Preparation for the Worthy Receiving of the Lords Supper — John Dod

Preparation for the Worthy Receiving of the Lords Supper · John Dod

A BRIEFE DIALOGVE, Concerning preparation for the worthy receiuing of the Lords SVPPER.

Taken, for the most part, out of the ten Sermons of M^r I. DOD, and Mr. R. CLEAVER, touching that Subiect.

LONDON Printed by I. B. for Roger Iackson, and are to be ſold at his ſhop neere FIeet Conduit, 1614.

A DIALOGVE of Preparation to the Lords SVPPER.

Queſtion.

WHat is the Lords Supper?

Anſwere.

It is a Sacrament of the Mat. 26. 28eternall Couenant, whereby through the vſe of bread and wine rightly adminiſtred, and faithfully Ioh. 6. 27. 54. &creceiued, the ſoules of them that are ingrafted into Chriſt, are ſpiritually nouriſhed vntounto eternall life.

What then is required of thoſe that will be pertakers of this heauenly foode at the Lords Table?

They muſt bée prepared as méete Mat. 22. 12 1 Cor. 11. 28.gueſts for ſuch a banquet.

For the better attaining to this preparation, how many things are there to be conſidered?

Thrée: firſt, what is to be done before the parting of it: ſecondly, what at it: thirdly, what after it.

What is it that muſt be done before?

There muſt be, firſt, an examination how fit wée are to receiue: ſecondly, a 1 Examination.premeditation of the benefits that wee are to receiue: thirdly, a faithfull and feruent prayer for Gods bleſſing vponupon our examination, premeditation and receiuing.

Of what points are we to examine our ſelues?

Firſt, in generall, whether wée be of the number of the faithfull, and hauehave in vsus the life of grace: for otherwiſe wée are vtterly vnfit to be partakers of the Lords Supper, which is appointed for foode to continue ſpirituall life where it is, and not to worke it where it is not: to bée for nouriſhment vntounto Gods Children, but for the bane and deſtruction of dogs & ſwine, that dare preſume to meddle with the ſame. Secondly, we muſt examine our ſelues more particularly.

Concerning what matters?

Whether wée hauehave attained vntounto a competent meaſure of Repentance, knowledge, faith, and louelove: which if wee can find in our ſelues, wée may reſolue our hearts in that point of generall examination, and conclude that wée are within the couenant of grace, and hauehave communion with Chriſt Ieſus, & therefore are in ſtate to be communicants at his Table.

How ſhould we trie our ſelues in the matter of Repentance?

Wée muſt examine, firſt, whether wee hauehave at any time carefully ſifted our 1 Repentance.hearts and behauior, to find out as many of our corruptions as poſſibly we could. Secondly, whether we hauehave been, and are heartily ſorrowfull for the ſame. Thirdly, whether wée hauehave rightly confeſſed them before the Lord, with an earneſt deſire of the pardon thereof. Fourthly, whether we purpoſe and reſolue for euer hereafter (through Gods gracious aſſiſtance) to reforme both our hearts and wayes.

Is there any neceſſity of that ſearching of our ſelues?

Yes verily: for otherwiſe we ſhall be found hiders of ſins, which hindreth all 1 Searching. See the Sermon on Pro. 28. 13. Doct. 1. Iob. 20. 12.true proſperity, and argueth plainely that there is in vsus a louelove of iniquity, and abundance of hypocriſy, which will kéep vsus from reaping benefit by the word or ſacrament.

VVhereby ſhould we try our ſelues to the intent that wee may come to a more full and particular ſight of our corruptions.

By the Law of God, which is the true touchſtone: examining our ſelues by eueryevery Commandement, that ſo wée may diſcerne, if not all, yet the moſt part of the corruptions of our Soules, and errours of our liues: and for our more orderly procéeding herein, wée 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, when men either If any doe deſire proofes of Scripture for theſe particular ſins mentioned, he may vſe the helpe of M^r Dods Booke on the commandements or of the True watc… where many of theſe are touched.thinke there is no God, or liue as if there were no God.

2 Idolatry: which is, the hauing of a falſe god.

3 Ignorance, vncapablenes of knowledge, errors, and hereſies.

4 Forgetfulneſſe of good things, eſpecially of thoſe that moſt concerne vsus, and chiefly at that inſtant when wée ſhould make vſe of them. Secondly, remembring of euill things; eſpecially of thoſe that moſt corrupt vsus: and chiefly then, when wee ſhould be moſt frée from the thought of them.

5 Vnwillingneſſe vntounto good things, principally to the beſt: readineſſe vntounto, and wilfulneſſe in euill, eſpecially the worſt. Secondly, impatience vnderunder croſſes.

6 Diſtruſt of Gods power, mercy, promiſes, and prouidence, whence carnall feares are wrought and cheriſhed, and the true feare of God is expelled & baniſhed.

7 Preſumption vponupon Gods mercy.

8 Carnall confidence in wit, learning, wealth ſtrength, friends, &c. thinking our ſelues the better, or more ſafe ſimply for them: whence ariſeth pride and ſecurity.

9 Too much louelove of euill: as alſo of our ſelues, our friends, our pleaſure, profit, credit, &c. Secondly, too little louelove of God, and of goodneſſe, of Gods ſeruants, and ſeruices.

10 Hatred of God and goodneſſe. Secondly, want of hatred againſt our owne, and others ſinnes.

11 Abundance of worldly ſorrow, ſhame, and diſcontentment. Secondly, want of ſpirituall griefe, and indignation againſt our owne and others tranſgreſſions. Thirdly, not lamenting for the calamities of Gods people, priuate or publike.

12 Immoderate carnall mirth: too little ſpiritiuall ioy.

13 Hardnes of heart, benummednes of conſcience: or helliſh terrors and accuſations, procéeding 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 we frame any Image of him in our minds.

2 Worſhipping of Images.

3 Adoration of Angels or Saints, obſeruing holy dayes in deuotion to them, ſwearing by them, &c.

4 Approbation of Idolatry by preſence, ſpéech, geſture, ſilence, kéeping of ſuperſtitious relickes or monuments, kéeping company 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 company, of priuate and publike prayer, faſting, making of vowes, &c.

6 Superſtitious faſting, raſh vowes, breach of lawfull vowes, abuſe of lots, &c.

7 Want of ſorrow for being borne of Idolatrous fore-fathers.

Sinnes againſt the third Commandement.

1 PRofeſſion ioyned with prophaneneſſe, whereby Gods name is diſhonoured.

2 Abuſing of Gods word: firſt, by fruitleſſe ſpeaking of it: ſecondly, framing ieſts out of it, or againſt it: thirdly, maintaining of ſinne by it: fourthly, applying it to charming, &c.

3 Abuſing the names or titles of God: firſt, by admiration, as by ſaying in our common talke, Oh Lord, Oh Ieſus, &c. Secondly, by curſing, &c.

4 Swearing vainely, outragiouſly, and falſely, &c.

5 Blaſpheming.

6 Taking a lawfull oath without due reuerence and conſideration.

7 Praying without faith, féeling, reuerence, feruency, not waiting for anſwere. &c. Aſking euill thinks: aiming more in our requeſts at the relieuing of our neceſſity, then at the aduancement of Gods glory.

8 Hearing, reading, meditating, conferring, ſinging of pſalmes, and receiuing the Sacrament without preparation, attencion, renerence, delight, and profit.

9 Light paſſing ouer of Gods great workes, of creation, preſeruation, redemption, as alſo of other his mercies & iudgements.

10 Abuſe of our Chriſtian liberty, to the hardening, inſuaring, peruerting, or iuſt grieuing of any

Sinnes againſt the fourth Commandement.

1 NEglect of peparation for the Saboth before it come, and of fiting our hearts for holy ſeruices when it is come.

2 Prophane abſence from. or vnfruitfull preſence at Gods ordinances.

3 Exceſſiue eating and drinking, which cauſeth drouſineſſe, & vnfitneſſe for Gods worſhip.

4 Doing any ordinary worke of our calling.

5 All recreations which diſtract.

6 Vaine and worldly ſpéeches, and thoughts.

7 A ſecret deſire that the Sabbath were ouer.

8 Neglect of calling our ſelues, or others to a reckoning after holy excerciſes.

9 Giuing liberty to our ſelues in the night before the whole Sabbath bath be ended.

Sinnes againſt the fift Commandement.

Sinnes of all inferiours in reſpect of their ſuperiours.

1 VVAnt of reuerence inward, or outward: ſecondly, neglect of prayer: thirdly, of humble ſubmiſſion.

Sinnes of all Superiours.

Firſt want of louelove: ſecondly failing in prayer: thirdly in giuing good example.

Sinnes of Children in reſpect of their Parents.

1 Diſobedience.

2 Murmuring at their Parents corrections, though vniuſt.

3 Contemning them for any defect of body or minde.

4 Vnthankfulneſſe in not reléeuing 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 be too late, or doing it with vitterneſſe without compaſſion, inſtruction, and prayer.

3 Giuing them ill example.

4 Neglect of bringing them vp in ſome lawfull calling.

5 Not beſtowing them timely, and religiouſly in marriage.

6 Light behauiour before them, and too much familiarity with them, whereby they become vile in their eyes.

7 Louing beauty, or any outward parts more then Gods Image in them.

8 A ſinne peculiar in the mother is refuſing to nurſe them

Seruants ſinnes in reſpect of their Gouernours. The three firſt ſins of Children may be in ſeruants, as alſo theſe that follow

1 Idleneſſe in their calling.

2 Vnthriftines & vnfaithfulnes in dealing with their Maſters goods & affaires.

3 Stealing, priuy defrauding of them.

4 Eye ſeruice.

Diuers ſins of Parents are found in Maſters, as theſe that follow.

1 Vnaduiſed entertainment of ſinfull ſeruants.

2 Not vſing religious exerciſes with them: not admoniſhing nor correcting them, or doing it in an ill manner: grieuing more when they faile in their buſineſſe, then when they are ſlacke in Gods ſeruice.

3 Not recompencing their labours by giuing them a due reward when they are with them, & when they part from them.

4 Neglect of them in ſickneſſe: vniuſt ſtopping of their wages for that time.

5 Not relieuing 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 lookes, ſpèeches, 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 imployment.

Snnes common to them both.

1 Want of louelove.

2 Bewraying one anothers infirmities: diſcouering each others ſecrets.

3 Iealouſie. 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 Slackneſſe 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 bée puniſhed, and well doers be encouraged.

Sinnes of Inferiors in gifts or age.

1 No… acknowledging, nor reuerencing, nor imitating the graces of their ſuperiors.

2 …eſpiſing of the aged.

See the ſinnes of Superiors in gifts or age, in the very beginning of the fift Commandement.

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, oppreſſion, &c.

5 Murthering of ourſelues or others, or conſent thereto.

6 Immoderate worldly ſorrow: neglect of Phiſicke, or wholeſome diet, and exerciſe in ſurfeting & drunkennes, all which are enemies to the health and life of man.

7 Cruelty to our own, or others ſoules.

Sinnes againſt the 7. Commandement

1 ADultery, fornication, inceſt, rape, Sodomie.

2 All wantonnes, ſecret or open, alone or with others.

3 Nocturnall pollutions, and luſtfull dreames, &c.

4 Vnholy marriages, in regard of religion, age, néerenes of blood, want of parents conſent, &c.

2 Abuſe of the mariage bed, not obſeruing the time of

naturall ſeparation

Leu. 28. 19.

ſolemn humiliation

6 Nouriſhing of the cauſes and occaſions of wantonneſſe, as impure luſts, ſurfetting, drunkenneſſe, idlenes, laſciuious apparrell, ſociety with laſciuious perſons, lewd bookes, ſongs or ſpéeches: wnaton lookes, pictures, ſtage-playes, dauncing, dalliance, &c.

7 Wearing apparel contrary to our ſex.

8 Vnlawfull diuorce.

Sinnes of the eight Commandement.

1 COuetouſnes, and all deſire of our neighbours goods, albeit through feare or ſhame we cannot get them.

2 Church-robbing.

3 Robbing of our ſelues by waſtfulneſſe in diet, apparell, gaming, &c: by idlenes, vnaduiſed ſuretiſhip, nigardlines, &c.

4 Robbing of others, taking away the ſmalleſt things: firſt by fraude: ſecondlyvncharitable incloſure: thirdly, dealing wrongfully with the goods of the deceaſed: fourthly, deceit in buying and ſelling:▪ fifthly, with-holding 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 credite, others edification, orour owne good.

5 Flattery.

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.

VVhen we hauehave attained to a particular ſight of our many and grieuous iniquities and tranſgreſſions, what is further to be done for vsus?

We muſt labor to bring our hearts Dan. 9. 9. 2 Godly ſorrow. See the Sermō on Iſa. 1. Doct. 1. Iam. 4. 8, 9. Ier. 4. 14. Ioel. 2. 13. Zac. 12. 20. Chr. 13. 8to true ſorrow & contrition for the ſame.

VVhat vſe is there of that?

It is requiſite in diuers reſpects: it beeing a ſpeciall meanes to purge our ſoules from the pollution of ſinne, to moue the Lord to hauehave compaſſſion on vsus, and plen…fully to poure downe his mercies vponupon vsus, without which, it is certaine there is no ſound repentance in vsus, nor mercy to be expected from our God.

Sith it is ſo neceſſary, ſhew mee how it may be gotten?

Firſt, wée muſt beſéech the Lord, (from whom procéedeth eueryevery good and perfect gift) to worke it in our hearts.

Secondly, wée muſt vſe all good helpes to ſtirre vp our ſelues thereunto: as,

Firſt, to call to minde the multitude, and grieuouſneſſe, and offenſiueneſſe of Nehem. 9 Pſal. 51.our ſinnes, together with our long continuance therein: aggrauating them by eueryevery circumſtance to make them more odious to our ſelues.

Secondly, to goe to the houſe of mourning, Eccleſ. 7.and to make vſe of eueryevery ſtroake of God, as well vponupon others, as our ſelues.

Thirdly, not onelyonly with patience to endure, but with earneſtnes to intreat, and with gladneſſe to accept of the help of ſuch as hauehave broken hearts themſelues, and ſo are more able and ſkilfull to pierce and wound the ſoules of others.

Fourthly, 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 mercy of God the Father, in giuing his Sonne, and of Chriſt Ieſus in giuing himſelfe for vsus, who by reaſon of our ſins were deadly enemies vntounto him: the conſideration whereof cannot but moue our hearts to relent, vnleſſe they be altogether flinty, and hard as Adamant.

When our hearts are touched with inward griefe for our ſpeciall corruptions, what is to be done in the next place?3 Confeſſion. See the Sermō on Prou. 28. Doct. 2. 2 Ioh. 1. 9, 2 Sam. 24. 12.

Wée muſt bring them in an holy confeſſion before God.

What motiues are there to induce vsus ſo to doe?

Diuers: for firſt, without this there is no promiſe of pardon of ſin, nor indéed any godly ſorrow, or ſound repentance for ſinne.

Secondly, this is a ſoueraigne preſeruatiue againſt relapſes, as may be ſéene in Dauid, Peter, and Paul.

Thirdly, this is an effectuall meanes Dan. 9. 19. Neh. 1. 5, 6.to quicken our hearts vntounto prayer.

Fourthly, hereby God is much glorified in his Truth, Mercy, and Iuſtice.

Seeing this acknowledgement of ſin is ſo needfull, declare how it muſt be performed?

Theſe rules muſt be obſerued therein. Firſt that it procéed from a good root, 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 mercy: for if that bée 2 Sam. 14. 18.wanting, we ſhall neuer reſt on God for pardon.

Secondly, that it may be made in a good manner, viz.

1 Heartily and ſincerely, not coldly and hypocritically.

2 Particularly and with enumeration of our ſpeciall and moſt beloued ſins, as in Ier. 31. 19.Paul and Ezra.

What will follow vponupon ſuch a confeſſion?

A deſire of reformation, and a full 4 Reformation. See the Sermō on Prou. 28. Doct. 3. Acts 19. 18 Iſa 1. 16.purpoſe to abandon the allowance of eueryevery infirmity, and the practiſe of eueryevery groſſe ſinne.

How may this reformation be attained vntounto?

Firſt, wée muſt conſtantly and carefully auoid all the occaſions of ſinne, and bée moſt ſealous of our ſelues where wée are moſt prone to be ouertaken.

Secondly, wée muſt conſcionably and continually vſe all the meanes of goodnes.

Thirdly, when we are euertaken through infirmity, we muſt preſently and heartily lament our fall, and ſeeke a reconciliation.

Fourthly, if theſe meanes preuaile not, wée muſt binde our ſelues by a ſolemne vow to ſtriue againſt our principall ſins, and moſt dangerous corruptions.

what other notes are there beſides theſe already ſpoken of, wherby we may be aſſured that our repentance is ſound, & that our harts doe not deceiue vsus therein?

Theſe following: Firſt, if wée bée vniuerſall in our obedience deſiring to Notes of ſound repentance. Pſal. 119▪ 6 See the Sermō on that place Doct. 2. Pſ. …. 13, 14 Ioh. 31. 1. 1 Cor. 4. 3.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 du…y, but … manner of euill both in our ſelues and others.

Secondly, if we increaſe in goodneſſe, neither waxing worſe, nor ſtanding at a ſtay, but daily getting ground of our corruptions.

Thirdly, if in all our intents and actions wée looke vntounto the Lord, as the ſearcher of our hearts, and the tryer & 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: not contenting our ſelues with mens approbations when the teſtimony of God is not for vsus.

Fourthly, if wée like beſt, and deſire moſt that company in priuate, and that teaching in publike, where our ſpeciall corruptions ſhall be roundly and wiſely, and mercifully reproued & inueighed againſt, and the duties wherein we 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 he be able to diſcerne betweene the 2 Knowledge.elements, 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 betwéene the Sacramentall and common bread, but vſing each of them in the manner apointed by Chriſt, and with ſuch reuerence as is due vntounto them, & to that end for which they were ordained: namely, the commemoration of Chriſt his death, and our néerer and fuller communion with him.

VVhat further examination muſt we vſe before our communicating at the Lords Table?

Wée muſt trie whether wée hauehave faith or not: without the which it is impoſſible 3 Faith. Heb. 11. 6. Rom 14. 23.to pleaſe God, and whatſoeuer we doe is ſinne.

VVhat then is to be beleeued concerning this particular ordinance?

That it is ordained of God not to Se the 2. Sermō on N…t. 14. Doct. 7.bée a ſigne to ſignifie and repreſent, but a ſeale alſo to confirme, and an inſtrument to exhibit Chriſt with all his merits vntounto eueryevery beléeuer.

Q▪

VVhy is louelove vntounto men required in all faithfull receiuers.

Firſt, becauſe being deſtitute of that wée cannot be aſſured of Gods louelove vntounto 4 LoueLove.vsus, nor of our louelove vntounto him.

Secondly, wée cannot with any confidence Ioh. 3.expect at the Sacrament a generall acquittance from all our debts vntounto God, except we in louelove, can paſſe by ſmall offences in our brethren.

Thirdly, the Lords Supper is ordained as a ſeale of a mutuall fellowſhip, and Mat. 18. 35communion of Gods people, as with their head Chriſt, ſo with one another.

VVhat rules are we to obſerue in louelove?

Firſt, if any indignity or iniury See the Sermon on Iſai. 1 Doct. 1 Mat. 18. 35 Rom. 12. Mat. 5.hauehave béene offered vsus, wée muſt forgiue, and forget the ſame, and ouercome euill with goodneſſe: louing them that hate vsus, and praying for them that ſpeake and practiſe euill againſt vsus, at leaſt deſiring and ſtriuing ſo to doe.

Secondly, if wée hauehave done wrong vntounto others, wée muſt vndoe it againe: otherwiſe our ſacrifice and ſeruice cannot bée accepted.

But what if thoſe that wee hauehave wronged bee farre off, that wee 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 be pacified towards vsus, it is their fault and not ours, neither muſt that kéepe vsus from the Sacrament.

Thus much concerning examination.

what is that Premeditation which muſt be vſed?

It is a ſerious conſideration of the 2 Premediatinu.benefits which we are to receiue by Chriſt Ieſus.

what are thoſe?

They ſet downe in the new couenant Eze 36. 21. Ier. 31. 31.(whereof the Lords Supper is a ſeale,) and they may be reduced to theſe heads.

1. Fréedome from all manner of euill whatſoeuer, whether of ſinne or miſery, in this life or in that which is to come:

2 The inioymēt of all good things:

1. In this World: and that,

1. For the inward man.

1. Perfect iuſtification.

2. True ſanctification.

2. For the outward man.

a good name, eſtate, ſafety, health, &c.

2. In the world to come.

all manner of happineſſe. &c.

Hauing thus examined our ſelues concerning our repentance, knowledge, faith, and louelove, and vſed premeditation of the benefits that are to be expected of all worthy receiuers, what remaineth further to be done by vsus?

Wée muſt before our approaching 3 Prayer.to the Lords Table, earneſtly beſéech his Maieſty to giuegive a bleſſing to theſe our endeauours: and where wée hauehave come ſhort in fitting our ſelues, wée are to intreate him to pardon i…; 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 frée grace.

But what if a man find that he commeth very ſhort of that examination, and preparation that is required; were he not better to be abſent himſelfe from the Sacrament, till he be better fitted?

In no wiſe: for if he be vpright hearted, See the 2. Sermon on 2 Ch. 30 Doct. 3though neuer ſo weake, the Lord will accept of him. And if hee féele his ſicknes to be grieuous and dangerous, hée hath the more néed to haſten to the Phiſition: neither is the ſtaying from Gods ordinance a meanes to better his eſtate, but rather to make him worſe, and to pull Gods heauy iudgments vponupon his ſoule & body. Num. 9.

Thus much concerning the duties tending to preparatiō before our receiuing.

How muſt wee be diſpoſed in the preſent act of receiuing?

Wée muſt preſent our ſelues with reuerence be fore the Lord, ſetting our ſenſes How wee are to bee diſpoſed in the act of receiuing. Iſai. 53.and our faith a works, and heed fully meditating vponupon theſe fo…re things.

Firſt, when we ſee the bread broken, and the wine poured out, wée muſt conſider the bitter paſſion of Chriſt Ieſus, who was wounded for our tranſgreſſions, and broken for our iniquities; who encountred with his Fathers wrath, and with Sathan, death, and hell: and for our ſakes in particular ſuſtained ſuch woefull terrors in his ſoule, and torments in his body, that hée cried out in the bitterneſſe of his heart, My God, my God, why haſt thou forſaken me? and at length, ſhedde forth his moſt precious bloold for the pacifying of his Fathers diſpleaſure, and the ſatiſfying of his infinite iuſtice. And withall we ſhould ſeriouſly ponder vponupon the inconceiueable louelove of God the Father, in giuing his onelyonly and well beloued Son, to ſuffer …ch vnſpeakeable fortures for vsus, who were curſed Rebels againſt him: and thence bée drawne to thinke on the hainouſneſſe and odiouſneſſe of our ſinnes, which ſo farre incenſed the Lords wrath & indignation, that nothing could quench the flame thereof, but onelyonly the precious blood of his deare Sonne.

Secondly, when we ſée the Miniſter diſtributing the bread and wine, wée 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 Trinity.

Thirdly, that as we reach forth our naturall hand to receiue the bread and wine, wée muſt withall reach forth the hand of faith to apprehend and lay holde on Chriſt.

Fourthly, in eating the berad and drinking the wine, wée 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 certainely 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 then our ſoules ſhall bée ſtrengthened, and our hearts ſpiritually reuiued, either preſently in the very act of receiuing, or afterwards in due time, when wée ſhall ſtand in moſt néede of comfort. And therefore in aſſurance of faith we ſhould ſtir vp our hearts to expect all the forenamed benefits of remiſſion of ſinnes, and ſanctification of our natures, together with the fruition of all outward bleſſings, and the remouall of all hurtfull croſſes.

well were it for vsus indeede, if we could look for theſe things to be beſtowed vponupon vsus: but the greatneſſe and multitude of our ſinnes is ſuch, that we iuſtly feare they wil keep good things from vsus.

This doubt ſhould not perplex See the Sermon on Iſai. 1. Doct. 7. 1 Ioh. 1. 6. Eze. 36. 25nor trouble vsus, if wée be truely penitent for all our tranſgreſſions: for Chriſt hath paid for many and great ſinnes, as well as for fewer & leſſer: 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 ſins bée done away, all the forenamed benefits doe of right belong to vsus.

Thus much concerning the meditations that are needful in the very act of receiuing.

What is to be done after our receiuing?

Firſt, wée muſt giuegive hearty thanks vntounto the Lord for this ineſtimable benefite, 3 What to bee done after our receiuing.which wée hauehave receiued in being partakers of the Lords Supper.

Secondly, wèe muſt carefully marke how wée ſpéed, and what ſucceſſe we find, and if the Lord aff…ord vsus preſent comfort, we muſt be much more thankefull, and endeauor by all good meanes to nouriſh and cheriſh the ſame, and if wée miſſe of it for that time, wée muſt notwithſtanding giuegive God the glory of his truth, in making good his Couenant and eueryevery part thereof, and therefore with confidence and conſtancy 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, wée ſhall in the fitteſt ſeaſon reape fruit and profit by his ordinance, which in conſcience and obedience vntounto him, wée hauehave béene partakers of. In which regard eueryevery particular beléeuer 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 it ſhall aſſuredly be performed vntounto me: and albeit my faith, and aſſurance of Gods fauour bée but weake, it ſhall bée ſtrengthened, and whatſoeuer Sathan, or mine owne deluded conſcience tell me, all mine iniquities are pardoned and couered, and I am at this very inſtant, as frée from ſin in Gods account, as Adam was before Pſal. 32.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 body.

And for ſanctification, though I bée tainted with much ignorance, with many errours, with bad affections and euill actions, yet the Lord according to his Couenant, will reforme all, and giuegive me a mind to know him, and his will, and a memory to hold faſt what I know: hée will giuegive mée a heart to louelove him, to feare him, and to obey his Commandements. I ſhall hauehave Chriſt his power to ſtrengthen and vphold mée, his wiſdome to inſtruct and direct mée, and his Spirit to worke all néedfull graces in mée, ſo that all the powers of hell ſhall neuer bée able to preuaile againſt mée, much leſſe ſhall the afflictions of this World be able to ſeparate mée from Chriſt Ieſus, I néede not feare any euill: For all ſhall worke together for the beſt vntounto mée, neither can I want any thing that is good, for God hauing giuen Rom. 8.vsus his Sonne, how ſhall hee not with him giuegive vsus all things?

Thirdly, wée muſt determine and endeauour to leade a new life, bringing forth the fruits of Repentance, Faith, & LoueLove, more aboundantly then in former times, as hauing renued our couenant with the Lord for that purpoſe: and therefore when we find any ſinfull motions ſtirring within vsus, wée 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 yéeld vntounto them? why ſhould I be 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 victory ouer it: for the Lord hath ſaid that Rom. 6. 14.ſinne ſhall not hauehave dominion ouer vsus.

So alſo when wée find wants and imperfections in our beſt ſeruices, as coldneſſe in prayer, diſtractions in meditating, vnfruitfulneſſe in hearing, deadneſſe in ſinging of Pſalmes, &c. As alſo impatiency, or faint-heartedneſſe vnderunder croſſes, diſgraces, perſecutions, &c. Let vsus thou reléeue our ſelues with theſe, or the like meditations: Was I not lately at the Lords Table, where I receiued a pledge of my ingrafting into Chriſt, who is the true Vi…e? and is there not in him ſufficient iuyce of all good graces to be deriued to eueryevery branch that is in him: and is not the ſecond Adam as able to conuey his vertues into mée, as the firſt Adam was to conuey his corruptions▪ why then ſhould I not ſéeke to him, in aſſurance of obtaining ſtrength to doe and ſuffer whatſoeuer hée will hauehave mée? yea, I will runne vntounto him, and craue power and ability Iob. 15.from him, and aſking, I ſhall obtaine: for hée hath ſaid it, that will neuer falſifie the leaſt part of his truth.

May it not then bee concluded, if immediatly vponupon the receuiing of this Sacramēt, we grow worſe then we were before, that we came vnworthily therevnto?

Yes verily, if wée be indéed worſe, and not in our owne conceit onelyonly, it is ſure that there was ſome ſinne or other vnrepented of lying vponupon our conſciences, which cauſed Gods ordinance to be ineffectuall. Indéed the worthieſt receiuers, in their owne imaginations, and through Sathans falſe ſuggeſtions, ſéeme vntounto themſelues to be worſe, (when in truth they are not ſo) becauſe they féele their corruptions ſtirring more violently, and temptations ruſhing vponupon them more fiercly then e…r before: but this is ſo farre from being an argument of vnworthy receiuing, that if they ſet themſelues to reſiſt this combate, there can be no more euident teſtimony of their worthy receiuing: for now that their ſinne hath had a deadly blow, it beginneth (like a mad bull in the ſame caſe) to rage more furiouſly: and Sathan being diſpoſſeſſed of his holdes, plyeth his buſineſſe with new and fearefull aſſaults; and therefore ſuch hauehave no cauſe at all to bée diſmayed, but rather very great cauſe to be 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 néed not diſcourage your heart for all this: the ſight of your imperfections argueth that your eyes are more inlightened then in former times, and that you hauehave gotten an humble and lowly conceit of your ſelfe, and your good déeds, which are things very pleaſing vntounto God: neither doth hée require ſuch ſtrict obſeruation of the Commandements, as that wée See the Sermon on Iſa. 1. Doct. 1.ſhould obey them in perfection, but onelyonly that wée ſhould conſent in our hearts, and labour in our practiſe to yéeld obedience thereunto: which if we can doe, the Lord See the Sermon on 2 Ch. 30 Doct 3.will graciouſly accept of vsus, and of thoſe duties which wée performe, ſéeing that we fall not in the ſubſtance of his ſeruice, but onelyonly in ſome circumſtances, and that full ſore againſt our wils.

FINIS.

End of the text · John Dod, Preparation for the Worthy Receiving of the Lords Supper (1614)

Preparation for the Worthy Receiving of the Lords Supper, Dialogue