Vindication of Free-Admission to Holy Communion, Dedication

Vindication of Free-Admission to Holy Communion · Dedication

To the over-ſadly divided, miſguided Miniſters, of the miſerably diſtracted, undermined, almoſt ruined Church of England; eſpecially ſuch who in Theory or Practice have ſwerved from their Duties, in caſting off the Frequent Adminiſtration of the Holy Communion, with their peoples Free-Admiſsion thereunto; and in other particulars of moment here briefly touched.

DEar reverend Chriſtian Brethren, whom I cordially honour for your aaRom. 1. 1. c. 10. 15. 2 Cor. 5. 20. c. 6. 1. c. 8. 23.Rom 1:12 Cor 5:20high and heavenly Calling; give me leave, with that Chriſtian Liberty which becomes me, without any fear or flattery, to inform you; that I have for many years by-paſt, with a bleeding ſoul and mournfull ſpirit, taken ſpecial Notice of ſome offenſive Deviations from, and Negligences in your Ministerial Function, (whereof many of you are guilty) which have given great Advantages to your Common Romiſh, and Sectarian Adverſaries, and juſt ſcandal to divers of your beſt-affected Friends, ſome whereof I formerly endeavoured by ſeaſonable, timely bbIn my 4. and 12. Serious Queſtions, … and Seaſonable Vindication of them. My 16 Important Queſtions. Suſpenſion ſuſpended. Independency examined. A full Reply to brief Obſervations.Publications, to cruſh in the very ſhell, and now deem high time to remind you of, being grown Epidemical, yea almoſt deſtructive to your very Miniſtry, as well as perillous to our Church and Religion.

Not to inlarge upon your own manifold inteſtine cc1 Cor. 3 3, 4.1 Cor 3:31 Cor 3:4ſad Diviſions between and againſt your ſelves; which have ſeparated you into ſeveral Oppoſite Squadrons, (that I ſay not Factions, and Battalioes) of Presbyterians, Epiſcopaliſts, (or Royaliſts) Independents, Interdependents; openly, ſecretly warring againſt, and ſeeking to ſupplant each other, by the extravagant power, proceedings of illegal Arbitrary Committees, and new coyned Orders, Ordinances, Covenants, Engagements, with other Machiavilian Devices, whereby you have endeavoured to eject, ſequeſter, ſuppreſſe, vex, enſnare, ruine one another under our ſucceſſive late publike Revolutions of Government. By which you have now at laſt made your ſelves meer Tenants at will, both in reſpect of your Benefices, Tithes, Miniſtry, to every New upſtart power; a deriſion to your Popiſh, a prey to your Anabaptiſtical and other Sectarian Adverſaries; who infinitely increaſe their Numbers, Proſelytes, by theſe your unbrotherly feudes; and have no ſpecial Committees to reſtrain, eject, ſuppreſſe them, but are crept into moſt Committees, and places of power, to vex, moleſt, diſcountenance, perſecute, eject, ſequeſter many of you, at their pleaſures; and ſecretly encourage, countenance, abet our laſt inſolent ſpreading Romiſh Sect of Quakers, to diſturb, affront, revile your perſons, Doctrine, Miniſtry, both in the Church, Streets, and all other places, and to publiſh their moſt rayling ſcurrillous Invectives againſt you, to accompliſh your ſpeedy extirpation by theſe Inſtruments of the Pope and Devil, which they dare not immediately attempt by themſelves In which proſecuted deſign of your utter ſpeedy extirpation, all Anabaptiſts, Sectaries concurre, and unite their forces with the Jeſuites and Popiſh party, as Iohn Canne demonſtrates in his Second voice from the Temple, p. 2. where he excites The Supreme Authority of the Nation, the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, to whom he dedicates it, utterly to extirpate the National Church Miniſtry, Worſhip, Government of England; aud to ſtarve, famiſh all the Miniſters thereof (whom he ſtiles, Antichriſtian Idols) by taking away the food and maintenance whereby hitherto (and at this preſent) they are …ouriſhed, fed, and kept alive. In regard of which joynt deſperate Co…federacy againſt you by theſe your combined common Adverſaries, I ſhall now exhort and adviſe you,

Firſt of all, To lay aſide and abandon all private animoſities, factions, feuds, conteſts, and perſecutions againſt each other; as not only unbeſeeming the ddRom. 10. 15 H…br. 13. 20. Iſay 9. 6. Eph. 2. 14. to 22.Rom 10:15Isa 9:6Eph 2:14–22Embaſſadors, Ministers of the God, Prince, Goſpel of Peace; but as the moſt probable, unavoidable means of your own ſpeedy deſtruction; as theſe two Gospel Texts will aſſure you, Mat. 12. 25, 26. And Ieſus ſaid unto them, Every kingdom divided againſt it ſelf is brought to deſolation, and every City or Houſe divided againſt it ſelf ſhall not ſtand. And if Satan caſt out Satan (or one Min…ſter another of a contrary party) he is divided againſt himſelf; how ſhall then his kingdom (or Chriſts, where his Miniſters are thus divided, and caſt out one another) ſtand? And Gal. 5. 15. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not conſumed one of another. Among all the evils that afflict the body politick of the Church or State, there is none ſo pernicious as diviſion, eſpecially amongſt the Miniſters and chief Officers thereof,eeSee Mr. John Daille His Apology for the Reformed Churches, ch. 2. becauſe it strikes at the very foundation of their being, and poiſons the original of their life and strength. Wherefore, I beſeech you moſt eſpecially to avoid, deteſt this deſtructive ſin.

2ly, Seeing all Miniſters and Chriſtians are ſpecially obliged by the ffJohn 13. 34, 35, c. 17. 20, 21, 22. Eph. 4. 3. to 17.John 13:34John 13:35Eph 4:3–17command, and will of their Maſter, and by their own welfare, ſafety, ſalvation, to continue inſeparably united one to another, and all together to make up but one harmonious Body; I ſhall exhort, beſeech, adviſe you all, to ggPſal. 133. 1.Ps 133:1live and love like Brethren;hhPhil. 1. 27.Phil 1:27 To be all of one mind and of one Spirit, ſtriving together for the faith of the Goſpel;iiEpheſ. 4. 3.Eph 4:3 To keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.kkJoh. 13. 3…, 35.John 13:3John 13:35 To manifeſt to all the world that you are Chriſts diſciples by loving one another. And to purſue this pathetical exhortation of the Apoſtle, to ceaſe the Contentions between the Miniſter and people in the Church of Corinth, 1 Cor. 1. 10. Now I beſeech you Brethren in the name of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, that ye all ſpeak the ſame thing, and that there be no diviſions among you; but that ye be perfectly joyned together in the ſame mind and in the ſame judgement.

3ly,llHab. 2. 1.Hab 2:1 Stand conſtantly upon your watch, and mmPhil. 1. 27. Jude 3.Phil 1:27Jude 1:3unite all your ſtudies, endeavours together againſt the manifold plots, policies of Satan, and your Ieſuitical, Popiſh, Sectarian common Enemies, who ſeek nothing but the ſpeedy ruine of your perſons, Miniſtry, and of our Proteſtant Religion, Church, State, being more active, ſubtle and ſucceſsfull of late years in this deſign, than ever in former ages. And let their preſent joynt attempts, combinations againſt you, be a prevailing argument to unite your affections, endeavours, ſtudies to countermine them.

4ly, Avoid all carnal, Machivilian Policies, all ſordid Compliances, andnnEzech 2. 6. Mat. 10. 26. 28. 31.Ezek 2:6Matt 10:26Matt 10:28Matt 10:31 baſe Fears of any Mortals, how great or powerful ſoever: And neverooRom. 3. 8.Rom 3:8 act nor conſent to any evils, error, unrighteous, impious Projects, or hypocritical deſignes, yea, hope that any good may come thereby: but rather part with your lives, liberties, and all worldly enjoyments, than with a good conſcience, and the truth or Ordinances of God intruſted to your care.

5ly, Take Notice of ſome particular late failings and ſcandalous ſinfull Omiſſions or Neglects in the diſcharge of your Miniſterial Office, in which divers of you have been and ſtill are very peccant.

Whereas, by our former Liturgies (confirmed by pp2 & 3 E. 6. c. 1. 5 & 6 E. 6. c. 1. 1 Eliz. c. 2.ſundry Acts of Parliament yet in force) the Decalogui, or Ten Commandements of God himſelf,qqSee Dod, Downham, Bp. Andrews, Elton, and others on the command…ments. (aſſerted by all or moſt of you to be Moral, and Perpetual, as they are a rule of Life and Obedience) were to be publikely read in all Churches, (as heretofore was uſual) once every Lords day, and when ever the Lords Supper was adminiſtred; to the end the people might the better remember and obſerve them in their lives and converſations. This godly cuſtom, hath for ſundry years together been univerſally neglected, and caſt aſide by all or moſt of you. By which means, the elder ſort of people have quite forgotten theſe Commandements; the younger ſort are alltogether ignorant of them, and generally know not, whether there be any ſuch Decalogue for them to learn, know, obſerve: their Parents, Maſters, not inſtructing them in them in their private families as formerly; ſince diſcontinued publikely in our Chnrches; The number of Antinomians is hereby augmented, confirmed in their Error: the Knowledge, Sence, Conſcience of ſinnes againſt theſe Precepts, almoſt quite obliturated: And theſe Laws of God, with all other good Laws of the Realm, quite caſt aſide, ſlighted, ſcorned, violated in the higheſt degree, by many profeſſed Saints of the higheſt Orb, like Old Almanacks quite out of date or force, eſpecially the 5, 6, 8, and laſt of them, Thou ſhalt not covet thy neighbours houſe, &c. nor any thing that is his: now turned into an affirmative, or quite expunged out of the Decalogue of too many Engliſh Proteſtants, as well as therrSee Ledeſma his Catechiſm; Officium beatae Ma…iae, and Popiſh primers which expunge it. ſecond Commandement heretofore out of the Papiſts. And whether this omiſſion be not a ſinne againſt Deutr. 6. 1. to 10. c. 18. 18. to 22. c. 4. 9, 10. Acts 13. 15. Pſal. 1. 2. Ioſh. 1. 8. and other Scriptures, fit henceforth to be reformed, let your own Conſciences, with all Proteſtant Commentators on theſe Texts, and the Decalogue reſolve you.

2ly, Whereas the Summary Heads of the Chriſtian Faith, compriſed in antient Creeds, (made, ſſSee Cy-prian de Symbolo, Dr. Jackſon, and others on the Creed: and all antient Greek and Latin Liturgies.uſed in the Primitive Church, and continued in all Chriſtian Churches, as most uſeful, neceſſary, ever ſince) were uſually repeated by the Miniſters and people in all our Churches heretofore, when ever they aſſembled to worſhip God on Lords-dayes, and other Feſtivals or times of Devotion; This Godly, profitable Chriſtian practice, hath been generally diſuſed and ſet aſide by moſt of you for ſundry years together: whereby the old Principles of our Chriſtian Faith and Creeds, are quite forgotten, or neglected by the ancienter ſort, and unknown to the younger people, (not inſtructed to learn or repeat them by heart as formerly, by their Parents and Maſters, ſince diſuſed in our Churches by Miniſters) and a world of New Faiths, Hereſies, Blaſphemies, Errors, have been ſet up and vented in oppoſition thereunto, deſtructive to the very Foundations of our Religion. Now whether this Omiſſion be not a great Miſdemeanour or Overſight in you, repugnant to the 1 Cor. 15. 1. to 8. Hebr. 5. 12, 13. c. 6. 1, 2, 3. 2 Pet. 1. 12, 13, 15. c. 3. 2. and other Texts, let all Old and New Expoſitors on the Creed, determine, and your own Conſciences judge?

3ly, Whereas by the Laws of our Land, confirming the Book of Ordination, and the Liturgies of our Church, all our Deacons, Miniſters, formerly on Lords dayes and other times of publike Divine Service, were ſpecially obliged to read certain Pſalms, with one Chapter of the Old Teſtament, and another out of the New, in the Church, for the peoples better edification and inſtruction in the Scriptures, and incouragement to read them diligently in their Families and private Cloſets; yet now of late years, contrary to their Solemn Promiſe at theirttSee the Book of Ordination. Ordinations, diligently to read the Canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Teſtament to the people aſſembled in the Church, and contrary to Exod. 24. 7. Deut. 6. 1. to 10. c. 11. 18. to 22. c. 31. 11, 12, 13. Joſh. 8. 34, 35. 2 Kings 23. 1, 2, 3. 2 Chron. 34. 29, 30, 31. Neh. 8. 1. to 19. c. 9. 1. 3. c. 13. 1. Iſay 34. 16▪ Ier. 36. 6, 10, &c. c. 51. 61, 62. Luk. 4. 16, 17. Acts 13. 15. c. 15. 21. 31. 2 Cor. 1. 13. Eph. 3. 4. Col. 4. 16. 1 Theſſ. 5. 27. Rev. 1. 3. c. 5. 4, 5. 2 Cor. 3. 14. 1 Tim. 4. 3. contrary to the practice of Gods own people the Iews, of Chriſt himſelf and his Apoſtles; of the Primitive Fathers, Councils, Church, Chriſtians, asuuBiſh. J…wel D…fence of the Apology, …ar. 5. …. 9. d…viſ. 1. p. 489. 490. part. 6. p. 608, and His Reply to Harding, Art. 3. diviſ. 6. p. 117, 118 and Artic. 15. Of reading the Scriptures, p. 383, &c. Biſhop Iewel proves at large, of allxxHarmony of Confeſſions, ſect. 10. to 16. Proteſtant Churches in foreign parts; the Practice, Canons, Rubricks, and Liturgies of our Engliſh Church, and command of God himſelf in the forecited Texts, moſt of our Independent Ministers have wholly caſt off the reading of all Pſalms, Chapters of the Old and New Teſtament in their Churches and Meetings (more particularly in Pendennis Caſtle in Cornwall, where there was not one Chapter, Pſalm either ſung or read, during my near two years cloſe impriſonment, in their Meeting-houſe there;) yea, many Presbyterians and other Miniſters have overmuch failed herein, reading only either one Chapter out of the Old Teſtament or New, and ſomtimes only one Pſalm, without a Chapter, now and then on Lords dayes, and other Publick Dayes of worſhip. By which ill preſident, the generality of their people (eſpecially ſuch who cannot read) are become wholly ignorant of the Scriptures, and made a prey to every ſeducer; the conſtant reading of the Scriptures in privat, is much neglected; the Scriptures themſelves much ſlighted; yea many turned profeſſed Anti-Scripturiſts, rejecting the Old and New Teſtament both together; and others who retain the New Teſtament, have quite rejected the old, as nothing appertaining to Chriſtians; though a chief part of the Churches foundation, & approved, injoyned to be ſearched, ſtudied, read by Chriſt himſelf and his Apoſtles in the New Teſtament, Mat. 5. 17. 18. c 7. 12. c 22, 40. c. 26. 56. Mar. 1. 2. Lu. 1. 70. c. 16. 26. 31. Acts 3. 18. c. 10. 43. c. 13. 15. 27. c. 26. 22. 27. c. 28. 23. c. 17. 2. 11. c. 18. 24. 28. Rom. 1. 2. c. 16. 26. Epheſ. 2. 20. c. 4. 11, 12. 13. 1 Pet. 1. 10, 11. 2 Pet. 1. 19 20, 21. c. 3. 1, 2. with other expreſſe Goſpel texts. And is not this a groſſe ſinful Omiſſion now fit to be repented of and reformed by you all, having produced ſo many ſad effects, and complying too much with the Papiſts,yyB…ſh. Jewels Defence of the …pol…gy, part. 5. ch. 9. diviſ. 1. p. 499. and Mr. Harding, who ſtiles the publike reading of the Scriptures to the people in their mother Tongue, The inſtinct and work of Satan?

4ly, Many Minſters and Congregationt (eſpecially Independents and Anabaptiſts) have wholly caſt off the Singing (as well as reading) of Pſalms, Hymnes, and Spiritual Songs, not only contrary to thezzExod. 15 1 &c. Numb. 21. 17. Deut. 31. 19 &c. Judg. 5. 12 2 Sam. 22. 1. 2 Chron. 29. 27. Pſ. 18. 1. Pſ. 92. 1. Cant. 1. 1. l. ſa… 5. 1. c. 26. 1. c. 30. 29. c. 35. 10. c. 38. 10. Amos 8. 23. c. 8. 3.Exod 15:1Num 21:17Deut 31:19Judg 5:122 Sam 22:12 Chr 29:27Ps 18:1Ps 92:1Song 1:1Amos 8:23 precepts of God, and Practice of the …aints in the Old Teſtament: but of Chriſt himſelf, his Apostles, Saints, Church in the New, Luke 1. 13, 14. Mat. 26. 30. 1 Cor. 14. 15. Epheſ. 5. 17. Col. 3. 1…. Heb. 2. 12. Iam. 5. 13. Rev. 15. 3. c. 5. 9. c. 14. 3. And is not this a ſin fit to be redreſſed by thoſe who are guilty of it? unleſſe they deem our preſent Oppreſſions, Thraldom, and publick Calamities ſuch, as deſerve to turn all our Pſalms into Lamentations, and Songs into Howlings, Amos 8. 10. Ezech. 26. 13. Iam. 7. 9.

5ly, Whereas our Miniſters heretofore by our Councils, Canons, Liturgies were obliged to Catechiſe and inſtruct their younger Pariſhioners in the Lords Prayer, Creed, ten Commandements and Principles of Chriſtian Religion; and made a Conſcience to perform it on Lords dayes and other Seaſons in the Church, to the great edification and corroborations of their People againſt Hereſies, Sects, Errors, Vices; The generality of Miniſters of late years have either totally rejected, or in a great meaſure neglected this part of their Miniſterial duty; contrary to Gal. 6. 6. Heb. 5. 15, 16. c. 6. 1, 2, 3. Deut. 6. 1. to 10. and other expreſſe Scriptures. Whereby Parents and Maſters have for the moſt part given over this dutyin their Families; and ſo the people being generally ignorant, uninſtructed, unſetled, ungrounded in the Principles of Religion, areaaEph. 4. 14. Jam. 1. 6.Eph 4:14Jas 1:6 toſſed and carried to and fro with every wind of doctrine, made a prey to all ſorts of Sectaries and ſeducing Spirits, and divided from our Churches into different ſeparated Conventicles, almoſt paſt hopes of reducing to the tr…th and unity of the Goſpel. How neceſſary it is therefore for all peccant Miniſters to reform this Sin, let the Preface to Mr. Crooks Guide, and others who have written of the Vtility and Neceſſity of Catechiſing, inform them.

6ly, Some Miniſters (eſpecially Independents) have (contrary to Luke 9. 62. Rom. 1. 1. Heb. 7. 23, 24.) bbSee a Tranſcript of a Letter …om the Summer Hands at the end of my Freſh Diſcovery of Prodigious Bending Stars.quite renounced their very Miniſterial Ordination and Function, preaching only now as gifted Brethren, not as Miniſters of the Goſpel; and others of them have either overmuch neglected or ſcrupuled the baptizing of Infants; eſpeciallyccMr. Henry Burtons Vindication. of theſe who are not of their own independent Congregations: Which how repugnant it is to the precepts and Preſidents of Chriſt and his Apoſtles; How ſcandalous to our Proteſtant Church and Religion, how advantagious to our Papal, Anabaptiſtical, aud other Sectarian Common Enemies, let Mr. ddHis Vindication of the judgment of the Reformed Churches, & Proteſtant Diviues, concerning Ordination, London 1647.Seaman, Mr. Baxter, Mr. Hall and others, who have written largely on theſe Subjects of late times reſolve them; and themſelves now reform with penitent hearts.

7ly, The thing I ſhall here principally charge upon the conſciences of hundreds of Miniſters guilty of this Sacrilegious Crime, is, their many years wilfull diſcontinuance of the frequent publike celebration of the Lords Supper to their Pariſhioners; againſt the very eſſential duty and Office of their Function, as Ministers of Chriſt, and Incumbents of Pariſh Churches, the Precept and Preſident of Chriſt himſelf, the Practice of the Apoſtles, Prim…tive Church, Fathers, Chriſtians, and all former Churches, Miniſters of Chriſt throughout the world; the Canons, Decrees, Injunctions, Laws, Statutes of our own and foreign Church…s, States in all ages, and the very Directory it ſelf; as I haveeeMy Suſpenſion ſuſpended; … Legal Reſolution of 2. Important Queſtions; A New Diſcovery of ſome Romiſh Emiſſaries and Popiſh Errors. elſewhere, and ſhall here more largely manifeſt. By which Negligence and Omiſſion, I ſhall deſire them now at laſt moſt ſadly to conſider,

1. That they rob God himſelf of one chief publick Ordinance, and part of his ſolemn worſhip.

2. That they rob Jeſus Chriſt himſelf of one of his inſtituted Sacraments, whereby they ſhould principally ſhew forth the benefits, fruits, and memory of his death, till his Second coming, 1 Cor. 11▪ 25, 26.

3. That they rob their Churches and people of the ineſtimable benefits, comforts of Chriſts moſt bleſſed Supper. Wherein they are more culpable, ſacrilegious and injurious to Chriſts Inſtitution and their people, than the Sacrilegious Popes and Popiſh Prieſts, who adminiſter this Sacrament to themſelves in both kinds every Maſſe, and give the People the Conſecrated Bread in all places, once a year at leaſt, and the Cup too in ſome places, by ſpecial ffBiſh. Jewels Reply to Harding, p. 73. Fox Acts and Mon. Vol. 1. p. 910, 911, 912.diſpenſations: whereas they deprive themſelves and their people wholly of both parts of this Sacrament for ſundry years, and will not diſpence it to them at their and others earneſt intreaties.

4. That herein they give as high, as groſſe, as ſinful a Non obſtante to Chriſt himſelf, the Primitive Church and Fathers, in caſting aſide this Sacrament of the Lords Supper for ſo many years together; as theggSeſſio 13. Surius Concil. Tom, 3. p. 821, 822. Council of Conſtance did, when it took away the uſe of the Cup only from the Lay-people; and hereby juſtifie, imitate, exceed this their Sacrilegious, Antichriſtian practice.

5. That hereby they ſinfully neglect, renounce one principal eſſential part of their Miniſterial function and paſtoral duty, which they were purpoſely ordained Miniſters, and preſented to their Parochial Cures and Benefices diligently to diſcharge, (as I havehhA Legal R…ſolution of two important Quaeres. Harmony of Conf…ſſions. ſect. 10. to 16. elſwhere manifeſted at large) to wit, to adminiſter this Sacrament to their people.

6. That they herein pointblank oppugn, contradict the iiSee My Susperſton ſuſpended. Tho. Beacons Catechiſm.conſtant practice of the Primitive Church, Fathers, Chriſtians; who uſually adminiſtred the Holy Communion to all their viſible Church-members every Lords day; with the conſtant uſage of all the Churches of God throughout the world, in all former ages till this preſent, who preſcribed, practiced the frequent celebration thereof, as a neceſſary, uſefull, and moſt comfortable duty.

7. That herein they have in a great meaſure imitated the tyranny and practice of Pope Innocent the 3d. and the Popiſh Engliſh Clergy under him; who interdicting the whole Realm of England, Anno 1208. (by reaſon of differences then riſen between King John, the Archbiſhop of Canterbury, and other Prelates) for 6 years, 3 moneths, and 14 days space; thereupon through the Clergies obstinacy ceſſaverunt in Anglia omnia Eccleſiaſtica Sacramenta praeter ſolummodo Confeſſionem, & viaticum in ultima necceſſitate, et Baptiſma parvulorum, ad irreſtaurabile damnum Eccleſiae, tam in temporalibus quam ſpiritualibus, askkHiſt. Angliae▪ An. 1208, 1214. p. 239. 240. Mat. Park…r, Antiq▪ Eccleſ. Brit. p. 148 149. &c. Godwins Catalogue of Biſhops, …. 62. 63, &c. Fox Acts and Mon. Vol. 1. p. 324, 326, &c. Holinſhed, Speed, Grafton and others in tbe life of King John. Matthew Paris and others inform us: The King hereupon by ſpecial Writs and Patents, commanded William of Cornhil, Joſeline of Cornwal and others, to ſeiſe all the Lands, Goods, Livings of the Archbiſhops, Biſhops, Abbots, Pri…rs, Religious Perſons, Clerks and Prieſts, that ſhould from the Monday next before Eaſter refuſe to celebrate divine Service and Sacraments to the people; and confiſcated them all as forfeited to his Treaſury: Being driven to uſe ſuch auſterity and ſharpneſſe againſt them, to enforce them to perform their Paſtoral charge; asllActs and Monuments, Vol. 1. p. 324. Mr. Fox records out of the Clauſe Roll of 9 Johannis in the Tower of London. And have not many whole Pariſhes, Cities▪ and Dioceſes, well nigh for as long a ſpace or more, been actually interdicted in like manner, by ſundry obſtinate Miniſters, from all Eccleſiaſtical Sacraments, except baptizing of Infants, (and ſome of them from that too) and from the adminiſtration of the Lords Supper to ſuch as lie at the point of death, which was not denyed to any during that long Papal Interdict? And do they not deſerve then, as ſevere a ſeizure of their Benefices, Lands, Goods for this their wilful neglect of their Paſtoral duty for ſo long a ſeaſon, as the Popiſh Clergy then incurred for their negligence, obſtinacy, and fear of the Popes diſpleaſure?

8ly, This Crime and Neglect of theirs is highly aggravated by ſundry circumſtances, which inſtead of juſtifying or extenuating, doth elevate it to the higheſt pitch.

1. It hath been carried on and acted by ſpecial Confederacies, Combinations amongſt moſt Miniſters guilty thereof; who have had ſundry publike and privat meetings, yea ſome days of Humiliation (which is worſe) to carry on this Sacrilegious deſign…; as the Popiſh Prieſts and Prelates formerly had, for the Sacrilegious taking away of the Conſecrated wine from the Laypeople in themmSeſſio 13. Surius Concil. Tom. 3. Fox, Vol. 1. p. 783. Council of Conſtance.

2. They have juſtified it both innnDr. Drakes Bounda…y, Mr. Collings Juridical ſuſpenſion, & others. Preſſe and Pulpit, as not only Lawful and Neceſſary, but their bounden duty; yea the will and appointment of Ieſus Chriſt, as theooSee Gerſon, & D. Featlies Grand Sacrileg of the Chur: of Rome. Popiſh Preiſts have juſtified their Half Communion, and taking away the Cup.

3. They have miſerably wreſted, perverted, tortured many Sacred Texts of Scripture to warrant this their Sacrilege, as the Popiſh Prieſts have done to juſtifie their depriving the people of the Sacramental Cup.

4. They have printed, preached againſt theppMy ſhort Vindication of 4. Serious Queſtions. p, 17. to 29. & 47. expreſſe Letter of the Scripture, all Antiquity, the Articles, Homilies, Liturgy, and theſe Writers of our Church, and Confeſſion of the Council of Conſtance it ſelf, That our Saviour never adminiſtred the Sacrament to Iudas, but only to the other xi. Apoſtles; to juſtifie their Sacrilege by this palpable untruth.

5. They have caſt moſt vile aſperſions upon this moſt bleſſed Sacrament, to juſtifie this their practice, and deterre the people from it; ſtiling it frequently in their Pamphlets, Sermons; qqA Brotherly and Friendly Cenſure, p. 6, 7. An Antidote p. 6. [See My ſhort Vindicatication, p. 28. to 36.] Dr. Drak…s B…nda…y, and o…hers.Deadly poyſon: A Cup of poyſon, which will poyſon and kill mens ſouls. An Ordinance of Christ, which hath no efficacy ſpiritually to quicken, regenerate or convert men, but only to confirm ſuch who are already regenerated and really converted. And aſſerting, That it belongs to none but real Saints, and ſuch as are truly ſanctified; and not to all viſible Members of the viſible Church able to examine themſelves.

6. They have pleadedrrDr. Drake, Mr. Collins, & others tenderneſſe of Conſcience, Duty; and partaking with unworthy Communicants in their ſins, to juſtifie their Non-celebration of this Sacrament, which both in Conſcience and Duty they are obliged duly to celebrate; and by not doing whereof they are not only partakers, but Authors, abettors, perſwaders of their peoples ſinful contempt and neglect thereof.

7. They have deprived many thouſands of Gods dear, precious real Saints of the ineſtimable benefits, comforts of, ſtrength and growth in grace by this moſt heavenly Ordinance, to whom they confeſſe it doth of right belong, and debarred themſelves alſo from it, for ſundry years together, only for fear ſuch whom they deem ignorant, ſcandalous, ſhould partake thereof. And is not this the extremity of injuſtice, impiety, uncharitableneſſe, to debar Gods Children, and Chriſts invited Gueſts from his Table, only for fear ſome unworthy or unbidden gueſts ſhould intrude thereto? Certainly this is diametrically contrary to theſſLuke 12. 42. to 47.Luke 12:42–47 Office of every Good and Faithfull Steward whom the Lord hath made ru…er over his houſhold to give them their portion of meat in due ſeaſon; who cannot expect a bleſſing, but curſe from his Lord when he cometh, and that he ſhould cut him in pieces, and give him his portion with unbelievers.

8. Some of them are grown ſo inveterately and tranſcendently malicious againſt the frequent publike adminiſtration of the Lords Supper, that they deem, proſecute it as a ſcandalous Crime in other Miniſters, for which they d…ſerve to be ſequestred and ſuſpended from the Miniſtry: Some Miniſters in Surrey, Middleſex, and other places having lately been proſecuted, yea ſequeſtred and put out of their Livings, and thoſe of the late Kings party all ſilenced and prohibited to adminiſter the Sacraments at once, principally upon this account. When as thoſe Miniſters rather deſerve ſuſpenſion both from their Office and Benefice, as Scandalous, who have wilfully neglected the celebration of this Sacrament for ſundry years, and are guilty of all the premiſed aggravations of this their Sin and Sacrilege.

Now Dear Brethren, I beſeech, I adjure you in the Name and Fear of God, without prejudice or partiality, to reflect on all theſe premiſes, ſo far forth, as any of you are really guilty of them; and now at laſt to behold, conſider, lament, repent, reform theſe tranſcendent Exorbitances and Exceſſes, into which the Policy of Satan, the pravity of your own hearts, the ambitious affectation of a New Eccleſiaſtical Iuriſdiction over the Sacraments of Chriſt himſelf, and the Conſciences of your flocks (the ſourſe of this New Sacrilegious extravagance) have hurried you by degrees: andtt2 Chron. 30 8.2 Chr 30:8 be no more ſtiffnecked in the obſtinate neglect, defence, or excuſe of all or any of them; Which I have faithfully repreſented to your view in their proper colours & juſt aggravations; not with the leaſt intention to caſt any reproach or infamy upon your Perſons, or Miniſterial Function (which I cordially honor, reverence, and have ever ſupported, defended to my power;) but the more effectually to convince you of the greatneſſe, ſinfulneſſe of theſe your Errors and Deviations whereinto you have lapſed of late years; and for which eſpecially (in my weak apprehenſion) God hath brought ſo much neglect, contempt, reproach upon, and oppoſition againſt your perſons and calling, more than in former ages; of which you all now ſo much complain in Preſſe and Pulpit, not without juſt cauſe: You all well know,uu1 Sam. 2 27▪ to the end1 Sam 2:27 That the kicking at Gods ſacrifice and offring which he commanded, and deſpiſing of God therein, was that which made Elyes ſons and their Miniſtry to be lightly eſteemed, and brought ruine on them and their families, and cauſed God to tranſlate the Prieſthood from them unto Samuel. Yea, you cannot but take notice of Mal. 2. 1, 2, 8, 9. And now, O ye Prieſts, this commandement is for you. If ye will not hear, if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, ſaith the Lord of hoſts, I will even ſend a curſe upon you, and will even curſe your bleſſings; yea, I have curſed them already, becauſe ye do not lay it to heart, Behold, I will corrupt your ſeed, and ſpread dung upon your faces, &c. Ye have departed out of the way, ye have cauſed many to ſtumble at the Law, ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, ſaith the Lord of hoſts: Therefore have I alſo made you contemptible and baſe before all the people, according as you have not kept my wayes, but have been partial in the Law. And may you not then conclude from theſe two Scriptures; That your kicking againſt the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, and caſting this offring quite aſide, which Chriſt commanded you frequently to celebrate, with your departing out of the way in all the forementioned particulars (which hath cauſed many to ſtumble at the Law) are the principal cauſes, that have moved God to make yo thus contemptible and baſe before all the people? Yea, hath not your caſting off the Lords Supper for ſo many years, occaſioned many of the people to caſt off all other Ordinances, Sacraments? encouraged the Anabaptiſts to caſt off Infant-baptiſm; and thouſands to reject both your Miniſtry, Churches, and to turn Anabaptiſts, Seekers, Quakers, Ranters, Independents, Papiſts; and ſome profeſſed Atheiſts? I ſhall therefore apply that wholeſom advice of our Saviour to the Angel of the Church of Epheſus, unto you, at this ſeaſon, Rev. 2. 5. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do thy firſt works; or elſe (you may juſtly fear what follows) I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy Candleſtick out of its place, unleſs thou repent.

Now becauſe Chriſts own inſtitution, practice, and the practice of his Apoſtles recorded in the word, is thexx… …or. 11. 1, 2. 3. Epheſ. 5. 1. …. Iohn 2. 5, 6.Eph 5:1John 2:5John 2:6 only rule you ought to follow in the admiſſion of your Pariſhioners and people to this Sacrament, and your administration thereof unto them; give me leave to propound theſe Obſervations to you from them, which through Gods bleſſing may rectifie both your Erronious judgements, conſciences, practices in ſecluding others from the Sacrament, without any Goſpel grounds.

1. It is clear, thatyyMat. 26. 26. to 30. Mar. 14. 22. to 26. Luke 22. 8. to 23. 1 Cor. 11. 23, 24. 25.Matt 26:26–30Mark 14:22–26Luke 22:8–231 Cor 11:231 Cor 11:241 Cor 11:25 Ieſus Chriſt himſelf ſecluded none from this Sacrament of his body, either for ignorance or ſcandal; but admitted all his diſciples to it at firſt, without any pre-inſtructions that we read of, either of its nature or uſe, but what is recorded in the very inſtitution it ſelf, done ſodenly after the paſſeover, as they ſate at Table. That all his diſciples were then ignorant of the Article of his reſurrection from the dead, and would not believe that he was riſen, within 4. dayes after he administred this Sacrament to them (though he**Mat. 20. 19. c. 26. 32. 27. 63. Mar. 8. 31. Lu. 18. 33. c. 24 25. 26▪ 45. 46.Matt 20:19Mark 8:31 oft foretold them he ſhould riſe again the third day, and the Prophets alſo predicted it) as is clear by Mat. 28. 17. Mar. 16. 11, 13, 14: where Chriſt himſelf appeared to the eleven, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardneſſe of heart, becauſe they believed not them that had ſeen him after he was riſen, upon their double teſtimony to them; whoſe words ſeemed unto them as idle fables, and they believed them not, Lu. 24. 11, 12. 21, 22, &c. 37, 41, 46. John 20. 24, 25. to 30. Yet he admitted them all to his Supper, though thus ignorant and unbelieving. And as he admitted all his Diſciples, though thus ignorant: ſo he likewiſe admitted Iudas himſelf, though a zzJohn 6. 70, 71. c. 18. 2, 3, &c. c. 17. 12. 22. 6. Mat. 26. 14 15, 16. 47, Acts 1. 16. to 21.John 6:70John 6:71Matt 26:14Acts 1:16–21Devil, a Thief, a Traytor, a Seller of him to the Iews for money, a Son of perdition, yea caſt away, and Chriſt then knew him to be ſuch a wretch.

2ly, It is moſt evident, thataaMat. 26. 2. 17. to 26. Mar. 14. 14. John 18. 28, &c.Matt 26:2Matt 26:17–26Mark 14:14John 18:28 all thoſe whom Chriſt admitted to eat the Paſſover with him, he likewiſe admitted to receive this Sacrament of his last Supper, without ſecluding any of them. But all circumciſed Perſons whatſoever, as well unregenerate, ignorant, or ſcandalous, as the moſt regenerate, knowing and holy Saints (if not totally cut off from the Congregation, and legally, not morally unclean) were admitted to eat of the Paſſover, Exod 12. 3, 4. 43. to 50. Deut. 16. 2. &c. Joſh. 5. 10. 2 Kings 23. 21, 22. 2 Chron 30. 1. to 26. c. 35. 1. to 20. Ezra 6. 19, 20, 21. 1 Cor. 10. 11. 3, 4, 5▪ Therefore all ſuch Chriſtians and Church members (if not actually cut off by Excommunication from the Church) ought, by Chriſts own practice, to be admitted to the Lords Supper, 1 Cor. 10. 16, 17, 18.

3ly, We read of no ſpecial Preparation Sermon made by Chriſt to fit his Diſciples to receive this Sacrament: of no Claſſis or Presbytery appointed by him to examin their faith, knowledge, graces, preparation, worthineſſe, fitneſſe before they were admitted to it; or to ſeclude them from it, if adjudged unworthy, ignorant, or ſcandalous by them. Of no ſuch extraordinary preparation, preſcribed to them ere admitted to receive it, as is now bbSee The Practice of Piety, Mr. Rogers of the Sacrament. D. Drakes Boundary, Mr. Collings Juridical ſuſpenſion.peremptorily exacted, preſcribed, as abſolutely neceſſary ere men muſt approach, or be admitted to receive it; and no other preparation or ſelf-examinanation then was requiſite for the receiving of the Paſſover, or other daily holy duties. All which our Saviour, no doubt, would have abſolutely preſcribed at his firſt inſtitution and celebration of this Sacrament for a pattern to all ſucceeding ages, if ſo abſolutely neceſſary, as …ome over-rigid Miniſters (now wiſer, holier, and more ſcrupulous than Chriſt himſelf, the Author of this Myſtery) now affirm in Preſſe and Pulpit, without any precept or preſident from their Lord and Maſter Jeſus Chriſt, but their own fancies.

4ly, It is apparent from the 1 Cor. 10. 16, 17. The Cup of bleſſing which we bleſſe, is it not the Communion of the Bloud of Chriſt? The Bread which we break, is it not the Communion of the Body of Christ? For we being many are one bread: For we are all partakers of that one Bread: That all the believing Corinthians and Members of the viſible Church of Corinth (except the cc1 Cor. 5. 7. …3.1 Cor 5:71 Cor 5:3incestuous Corinthian excommunicated from the Church and all other Ordinances as well as this) did receive the Lords Supper uſually together: Yet many of them were very ignorant; yea meer babes in Chriſt, whom the Apoſtle fed with milk, and not with strong meat, being not able to bear it; and ſome of them denyed the reſurrection of the dead, or were ignorant of it, 1 Cor. 1, 2. 3. c. 7. 10, 11. c. 14. 38. c. 15. 12, 13. &c. Others of them were in a great meaſure ſcandalous: 1 In going to Law with their Brethren before unbelievers, for which he reprehends them, 1 Cor. 6. 1. to 8. Others of them guilty of Adulterie, laſciviouſneſſe, fornication, ch. 6. 18, 19. c. 10. 8. 2 Cor. 12. 21. Others of them ſpiritually proud, and puffed up with their knowledge, who did eat things ſacrificed to Idols in Idols Temples, and ſcandalized their weak brethren, ch. 8. 1. 2, 7, 8, &c. c. 10. 22, 23, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33. Others of them withheld due maintenance from Pa…l himſelf & thoſe other Miniſters who instructed them, ch. 9. 6. to 20. Beſides, their men and women were very diſorderly in their publike aſſemblies, and came together not for the better, but for the worſe, for which he reprehends them ch. 11. 3. to 34. and ch. 14. throughout. More particularly, when they came to receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper they were very diſorderly, in not receiving it all together, and tarrying not one for the other; in deſpiſing and not relieving their poor Brethren, and not eating with them; yea ſome of them were drunken when they came to receive; and they were alſo full of ſchiſms, contentions, factions; ſome being for Paul, others for Apollos, others for Cephas, &c. 1 Cor. 11. 16. to 34. 1 Cor. 3. 1, 2, 3. Yea, the Apoſtle writes expreſly that he could not ſpeak unto the generality of them, as unto ſpiritual, but unto carnul, even as unto babes in Chriſt, being carnal and walking as men, chap. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4. Yet notwithſtanding all theſe diſabilities, ſi…s, ſcandals, they were then freely admitted to the Lords Table, and not ſecluded from it. And though the Apoſtle reprehends them in this Epiſtle for their ignorance, theſe other vices ſins and diſorders in their meetings; yet he gives no order to their Miniſters or Presbyteries to ſeclude them from the Sacrament till better inſtructed, prepared, and reformed in their lives; but only admoniſheth them, to reform thoſe their abuſes themſelves; to judge and examine themſelves before they eat and drink of the Lords bread and cup; becauſe otherwiſe they ſhall eat and drink Judgement to themſelves, and bring Gods temporal Iudgements of ſickneſſe and death upon them: yet no way dehorts them from conſtant and frequent reception of this Sacrament by reaſon of this danger of unworthy receiving, which they muſt take care to reform, 1 Cor. 11. 33, 34. but in no caſe omit the duty, being Chriſts preſcribed Ordinance, to ſhew forth his death till …e come, Verſe 25, 26.

From which only Texts and Preſidents in Scripture, relating to this Sacraments inſtitution and reception, it is moſt clear to my judgement and conſcience,

1. That Ignorance in Church-members and baptized Chriſtians of years of diſcretion, is no ſufficient …auſe to debarre them from the Lords Supper, no more than from the preaching of the word. The reaſon is moſt clear, becauſe Chriſts Supper (asddDe Trinitat…, …. 3. c. …. Auguſtine, eeReply to Har…ing▪ See here, p▪ 8.Biſhop Iewel, ffIn his … ▪ … 4…5, 42…. See M… Suſ… ſuſp… …, p. 30, 3….Thomas Beacon, and others reſolve) is both a viſible and audible Sermon, Word, and the Prieſt therein preacheth and declareth the death of the Lord, with the fruits and benefits of his paſſion to the Communicants, to inſtruct, teach, edifie them thereby; as he doth by his other Sermons, reading and preaching of the word at other ſeaſons. Therefore the beſt and readieſt way to inſtruct and reform the peoples ignorance, is frequently to call, preſſe and admit them to this holy Sacrament, that they **See M…. J…h… H…mſ…, his Second Vindication of Free admi…ion, p. 28. to 33.may be thereby edified, inſtruct…d, comforted, inlightned by it, and not to ſeclude them from it, year after year; which doth but continue, and increaſe their former ignorance, and harden them therein.

2ly, That no ſcandalous ſins, crimes, unregeneracy, or want of ſpiritual, ſaving graces, ought to ſeclude any external Chriſtians or Church-members from the Lords Supper, no more than from hearing of the word, prayer, thankſgiving, faſting, reading the Scriptures, or any other publick or private duties of Gods worſhip: Becauſe they are peremptorilygg… Cor. 11. 24, 25, 26▪ Luke▪ 22. 19 See he…e, p. 50▪Luke 22:19 commanded to perform this duty in remembrance of Chriſts death, and thereby to ſhew forth his death till he come, as well as to hear, read, pray, faſt, praiſe God, and the like, from which no ſin, nor unpreparedneſſe may exempt, or excuſe any man; yea it is a far greater, and more dangerous ſinne, wilfully to neglect, omit, contemn the performance of this or any other holy duty, than ſinfully to perform and ſet about it, there being a total diſobedience in the one, but a partial obedience at leaſt (through a failing in the due manner of peformance) in the other. Which I wiſh all Miniſters and Chriſtians would now ſadly conſider: And ſo much the rather, becauſe the Apoſtle and Spirit of God in this Epiſtle (pointblank againſt Dr. Drakes, Mr. Collins, and others concluſions thence) make the Corinthians ſcandalous ſins forementioned, their reſort to, and eating meats offered to Idols and Devils in their Temples (a more ſcandalous crime than any Engliſh Chriſtians are now guilty of) not a ground to ſeclude them from the Lords Table, Supper, Temple, as unfit to communicate with other Chriſtians; but preſſeth their frequent participation of the Lords Table, and reſort to his Temple, his Ordinances, as the ſtrongeſt argument to diſſwade, reclame them from theſe ſcandalous ſinnes; Witneſſe theſe expreſſe words, 1 Cor. 10. 14. to 24. Wherefore my dearly beloved, flee from Idolatry, I ſpeak as to wiſe men, judge ye what I ſay: The Cup of bleſſing which we bleſſe, is it not the communion of the bloud of Chriſt? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Chriſt? For we being many, are one hread; For we are all partakers of that one bread. Behold Iſrael after the fleſh, are not they which eat of the Sacrifices partakers of the Altar? What ſay I then? that the Idol is any thing, or that which is offered in ſacrifice to Idols is any thing? But I ſay, that the things that the Gentiles ſacrifice, they ſacrifice to devil…, and not to God: and I would not that ye ſhould have fellowſhip with Devils. (Mark this inference, and that which follows) Ye cannot drink the Cup of the Lord, and the Cup of Devils: Ye cannot be partakers of the Lords Table, and of the Table of Devils, &c. In which clauſe the word cannot, is not taken phyſically or naturally (for they did actually eat, drink of the Table, Cup of the Lord and Devils, for which he reprehends them:) nor of a moral or ſpiritual cannot, as ſome interpret it; that is, You cannot lawfully, or ſpiritually, of right, drink of the Lords Cup, or be partakers of the Lords Table, but ought to abſtain or be ſecluded from them, ſo long as ye partake of the Cup and Table of Devils; which is clearly contradicted as falſe by the 16, 17, and 20 verſes: but of a rational and logical **Su…h a cannot as we read of, 1 John 3. 9. Gal. 5. 17. Lu. 14. 20. Mat. 6. 24. Acts 27. 31. Lu. 11. 7. Rom. 6. 1, 2. 2 Cor. 13. 8. Cant. 5. 3. which will well expound this cannot here.1 John 3:9Gal 5:17Matt 6:24Acts 27:31Rom 6:1Rom 6:22 Cor 13:8Song 5:3cannot; That is, You cannot (in reaſon, duty, juſtice, convenience, experience) drink of the Cup, and partake of the Table of Devils, or go to Idols Temples; but flee from Idolatry, and not have fellowſhip with Devils; becauſe you all drink the Cup of the Lord, and are all partakers of the Lords Table, and of that one bread, which is the Communion of the Body of Christ. Which argument is thus ſeconded, enforced in the 2 Cor. 6. 14, 15, 16. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowſhip hath righteouſneſſe with unrighteouſneſſe? and what communion hath light with darkneſſe? or what concord hath Chriſt with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an Infidel? And what agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols? For ye are the Temple of the living God; as God hath ſaid, I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they ſhall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye ſeparate, ſaith the Lord, and touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you, &c. A full Expoſition of and Commentary on this former Text. Therefore by the Apoſtles own argument and reſolution, the moſt ſcandalous Church-members, if not actually excommunicated, not only may, but muſt, yea ought to be admitted to the Lords Supper, and not ſecluded from it; and their participation thereof ought to be thus enforced on them by Miniſters, as the ſtrongeſt argument, and moſt prevailing reaſon, motive, to reclame them from their ſcandalous Sins; which have no rational fellowſhip, communion, concord, part, agreement or conſistency with ſuch a ſacred Ordinance, but ought to be abandoned as moſt incongruous, unſuitable, and repug…ant thereunto, and to their Chriſtian profeſſion. Which is more agreeable to the will, mind of Ieſus Chriſt, and will be far more effectual upon the Souls, Conſciences, lives of ſcandalous Sinners, than their many years ſinfull ſecluſion from this Sacrament, which doth but harden them in their ſcandalous ſins, and cauſe them to have more fellowſhip with Devils in their works of darkneſs, than ever they had before their ſecluſion from the Lords Supper.

3ly, That all viſible Church Members as viſible, have an equal external right of admiſſion to this Sacrament, and ought all equally to receive it in common, without any ſecluſion, when adminiſtred, being that wherein their common Christian communion principally conſiſts, and is teſtified unto the world: whence it is ſtiled **1 Cor. 10. 16. Here p. 5. &c.1 Cor 10:16The Communion, and no other Ordinance but it ſo termed. Therefore there is no Claſſis, Presbytery, or other Church Officer appointed by Chriſt or his Apoſtles, to ſuſpend or ſeclude any Church-member from it, but rather (if any ſuch Claſſis or Officers there be) to incite and invite them to it, when negligent to receive it: Iſay 55. 1, 2. Iohn 7. 33. Rev. 22. 17.

4ly,hhSee the Directory. That though preparation Sermons to the Lords Supper, to inſtruct and prepare the people for the more devout and diligent receiving, are commendable, profitable, uſefull, eſpecially where the people are ignorant, careleſſe, and backward to receive it. And although an extraordinary ſelf-examination, preparation, humiliation and repentance be very profitable, advantagious, comfortable to ſuch who have time and means ſufficient, before they approach to this Supper of the Lord; yet they are not ſo abſolutely neceſſary asiiMr. Rogers, of the Sacrament, The Practice of Piety, Dr. Drake his Boundary, Mr. Collins Juridical ſuſpenſion. many now aſſert them in print, and Diſcourſe; nor the want of them a ſufficient cauſe for any perſons to debar themſelves, or for Miniſters or Presbyteries to ſeclude others from this Sacrament; There being no other, no greater preparation, qualification, or higher degree of faith, love, charity, repentance, devotion, and other Chriſtian graces, required in our approaches thereunto, than unto other publike and private Ordinances of Gods worſhip, for ought appears by Scripture. And that ſelf-examination required of Chriſtians when they receive this Supper by the Apoſtle in the 1 Cor. 11. 28. is required of all Chriſtians at other times and ſeaſons by the ſame Apoſtle, 2 Cor. 13. 5, 6, and of all Saints, long before this Sacrament inſtituted, as a conſtant and daily duty, especially in times of affliction, and approaches to God in other holy duties, Lam. 3. 39, 40. Pſal. 4. 4. Pſ. 119. 5…. Hag. 1. 5. Prov. 6. 6. Jer. 8. 6, 7. Eccleſ. 5. 1.

5.kkSee my Suſpenſion ſuſpended, and Vindication of 4 Serious Q…eſtions. That the Miniſters adminiſtring the Sacrament to an ignorant, ſcandalous, or unworthy Communicant, who eats and drinks judgement or damnation to himſelf thereby, doth no wayes make him guilty of his ſin, or unworthy receiving; for then Chriſt and the Miniſters of Corinth ſhould have been guilty of Judas and the Corinthians unworthy receiving. The reaſons are apparent, 1. Becauſe the adminiſtration of it is thellLuke 12. 42 c. 22. 19. 1 Cor. 10. 16, 17. c. 11. 23, 24, 25, 26. c. 9. 16, 17. c. 4▪ 1, 2.Luke 12:421 Cor 10:161 Cor 10:17 Miniſters bounden duty; and the receiving, the receivers; but the unworthy receiving, his own Sin alone, and perſonal crime, to which the Miniſter is no party or acceſſory, no more than the rider guilty of his horſes halting, ſtumbling; or the Muſician of his inſtruments jarring; or Schoolmaſter of his Scholars blots, or misframing of his Letters; or the Phyſician or Chirurgian of their Patients diſtempers or diſorders which hinder the good operation of his wholeſom medicines. Or the Miniſter guilty of the peoples unprofitable hearing, whenmmEzech. 2. 1. to 8. 2 Cor. 2. 15, 16. Hebr. 4. 2. 7.Ezek 2:1–82 Cor 2:152 Cor 2:16Heb 4:2Heb 4:7 the word becomes unto them the ſavour of death unto death, and a means of their obduration by their own defaults. 2ly, Becauſe the good ſucceſſe of the Sacrament, and all other means of Salvation,nn1 Cor. 3. 6, 7, 8. Heb. 4. 1, 2▪1 Cor 3:61 Cor 3:71 Cor 3:8Heb 4:1Heb 4:2 depends not on the Miniſter, but Gods bleſſing on them, and the peoples due receiving of them. 3ly, Becauſe the Miniſters are unto God a ſweet ſavour of Chriſt in them that are ſaved, and in them that periſh, as well in adminiſtring the Sacraments, as preaching the Goſpel, 2 Cor. 2. 14, 15, 16. they being both ordained by God and Chriſt himſelf, as well to be oo…u. 2. 34. c. 8. 18▪ c. 20. 18. Iſay 8 14. 15. c. 28. 16. Rom. 9. 33. 1 Pet. 2. 8. Ma…. 10 14, 15. c. 21. 44. Mat. 16. 15, 16. Iohn 15. 22. Ezech. 2. 3. to 9 1 Cor. 11. 25. to 30. 2 Cor. 2. 15, 16. Heb. 6. 6, 7, 8.Isa 8:14Isa 8:15Rom 9:331 Pet 2:8Matt 16:15Matt 16:16John 15:22Ezek 2:3–91 Cor 11:25–302 Cor 2:152 Cor 2:16Heb 6:6Heb 6:7Heb 6:8ſavours of death unto death in a ſecondary and accidental reſpect, to magnify his juſtice towards thoſe who unworthily receive, abuſe or contemn them; as to be a ſavoar of life unto life to them who receive them worthily, to the magnifying of his free grace towards them. Wherefore there can be no real ground or ſcruple of conſcience left for Miniſters, not to adminiſter it freely unto all Church members, but only meer deſign, to erect a new Iuriſdiction and Presbytery, to ſeclude men from this Sacrament only, under a pretext of conſcience.

5ly, ThatppIſay 1. 2. to 21. Z…p. 2. 1. Ez…ch. 6. 1. to 9. J…r. 3. 1. to 24. 2 Chron. 33. 2. to 21. c. 36. 14, 15, 16. Mar. 16. 15, 16. Rem. 10 18 19, 20, 21. Tim. 1. 12. to 17. c. 2. 1. to 7. Pſal. 65. 2, 3. Pſ. 95. 6, 7. Pſ. 96. 1. 2. to 11. Pſ. 100 1, 2, 3, 4. Pſal. 146. 11, 12, 13. Acts 9. 1. to 23.Isa 1:2–212 Chr 33:2–21Mark 16:15Mark 16:16Ps 65:2Ps 65:3Ps 95:6Ps 95:7Ps 96:1Ps 96:2–11Ps 100:1Ps 100:2Ps 100:3Ps 100:4Ps 146:11Ps 146:12Ps 146:13Acts 9:1–23 no ſcandalous ſin whatſoever doth directly and properly of it ſelf debarre Chriſtians from the Sacrament, or any other publike Ordinances or private duties, (the best ordinary means preſcribed by God to cure and heal their ſins, convert and reclame them from them;) but only conſequentially, when they are actually and judicially excommunicated, or cut off from the Church and publick Aſſemblies for them,qq1 Cor. 5. 5. 7. 1 Tim. …. 20.1 Cor 5:51 Cor 5:7 for the terror of others, the prevention of infection by their Society, the ſhaming, puniſhing of themſelves for their ſcandalous ſins, and bringing them to repentance for them. That excommunication it ſelf doth not formally, ſpecially and intentionally ſeclude men from this Sacrament, (as moſt ignorantly fancy) no more than from any other publick Ordinance; but only conſequentially and indirectly, by ſecluding them for a time from the **Euſ…b. Eccl. Hiſt. l. 6. c. 45. Biſhop Jewels reply to Harding, p. 35.Church it ſelf, and Communion, Society of all the faithfull, where the publick Ordinances and Sacraments are adminiſtred: whence it is ſtiled and defined. A caſting or putting a ſcandalous Sinner out of the Church: A cutting him off from the Congregation, and a delivering him over unto rr1 Cor. 5. 5. 7. 13 Gal. 5. 12. 1 Tim. 1. 20. Tit. 3. 10. 3 Iohn 10. Bochellus Decreta Eccl. Gal. l. 1. Tit. 14. Summa Angel. et Roſella. Tit. Excommunicatio. Gratian, Cauſa 11. Qu. 3▪ Articles of England, Artic. 33. Harmony of Confeſſions, ſect. 10, 11, 14, 15. Euſeb. Hiſt. l. …. c. 46.1 Cor 5:51 Cor 5:71 Cor 5:13Gal 5:121 Tim 1:20Titus 3:103 John 1:10Satan; but never, a Suſpenſion from the Lords Supper, or other publike Ordinances; being only the conſequence, nor form or eſſence of Excommunication, ſo much of late conteſted for, and ſo little underſtood, by thoſe who are moſt eager to introduce it.

6ly, I humbly conceive, that no greater meaſure or degree of knowledge, faith, profeſſion of Chriſt, Confeſſion of ſinne, and repentance, is neceſſarily required by God, or to be exacted by Miniſters, to enable men now to receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, than in the Primitive Church was exacted by Chriſts own Apoſtles and Ministers in perſons of ripe years newly converted to Chriſtianity, upon their admiſſion to Baptiſm; they being both Sacraments and Seals of the Covenant of Grace alike, and requiring the ſelf-ſame qualifications. Hence our learnedſſReply to Harding, Art. 2 d…viſ. 25. p. 103▪ 104. Biſhop Iewel writes, It appeareth by St. Cyprian, St. Hierom,ttAuguſt. de Eccleſ. Dogma… l 1 c. 52. St. Auguſtine, and other old Writers, That they that were baptized, as well Children as others, immediately received the holy Myſteries in both kinds. St.uuHierom. contra Luciferium. Hierom ſpeaking of one Hilarion ſaith thus. He cannot administer Baptiſm without the Sacrament of Thanksgiving. xxCyprian de Lapſis, Serm. 5.St. Cyprians words touching this matter be theſe: Ubi ſolennibus adimpletis, &c. After the ſolemnity (of the Conſecration) was done, and the Deacon began to adminiſter the Cup unto them that were preſent; and among others there received, the childs turn being come, by the power of the divine Majeſty, ſhe turned away her face, &c. Here by the way we may well gather, That like as the Prieſt, the Deacons, and the people received, even ſo the child received too, without any manner of innovation or difference. This Cuſtome of adminiſtring the Lords Supper as well to infants, as others, immediately after their Baptiſm in the Primitive times, proceeded (as I conceive) from the very practice of the Apoſtles. Acts 2. 38. to 42. where the 3000. Converts ſo ſoon as they believed and were baptized, were immediately admitted into the Apoſtles fellowſhip, and to the breaking of bread, which moſt interpret of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, comparing it with Acts 20. 7. & 1 Cor. 10. 2, 3. 16, 17. Now a very**See Mr. Blake his Covenant ſealed, p. 233. ſmall meaſure of inſtruction, knowledge, faith, repentaece, confeſſion of ſin, and acknowledgement of Chriſt, was reputed ſufficient in the Primitive Church by the Apoſtles and Ministers of Chriſt, to qualifie and admit converts of ripe years to the Sacrament of Baptiſm; as is clear by Mat. 3. 5, 6. Acts 2. 38, 41, 42, 46, 47. c. 8. 12, 13, 16. 36, 37, 38. c. 9. 17, 18. c. 10. 47, 48. c. 11. 16, 17. c. 16. 15. 30. to 35. c. 18. 8. c. 22. 16. where all were instructed, converted, believed, baptized in one and the very ſelf-ſame day, and made profeſſion of the faith of Chriſt, upon the firſt Sermon they heard, without any further delay or Suſpenſion of them from Baptiſm. Therefore they and all other baptized Chriſtians of ripe years, immediately upon their baptiſm and converſion, ought now to be admitted to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper upon the ſelf-ſame terms and qualifications, and not ſecluded from it, under a pretence of ignorance or unfitneſſe to receive it.

7ly. Whereas ſome Miniſters moſt inſiſt upon the 1 Cor. 11. 27, 29. Whoſoever ſhall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily, ſhall …e guilty of the body and bloud of the Lord. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himſelf (not to the Miniſter or other Communicants) not diſcerning the Lords body: as the prime ground, and reaſon to ſuſpend ignorant and ſcandalous perſons, in their judgement, from this Sacrament. I beſeech them to obſerve, 1. What the Antient Fathers, andyyDefence of the Apology… ▪ part. 5. …h. 16. diviſ. 1. p. 514, 515. Biſhop Iewel out of them concludes againſt the Papists, who object it, to prove a Tranſubſtantiation in this Sacrament Even ſozzContra Creſcon…um, l. 1. cap. 23. St. Auguſtine writeth of the water of Baptiſm. Baptiſmus valet al…is ad Regnum, aliis ad judicium. Again he ſaith,aaContra Creſco…um, l. 2. c. 23. Baptiſmum multi habent, non ad vitam aeternam, ſed ad poenam aternam, non bene utentes tanto b…ne. VerilybbDe Tempo…, Serm. …0. Saint Auguſtine ſaith, Reus erit, non parvi pretii; ſed ſanguinis Christi, qui (fornicatione et adulterio) violat et commaculat animam, Chriſti ſanguine et Paſſione mundatam. Againe he ſaith,ccDe Tempore, Serm. 120. Adultter reus erit aeternae mortis, quia vilem in ſe habuit ſanguinem Redemptoris. ddD… Peſſi… & …ruc… Dominis.Athanaſius ſaith, Adorantes dominum, neque ita, ut dignum est ei, viventes, non ſentiunt ſe reos fieri Dominicae mortis. eeDe Ablutione P…dam.And St. Cyprian ſaith, Impiis in morte Chriſti nullus ſupereſt quaeſtus, ſed juſtiſſime eos beneficia neglecta condem…ant. If then**See here, p. 45, 46. Baptiſm be received by ſome unto judgement and everlaſting pain, as well as the Lords Supper: If Fornicators and Adulterers by defiling their ſouls made clean, by the Paſſion and bloud of Chriſt, be guilty of the bloud of Chriſt, though they receive not this Sacrament; If thoſe who worſhip the Lord in prayer, or any other ſacred Ordinance as well as this, and yet live not ſo as is meet for the Lord, are thereby made guilty of our Lords death; If wicked mens deſpiſing of the benefits of Chriſt, doth juſtly condemn, and make Chriſt death ungainfull to them, as well as unworthy receiving this Sacrament: Then this Text can afford no Juriſdiction or ground at all to our Miniſters, or others, to ſeclude any from the Lords Supper, no more than from Baptiſm, or any other ſacred Ordinance upon this Account, … 2ly. Obſerve what ExpoſitionffDefence of the Apology, p. 515. Biſhop Iewel in the ſame place gives of this Text. This therefore is St. Pauls meaning, that the wicked reſorting unworthily to the Holy Myſteries, and having no regard what is meant thereby, DESPISE THE DEATH AND CROSSE OF CHRIST: and therefore are guilty of the Lords Body and Bloud that are repreſented in the Sacrament. To come nearer to the purpoſe, [g] Aug. ad Bonef. Epiſt. 50.St. Auguſtine ſaith, Habeant foris Sacramentum corporis Chriſti, ſed rem ipſam amittunt intus cujus eſt illud Sacramentum: ET IDEO SIBI JUDICIUM MANDUCANT ET BIBUNT. Here Saint Auguſtine ſaith, they are guilty, NOT BECAUSE THEY RECEIVE, BUT BECAVSE THEY RECEIVE NOT THE BODY OF CHRIST. Mark well theſe words Mr. Harding, (and let others mark them now) they are effectual: The wicked by St. Auguſtines judgement are guilty, NOT BECAVSE THEY RECEIVE, but BECAVSE THEY RECEIVE NOT THE BODY OF CHRIST. And if ſo, then I hence inferre, That thoſe who willfully neglect to receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, or keep off others from it who deſire and preſſe to receive it, are more guilty of the body and bloud of Chriſt, than thoſe who unworthily receive it; becauſe theyhhSee the … in the Common Prayer Bo…k▪ Heb. …. 24. 30. M…t. …. 14▪ 15. …ct… 13. 45, 46. 51. more neglect, contemn, deſpiſe and undervalue Chriſts death and paſſion repreſented therein, than thoſe who in obedience to his Inſtitution make conſcience externally to receive it, when adminiſtred; and do neither externally, nor internally, Sacramentally nor ſpiritually receive the body of Chriſt: when as the others who receive unworthily, receive it externally and Sacramentally, at leaſt in the Elements: Which Judas likewiſe did, as Biſhop Iewel there aſſerts, out of two Quotations iniiAug. Epiſt. 160. & in Pſal▪ 3.Ps 3 St. Auguſtines writings. 3ly. Conſider, that when our Saviour ſent forth his Apoſtles (and Miniſters, who ſucceed them) to preach; he gave them this Commiſſion, Mark 16. 15, 16. Go ye into all the World, and preach the Goſpel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized, ſhall be ſaved; BVT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. Which is likewiſe ſeconded John 3. 18, 36. 2 Cor. 2. 15, 16. If then the damnation of thoſe who believe not the Goſpel preached, authorizeth not Miniſters or Presbyteries to ſeclude any unbelieving Chriſtians, or other unprofitable hearers from hearing the Word and Goſpel read or preached in the Church or elſewhere; then by the ſelf-ſame reaſon, this danger of eating and drinking damnation, and being guilty of the Lords body and bloud, can be no ſufficient Authority, Ground or Commiſſion for any Claſſi…, Presbytery or Miniſter whatſoever, to ſeclude any viſible unexcommunicated Church-member from the Lords Supper, no more than from the Word preached, read, prayer, or any other ſacred Ordinance; which**See Perkins caſes of conſcience, book 2. c. 10. Every man of years living in the Church, and being baptized, is bound … conſcience by the commandement to uſe the Lords Supper. God commands them to frequent; which no mortals…may or can (without the higheſt preſumption, uſurpation) juridically enjoyn them to abſtain from, or neglect; Seeing we ought herein to obey God, rather than men, as the Apoſtle: themſelves have twice reſolved, Acts 4. 17, 18, 19, 20, 29, 30, 32. c. 5. 20, 21, 28, 29. &c. 42. and Daniel long before them, Dan. 6. 5. to 18.

All which particulars, with what elſe I ſhall ſubjoyn in this Vindication, duely conſidered, together with that Commiſſion which every Miniſter publikely received heretofore at his Ordination, when he had this power conferred on him (Be thou a faithfull Diſpenſer of the Word of God, and OF HIS HOLY SACRAMENTS. Take thou Authority to preach the Word of God, AND TO MINISTER THE HOLY SACRAMENTS, IN THIS CONGREGATION where thou ſhalt be ſo appointed) And that ſolemn promiſe he then openly made,kkSee the Book of Ordination; confirmed by the Statutes of 5 & 6 F. 6. …. 1. 3▪ …. 6. c. 2. 8. El…z. c. 1. I will by the help of the Lord, GIVE MY FAITHFVL DILIGENCE ALWAYS SO TO ADMINISTER THE DOCTRINE AND SACRAMENTS OF CHRIST AS THE LORD HATH COMMANDED, AND THIS REALM HATH RECEIVED THE SAME, according to the commandements of God: will (I hope) through Gods bleſſing on them, reſolve and determine all thoſe diſtracting needleſſe Controverſies, touching Suſpenſion of particular Perſons, or whole Pariſhes from the Lords Supper, and remove all New-erected Bars and Rayles to keep the people from Free-admiſſion and acceſſe to the Lords Table, in all plaees where of late years they have been injuriouſly ſequeſtred from it; and reſtore the frequent Celebration thereof in remembrance of our Saviours Paſſion. And ſo much the rather, becauſe the very Directory it ſelf (as well as our old Common Prayer Book) in the Section Of the Celebration of the Communion or Sacrament of the Lords Supper, reſolves thus in the very firſt lines. The Communion, or Supper of the Lord is ††See Peter …ombard, Sent. l. 4. diſtinct. 35. Henricus de Vu…ruma & other Schoolmen thereon: Gratian de Conſec. D…ſt. 2.frequently to be celebrated. But how often, may be conſidered and determined by the Miniſters and other Church-Governours of each Congregation as they ſhall find moſt convenient for the comfort and edification of the people committed to their charge. After which it directs, When the day is come for adminiſtration, the Minister ſhall make a ſhort Exhortation, expreſsing the ineſtimable benefits we have by the Sacrament, together with the ends and uſe thereof ſetting forth the great neceſsity of having our Comfort and Strength renewed thereby in this our Pilgrimage and Warfare; which being the things I plead for, I cannot but hope, all Ministers of the Church of England will henceforth cordially purſue, notwithſtanding all former Books, Cavils, Scruples to diſſwade them from their duties herein.

**Phil. 2. 1. 2.Phil 2:1Phil 2:2If there be therefore any conſolation in Chriſt, if any comfort of love, if any fellowſhip of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having the ſame love, being of one accord, of one mind herein.**Phil. 4. 8, 9, 23.Phil 4:8Phil 4:9Phil 4:23 Finally brethren, whatſoever things are true, whatſoever things are honeſt, whatſoever things are juſt, whatſoever things are pure, whatſoever things are lovely, whatſoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, if there be any praiſe, think on theſe things. Thoſe things which ye have both learned, & received, and heard & ſeen in me, do, & the God of Peace ſhall be with you. The Grace of our Lord Ieſus Chriſt be with you all Amen.

So prayes your unfe…gned Chriſtian Friend and Brother in the Lord. WILLIAM PRYNNE. Swainſwick, Sept. 1. 1656.