The Faithful Admonisher, Title page – Letter

The Faithful Admonisher · Title page – Letter

THEODIDACTUS; OR, The faithfull Admonisher.

SHOWING The great Dishonour to GOD, and the Protestant RELIGION, by the Divisions and the Animosities of the Ministers of the Church of England, and seasonably Exhorting them to Unity of Spirit in their Profession of the Gospell of Truth.

Representing withall at large that the Holy Communion of the Lords Supper belongeth unto ALL and every visible Member of the Church that is capable of selfe-Examination, and that CHRIST himselfe admitted JVDAS though a Devill to it, BY WILLIAM PRYNNE Esq; Bencher of Lincolns-Inne.

1 Cor. 10.2, 3.16, 17.

And did All eat the same spirituall meat; and did All drink the same spiritual drink &c. 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 Wee are All partakers of that one Bread.

Lorichius.

Ipsius Sacramenti Insti utio vult ut omnes unà manducemus, & bibamus

LONDON Printed, and are to be sold by F. Coles, dwelling at the signe of the Lamb in the Old-Baily, 1659.

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 (a)(a)Rom. 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(b)(b)In 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(c)(c)1 Cor. 3 3, 4.1 Cor 3:31 Cor 3:4 sad 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 th…ir 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; and 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 nourished, fed, and kept alive. In regard of which joynt desperate Confederacy 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(d)(d)Rom. 10.15 Hebr. 13.20. Isay 9.6. Eph. 2.14. to 22.Rom 10:15Heb 13:20Isa 9:6Eph 2:14–22 Embassadors, 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,(d)(d)See Mr. John Daille His Apology for the Reformed Churches, ch. 2. especially amongst the Ministers and chief Officers thereof, (e) 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(f)(f)John 13.34, 35, c. 17.20, 21, 22. Eph. 4.3. to 17.John 13:34John 13:35Eph 4:3–17 command, 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(g)(g)Ps…l. 133.1.Ps 50:133Ps 50:1 live and love like Brethren; (h)(h)Phil. 1.27.Phil 1:27To be all of one mind and of one Spirit, striving together for the faith of the Gospel; (i)(i)Ephes. 4.3.Eph 4:3To keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (k)(k)Joh. 13.3…, 35.John 13:3John 13:35To 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,(l)(l)Hab. 2.1.Hab 2:1 Stand constantly upon your watch, and (m)(m)Phil. 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, and(n)(n)Ezech 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 never(o)(o)Rom. 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(p)(p)2 & 3 E. 6. c. 1. 5 & 6 E. 6. c. 1. 1 Eliz. c. 2. sundry Acts of Parliament yet in force) the Decalogue, or Ten Commandements of God himself,(q)(q)See 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 Churches; 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 the(r)(r)See Led…sma 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, (s)(s)See Cyprian de Symbolo, Dr. Jackson, and others on the Creed: and all antient Gre…k 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 their(t)(t)S… … Book of nation. 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, as(u)(u)… …5 .9. div…s. 1. p. 489 490. part. 6. p. 608, …nd 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 all(x)(x)Harmony 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,(y)(y)Bish. Jewels Defence of the Apology, 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 the(z)(z)Exod. 15.1 &c. Numb. 21.27. Deut. 31.19 &c. Judg. 5.12 2 Sam. 22.1. 2 Chron. 29.27. Ps. 18.1. Ps. 92.1. Cant. 1.1. Isay 5.1. c. 26.1. c. 30.19. c. 35.10. c. 38.…0. Amos 8.23. c. 8.3.Exod 15:1Num 21:27Deut 31:19Judg 5:122 Sam 22:12 Chr 29:27Ps 18:1Ps 92:1Song 1:1Isa 5:1Amos 8:23 precepts of God, and Practice of the Saints 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. 3.16. 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 duty in their Families; and so the people being generally ignorant, uninstructed, unsetled, ungrounded in the Principles of Religion, are(a)(a)Eph. 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 truth 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.)(b)(b)S…e a Transcript of a Letter … …e Summer …lands …t the end of my Fresh Discovery of P…odigious B…nding 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; especially(c)(c)Mr. Henry Burtons Vindication. of th…se who are not of their own Independent Congregatio…s: 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, and other Sectarian Common Enemies, let Mr.(d)(d)His Vindication of the judgment of the R…fo…m…d Ch…rches, & Prot… stant Divines, concerning Odination, 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 Saerilegious 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 Presid…nt of Christ himself, the Practice of the Apostles, Primitive 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 have(e)(e)My Suspensi…n suspended; A 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 (f)(f)Bish. 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 the(g)(g)Sessio 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 have(h)(h)A Leg…l R…solution of two important Q…ae…ts. Harm…ny 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(i)(i)See My Suspension 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, as(k)(k)Hist. Angliae, An. 1208, 1214. p. 239. 240. Mat. Parker, Antiq. Eccl…s. Brit. p. 148 149. &c. Godwins Catalogue of Bishops, …. 62 63, &c. Fox Acts and Mon. Vol. 1. p. 324, 326, &c. Holinshed, Spe…d, Graston and others in the 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, Priors, 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; as(l)(l)Acts and M…numents, 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 Lay-people in the(m)(m)S…ssio 13. Surius Concil. Tom. 3. Fox, Vol. 1. p. 783. Council of Constance.

2. They have justified it both in[n][n]Dr. Drakes …oundary, Mr. Collings Jurid…cal su…pension, & others. Presse and Pulpit, as not only Lawful and Necessary, but their bounden duty; yea the will and appointment of Iesus Christ, as the[o][o]See Gerson, & D. Featlies Grand Sacrileg of the Chur: of Rome. Popish Preists have justified their …alf 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 the[p][p]My sho…t Vindicacion of 4. Se…ious 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;[q][q]A Brotherly and F…iendly Censure, p. 6. 7. An Antidote p. 6. [See My short Vindicatication, …. 28, to 36.] …. D…ak s Br…n…, and o h…rs. 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 th…mselves.

6. They have pleaded[r][r]D…▪ D…k…, Mr. Collins, & others tendernesse of Conscienc…, Duty; and p…rtaking 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 in justice, 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 the[s][s]Luke 12.42. to 47.Luke 12:42–47 Office of every Good and Faithfull Steward whom the Lord hath made ruler 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, prose…ute it as a scandalous Crime in other Ministers, for which they deserve to be sequestred and suspended from the Ministry: Some Ministers in Surrey, Middlesex, and other places having l…tely 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: and[t][t]2 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,(u)(u)1 S…m. 2.27. to the …nd 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 …f 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 t…e Law) are the principal causes, that have moved God to make you 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 the(*)(*)… Cor. 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, that(y)(y)Mat. 26 26. to 30. M…. 14.22. to 26. Luke 22.8. to 23. 1 Cor▪ 11.23, 24, 25.Matt 26:26–30Luke 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**M…t 10.19. c. 26.32.27.63. Mar. 8.31. Lu. 18.33. c. 24 25.26▪ 45.46.Mark 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 [z][z]John 6.70, 71. c. 18.2, 3, &c. c. 17.12.12 6. Mat. 26.14 15.16.47, Acts ….16. to 21.John 6:70John 6:71Matt 26:14Devil, a Thief, a Traytor, a Seller of him to the Iews for money, ae Son of perdition, yea cast away, and Christ then knew him to be such a wretch.

2ly, It is most evident, that[*][*]Mat. 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 [b][b]See 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 some 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[c][c]1 Cor. 5.7.13.1 Cor 5:71 Cor 5:13 incestuous 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 Paul himself & th…se 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 carnal, even as unto babes in Christ, being carnal and walking as men, chap. 3.1, 2, 3, 4. Yet notwithstanding all these disabilities, sins, 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 he 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 cause to debarre them from the Lords Supper, no more than from the preaching of the word. The reason is most clear, because Christs Supper (as(d)(d)De T…initate, l. 3. c. 4. Augustine, (e)(e)…p…y to Ha…ding. See h…▪ p 8Bishop Iewel, (f)(f)In his Catechism. f. 4…5, 426. See M… Suspension susp…nd…d, p. 30, 31.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 **S…e Mr. John Humf…e… his Sec…nd …ind… cation of Fre… admission, 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 peremptorily(g)(g)1 Cor. 11.24, 25, 26 Luke 22.19 See he…, p. 50.1 Cor 11:241 Cor 11:251 Cor 11:26Luke 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 ab out 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 bel…ved, fl…e 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 can not, 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 **Such a cannot as we read of, 1 John 3.9. Gal. 5.17. Lu, 14.20. Mat. 6.24. Acts …7 31. Lu. 11.7. Rom. 6.1, 2. 2 Cor. 13.8. Cant. 5.3. wh…ch will well expound this cannot here.1 John 3:9Gal 5:17Matt 6:24Acts 7:31Rom 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: f…r 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 repugnant 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 10:16 The 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,[h][h]See the Dir…ctory. 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 as[i][i]M…. Rog…rs, of the Sac…ament, The Practice of Piety, D…. Drake his Boundary, Mr. Collins Jurid… cal 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. 119.59. Hag. 1.5. Prov. 6.6. Jer. 8.6, 7. Eccles. 5.1.

5.(k)(k)See 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 the(l)(l)Luke 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, when(m)(m)Ezech. 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,(n)(n)1 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 (o)(o)Lu. 2.34. c. 8.18 c. 20.18. Isay 8 14.15. c. 28.16. Rom. 9.33. 1 Pet. 2.8. Mat. 10 14, 15. c. 21.44. Mar. 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 10:14Matt 10:15Mark 16:15Mark 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, That(p)(p)Isay 1.2. to 21. Zep. 2.1. Ez…ch. 6.1. to 9. Jer. 3.1. to 24. 2 Chron. 33.2. …o 21. c. 36.14, 15.16. Mar. 16.15, 16. Rom. 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 1…. Ps. 100 1, 2, 3, 4. Psal. 146.11, 12, 13. Acts 9.1. to 23.Isa 1:2–21Jer 3:1–242 Chr 33:2Mark 16:15Mark 16:16Rom 10:18Ps 65:2Ps 65:3Ps 95:6Ps 95:7Ps 96:1Ps 96:2Ps 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,(q)(q)1 Cor. 5.5.7. 1 Tim. 1.20.1 Cor 5:51 Cor 5:71 Tim 1:20 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 **Euseb. 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 (r)(r)1 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. 6. 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 learned(s)(s)Reply to Harding, Art. 2 d…vis. 25. p. 103 104. Bishop Iewel writes, It appeareth by St. Cyprian, St. Hierom,(t)(t)August. de Eccles. Dogmat. 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.(u)(u)Hierom. contra Luciferium. Hierom speaking of one Hilarion saith thus. He cannot administer Baptism without the Sacrament of Thanksgiving. [x][x]Cyprian 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, repentance, 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 be guilty of the body and bloud of the Lord. For he that eateth and drinketh unw…rthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself (not to the Minister or other Communican…s) not discerning the Lords body: as the prime ground, and reason to suspend ignorant and scandalous persons, in their judgement, from this Sacrament. I bese…ch them to observe, 1. What the Antient Fa…hers and[y][y]Defence of he …pology… …art. 5. ch. 16. divis. 1. p. 514, 5…5. Bishop Iewel out of them concludes against the Papists, who object it, to prove a Transubstantiation in this Sacrament Even so[z][z]Contra Cresc… um, l. 1. cap. 23. St. Augustine writeth of the water of Baptism. Baptismus val…t aliis ad Regnum, aliis ad judicium. Again he saith,[a][a]Contra Cresc…um, l. 2. c. 23. Baptismum multi habent, non ad vitam aeternam, sed ad poenam aeternam, non bene utentes tanto bono. Verily[b][b]De Tempopore, Serm. 20. Saint Augustine saith, Reus erit, non parvi pretii; sed sanguinis Christi, qui (fornicatione et adulterio) violat et commaculat animam, Christi sanguine et Passione mundatam. Again he saith,[c][c]De Tempore, Serm. 120. Adultter reus erit aeternae mortis, quia vilem in se habuit sanguinem Redemptoris. [d][d]De Passion… & Cruce Dominis.Athanasius saith, Adorantes dominum, neque ita, ut dignum est ei, viventes, non sentiunt se reos fieri Dominicae mortis. [e][e]De Ablutione Pedum.And St. Cyprian saith, Impiis in morte Christi nullus superest quaestus, sed justissime eos beneficia neglecta condemnant. 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 Christs 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 Exposition[f][f]Defence 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 haviag 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. [g][g]Aug. ad Bonef. Epist. 50.To come nearer to the purpose, 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 they[h][h]See the Exhorta…ion in the Common-Prayer Book, Heb. 10.24. to 30. Mat. 10.14, 15. Acts 13.45, 46, 51.Heb 10:24–30Matt 10:14Matt 10:15Acts 13:45Acts 13:46Acts 13:51 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 in[i][i]Aug. 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 Classis, 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 in conscience by the commandem…nt 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 Apostles themselves have tw…ce 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,[k][k]See the Book of Ordination; confirmed by the Statutes of 5 & 6 E. 6. c. 1. 3 E. 6. c. 2. 8 Elz. 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 Vurruma & 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 4:23Finally 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.