A Practical Catechisme Of purpose framed for the help of such as desire to enjoy more sweet and intimate Soul-communion with Jesus Christ in that sacred Ordi­nance of his own Supper.

Begun at Newport-Pagnel in Buc­kinghamshire, revived at Luton in Bedfordshire, and now perfected at Queen Hithe in London.

By Samuel Austin, an unworthy Minister of the Gospell of Jesus Christ.

1 Cor. 10.16, 17. The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the Communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the Communion of the body of Christ? For we be­ing many, are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
1 Cor. 12.13. For by one Spirit we are all bap­tized into one body, whether we be Iews or Gen­tiles, whether we be bond or free, and have been made to drink into one Spirit.
1 Ioh. 1.3, 4. That which we have seen and heard, de­clare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Iesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

London, Printed for Tho. Ʋnderhill, at the sign of the Bible in Woodstreet. 1647.

THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY, To my dearely beloved friends, the Church and faithfull People of God, which are at Newport-Pagnell in Buckinghamshire, at Lu­ton in Bedfordshire, and at Michael Queen Hithe in London: 2 Pet. 1.2. Grace and Peace be multiply­ed unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Iesus our Lord.

Dearely beloved:

IT is not unknown to some, if not to the most of you; that this sacred Ordinance of the Lords supper, is superstiti­ously and prophanely abused by many, who are extreamly zealous to have their part in the outside, & visible ele­ments of this Ordinance, As Po­pish spirits who con­tent them­selves with the opus operatum, or work done. but never care for the invisible grace, or spirit of Christ in the Ordinance: Others there are that do [...] much slight and despise both the ele­ments, [Page]and the grace of it, that they seldom, or never care for the participation of it, un­less formally, and for fashion sake. Others, that not only neglect it themselves, but hinder such from it as much desire the re­novation of their Covenant, and sweet Soul-communion with Christ, in the due participation of it. And some there are al­so sprung up of late I hear, (which to me appear in a more strange visage then the rest,) who deny this and other Ordinances of Christ in the New Testament, to be now had in use at all amongst Gods people; they holding this as a principle; That this and all other Ordinances are now lost and dead with Christ and his Apostles: which sad opinion, I must confess, I cannot look upon, as a notion of any new light, as some may please to esteem of it; but rather to bewaile it as a strange and dangerous fancie, without, and against the word of truth, Mat. 28.19, 20. 1 Cor. 11.23. &c. 25, 26. or as an ignis fatuus, a fond light, that will lead those that follow it (if God in mercy prevent not) into utter darkness. To administer some means of cure to these sad distempers (if God shall please to glori­fie himself by so weak an instrument:) I have taken this opportunity, to send out these few Catacheticall thoughts of mine, [Page]upon this Ordinance of the Lords supper; wherein I have endeavoured to clear to you and others, (so far as a work of this na­ture would bear) these four particulars. 1. The divine authority of this Ordinance. 2. The nature of it. 3. The ends of it, (wherein the perpetuity of it is implyed.) 4. The requisites, or things required for the prevention of the abuse, and the better help of my self and others, to the sweet and comfortable participation of it. All which (dearely beloved in the Lord) I have thought good to present respectively unto your selves, as the fittest objects I could make choyce of to dedicate this work unto; and that for diverse reasons, as these in special.

1. Because it was conceived, and brought forth amongst you, as being a part of my poor ministeriall pains, while divine provi­dence did call me to labour with you, and therefore you have the more right unto it. A poor childe by Law, must be kept where it was born; I leave it therefore to your tender care, hoping you will nourish it as your own.

2. It was at first intended for your spi­rituall good; and therefore I do now the more boldly bequeath it to you.

[Page] 3. These labours of mine in a way of Catechizing, have been sometimes profit­able to some yea, I may say with thank­fulness to God (by the acknowledgment of others) to many of you; As at Newport especially, before our late trou­bles; where I bestowed many years pains in this exercise. I desire by this means, they may prove so unto you all.

4. Divine providence hath called me off from some of you; and I know not how soon I may be called from others where I now am, to a country and people, that have more need of the ministery, (at least more sence of their needs, then many now in London have.) Where I may be more ser­viceable to God, then in that slender Con­gregation which I now attend. And there­fore I desired to leave this amongst you, as a perpetuall pledge and memoriall of my most dear love unto your souls; and of my most earnest desires to help you on in your more sweet and intimate Communion with Jesus Christ, in this and other of his Ordi­nances of grace here, till hee shall call you home into full Communion with himself, in his everlasting glory.

5. The time will come (how soon I know not) that you all (as well as my self) must give up your accounts Rom. 14.10.12. 2 Cor. 5.10. of your Steward­ships to Jesus Christ; and what holy use you have made of this and other Ordinances of [Page]grace; I thought it meet therefore to leave this with you, both to put you in remem­brance As 2 Pet. 1.12, 13, 14, 15. of your duty, and to help you in it; that so you may give up your accounts with joy, and not with grief.

6. There are some reasons in respect of the times.

1. You know the times are full of loosnes & prophaness: by this, I desire to press you to more holy strictness, Eph. 4.17. & 20. & 5.15.16. Heb. 12.14.

2. The times are full of unchristian bit­terness, divisions, &c. By this I desire, that you may endeavour the more to make up breaches, and to preserve Christian Ʋnity and Ʋnanimity amongst your selves, Re­member Phil. 2.1, 2. Which hath been sometimes opened & applyed unto you. Phil. 2.1, 2. Eph. 4. v. 3.

3. The times are full of slighting and neglecting this and other divine Ordinan­ces, the means and ministery of grace, (which are sadly withdrawn from some of you, As New­port and Luton.) I desire you by this, to prize them the more, to pray for them more ear­nestly where they are wanting, and to make more holy use of them, where and when you have them.

4. These are times wherein men are much taken up in seeking after new notions, and strange opinions. I desire by this, you [Page]may seek the more earnestly after the Ier. 6.16 1 Ioh. 2.7. old truth of Jesus Christ, and stick more close unto them. While others are notionall, be you practicall, 1 Cor. 8.1. & Joh. 13.17. these are the reasons of my dedication.

Give me leave to add some reasons for my publication of this poor piece (if it shall be approved) and I have done.

It was not either from the apprehension of the want of other more learned helps in this kinde, of which there are many Mr. Da­niel Rogers two Trea­tises upon the Sacra­ments. Mr. Dike, Bradshaw, Hildersam, &c. very usefull and profitable, for which I desire to bless God; nor from any thoughts of the worth of this, as flowing from my self, which I conceive to be very weak. But.

1. Out of desire to add my poor mite, to the helping on of the great work of God now in agitation, scil. the administration of this Ordinance of the Lords supper (a­mongst others) in its purity.

2. To satisfie the earnest desires of some friends, not to be despised.

3. To prevent my tedious labour of writing copies for such as did desire it.

4. To have a help in more readiness for preparation of the people I relate unto, for the Lords supper. This help I conceive be­ing more familiar to them then others.

5. To give some tast of my poor labours [Page]in this kind, (which have done good to some) though I have not time to send forth all.

6. And lastly, to stir up others of my bre­thren, who are more able to send out those helps of theirs, which may prove more pro­fitable. And to bestow the more diligent pains in this great duty of Catechizing; which if ever, would at this time prove ve­ry seasonable. Prov. 22.6. Hos. 4.6. Heb. 5.12. &c. Thus you have the reasons both of my Dedication, and Publication. I have kept you to long in the Porch; I shall now leade you into the House it self. The Lord give you, and others abundance of joy and consolation in Christ, in the use of it. So Prayes,

Your truly loving friend and ser­vant for Jesus sake, Samuel Austin.
London, Martii 5o. 1646.

Some briefe Or, A Practicall Cate­chism. Catecheticall Di­rections by way of question and an­swer, the better to prepare my selfe, and others, for sweet Communion with Iesus Christ, in that sacred Ordi­nance of his own Supper; begun at Newport, revived at Luton, but per­fected at Queen Hithe in London,

By S. A.

The Text laid as the foundation of this Exercise, 1 Cor. 11.23, 24. &c. 29. The sum of these directions, shewing 1. The Author. 2. The na­ture. 3. the ends and 4. the requisites of this Or­dinance.

Quest. WHo is the Author of this Sacrament of the Lords Supper?

Answ. The Lord Jesus Christ himselfe, 1 Cor. 11.23. Mat. 26.26, 27. [and therefore it is called the Lords Supper, because he is the Author, and Institutor of it. 1 Cor. 11.20.]

Quest. What gather you from hence?

Answ. These five things:

1. That we must prize and esteem it highly, as the precious Ordinance of Je­sus Christ, 1 Cor. 10.16. & cap. 11.27.

2. We must not slight, but come to it, and partake of it with faith, fear and re­verence, as of his Ordinance; as Isa. 55.1, 2, 3. Mat. 22.4, 5. &c.

3. We must go to him, and wait upon him, by faithfull and fervent prayer, for his speciall presence with, and blessing on us in this his own Ordinance, Joh. 14.13, 14. Mat. 18.19, 20.

4. We must make it our speciall care, and labour, As the life and soul of this Ordi­nance. to enjoy him, and close in sweet Soul-communion with him, in this Ordinance Cantic. 1.2. Joh. 6.27.

5. And lastly, That those who are slighters and despisers of it, are slighters and despisers of Christ himself, whose Ordinance it is, and therefore they must look to answer for it. Mat. 22.4, 5. 1 Thes. 4.8. 1 Cor. 11.27.

Quest. What is the nature of the Lords supper?

Answ. It is the second Sacrament of the New Testament, or the Sacrament of our growth and continuation in Jesus [Page 3]Christ, and his Church, As Bap­tism is the first Sacra­ment, or the Sacra­ment of our initia­tion, or en­trance in­to Iesus Christ and his Church wherein by the due and worthy receiving of Bread and Wine, according to Christs institution, is signified and sealed unto us, our true re­ceiving of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, with all his Conceive it in a spi­rituall sense. Compare Joh. 6.51, 52, 53, & 63. verses. precious merits and excellencies, to the nourishing up of our souls unto everlasting life. 1 Cor. 11.24, 25, 26. Joh. 6.27.52.53. &c.

Quest. Why, or for what ends must we partake of this Ordinance?

Answ. For these three ends. 1. To testifie our obedience unto Jesus Christ. Math. 26.26, 27.

2. To perpetuate the memoriall of his death for us, and infinite love therein unto us. 1 Cor. 11.24, 25, 26. Joh. 15.13.

3. To seal up our intimate Union, and Communion with him by faith, and with the Saints by love. 1 Cor. 10.16, 17. & 12, 13.

Quest. What are the requisites, or things required of all such as desire to be worthy and welcome partakers of this Sa­crament?

Answ. These three viz.

1. Due preparation before they come.

2. A right disposition or behaviour of themselves when they come.

[Page 4] 3. An answerable, carefull, Christian carriage when they are gone.

Quest. Why must they prepare them­selves before they come?

Answ. For these four reasons.

1 Because God requires it in all his services, (as 1 Sam. 7.3.16.5. Ecles. 5.1. Amos 4.12.) so especially in this, 2 Chron. 35.6. 1 Cor 5.7, 8. & 11.28.

2. The Saints practised it both in the Old and New Testament. 2 Chron. 30.15, 16, 17, 19. Ezra 6.20, 21, 22. John 11.55. 1 Cor. 5.7, 8.

3. Mercy and pardon belongs only to such as prepare themselves for it. 2 Chron. 30.18.

4. The miserable inconveniences of comming to it without preparation, which are these three, viz.

1. 'Tis a horrible sin; no less then guilt of the body and blood of lesus Christ. 1 Cor. 11.27.

2. 'Tis a filthy shame; as to come with old nasty cloaths to a Kings sable. 2 Chron. 30.3.15. Mat 22.11, 12.

3. 'Tis a most fearfull danger; as to come to eat, and drink damnation to themselves. 1 Cor 11.29.

Quest. But wherein does this due pre­paration [Page 5]of our selves before we come, con­sist?

Answ. In these two things.

1. In self-examination before we come. 1 Cor. 11.28.

2. In putting on our wedding gar­ment. Mat. 22.11, 12. Rev. 19.7.

Quest. What is required of us, in this self-examination?

Answ. These two things. First, We must set some time and pains apart about it. Secondly, Consider the things we must examine our selves of before we come.

Quest. Why must we set some time and pains apart about it?

Answ. For these four reasons.

1. Because every duty requires time and pains, [Ecles. 3.1.9, 10. Jer. 48.10.] so this especially. Psal. 4.4. Sam. 3.40. 1 Cor 11.28. and 31. verses.

2. We cannot finde out our sins, to be humbled for them, nor our graces, to re­joyce in them, or rather in God for them, without time and pains. 2 Cor. 13.5. Gal. 6.4. 1 Cor. 1.30, 31. &c.

3. We cannot bring our hearts to close with God in this, or any other holy duty, unless we bestow some time and [Page 6]pains about it. Psal. 208.1, 2. 2 Pet. 1.5 and 10. verses. with Mark. 1.35.38.

4. This will abundantly requite all our cost. 2 Pet. 1.5.10, 11.

Quest. What are the things, we must ex­amine our selves of?

Answ. These two, viz. 1. What need we have of this Sacrament. 2. Whether we be the persons invited to it.

Quest. Why must we examine our selves of these?

Answ. For these two reasons.

1. Because unless we finde and feel our need of this Sacrament, we will ne­ver care for it, or desire it as we ought. Mat. 9.12.

2. Although we do finde and feel our need of it, yet if we are not the parties invited to it, we can hope for no bene­fit by it; as a feast does no good to those who are not called to partake of it. Mat. 22.11, 12, 13.

Quest. How may we finde, and feel our need of this Sacrament?

Answ. By serious looking on our own spirituall vileness, sinfulness, and empty­ness of grace in our selves by nature, and then on the fulness of grace that is in Christ, as presented to us in this Sacra­ment. [Page 7]As for instance: 1. Although we finde our selves dull, yea dead (spiritu­ally) in our selves by nature, 2 Cor. 3.5. Eph. 2.1. &c. 4, 5. verses. Yet Christ is here presented as a fountain of life, to quicken us, Ephes. 2.1. &c. John 4.10, 14. Rev. 21.6. Secondly, Though we be dark and ignorant in our selves; yet Christ is our wisdome to enlighten us, 1. Cor. 1.30. Thirdly, Though we are guilty, and lyable to condemnation of our selves: yet Christ is our righteousness, to cover and justifie us. 1 Cor. 1.30. Phil. 3.7, 8, 9. Fourhtly, Though we are polluted in our selves, yet Christ is our sanctification, that fountain of David opened, to cleanse and purifie us, Zeach. 13.1. Fifthly, VVe are soul-sick in our selves, yet Christ is here our Physitian to heal us, Mat. 9.12. Sixthly, Our graces viz. faith, hope, pa­tience, humility, love to God and his people, &c. Are exceeding dull & weak in our selves, yet Christ is here our bread of life, to quicken, & strengthen them in us, Joh. 6.35. Seaventhly, and lastly, Our corruptions, temptations and soul­enemies are very strong, [see Rom 7.23. Eph. 6.12. Luke 11.21. 1 Pet. 2.11.] But we may here see what great need we [Page 8]have of the vertue and power of Iesus Christ, in this Sacrament, to subdue and conquer them. 2 Cor. 12.9. Rom. 8.37. &c. Phil. 4.13.

Quest. But how shall we know whether we be the persons invited to this Sacra­ment?

Answ. VVe may know it by these three things.

1. If we be such as hunger and thirst after Christ Jesus, and his pretious merits, and righteousness in this Sacrament, out of true sense and feeling of our own sin and misery, as, Isa. 55.1, 2, 3.

2. If we be the children of God, this bread is provided for the children, and not for dogs. Mat 15.26. with 7. cap. ver. 6.

3. If we be the Servants of God; he hath furnished his table only for his own servants, not for ruffians, loyterers, or such as are strangers to him. Luke. 12.36, 37. with cap. 22. the verses, 26, 29, 30.

Quest. How shall we know whether we are such as do truly hunger & thirst after Christ Jesus and his pretious righteousness in this Sacrament?

Answ. VVe may know by this, if we have the true marks and symptomes of [Page 9]spirituall hunger and thirst answerable to those in nature.

Quest. Which are they?

Answ. These six especially, viz.

1. A true sence and feeling of the great want of meat and drink, Pro. 27.7. So here we must finde and feel our exceed­ing want of Iesus Christ, if we hunger, & thirst for him. Mat. 5 6. with John 7.37. &c.

2. Pain and torment for this want, till it be supplyed, as Judges 15.18, 19. So here till the soul enjoys Christ, Psa. 42.1. Cant. 3.1, 2.

3. An earnest desire, and going out of the soul after meat, and drink; so here after Iesus Christ. Psal. 42.1.63.1. &c.

4. A diligent use of means, to obtaine these; as our poor people when they have no food at home, go abroad to the mar­ket, and to their neighbours for supply. Gen. 42 2. So here, when we finde the want of Christ at home, we must seek a­broad for him, come to his house, Word, Ministers, Ordinances, &c. as Cant. 1.8.3.1, 2. &c. Joh. 5.39. We must go many miles for him, if need be, as those, Joh. 6.24. Mat 2.1, 2. &c.

5. Willingness to be at any cost or [Page 10]charge, to obtain these, as Jacob and the Aegyptians. Gen. 42.2.43.11. and 47.13.19, 20. as Job. 2.4. So we must be willing to part with any thing, not only our sins and lusts, our pleasures and profits &c. But with our dearest lives (if need re­quire) and count all as loss and dung, that we may win Christ. Mat. 13.44.46. Phil. 3.7, 8. as Acts 21.13. Rev. 12.11.

6. Readiness, and resolution to break through any dangers, and difficulties to obtain meat and drink, as those lepers, 2 Kings 7.4. And as in the Proverb, hunger will break through stone walls. So those who are spiritually hungry and thirsty after Iesus Christ, will break through any dangers and difficulties; reproaches, disgraces, persecutions both of tongue and hand, through bad report, as well as good; will do or suffer any thing to win Christ. Heb. 11.25, 26, 36, 37. &c. 2 Cor. 6.4, 5. & 8. verses. with Acts. 21.13. Rev. 12.11. as before. If we be thus spi­ritually hungry and thirsty after Christ in some sincere measure, we are the guests invited, but not otherwise.

Quest. How shall we know that we are the children of God?

Answ. VVe may know by this if we [Page 11]have the dispositions and affections of children. viz. these four.

1. Children partake of the nature and image of their Parents. as, Gen. 5.3. So if we be Gods children, we must par­take of the divine nature and image of God; be holy as he is holy, mercifull, heavenly, as our heavenly father is mer­cifull, &c. 2 Pet. 1.4. and 1 Pet. 1.15. Joh. 3.3, 5. Mat. 5.44, 45. &c. 48. Luke 6.36. [compare Ephes. 5.32. Col. 3.10.12. &c.

2. Children have a deare love unto, and longing desire after the presence of their Parents. So we after God, to enjoy him in grace and glory. Psal. 42.1, 2. &c.

3. Children (such as are good) are a­fraid to offend their Parents, carefull to please them. So we must be afraid to of­fend our heavenly father, &c. as Mar. 1.6.

4. Children go to their Parents, to supply their wants, cast all their care up­on them, to feed and cloath them, &c. So we on God. Mat. 6.25, 26. &c. 31, 32. Mat. 6.25, 26. &c. 31, 32. If we have those dispositions and affections of Gods children in us, this bread of the Lord is provided for us; but not else: If we be not born of God partakers of [Page 12]the divine nature, are not holy, heaven­ly, mercifull, &c. But prophane, earth­ly, cruell, &c. we are not the persons here invited.

Quest. How shall we know whether we be the servants of God?

Answ. The Apostle resolves us, Rom. 6.16. His servants we are, to whom we o­bey. If we do the works of God, and obey him, we are his servants: but if we do the works of sin and Satan, and obey them, we are their servants, not Gods.

Quest. Which are the works of God?

Answ. Those duties which God him­selfe commands, to be performed in his own way and manner. Deut. 12.32. Mat. 28.20. 1 Chron. 15.13.

Quest. What are those duties?

Answ. They are of two sorts. First, Of Piety towards God, as in the first table of the Law. Mat. 22.37, 38. Se­condly, of charity towards our neigh­bour, as in the second table. Mat. 22.39.

Quest. Which are the speciall duties of Piety which we owe to God?

Answ. They are many, according to the severall Commandements in the first Table, as these especially.

1. To know him as our God, to be­lieve, [Page 13]or rest on him in all our straights; to hope in him, to fear him, to love him with all our hearts, &c. To make choyce of him, and him only, as our God; to be zealous for him, his truth, cause, glory, &c. As in the first Commandement. Exod. 20.3. 2 Chron. 28.9. Joh. 17.3. Psal. 9.10. Jer. 17.7. Psal. 31.19, 23. Deut. 10.20. Psal. 119.139.

2. To worship him not by images, or any imaginary way of man, but purely, spiritually, sincerely, faithfully, reverent­ly, &c. as he requires, without propha­ness, ignorance, or superstition, on the one side; or formality, and hypocrisie, on the other; as in the second Commande­ment. Exod 20.4, 5. Joh. 4.22, 23, 24. Acts 17.22, 23. Isa. 29.13.

3. To honour him in his name, titles, attributes, his word, worship, works, &c. and that in our hearts, words, and con­versations, as in the third Commande­ment. Deut. 28.58.

4. To sanctifie his Sabbath, by con­secrating it, as holy and honourable to the Lord, setting apart the Lords day, to the Lords Service; scil. to duties of 1 praise, 2 prayer, 3 reading and hearing of the VVord, 4 Catechizing, 5 meditati­on, [Page 14] 6 godly conference, 7 examination and repetition of what we hear to apply the same to our practise and edification: also to duties of * mercy, and necessity as there is occasion; as to visit and admi­nister to the sick, to comfort the sad, instruct the ignorant, warne the un­ruly, to convince and bring home poor seduced and sinfull souls to the ways of truth and holiness, reconcile differences, &c. To provide necessarie food, raiment, quench a dangerous fire, lift up the Oxe fallen in the ditch, preserve the creature which would else be spilt, &c. as in the fourth Commande­ment. Compare Isa. 58.13. Rev. 1.10. 1 Psal. 92. the whole Psalm, entituled a Psalm for the Sabbath day. 2 See Isa. 55.6, 7. Mark 1.35. &c. 38, 39. 3 Luke 4.14, 15. and 15.21. 4 16, 17. &c. Act. 13. Deut. 6.6, 7. Gal. 6.6. 5 Psal. 1.2. Luke 2.19. 6 Luke 24.17. &c. 25. &c. 32. with Act. 13.43. 7 Act. 17.11, 12. Joh. 13.17. * For duties of mercy and necessity, see these Scriptures, Mat. 12.1. &c. 7.10, 11, 12. Ibid. Mat. 25.35. &c. with 1 Thes. 5.14, 15. Gal. 6.1. &c. Jam. 5.19, 20. Rom. 12.18. 1 Cor. 1.10. &c. 6.1. &c. Mat. 12.1. &c., with Luke 6.1. &c. 10.

Quest. Which are those duties of chari­ty, we owe to our neighbours, as in the se­cond Table?

Answ. They are these two in brief.

1. VVe must love them as our selves, Mat. 22.39. not only in their souls, as our own souls. Luke 22.32. Phil. 2.4.20. &c. But in their honours, as if our own, in every relation; whether our Parents na­turall, politick, or spiritual, &c. whether as superiours, equalls, or inferiours, as in the fifth Commandement. Exod. 20.12.

2. In their lives, by seeking the pre­servation and comfort of them, and that in our thoughts, words, and deeds, as of our own, as in the sixth Commandement. Exod. 20.13.

So 3. In their chastities.

4. Their estates.

5. Their credits, and good names, in the same manner, as of our own, i. e. as we ought to love our own. As in the seventh, eighth, ninth Commandements. Exod. 20.14, 15, 16.

6. And lastly, We must conscienti­ously resist every covetous thought or de­sire, Jam. 1.14. arising in us, or cast into our souls by Satan, Luke, 22.3, 4. after any thing that is our neighbours, whether his house, wife, &c. [Page 16]and be sweetly satisfied with that porti­on, and condition, which is, or shall be allotted to us by the Lord. As in the tenth, & last Commandement. Exod. 20.17. Rom. 7.7. Compare the examples of David, Paul, &c. Psal. 16.5, 6. Phil. 4.11, 12. These, and the like, are the works of God.

Quest. Which are the works of sin, and of the Devill?

Answ. Every breach of the Law of God, or whatsoever is contrary to these former duties. 1 Joh. 3.4, 8. as,

1. All ignorance of God, unbelief, want of hope in God, fear of him, or love to him; all hatred or contempt of him; neglect of zeal for him, his cause, truth, &c. The not making choice of him as our God, the loving our pleasures, profits, or any thing more then him, &c. 2 Tim. 3.4. Jam. 4.4. against the first Commande­ment.

2. All worshiping of God by Images, or any imaginary way of man, without warrant of the word of God. Deut. 12. Ma. 32.15.9. As al prophanes, ignorance, superstition, irreverence, infidelity, for­mality, or hypocrisie in his worship, Isa. 29.13. Iohn 4.23, 24. or the wilfull contempt and neglect of it, [Page 17]against the second Commandement.

3. All abusive cursing, swearing, irre­verent use of Gods name, his titles, attri­butes, word, worship, works or servants, either in thought, word, or deed, a­gainst the third Commandement. Deut. 28.58.

4. All prophanation of the Lords day, by vain sports, worldly imployments, &c. giving way to our own thoughts, words or works on that day, not making it our delight to consecrate it as holy, and honorable to the Lord, as is required. Isa. 58.13. Or by neglect of the duties of this day before mentioned, whether of Piety towards God, or of charity and mercy towards our selves or others, in publike, private, or secret, against the fourth Commandement.

5. All hatred or injurious dealing to­wards our neighbour, his soul, body, ho­nour, or relations (as before) his life, chastity, goods or good name. Lev. 19.17, 18. All neglect of that affection, and duty of love which we owe unto him, his soul, body, honour, &c. With all co­vetous desires of any thing that belongs unto him, against the second Table of the Law. Mat. 22.39. To all which we [Page 18]may add that large This ca­talogue of scanda­lous sins, may be of good use to shew who are to be de­barred from this Sacra­ment. Catalogue of scan. dalous sins, mentioned, 1 Cor. 6.9, 10. with Eph. 5.3, 4, 5. Gal. 5.19, 20, 21. & 2 Tim. 3.2, 3, 4, 5. &c. All which are properly called the fruits of the flesh, and the works of the Devill. Gal. 5.19. &c. John. 8.41.44. By these we may try our selves if we do the Lords works, and that in the Lords manner, as before we are the servants of the Lord, and the guests invited to this table: but if we do the Devils works, we are the Devils ser­vants, and not the Lords. Joh. 8.41.44. Rom. 6.16. And we may partake of the table of Deuils, but cannot partake of the Lords table. 1 Cor. 10.21. Christ will have no Communion with us. 2 Cor. 6.14. [So much of the first branch of preparation before we come; which is self-examination.]

Quest. What is the second thing requi­red in preparation before we come?

Answ. It is the putting on our Wed­ding garment. Rev. 19.7. Mat. 22.12.

Quest. What is this Wedding garment?

Answ. It is nothing else but Christ Jesus, and his righteousness, with those Sacramentall graces, wherewith he usu­ally adorns all such as he admits into in­ward [Page 19]sweet Communion with himself. Ro. 1 [...].12.14. Phil. 3.8, 9. Rev. 19.7, 8.

Q. Which are those Sacramental graces?

Answ. These 6. especially. 1. Saving knowledge of God, and of Christ Jesus. Joh. 17.3. 1 Cor. 10.15, 16. with cap. 11.29.

2. True repentance of our former sins. Exod 12.8. 1 Cor. 11.31. 2 Cor. 7.9, 10.

3. New obedience for time to come. 1 Cor. 5.7, 8. 2 Cor. 5.17.

4. A lively faith in Gods mercies through Christ. Joh. 6.35. & 7.37.38.

5. A thanful remembrance of his death. Psal. 116.12, 13. 1 Cor. 11.26.

6. Charity to all men, but especially to the houshold of faith. Mat. 5.44, 45. Rom. 12.18. 1 Thes. 4.12. Eph. 4.32. Joh. 15.12. Gal. 6.10.

There are many other graces that serve to make up this wedding garment, viz. Humility, Holyness, Heavenly-minded­ness, &c. 1 Pet. 5.5. Psalm. 45.13, 14. Col. 3.1. &c. But they do all attend on these, as the Virgins on the Kings daughter. Psal. 45.13, 14.

Quest. But may none come to this Sacrament without these six speciall Graces?

Answ. No, unless they will come to [Page 20]eat and drink damnation to themselves, as before, 1 Cor. 11.29.

Quest. How is this cleared?

Answ. In these six particulars:

1. Without saving knowledge they cannot discerne the Lords body, viz. Either the necessity, or excellencie of it in this Sacrament; and therefore if they come, they must needs come to condem­nation, as before, 1 Cor. 11.29, 34.

2. Without repentance, their best sa­crifices are an abomination to the Lord, Pro. 15.8. Isa. 1.12, 13. &c. 16.

3. Without new obedience there is no Communion with Christ, in this or any Ordinance. 1 Cor. 5.7, 8. 2 Cor. 5.17. & 6.14, 15.

4. Without faith there is no possibi­lity of pleasing God in this or any ser­vice. Hebr. 11.6. Ephes. 1.6. 1 Pet. 2.5.

5. The nature of this Ordinance re­quires thankfulness, and therefore it is commonly called, the Eucharist, [i. e. a sacrifice of thanksgiving. Mat. 26.27. 1 Cor. 11.24.] Because it was begun and ended of Christ with thanksgiving, and cannot be rightly used without it. Mat. 26.26, 30.

[Page 21] 6. There can be no Communion with Christ, or with one another in this Sa­crament, without love and charity. 1 Cor. 12.13.13.1, 2, 3. & 16.14. You see here the necessity of those sacramentall graces.

Qu. Pray shew me also the nature of those graces as they lie in order. What is that saving knowledge which is here required?

Answ. It is that grace of God in us, whereby we do in some measure know and apprehend GOD the Fa­ther (the only true GOD) to be our God and our Father, & Jesus Christ whom he hath sent to be our Saviour. Joh. 17.3.20.17. Phil. 3.8, 9. It is that whereby we know and finde our selves sinfull, vile, and lost in our selves; but found and saved in and by our Lord Je­sus Christ, in whom is all fulness of grace and salvation for us. Luke 19.10. Phil. 3.7, 8, 9. Joh. 1.16. Acts 4.10 12.

Quest. What is the second Sacramental grace, viz. True repentance?

Answ. It is not a meer lip-profession of repentance, as the world takes it; as to cry God mercy after an oath, and to swear again; to cry alas, and say we are sorry for our sins, and it may be shed tears over them, and yet go on still in [Page 22]the willing allowance and Commission of them, as those in Isa. 1.12, 13. &c. 58.3. &c. with Jer. 3.4, 5. & 7.9, 10.

Quest. What is it then?

Answ. It is that grace of God, where­by we have a true sight and feeling of our sins not in generall only, but in par­ticular, [as 1 Sam. 12.19. Neh. 1.6, 7. Rom. 7.7. &c.] joyned with an hearty confession of them unto God, serious contrition, and sorrow for them, a sin­cere loathing, and an utter leaving and forsaking of them. Ps. 32.5.51, 4. Ezek. 7.16. Zech. 12.10. 2 Cor. 7.10. Ezek. 36.31. Prov. 28.13. Hos. 14.8. this is that true repentance here required.

Quest. What is new obedience?

Answ. It is that grace of God where­by we resolve with purpose of heart to set upon all those duties which God re­quires. [Whether of Piety, or charity, in secret, private, or publike] Acts 11.23. with Josh. 24.15. It is to do, yea to delight to do what ever God will have us do, and to shun what ever God will have us shun. Act. 9.6. Psal. 40.7, 8. & 119.101. 1 Pet. 3.10. In a word it is to become a new creature. 2 Cor. 5.17.

Quest. What is that lively faith, which is the fourth Sacramental grace?

Answ. It is that speciall grace of God given to his elect, whereby they go out of themselves, as being vile and lost sin­ners in themselves, and rest wholly and only upon Jesus Christ and Gods free mercy in him for their salvation. Acts 16.30, 31. Ephes. 2.8. Tit. 1.1, 2.

Quest. But every drunkard and swear­er, &c. will say they have faith; and hope to be saved by Christ as well as the best, what would you say to such? for all have not faith. 2 Thes. 2.2.

Answ. I would say as the Apostle James does Jam 2.14, 17, 18. What doth it profit my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works, can faith save him? &c. again, faith if it hath not works is dead being alone, &c.

Quest. But how may we know whether our faith be true, yea or not?

Answ. We may know it by two things.

1. By the nature. and:

2. By the effects, or operations of it.

Quest. How may we know it by the na­ture of it?

Answ. Thus: It will empty us and carry us out of our selves, and our own lost estates, to rest and quiet our souls, wholly & only in, and upon Iesus Christ for our salvation, as Acts 16.30, 31. 1 Cor. 1.30. So to rest on him for tem­porals as well as spirituals. Psal. 23.1.

Quest. What are the effects or operatis ons of it?

Answ. These three.

1. It is a living, not a dead faith. Heb. 2.4. Gal. 2.20. [The soul that hath it, must live by it spiritually, i.e. by draw­ing spirituall life and influence from Christ, and not sweare by it, as too many do.]

2. It is a working (or loving) not an idle faith; it works by love to God, his people, Word, and Ordinances. Gal. 5.6. Jam. 2.18. with Psal. 119.97. &c. It is like Dorcas, full of good works, Acts 9.

3. It is a purifying and holy, not a fil­thy and unholy faith. Act. 15.9. 1 Joh. 3.3. 2 Cor. 7.1. &c. 'tis holy in it self, and makes those pure and holy that par­take of it, Jude 20. Like a good housewife that makes all clean where she comes; so faith. Ibid. Acts 15.9.

By these we know our faith to be the true faith of Gods elect; but if these be wanting, it is an illusion of Satan, meer presumption, not faith.

Quest. What is that thankfulness which is here required?

Answ. it is not a meer lip-devotion, but a pious and hearty acknowledgment of the great love of Jesus Christ in dying for us, with answerable desires and reso­lutions (by Gods grace) to do and suf­fer any thing for Jesus Christ, who hath done and suffered so much for us: as, Psal. 103.1, 2, 3. & 116.13. Rev. 1.5. & 12.11. Acts 5.41. & 21.13.

Quest. What is the last piece of this wedding-garment, viz. Charity which is here required to be put on by us, over and above all the rest, as being the bond of per­fection? Col. 3.14.

Answ. It is that gracious affection of soul, where we must have a true, tender, and compassionate love to all, viz to wicked men, and enemies, as well as others, I mean unto their souls, not sins; as Mat. 5.44.45. But especial­ly to the houshold of faith, the Com­munion and fellowship of the Saints, Gal. 6.10. Ephes. 4.32. Joh. 15.12. [Page 26]1 Joh. 5.1. &c. Where there is most of God, there must be most of our love, & dearest affection. Psal. 16.3. Phil. 1.1. & 4.1. 1 Joh. 5.1.

So we that have one and the same God and father, the same Christ, spirit, bap­tisme, table, faith, hope heaven, &c. should have the same most intimate love, and dear affection in Christ Iesus to one another, desiring and seeking the good and Salvation of each other as our own. Ephes. 4.3, 4, 5, 6. Phil. 2.1, 2, 4. 1 Thes. 2.7, 8. These are the sacramentall graces or wedding garment to be put on, by way of preparation before we come.

Quest. What is the second thing requi­red of those that would be worthy and welcome partakers of this Ordinance?

Answ. A right disposition and beha­viour of themselves when they come.

Quest. How is this proved?

Answ. This is required in all our ap­proaches unto God, so here especially; See Psal. 2.11, 12. & 95.1, 2, 3, 6. Eccles. 5.1, 2. Mal. 1.11. As if we were invited to some great mans table, we would be­have our selves seemly, and sutably to so great a presence: so we being invited to the table of the great King of Hea­ven [Page 27]and earth. Mat. 22.2, 11.

Quest. Wherein does this right dispo­sition or behaviour of our selves, consist?

Answ. In these 6. particulars. viz.

1. In demeaning our selves humbly, without high-conceitedness. Mic. 6.8. Rom. 7.24. 1 Tim. 1.15.

2. Reverently, without rudeness, Ec­cles. 5.1. Mal. 1.11, 12, 14.

3. Intensively, without distractedness, wholly minding the business which we came about, scil. to feed (in our selves) upon Iesus Christ. Joh. 6.27.

4. Sincerely, and heartily without feignedness. Pro. 23.26. Isa. 29.13. Rom. 10.9, 10.

5. Divinely, and spiritually, without earthliness, Exod. 12.24, 27. 1 Cor. 11.25, 26.

6. With renovation of our Cove­nant, both of Faith, and obedience to­wards God, and love unto the Saints without back-slidingness, Cant. 2.16. & 6.3. with Exod. 24.3, 7, 8. 1 Cor. 6.15. 1 Thes. 3.12. & 4.9, 10.

Qu. Pray open & explain the meaning of these 6 particulars a little more fully, for the further benefit of your selves and others. First, How must we demean our [Page 28]selves humbly without high conceitedness, when we approach unto God in this Ordi­nance?

Answ. We may conceive it thus, viz. By lying low in our own eyes, and in the eyes of God, in true sense and feel­ing acknowledgment of our own sinful­ness, vileness, and unworthiness, of the least mercy in our selves, (having so oft­en slighted, and abused mercy) and wor­thiness of the greatest shame and misery; and therefore we look upon it as a most high mercy of our God unto us, that we who are such vile, unworthy wretches, should be admitted to gather up the crumbs under his table: as in the con­fessions of Jacob, David, Daniel, Paul, and that pretious Canaanitish woman. Gen. 32.10. 1 Chron. 17.16. &c. Dan. 9.7, 8. Eph. 3.8. Mat. 15.27.

Quest. How may we demean our selves reverently without rudeness?

Answ. By setting our selves as in the presence of the great King of heaven and earth; before whom the very Angels hide their faces, and the Elders cast down their Crowns to give him glory, Isa. 6.1, 2. &c. Rev. 4.10, 11.

Quest. How intensively, without distra­ctedness?

Answ. By applying our selves wholly to the business which we go about; which is not to feed our bodies, but our souls, and that with the body and blood, the pretious merits and excel­lencies of Iesus Christ, As a man invi­ted to a feast, comes not to gaze, but to eat. So we to feed upon Iesus Christ. that meat which endures to everlasting life. Joh. 6.27. It is to suck life and salvation from his bleeding wounds. Isa. 53.5, 6. Gal. 2.20. To get a rich supply of all grace, as faith, hope, patience, humility, holiness, heavenly-mindedness, sincere love to God, his word, people, Ordinances, &c. from his fulness. Joh. 1.16. & 7.37, 38. &c. To gain strength against every base lust, wandering desire, and against all our pride, envy, malice, worldliness, &c. and gracious abilities to all holy du­ties. Compare 2 Cor. 12.7, 8, 9. with Phil. 4.13.

Quest. How sincerely and heartily, without feignedness?

Answ. This is done by performing every duty with our hearts; we must pray, hear, confess, and bewaile our sins with the heart; beleeve and close with Christ in the heart. Pro. 23.26. Isa. 29.13. Joel 2.12, 13. Rom. 10.9. Acts 8.37. &c. not to say we repent, and bewaile [Page 30]our sins, and yet were never sorry for them, or sensible of them, or did ever re­solve to leave them: so to say we believe in Iesus Christ, and yet our hearts are far from him, we were never taken off from our sins, or from the creature, or carry­ed out of our selves to rest on him. This is to take the name of the Lord our God in vain, Against the third Com­mande­ment. Exod. 20.7 to sin against him with aggra­vation: we had need to take heed of sinning there where we come to confess: bewaile and ask pardon for our sin See Isa. 1.13, 14. &c. Jer. 3.4, 5. & cap. 7.8, 9, 10.

Quest. How divinely and spiritually, without earthliness?

Answ. By raysing our hearts to high and holy meditations in the outward Sacramental signes & actions of this Or­dinance, and thereby feeding and sola­cing our souls with the inward grace of Christ herein presented to us. Exod. 12.24. &c. 27. 1 Cor. 11.25, 26. As for ex­ample, 1. When we see the Minister in the name of Christ setting apart the bread and wine; then Meditate on Gods gracious act, of setting apart his Son Ie­sus Christ, for the work of our Redemp­tion. Joh. 3.16.

2. When he blesseth the bread, then [Page 31]let us lift up our souls to bless God for Iesus Christ. Luke 1, 68. &c. Eph. 1.3. &c.

3. When we see the bread broken, and the wine poured out in this Ordi­nance, then think with our selves, even thus was the blessed Body of Iesus Christ broken and crucified for us, and his pretious bloud poured out for us, viz. For me and thee in particular. Isa. 53.5, 6. 1 Pet. 1.18, 19. Gal. 2.20. Rev. 1.5. &c.

4. VVhen the Minister gives unto us the Bread and VVine, then think, thus does God freely offer and give unto us Jesus Christ. Isa. 9.6. Joh. 3.16.

5. VVhen we receive the Bread and VVine by the hand of the body; then stretch we out our speciall faith, which is as the hand of the soul, to receive and apply Iesus Christ with all his pretious Merits and Excellencies to our ever­lasting good. Joh. 1.12.

6. VVhen we feed upon the Bread and VVine by the mouth and stomake of our bodies, then let us sweetly feed by faith upon Jesus Christ to the refreshing and nourishing of our souls [Page 32]to everlasting life. See Joh. 6.51.53.54. &c. We must take heed of sitting idly, or in a brown study, as our poor ignorant people use to do; but let our hearts be wholly taken up with sweet meditations of Jesus Christ and him cru­cified, and of Gods free and infinite love to us in him, as presented to us in this Ordinance. 1 Cor. 2.2. Gal. 3.1. As John was ravished in the spirit on the Lords day. Rev. 1.10. so we should be ravished in the spirit at the Lords supper.

Quest. How must this be done with re­novation of our covenant of faith, and obe­dience towards God, and of love unto the Saints, without back-slidingness?

Answ. 1. We must renew our faith as the Spouse in the Canticles, by closing more intimately with Christ then ever; saying, I am my beloveds, and my be­loved is mine. Cantic. 2.16. & 6.3.

2. Our obedience to God, as Israel in Moses and Joshuahs time. Exod. 24.3. &c. 7, 8. verses, with John 24.16, 17, 18. as we take the Lord to be our God; so we must ingage our selves (by grace as­sisting us) to be his people. And that we will never swear, lie, steal, cozen, be drunk, prophane his Sabbaths, slight and [Page 33]despise his Ordinances, or break Cove­nant with him as we have done, either by wilfull commission of any sin, or neglect and omission of any duty: and there­fore this is called a Sacrament, or Mili­tary Oath, whereby, as souldiers of old, did ingage themselves to be true to their Captain, as well as he to them: So we, in this Ordinance, do solemnly ingage our selves to be true and faithfull to Je­sus Christ, as well as he to us.

3. Our love unto the Saints, as David, Paul, and the Saints did to each other of old, Psal. 16.3. 2 Cor. 7.1, 3. Phil. 4.1. 1 Thes. 3.12. & 4.9, 10. Ephes. 1.15. So we must now resolve (by the grace of Christ) that there shall be more true love, and mutuall dear affections be­tween us that are members of the same body, united by the same Spirit, parta­kers of the same Table, professors of the same faith and hope, and to be heirs of the same Kingdom, then ever there hath been. Ephes. 4.3, 4, 5. &c. and that we will not admit of any more unchristian bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, or e­vill speaking, or any malice, heart-burn­ings, or unbrotherly jealousies against one another, or strifes and contentions [Page 34]with each other as heretofore: Gen. 13.8. Eph. 4.31, 32. And therefore this is fitly called the Sacrament of our Communion with Christ by faith, and in him with each o­ther by the bonds of Love. 1 Cor. 10.16, 17. & cap. 12.12, 13.

Quest. What is the third and last thing required of those, that would be worthy and welcome partakers of this Ordinance?

Answ. A carefull Christian carriage when they are gone, such as may in some measure answer their sweet Communion with Iesus Christ. Col. 2.6, 7. As ye have therefore received Christ Iesus the Lord, so walk ye in him, &c.

Quest. How must this be done?

Answ. These 4. wayes. 1. Thankful­ly, without forgetfulness. Ps. 103.1, 2, 3. & 116.12, 13.

2. Worthily, without baseness. Col. 1.10.

3. Thrivingly, without fruitlesness. 1 Thes. 4.1. 2 Pet. 3.18.

4. Hungringly, without fulsomness. Mat. 5.6.

Quest. Pray explain these 4. particulars a little more fully, for the better knowledge and practise of them. 1. How may we carry our selves thankfully, without forgetfulnes, when we are gone from this Ordinance?

Answ. By stirring up our souls & all that is within us to bless the Lord exceedingly, who hath vouchsafed to invite, & admit us freely to his own table, & to feed, and feast us with the pretious merits and ex­cellencies of Iesus Christ. And although we deserve not the least crumb of mercy: nay, deserve nothing but hell & misery in our selves, and to have Communion with Devils, & damned spirits to all eternity; yet that he should please to take us in­to blessed & intimate Communion with himself. Oh! what should we render to the Lord for this? We can never be suf­ficiently thankfull to him for so great a mercy. Ps. 116.12.13. Ephes. 1.3. &c.

Quest. How Worthily without Base­ness?

Answ. By behaving our selves suteably to so high a priviledge. Col. 1.10. As a man who is admitted to feast at a great mans table, will not away with base infe­riour company, and course or nasty dyet. So we being admitted into high Commu­nion with Iesus Christ, and to feast upon his pretious excellencies, should loath our former vain, & base companionships with drunkards, swearers, &c. & to feed upon the filth of our own lusts, pride, ma­lice, [Page 36] &c. 1 Cor. 6.15. 2 Cor. 6.14, 15.

Quest. How thrivingly, without fruit­lesness?

Answ. By getting strength and growth in every grace, as in faith, hope, repentance, humility, holiness, heavenly­mindedness, love, patience, &c. and more power against our spirituall ene­mies, as sin, Satan, &c. 1 Thes. 4.1. 2 Pet. 3.18. Eph. 6.10. &c. 1 Pet. 5.8, 9. &c. As a man that hath been at a feast, be­coms more strong [...] for his work; so we in the wor [...] of Iesus Christ.

Quest. How hungeringly, without ful­somness?

Answ. By earnest desires and resoluti­on to come again as God shall give us opportunity, 1 Cor. 11.26. As a travellour that hath a great journey to go, baits oft­en. So we having a great journey, to go from earth to heaven, to the heavenly Canaan, the new Jerusalem, we must feed upon Christ often in this Sacrament, till we grow up in him who is our head, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. Eph. 4.13, 15. And so at length obtain the end of our hopes, the everlasting salvation of our souls. 1 Pet. 1.9. Gloria sola Deo.

FINIS.

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Text Creation Partnership. Searching, reading, printing, or downloading EEBO-TCP texts is reserved for the authorized users of these project partner institutions. Permission must be granted for subsequent distribution, in print or electronically, of this EEBO-TCP Phase II text, in whole or in part.