever Christ did eat with his Disciples, just before his death; for the next day his blood was shed upon the Crosse; so that the Lord Christ hath bequeathed his Ordinance, as a dying Legacy and Memorial unto his Church. Therefore it ought to be observed with great Religion.

Having shewed what the Lords Supper is; and spoken many things, with as much suc…cinctness as we could, concerning the nature, and proper design of this holy Institution of the Lord Jesus; we proceed unto the second Enquiry, viz.

Who are the true subjects of this Ordinance, or, who are fit to partake at the Lords Table?

Ans. None but gracious holy persons are meet for such an holy communion, Psal. 24. 3, 4. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, and who shall stand in his holy place? he that hath clean hands and a pure heart, who hath not lift up his soul to vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Men must be holy in heart and life, or they are not fit to stand in the Lords Temple, and to partake of the holy things which are there to be enjoyed. Except men have experienced a work of Regeneration in their souls, they are not meet subjects of this p. 133holy Ordinance. It is therefore mentioned as a great evil, and that which is against the express and solemn charge of the Lord; when …nregenerate persons are entertained in the Lords sanct…ary, to participate in those holy enjoyments, Ezek. 44. 7. 9. Ye have brought into my sanctuary strangers, uncircumcised in heart, when ye offer my bread and the blood. No stranger uncircumcised in heart, shall enter into my sanctuary. They whose natures were never changed by converting grace are the uncircumcised in heart; and therefore if they eat of Holy bread, or drink of Holy blood, they pr…fane it. Christ inviteth none to eat and drink at his table, but such as are his Friends, Cant. 5. …. Eat O Friends, drink O Beloved. Now men and women whilest in a natural and unconverted estate, are not his Friends, but in a state of enmity against him. We read concerning the Prodigal, that he was made alive before he was brought to feed upon that which was prepared at his Fathers table, Luk 15. 24, 25 So should Christians have a principle of spiritual life in their souls, before they come to the Lords Table. Men do not in…ite dead, but living persons to come and sup with them And shall we think that the Lord Jesus will or can approve of dead Guests at his supper? they ought to have Grace whereby they may be able to feed upon Christ in the Sacrament. If the question were, Whom ought the Church to admit unto such a priviledge? p. 134the Answer m…s… be those that are visibly godly; and whom in charity we are b…tr… …o think that they are able to …is…rn the L…r…s body, and to …ed …p… Christ for the …o…s…ment of their Souls: …en cannot see the hearts or ma…e an …n…al…ible judgement who are fit for such … m…n …n i… the sight of God; are therefore …st…ct according to what is visible and apparent, procee…ing by the Rules of Rational c…arity: but when the Cu…stion is, who ought to co…e? the Answer is. None but s…ch as …re …aly Godly. And if any shall venture …pon the Lords Table whilest in their sins, or in a …ate of hypocrisie at the peril of their souls shall it be. It is ro…d in the parable concerning the Supper, that when the … to see the Guests, and s…w a man which ha… not on a Wedding Garment, he said to him,, Friend, how c…st th… in hither, Mat. 22. 11, 12. q. d. thou art a …old intrud…, mo… bold then v…lc…me, and shouldst not have …ared to c…e in hither, without the wedding garment, without Faith and …oliness.

To speak a little m…re ful…y and particularly here, in order to a profitable p…ing at the Lords Table, it is requisite that they who come and sit …o…n …here should be qualifi….

1. With …ath. The Ru…e which the Apostle giveth, is, Let a man e…mine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that c…, 1 Cor. 11. 28. therefore if he be destitute of that which p. 135is the matter of self examination, or the thing which he …s to examine about he should not presume to eat of that bread, …r to drink of that cup. Now the principal thing which a man should examine himself about is, wh…ver he hath Faith or no. There must be an …ungring after Christ. The soul mu… stand affected towards Christ, as an hungry man doth towards …ood. Hungrings after Christ, are the work of Faith, in the believi…g s…ul. Without this the Ordinance will be unprofitable. It is said, Joh 6 63. It is the spirit that quickeneth, the fl…sh profiteth nothing. So outward eating profiteth nothing. except there be a spiritual eating by Faith. Except when the body feeds upon the outward Elements, the …oul doth at the same time …eed upon Christ by Faith, participating at the Lords Supper will not be …or the better, but or the worse.

2. It is necessary that comers unto the Lords Table, should have the g…ace of Knowledge. They must i… some measure …ow and understand all the great …aving Truths of the Gospel, the belief whereof is necessary in order to the obtaining eternal life. There is a knowledge which is only a common grace of the holy Spirit. They that know that there is a God, and that Christ is the Son of God, and that he must be submitted unto as Lord and Saviour, have experienced a common work of Gods Spirit inlightning of them. No m…n can say that Jesus is the p. 136Lord, but by the Holy Ghost, 1 Cor. 12. 3. This knowledge is indeed necessary, in order to a worthy partaking at the Lords Table, but it is not sufficient. There is moreover, a saving knowledge, which is a special grace of the holy Spirit, peculiar to the Elect of God, h. e. when a man knoweth the truths of the Gospel, so as to f…el the transforming sanctifying power of them in his own Soul, Joh. 17. 3. This we fitly call the grace of knowledge; and the Scripture calls it Grace, 2 Pet. 3. 18. grow in Grace. And when doth a Christian do so? truly, when he grows (as in the next words the Apostle addeth) in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. There is then the grace of sanctified knowledge. And that is requisite, in order to a profitable partaking at the Lords Table. If a man hath not knowledge to discern the Lords body, he will eat and drink damnation to himself, 1 Cor. 11. 29. He must be able to put a difference between Sacramental Bread, and common Bread; and must be instructed in the nature and end of such an Institution. Also, he must know and be sensible of this, that in partaking of the Lords Table, men have to do with a Christ, that was dead and crucified for the sins of his people, and must have his heart affected accordingly. This is implied in discerning the Lords body. Except a man is able to discern Christ in the Sacraments, not only Doctrinally, but Spiritually, he p. 137is not duely qualified to partake thereof. Therefore,

3. They that come to this Ordinance should bring holy affections along with them, e. g. they ought to come with godly sorrow for sin. The Children of Israel were to eat the Passeover, with bitter herbs, Exod. 12. 8. so they that partake of the Gospel Passeover, should have a deep sense of the bitterness of sin, see…ing upon the bitter herbs of sorrow for sin, which hath c…used the blood of Christ to be shed, his body to be broken, and his Soul to be p…ured out. Also the grace, the sanctified affection of Love, is necessary in order to a profitable partaking at the Lords Table. There must be love to Christ, love to his Ordinances, love to his Saints: especially, those that are of the same particular Church, and sit down together at the same Table of the Lord, had need look well to themselves, in this respect. Hence, when Christ preached his Sacrament Sermon, he insisted much on the doctrine of Christian love, by many and mighty Arguments, pressing his Disciples to love one another. When the Jews kept the Passeover, they might not have any Leaven in their Houses: a dreadful curse fell upon the man, that should knowingly suffer Leaven to be in his house at such a time. So when Christians celebrate the Lords Supper, if the Leaven of sinful prejudices one against another, be not duely purged out of their p. 138hearts, they expose themselves unto the holy wrath of a jealous God, 1 Cor. 5 8. Let us keep the Feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. If Christians be not careful about this matter the Lord will not own and accept of them, when they c…me before him, Mat. 5 23, 24. Nay, their …artaking at his Table, will be as no partaking at all. The Apostle therefore, writing to the Church at Corinth, saith, that inasmuch as there were divisions amongst them, when they came together, they did not eat the Lords Supper, 1 Cor. 11. 18, 20. m…aning that they did not eat the Lords Supper as they should do. The Schismes and Heartburnings, which were amongst them, caused the Ordinance to become unprofitable and ineffectual for the good of their Souls. Yea, more; mens partaking hereof, will do them hurt and not good, if the grace of love be wanting, or not prevailing in them. Therefore in verse 17. Paul tells the Corinthians, that their coming together, viz. to eat the Lords Supper, was not for the better but for the worse. Not coming in love, they were the worse for coming.

Thus have we shewed both what the Lords Supper is, and who are fit to partake thereof. Except men and women be qualified as hath been expressed, though they should presume to approach the Table of the Lord, they do not p. 139keep his Ordinance; but they shall …ear sin for it, and die if they profane it. Lev. 2 2. 9

We come now to enquire into the Reasons of this Doctrine: Why sh…ld believers do this?

Ans Reas. 1. Because this Ordinance being Christs Institution; the observation of it, tends to the h…ur o… his Name. It is his Institution, and is therefore called the Lords Supper. A Supper from the time when i… was …nstituted, viz. in the …ight, are the Lords Supper, from the Author and Institut…r of it, which was the Lord Christ. As the first day … is called the Lords Day, Rev. 1. 10. because it is the Day which the Lord Christ hath sanctified, and commanded that it … commomoration of his Resurrection. so is t…is Ordinance the Lords Supper because the Lord hath appointed the observation of it, as a solemn memorial of his Death. Nor indeed could any one besides the Lord himself be the Author of such an Ordinance. Men have no power to appoint Sacraments. It belongs to him to appoint the outward sign who can give the inward grace that is signifie thereby, and that the Lord alone can do, Now being a Divine Institution, the observation of it doth, (as al… Divine Institutiors do) tend to the honour of the Name of him who hath said Do this. Hereby the Lords Name and memory is upheld amongst his People in the World; and therefore the next words are, in p. 140remembrance of me. Especially the remembrance of Christs Death; and so of the saving benefits procured thereby, is continued, by means of this sacred Ordinance, ver. 26. As oft as ye eat this Bread, and drink this Cup, ye do shew the Lords death till he come. Therefore his people ought religiously to observe it.

Reas. 2. Because in duely observing this holy Institution, Believers have Communion with the Lord Jesus Christ.

The very Names, which the Scripture describeth it by, declare this. As that of the Lords Supper, mentioned in this Context, ver. 20., They that Sup together hold Communion one with another: yea, intimacy of Communion is denoted by that expression, Rev. 3. 20. And the Lords Table, 1 Cor. 10 21. The Master of the Feast holds Communion with his Guests, when they sit and eat together at the same Table. In this Sacred Ordinance, Believers have Communion with Christ in respect of his Spirit, 1 Cor. 12, 13 And in respect of his person and death and all his Redeeming benefits, 1 Cor. 10 16. The Resurrection of their bodies unto everlasting life, is sealed to Believers, by their partaking at this Ordinance, Joh. 6, 54. Whose eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. If thou art a true Believer, then as sure as thy Body doth feed upon this Bread, it shall be raised from Death unto eternal p. 141life. And our Communion or partaking with Christ in respect of his Kingdome, is sealed in this Ordinance. Therefore did the Lord say, when he gave the Cup to his Disciples, I will not drink henceforth of the fruit of the Vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Fathers Kingdome, Mat. 26 29. Our Reigning with Christ is thereby signified and confirmed unto us: both our reigning with him on Earth, during the glorious transactions of the great Day of Judgement: the Sain…s sitting together with Christ upon Thrones of Glory, to judge the World, is here in a lively manner represented; and also their Reigning with him in Heaven to all Eternity. When Believers drink at his Table the Lord saith to them You shall one day drink of those Rivers of Pleasure, which are at my right hand for evermore. The Sacrament is as it were a Map and lively Representation of Heaven. For in Heaven there are none but Saints, separated from the World, holding Communion with Christ, wondring at his Glory, ravished with the sense of his love in that he died to redeem them; and is it not so at the Lords Supper: therefore Believers should do this.

Reas. 3. Believers should do this, that so their Souls may grow in Grace.

It is not enough for us to make sure of our being in Christ, but we must see that we grow in him. We must labour for more of Christ in p. 142our Souls, and for more conformity to him in our lives; to walk in this world, as he walked, and to grow up unto more intimacy of Communion with him from day to day, Eph. 4. 15. Col 2 6, 7. Now the Lords Supper is appointed for that end. Children by eating and the Lords blessing upon their m…at, grow until they come unto their perfect stature as to natural growth: And so is it with Gods Children in spiritual respects. The best food, and that which is most strengthening and nourishing to their Souls, is in this Ordinance presented before them. Even that which is meat indeed, and drink indeed, Joh. 6. 55. It is true that the Word of God is a means of growth in Grace. As new born Babes grow when they have good and wholsome Milk to nourish them, so do regenerate Souls grow, by frequent feeding upon the sincere Milk of the Word of God, 1 Pet. 2. 2. The same is in a most peculiar manner true, with respect unto this Ordinance of the Lords Supper. No man ever did partake of it as he should do, but he had the more Grace for it; more of the Spirit of the Lord Jesus given to him, more strength in his Soul, more power to resist and overcome temptation. They that have Grace; yea, they that have most Grace, need a great deal more still, therefore should Believers do this, that so they may have yet more Grace.

p. 143Use 1. Hence great is their sin, who give themselves a dispensation to live in the neglect of this Ordinance.

The Lord Christ, saith expresly do this, but there are many in the World, who call themselves Christians, and know what Christ hath given in char…e… his Disciples, concerning this t…ing; and yet they never did it in all their lives. Certainly, such do not approve themselves the friends of Christ, so much as they ought to do, Job. 15. 14. Ye are my Friends, if you do what ever I command you. Here is a great Commandment of Christ, but thou dost it not. How then dost thou approve thy self his Friend? God blessed the Rec…abites, when they kept the Commandment of Jonadab their Father, in their abstaining from Wine, Jer. 35. 6. But if thou wilt disobey the Commandment of the Lord Jesus, by refusing to make use of Bread and Wine for a Religious end, notwithstanding his most solemn charge, requiring thee to do this: how canst thou expect that God will bless thee. Little do men think how they provoke the Lord by a willing and continued neglect of so great and sacred an Institution. …Is not this particularly to say, that there are Commandments of Christ, and one great duty of Christian Religion, which is not worth the observing? and if thou art one that hast been Baptised into the Name of the Lord p. 144Jesus, thou art bound to observe all things, whatsoever he hath commanded, Mat. 28. 19, 20. And therefore by neglecting to prepare thy self for, and so to come unto this Ordinance, thou livest in the continual breach of thy vow made to God in Baptisme; and will not the Lord find a time to make thee know thy breach of Covenant? Remember what you have heard▪ concerning that awful Obligation, which Baptisme brings the Souls of men and women under. Doth i… not strike terror into thy Conscience, in that thou hast lived so many years unmindful of the Vows of God, which thy soul hath entred in…o? Men by sins of Omission, may provoke the Lord exceedingly. So it will appear at the last …ay, when the Son of God will Judge and Sentence them to death, not only because they have committed evil, b…t because they have neglected to do good. Yea, Omissions, not only of Moral Duties, such as Prayer, hearing the Word, Meditation, &c but of Instituted Worship, are many times the reason wh… the Lord doth manifest his great displeasure against those who are in Covenant with him▪ Think on that Scripture, Exod. 5. 3. Let us Sacrifice to the Lord our God; (and Sacrificing was a duty not of Moral, but of Instituted Worship) lest he fall upon us with Pestilence or with the Sword. Hath not God fallen upon us of late years with a Pestilentious Disease, and with the Sword? And is not this p. 145one thing that hath provoked him so to do; in that there are such multitudes of m…n and women, who content themselves to live without any commemoration of the Sacrifice of the New-Testament, according to divine Institution? Believe it verily, for it is a Truth, that godly men and women may by omissions of this nature, provoke the Lord, to bring great afflictions upon themselves and Families. VVhen Jacob neglected to build an Altar unto God, did not the Lord follow him, with distressing sorrows …n his Family, Gen. 35. 1. When Moses neglected to circumcise his Child, the Lord met him and sought to kill him, Exod. 4. 24. And yet wilt thou notwithstanding all that hath been spoken to thee from the Word of God about this matter, content thy self to live from year to year, not only without Baptisme for thy children but without the Lords Supper for the good of thine own Soul? beware thou, lest some killing Judgement from the Lord, do ere long come upon thee or thine, for this sin. Or, (which would be sad indeed) how if God should be provoked to take away his Ordinances, not only from you, but from others also for your sake, because you have disregarded and despised such mercies? Know also, that by not observing the Lords Supper, you become guilty of breaking the second Commandment, by which men are required, not only to reject all humane Inventions, in the Worship of God; p. 146but also to observe all Divine Institutions. And the Lord, is a jealous God, in visiting for the breaches of that Commandment. It is dangerous for any to be found guilty thereof, but most of all for a place or people so circumstanced as we are. It was in a more peculiar manner, with respect unto the second Commandment, that our Fathers came into this Wilderness. If therefore the Children that have been born and brought up in the Churches in New-England, shall live in the neglect of Divine Institutions, their sin is highly aggravated, and the jealousie of God will smoke against them. One thing more, let me add here; As for such as care not, whither they enjoy this Ordinance of the Lords Supper, or no; how unlike are they unto those blessed Martyrs of Jesus, who lived above an hundred years ago, and laid down their lives, that so they might bear witness to the truth of Christ, respecting this Institution… of his? And (as one well speaks) if God should be provoked to suffer Popery once more to prevail, that men must either observe this Ordinance, in such a way as the Pope Commands, and so be damned for their Idolatry; or else suffer death, for their opposing Antichrist, they will then have sad reflections in their own Consciences, concerning their neglect in this matter. But some one will be ready to say. I am not fit to partake of the Lords Supper, else I would come?

p. 147Ans. 1. If thou art in thy sins, thou art not a fit Guest to sit down at the Lords Table. If thou art a profane person thou hast nothing to do, to meddle with the Seal of Gods holy Covenant Psal 50 16. or, if thou art in a natural unconverted Estate, this Ordinance belongs …n …t to thee; you have heard that holy things are for holy persons. If men with profane ha…ds or hearts shall …at thereof, they en…anger their Souls. There is an awful Scripture to this purpose, L…v. 7. 20. The soul that eats of the flesh of t…e …acrifice of Peace-offerings, (and so doth …e do that partaketh at the Lords Table) having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off.

2. If thou art not fit to have communion with Christ at his Table here, thou art not fit for Communion with him in Heaven. If indeed thou art in a state of Vnfitness for the Lords Supper, thy case is lamentable. What, to …e under the Gospel for so long a time, and yet to remain in a Christless estate? how canst thou sleep one night in thy present condition, if thou knowest that to be thy case? for if death should find thee out of Christ, it had been better for thee, that thou hadst never been born.

3. A man may be a fit subject to partake at the Lords Supper, and yet himself not know that he is so. True Believers, are many times full of doubts and fears concerning their spiritual estates. A child of lig…t, may walk in darkness p. 148and have no light, Isai. 50. 10. And in that case it concerns men both di…igen…ly to try themselves and also to put themselves upon the trial of others, whether they be not duely qualified to partake of the Lords Supper. It is not necessary that a man or woman should have Assurance before they come to this Ordinance, since partaking thereof is a blessed means for the obtaining of Assurance. How many Believers are there, that never had Assurance until they came to the Lords Table, and then God manifested himself to them, she…ding abroad his love into their hearts by the Holy Ghost, whilest they have been there?

Ʋse 2. If to observe this Ordinance be an indispensible duty, we are then to be Exhorted, that we do this, even as the Lord commands both with respect unto the matter, and the manner of the duty.

Consider 1. The good and benefit which will follow, if we do this, after such a manner as ought to be.

There is a signal excellency, in this Ordinance, as the time when it was Instituted by Christ, doth evince; it was in the night when he was betrayed; at the time when he had all the powers of darkness to encounter with. Therefore surely there is some peculiar excellency in this Ordinance, and great benefit will redound to the Souls of those p. 149that partake of it aright. Sometimes Believers do …ensibly experience good thereby, at the very time of Receiving; even inward comfortings, and soul ravishing joyes of the Holy Ghost. The Lord maketh them joyful in his house of Prayer, Isai 56. 7. that their Souls go away filled with great joy, as the Lords people went from the Passeover in Hezekiah… time, 2 Chron. 30. 26. or, that which is better then comfort follows upon a due partaking at the Lords Table. h. e. more Grace and Holiness. In this Ordinance of the Gospel (in a more especial manner) Believers, beholding as in a Glasse the glory of the Lord are changed into the same Image, from glory to glory, 2 Cor. 3 18. even from one degree of glorious grace unto another. For the Holy Spirit to come as a Sanctifier, is more desirable then for him to come as a Comforter: but he many times cometh as both, to the souls of his Servants, when they sanctifie his Name by approaching to his Table with due preparation of heart. Or, if the benefit of the Ordinance be not, (as sometimes it is not) perceived at the time of the Administration, yet afterwards, it will appear.

Consider 2. The great evil, that is in eating and drinking unworthily at the Lords Table.

There is evil of sin therein. Yea, two of the most fearful sins that can be thought of, do unworthy partakers become guilty of in the sight of God. One is, that sin of taking the Lords p. 150Name in vain: a sin which leaveth a deep stain, and guilt upon the Soul, therefore in the third Commandment, the Lord saith that he will not hold him guiltless that shall take his Name in vain, implying that such sinners are guilty creatures indeed before the Lord. The Lords Name is in a peculiar manner upon this Ordinance of his; and therefore they that profane it; are fearfully guilty in his sight. And another sin which they stand charged with, is, that of Murder, and the most guilty Murder that ever was, or can be, 1 Cor. 11. 27. Whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. It is a dreadful thing for a man to have the guilt of blood lying upon his Soul, though it should be …e blood of th… meanest person in the world; but what then is it to be guilty of the blood of the Lord: 'To be guilty of Murdering and Shedding the blood of the S…n of God, and the Lord of glory. He that offers contempt to the Kings seal is justly charged with Treason; so is he that doth profane that which is the sign of the body and blood of Christ, justly charged with Murder, forasmuch as by such a practice, he doth justifie those that have killed the Prince of life. And therefore great evil of punishment, will (without Repentance) most certainly follow, 1 Cor. 11. 29. He that eats and drinks unworthily, eats and drinks damnation to himself. There is a p. 151Temporal damnation, which the holy God doth inflict upon men for this sin, in respect of outward Judgements which be…ell them▪ ver. 30. for this cause, namely because of their unworthy unprepared coming to the Table of the Lord, many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. Probably (as some conceive) God sent the Plague amongst the Corinthians, for this very sin, in that though they did partake of the Lords Supper, they did it not with that seriousness and preparation which the Rule requireth. They did not manifest due respect to the body of the Lord, and therefore he punished them with Diseases and Death upon their own bodies. Church-desolating Plagues are the fruit of this iniquity. The Lord Jesus (who holds the stars in his right hand) doth sometimes suddenly remove the lights which he hath set up in his Candlesticks so as that there shall be no steward of God to dispense the Mysteries of the Kingdome, because m…n by coming to his Ordinances with a careless and common frame of Spirit have provoked him so to deal with them. Yea, this sin hath been the procuring cause of many of those overturning judgements which have be fallen the Churches of God in the World. It was a weigthy and a solemn word, which the Godly, Learned Paraus spake to a Generation of loose Protestants in Heidelberg, I wonder not (saith he) at the War in Germany, when I consider the Sacrament p. 152profanations which you are guilty of.

Consider 3. That true Believers may be guilty in this matter.

They may eat and drink unworthily at the Lords Table. For there is not only an unworthiness in respect of state, which hypocrites and unregenerate persons are subject unto; but an unworthiness in respect of actual indisposition, and present unpreparedness, for such an holy and near approach before the Lord. A sincere Servant of God, that maketh Conscience to prepare his heart to seek the Lord; sometimes i… not cleansed, according to the purification which is required of those that enter into the Sanctuary, 2 Chron 30. 19. And on that account, they may be exposed …n…o severe outward Judgements. So did the Corinthians find it. Such of …hem as shall not be condemned to the second death, with the Reprobate World at the last day were judged and chastened of the Lord, in respect of great outward Afflictions; yea, death as to their bodies, because they did eat and drink at the Lords Table, with an unworthy and unsuitable frame of spirit, 1 Cor. 11. 32. For this cause also, true Believers are sometimes exercised with inward as well as outward troubles; with miserable darkness in their own Souls concerning their spiritual and eternal estates. Did they come with hearts duely prepared into the Lords Sanctuary, great joy would follow, 2 Chron. 30. 26.

p. 153For Direction here:

1. Let Christians watch against those things, which of given way unto, will render this Ordinance unprofitable to their Souls.

e. g. Watch against worldly engagements and entanglements. These cause the Word to become unfruitful, Mat. 13. 22. And Sacraments to become unprofitable. When Christians let loo…e their hearts upon the World, the l…e of Religion is lo…; and they become …ormal slight and unprofitable in their attendance upon the most solemn duties. Watch also against scandalous sins. For these will make a man utterly u…fit for the present, to approach unto the holy Table of the Lord▪ Under the Law, if any one hapned to touch a dead body, and so to become ceremonially unclean, he mig…t n…t at that time, eat the Passeover; but was to forbear until the next MonethMonth, Numb. 9. 6, 10. 11. So if a man hath fallen into a scandalous sin, whereby he is become morally unclean, he ought not to eat the Lords Supper, until such time as he hath renewed his Repentance, and made his peace with God. Moreover, Christians are to watch against lesser evils. Yea, against such things as unregenerate men seldome take notice of▪ It may be, there have been proud thoughts stirring in thy heart; or it may be thy Spirit hath been distempered p. 154with passion in the week past; and if thou hast not taken notice of it, to be humbled for it, the Lord may be provoked to withdraw his presence and blessing from his own Ordinances; and then thy Soul will not be bettered thereby.

2. Every time that a Christian cometh to the Lords Supper, he ought to practise that great duty of Self-examination.

For this that Scripture is plain, 1 Cor. 11. 28. Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. And this a man ought to do, not only once, before his first coming to this Ordinance, but constantly as oft as he shall eat that Bread or drink that Cup. The Apostle speaketh to those that had been at the Lords Supper many a time, whom nevertheless he calls upon, to practise this duty of Self-examination, as they should have opportunity for Sacramental eating and drinking. A Christian, every time that he is to come to the Lords Supper, should examine himself concerning his own spiritual estate, whether he be in Christ or no. He should examine whether he hath true Faith, having received Christ in his person as the only desirable one, and in all his Offices, as Prophet, Priest, and King, and whether he hath true Repentance, and hath turned from all sin, unto God, with his whole heart. And whether he hath a sincere love to God, and to Jesus Christ, and to p. 155his Saints, and to his holy waves. He should examine himself concerning his growth in grace. Am I more humble m…e holy, mo…e w…aned from the World, more …eek and self …en…ing, then I was w…en … fir… believed? yea, moreover, he should examine himself concerning his present actual fitness to sit down and partake at the Lords Table. What sinful failing he hath been guilty of, since he was last at a Sacrament, and whether his heart be now in a spiritual frame, fit for so near an approach unto the Holy God.

3. Exercise Grace in the time of Receiving.

A man that is asleep i… a living man, yet he is not fit to eat and drink until he be awake, so must true Believers stir up and awake their Graces, or they are not fit to eat and drink at the Lords Table. Sometimes the godly do (in a great measure) lose the benefit of this Ordinance, because they do not exercise grace at the time of Receiving, as they ought to do. Therefore be sure then to exercise Faith. As …h…u dost receive the Bread, and receive the Cup, let thy Soul at the same moment, put forth a renewed act of Faith in closing with, and taking hold on the Lord Jesus Christ: By an act of Faith appropriate Christ to thy self; and his blood with the merit and efficacy of it to thy Soul in particular, believing that thy Sins shall be pardoned, and the Plagues of thy heart mortified thereby. Also, the Grace of Repentance should be exercised at p. 156the time of Receiving. Whenever we look upon a Crucified Saviour, our hearts within us, should mourn and bleed, because our sins have pierced him, Zech. 12. 10. And indeed, if it be not so, we discern not the Lords Body. The Corinthians came with a light frame of Spirit to the Lords Supper; therefore are they charged with not discerning the Lords Body. Had they been aware of a broken and a bleeding Christ before them; another manner of spirit would have been seen in them. If a Child be vain and mer…y when his Father lieth dead in the room before him we say, he discerneth not, what an object is before him. So if men do not bring a broken heart, to a broken Christ; it is a sign that they discern not the Lords Body. Tears of Evangelical Repentance, become Christians when partaking at the Lords Supper.

4. Let us remember to be exceeding thankful unto God in Jesus Christ.

The Lord appointed an hymn of praise to be sung when he did institute this Ordinance, instructing us that we should bless God for this Ordinance, and for the glorious things which are held forth thereby. For in the Lords Supper, we have the most lively representation, and demonstration of the love of Christ that can be. We may therein see and feel what Christ hath done for us, and how he hath loved us. As the Apostle speaketh 1 Joh. 1. 1. That which we have p. 157heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life. So is it in the Sacrament, the Lord puts eternal life into our hands there, and lets us look upon Jesus Christ, who is in that Ordinance of the Gospel evidently set forth and crucified before our eyes; there we see him upon the Crosse, bleeding and dying for our sins, and to save our Souls. And the Lord God Almighty, deals with us, as with Children, inasmuch as he setteth us at his Table, and feeds us with Royal and Heavenly Dainties. S… all the Lord of Hosts, bring us into the holy Mountain of his Church, and there make a Feast for us, of fat things full of Marrow and of Wines on the lees well refined; and shall not our Souls be thankful to him, and bless his Name for ever? In this Ordinance, Believers have intimacy of communion with God, and with Jesus Christ. Truly, our fellowship therein, is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. One may wonder, that such as we are, may be familiar with the King of Glory. When Peter saw that Christ was God as well as Man, he fell down at Jesus knees, saying, Lord, depart from me, I am a sinful man, Luk. 5 8, So might the Lord say, to the best of us all, thou art a sinful man, therefore get thee away from me, but he saith, (as Joseph sometimes spake to his Brethren) come near to me I pray you. Come and be familiar with me, There p. 158are two Ordinances especially, wherein we may have familiar communion with the Lord Jesus: one is that of Secret Prayer, and the other is that of the Lords Supper. And shall we not then be exceeding thankful? Moreover, the communion which we have with Christ in his Supper, is a pledge of everlasting Communion with him in Heaven. Whereas he doth satisfie our souls with the sa…ness of his house here, thats a si…n that he will make us drink of the River of his pleasure, in another and a b…tter world. The Lord Jesus will one day bring all his Servants into his Banquetting house, where his Banner over them shall be love. And his causing them to sit down at his Table now, is an intimation from Heaven, that they shall be where he is, there to behold his Glory, where the…r Souls shall feast upon his love, and drink Rivers of Joyes at his right hand; the blessedness whereof no heart can conceive, nor tongue express. Shall we not then bless God for such an Ordinance? especially i… Christ hath manifested himself to our Souls therein; a little of Christ is worth a great deal of thanks.

O then treasure up Experiences of the presence of Christ with you in the Sacrament; and say after David, Psal. 103. 1, 2, 3, 4. Bless the Lord, O my Soul, and all this is within me bless his holy Name, bless the Lord O my Soul, p. 159and forget not all his benefits, who forgiveth all thine iniquities, and who healeth all thy Diseases, who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who Crowneth thee with loving-kindness and tender mercies.