THE DOCTRINE OF THE LORDS SUPPER. By way of Question and Answer, Gathered out of 1. Corinth. chap. 11. ver. 23. to 33. By CHARLES RICHARDSON, Preacher at S. Katharin's near the Tower of London. LONDON Printed by Lionel Snowdon, for W. Butler, and are to be sold at his shop in the Bulwark, near the Tower of London. 1616. ¶ To my Christian Auditors at S. Katherine's near the Tower, increase of all saving graces. CHristian Auditors, though among all the parts of God's service, which we are bound to perform, there are none more excellent, nor more honourable, than the worthy receiving of his holy & blessed Supper: yet it is fearful and lamentable to see, how much it is generally abused and profaned in the world. Some are ignorant, and understand nothing at all of the true use of the Sacrament. As our Saviour Christ said to the woman of Samaria, john 4.22 Ye worship that which ye know not: so it may be truly said to many at this day, They receive that which they know not. They have no judgement to discern the Lords body, and therefore they rush upon these holy Mysteries without any reverence. Others are notoriously wicked, holding their sins in their right hand. jerem. 7.9, 10 They will steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely etc. As the Prophet saith, & yet think they may come and stand before God in his house: Matth. 7.6 and though in the sight of God, they be no better then filthy dogs and swine: yet they will presume to sit as guests at his Table. Others again there are, that have both knowledge and grace in some measure, and yet for want of due preparation, come many times to the Lords Supper, without that reverence that is required. For the reforming of all these abuses, I have in your hearing handled in many Sermons, the Doctrine of this Sacrament, as the Apostle hath set it down. And for the help of those that are ignorant, I have drawn the sum of all that was publicly taught, into short Questions and Answers, which here I commend unto you, as an unfeigned testimony of my love. I confess I own much unto you, for the great kindness which I daily receive at your hands. For as you entertained me at my first coming with a general consent: 2 Cor. 8.3 so I bear you record, that to your power, yea and many of you, beyond your power, are willing to give me better maintenance (considering the poverty of the place) than many richer Parishes about the City do afford. All that I can do, is to continue my pains among you, as I have begun so long as it shall please God. And I desire you all to labour together in prayer for me, that I may with all faithfulness fulfil the ministery that I have received of the Lord. Coloss. 4.17. Thus hoping you will accept this small gift of mine, with the same affection that I offer it, I commend you all to the grace of God, beseeching him, to make your heart's stable and unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord jesus Christ with all his Saints. Yours in the Lord, CHARLES RICHARDSON. THE DOCTRINE OF THE LORDS SUPPER. Question. WHat doth the Apostle set down in this portion of Scripture? A. Two things. Qu. Which are they? A. 1. The true institution of the Lords Supper, to the 27. verse. 2, The right use thereof in the rest of the verses. Q. What is to be observed in the first part? A. 1. A Preface. 2. The Institution itself. Que. What are the words of the Preface? A. I have received of the Lord, that which I also have delivered unto you. Q. What do you learn from hence? A. 1. It teacheth Ministers, that they must deliver nothing to the people concerning the Doctrine of faith and manners, but what they have received and learned of the Lord. ●…s 17.11 ●ohn 4.1 2. It teacheth the people to receive no doctrine, but that which is agreeable to the Word. Q How many things are to be considered in the Institution of the Lords Supper? A. Four things. Q. Which are they? A. 1. The Author of it: 2. the time when it was ordained: 3. the patres: 4 the end of it. Q. Who was the Author of the Lords Supper? A. The Lord jesus Christ. Q. What doth that teach us? A. 1. That none hath power to make Sacraments, but Christ only. Psalm 5.7 and 26.6 Exodus 20.7 2. That we must bring reverence with us when we come to receive because it is not the ordinance of man, but of God. Q. At what time did Christ ordain it? A. In the same night that he was betrayed. Q. What doth that teach us? Answ. To make great account of the Lords Supper, as being the last gift that Christ left to his Church. Q. How many parts are there of the Lords Supper? A. Two. Q. Which are they? A. The signs, and the actions to be performed about the signs. Q. What be the signs in the Lord's Supper? A. Bread and Wine. Q. What doth the Bread signify? A. The body of Christ. Que. What resemblance is there between the Bread & the Body of Christ? 1 Cor. 10.16 A. 1. Heb. 5.8, 9 As bread is baked in the Oven by the heat of the fire: so the body of Christ, being as it were baked in the fire of the Cross, is made the bread of life. 2. Matth. 11.28 jeremy 29.13 As bread is most easily gotten of all food: so Christ is easily found of all that truly and seasonably sake him. Q. Why did our Saviour Christ make choice of bread, rather than of flesh to signify his body? Psal. 104 15 A. Because he did not so much respect the colour and outward form, as the strength of nourishing, which is greater in bread then in flesh. Q. What doth the Wine signify? 1 Cor. 10.16 A. The blood of Christ. Que. What resemblance is there between the wine and the blood of Christ? A. 1. As wine flowing from the grape, is the sweetest of all liquors: so the blood of Christ, john 6.55 who is the true Vine, flowing from his side, is the sweetest drink of the soul. 2. As wine doth clear and refresh the heart of man: Psal. 104.55 so the blood of Christ sprinkled upon the heart, doth comfort the soul of every believer. Q. Why hath our Saviour ordained both bread and wine to be signs in this Sacrament? A. To teach us, that in him there is full and perfect nourishment and salvation for us. Psal 130 7 Acts. 4.12 Q. What doth this admonish us? Matth. 5.6 A. That we must bring to the Lords Table an earnest desire of Christ and his grace: we must both hunger and thirst after him. Q Is it not lawful to administer the Lords Supper under one sign, as the Papists do? A. No, not without great injury to Christ and his Church. Que. What injury is done to Christ thereby? A. There is a mangling of his ordinance, Apoc. 22.18, 19 Galat. 3.15 and a detracting from his last will and Testament: both which are condemned. Quest. What injury is done to the Church? A. The conscience of the godly are deprived of that most sweet promise which Christ hath annexed to the Cup. Matth. 26.28 Q. What are the actions to be performed in the administration of these signs? A. Some of them were performed by Christ, and are now to be performed by the Minister: and some by the Disciples to be done by the receivers. Q. What are the actions to be done by the Minister? A. They are three. Q. What is the first of them? A. To take the bread and wine, and to bless the same. Q. What mean you by that? 1 Tim. 4.5 1 Sam. 9.13 A. By prayer to separate them, that they may be sacramental bread and wine. Q. What doth this action signify? john 10.36 and 6.27 A. That Christ jesus was set apart, by the Father, to be the Redeemer of the Elect. Q. How was Christ set apart to this work? A. Three ways. Q. Which are they? 1 Pet. 1.20 Galat. 4.4 Matt. 3.16, 17 A. 1. In God's eternal decree. 2. In his incarnation. 3. In his baptism. Q. What doth this action admonish us? Rom. 12.1 Pro. 23.26 Ans. That we must likewise set ourselves apart to his service. Qu. What is the second action to be done by the Minister? A. To break the bread, and to power out the Wine. Q. What doth this action signify? Esay 53.4, 5 1 Pet. 2.24 Matt. 20.28 A. That Christ his body was broken with sorrow, and his blood shed upon the Cross for our sins. Q. What doth it admonish us? A. 1. Zech. 12.10 2 Sam. 24.17 That our souls should bleed with remorse and sorrow for sin. 2. Galat. 2.20 That we must for ever loath and detest our sins. 3. Coloss. 1.24 1 Thess. 1.6 Matth. 20.22 That we must be content to suffer any thing for Christ his sake. Mat. 10.38. Que. What is the third action to be done by the Minister? A. To give the bread and wine to every particular receiver. Q. What doth this action signify? Ans. That God doth likewise give Christ jesus with all his merits to every true believer. john 3.16 Q. What doth it admonish us? A. 1. 1 Cor. 6.20 1 Pet. 1 17, 18, 19 That we must wholly give ourselves back again to Christ 2. That we must be willing for Christ his sake to give somewhat to the relief of our poor brethren. 1 john 3.17 and 4 11 Q. What words did our Saviour Christ use in administering these signs? A. Words of promise concerning the Bread and the Cup. Q. What are he words concerning the Bread? A. This is my body which is broken for you. Quest. What is the meaning of these words? Genesis 17, 10, 11 and 41.26, 27 Exudus 1●. 13 1 Cor. 10.4 A. This bread is a sign to represent, and a seal to seal unto you my body, with the benefits of my passion suffered in the same. Q. What may we learn from thence? A. The great goodness of God to his Church, that hath not only given us his word and promises: but for the better strengthening of our faith, hath also given us his Sacraments, to seal the same unto us. Q. Is not the bread really turned into the body of Christ, after these words be pronounced by the Priest? A. No, by no means. Q. Why so? A. 1. Because it overthroweth the nature of the Sacrament. Q. How prove you that? A. Because in every Sacrament there must be these two things: the sign, and the thing signified. But if the bread cease to be bread, and be turned into the body of Christ, than the Sacrament hath lost his outward Sign. Q. Why else? A. Because it is plain in the text, that our Saviour Christ took the bread and wine into his hand: he broke the one, and powered out the other, and did himself eat and drink the same. Now none of all these can be true of the real body and blood of Christ. Q. Why else? An. Because the Bread is called the Communion of the body of Christ: 1 Cor. 10.16 therefore it is not his body itself. Q. Why else? A. Because the Apostle calleth it bread still after the consecration, to teach us, 1 Cor. 11.26, 27, 28 that the substance of bread remaineth. Q. Why else? A. Because diverse absurdities would otherwise follow. Q. What are they? A. 1. Matth. 28.6 Acts 1.9, 11 and 3.21 That Christ's body should be in many places at once, which is contrary to the nature of a true body. Q. What else? A. That Christ should have two bodies: one borne of the Virgin Mary, and another made of the bread. Q. What else? Ans. That we should not in the Lord's Supper receive the body of Christ, that was crucified for us, but an other body made by the Priest. Que. But may not this be done by a miracle? A. No. Q. Why so? An. 1. Because Miracles are ceased: neither have the Priests now any promise thereof. Exodus 4.3, 4 john 2.7, 8, 9 2 Because in every Miracle there is a visible and sensible change. But here is no such thing we see, and feel, and taste bread still, as we did before. 3. Because Miracles, though they be beyond and above nature, yet they are not against nature to overthrow it as this doth, in making the finite body of Christ to be in many places at once. 4. Because a Miracle is an extraordinary work of God, belonging to certain times and persons. But the Sacraments are for all times, and for the whole church. Q. But can not God by his omnipotency do this? An. We are not in this case to respect what God can do, but what he will do: now he hath not any where revealed that he will do this, and therefore we are not to believe it. Q. What are the words concerning the Cup? A. This Cup is the new Testament in my blood, which is shed for you, Matt. 26.28 Luke 22.20 and for many for the remission of sins. Que. What is the meaning of these words? A. The Cup, that is, the wine in the Cup which I offer unto you, is a pledge and seal of my Testament, to establish and confirm the same. Q. What is meant by the word Testament? Answ. Either a Covenant or a last Will. Q. How many kinds of Covenants is there? Ans. Two: the covenant of Works, and the covenant of Grace. Q. What is the covenant of Works? A. It is a compact of perfect obedience to the will of God, Levit. 18.5 upon condition of eternal life if it be obeyed, and of eternal death if it be not obeyed. Q. Is any man able to keep this covenant? Rom. 3.23 Ans. No, for all have sinned, and are are deprived of the glory of God. Q. What is the covenant of grace? jer. 31.31, 32, 33 A. It is a compact of mutual reconciliation between God and man, in and through Christ jesus. Q. Wherein consisteth that? jeremy 31.34 A. 1. In a gracious promise of remission of sins, and everlasting life on God's part. Mark 1.15 2. In faith in God's promises, and repentance on man's part. Qu. What resemblance is between this Covenant, and a last will or Testament? A. 1. As he that maketh the Testament, hath no benefit by it himself: so Christ no benefit by this Covenant, but all redoundeth to the Church. Q. What else? Heb. 9.16, 17. Ans. 2. As a Testament is never of force till the Testator be dead: so this covenant was made effectual by the death of Christ. Q. Why is it called a new Testament? A. To distinguish it from the old Testament, that was made with the Fathers before Christ. Qu. Was not the covenant of Grace in the Law, the same that is in the Gospel? Ans. Yes: For substance, and in respect of all the causes it was one and the same. 1. Deut. 9.5 2 Tim. ●. 9 The efficient cause of both is the mere mercy of God, without any respect of works. 2. The matter of both is Christ, Genesis 3.15 and 12.3 2 Cor. 5.19 Heb. 13.8 Apoc. 13, 8 Heb. 11. tot Rom 4.23, 24 Heb. 11.9, 10, 13 Gen. 47.9 Num 23 to Psal. 116.15. without whom no man is received into God's favour. 3. The formal cause of them both is faith. 4. The end whereunto they bother cited men, is eternal life. Quest. How then do they differ one from another? A. 1 The promises in the old Testament, were for the most part of temporal blessings, but the promises in the new Testament, are of spiritual. 2. In the old Testament there were many ceremonies and sacrifices, burdensome and costly: in the new Testament there are but a few, & they light and easy. Matth. 11.13 Heb. 11.13 john 1.29 Galat. 3.1 3. In the old Testament, all things were delivered obscurely, in Types and Figures: but in the new Testament, the mystery of our salvation is plainly and openly revealed. john 7.38, 39 Acts 2.17 jerem. 31.14 4. There is ordinarily a greater measure of the graces of God's Spirit in the New Testament, than there was in the Old. Deut. 32.8, 9 Matth. 10.5, 6 Mark 16.15 Acts 10.15, 34 Rom. 3.29 Ephes. 2.14, 15 5. The New Testament is made known to more people than the old was. For that was only known to the jews, but this is published to all nations. 6. In the old Testament Christ was only promised, 1 Pet. 1.20 2 Tim. 1.9, 10 but in the new Testament he is exhibited. Quest. Why was it necessary that the blood of our Saviour Christ should be shed? Ans. 1. Because it was figured in the old Testament, in the Paschall Lamb, and in the Sacrifices. Levit. 17.11. Heb. 9.22. 2. That he might make his sacrifice perfect and sufficient. Q. Why doth he not say, This is my body of the new Testament, as well as, This is my blood etc. Ans. Because although the new Testament be established by the offering up of whole Christ: john 19.34 yet his death was more manifest, in the shedding of his blood, then in the sufferings of his flesh. Q. What commandment did our Saviour annex unto these words? A. Do this in remembrance of me. Qu. What remembrance of Christ is commanded here? Ans. Not an historical remembrance, such as is in the Devil, nor a bare and idle remembrance, as if it did not appertain unto us: but an effectual remembrance, whereby we do apprehend and apply Christ with all his benefits to ourselves by faith: and so call to mind his sacrifice, as by it we may conceive present comfort in our consciences, and assured hope of everlasting life. Q. What are the actions that were performed by the Disciples, and must be performed by every receiver? A. They are two. Q. What is the first? A. To take the bread and wine at the hands of the Minister. Q. What doth this action signiffe? A. That in like manner we must receive Christ jesus into our hearts by a true and lively land. john 1.12. and 6.35 Q. What doth it admonish us? Psal. 24.7, 8 Ephe. ●. 17. Apoc. 3. ●0 A. To prepare and cleanse our hearts for the rec●●uing of so honourable a guest. Q, What is the second action? An. To ease the bread and drink the wine. Q. What doth this action signify? 1 Cor. 10.16 joh. 17.21. Ephe. 5.30 A. The union and communion which we have with Christ. Q. What is this union? john 6.56. A. It is a consolating of our persons with the person of Christ. Q. What a manner of union is it that we have with Christ? Ans. Not corporal and bodily, but spiritual and supernatural, yet real and true. Q. By what means is it wrought in respect of Christ? Ephes. 4.16 Ans. By his Spirit: whereby all the faithful are knit unto Christ, as the members of the body by joints & sinews are coupled to the head. Quest. By what means is it wrought in respect of us; Galat. 2.20 Ans. By a particular application of Christ and his merits to our own souls. Q. What doth it admonish us of? A. Of that Christian concord and fellow his that aught to be among the members of Christ. Rom. 12.5 and 15.5, 6, 1 Cor. 1.10 Acts 4.32 Esay 11.6, Q. What arguments are there in the administration of the Lords Supper to persuade us thereunto? Ans. 1. 1 Cor. 10.17 Because we all do eat of one Bread and all drink of one Cup. 2. Because many grains of wheat do make one loaf of bread, and many grapes make one cup of wine. Quest. What is the end of the Lords Supper? A. To show forth the death of Christ till he come. Q. How must we show forth the death of Christ? Ans. Two ways: in speech, and in action. Q. How in speech? Ans. By giving thanks to God for the great benefit of our redemption. Psalm 116.12 Luke 1.68 Q. How in action? Ans. 1. 2 Cor. 4.10 Galat. 6.14. By suffering crosses and afflictions for Christ his sake. 2. Rom. 6.4. By feeling the power of Christ's death, in killing our corruptions and sins. Quest. Why doth the Apostle in the next place set down the right use of the Lords Supper? Ans. To teach us, that the ordinances of God must not be separated from their holy use. Quest. What order doth the Apostle observe in setting down hereof? An. First, he showeth the abuse of the Lords Supper, and then the remedy of it. Quest. What is the abuse of the Lords Supper? Answer. To eat and drink unworthily. Q. Who do eat and drink unworthily? Ans. Not only such as are altogether unworthy to come, but even they also, who being worthy, do not come as they ought. Quest. Who are they that are altogether unworthy? Ans. There are some without the Church, and some in the Church. Quest. Who are they that are without the Church? Ans. All Turks, jews, Pagans, Exodus 12.48 and Infidels. Quest. Who are they that are within the Church? Ans. 1. All that are grossly ignorant, though they live never so civilly. 2. All gross sinners, Matth. 7.6 and 15.26 though they have never so much knowledge. 3. All hypocrites. Quest. Who are they that may be said to be worthy to come? Ans. All the faithful, Luke 22: 30 who for the merits of Christ are counted worthy. Que. How may these come unworthily? Ans. When as not considering the excellency of the Lords Supper, nor seriously examining themselves, either thorough ignorance or negligence, they lie in some sin without sufficient repentance. Que. What is the danger of unworthy receivers? An. 1. They make themselves guilty of a grievous sin. 2. They become liable to a fearful judgement. Quest. What is the sin whereof they are guilty? Ans. They are guilty of the body and blood of Christ. Q. How so? Ans. Because the disgrace done to the signs of Christ his body and blood, redoundeth to himself. Que. What is the judgement whereunto they are liable? Ans. They eat and drink damnation to themselves. Q. What is meant by damnation? Luke 23.40 1 Pet. 4.17. Ans. Not the second death, but temporal correction. Quest. How prove you that is taken so here? 1 Cor. 1.2. and 6.11 Rom. 8.1. Ans. Because the Apostle threateneth it to the Corinthians, who were justified and sanctified, and therefore not subject to damnation. Q. Why doth the Apostle say he eateth and drinketh judgement to himself? A. To teach us, that the unworthiness of any man hurteth none but himself. Qu. What reason giveth the Apostle of this? Ans. Because he discerneth not the Lords body. Qu. What is to discern the Lords body? Ans. To distinguish these Elements, being signs of Christ's most precious body and blood from all other things, and to use them with that reverence and devotition that is meet. Quest. Why is the body of Christ to be accounted of so precious and excellent? Ans. 1. Because of the exeltation of it, being ready united to the Deity. 2. Because of the merit of his sufferings in it, whereby he hath procured for us eternal life. 3. Because of the efficacy thereof in mortifying of our corruptions. Qu. Who are they that do not discern the Lords body? Ans. 1. Ignorant Christians, who put no difference between the bread of the Sacrament and common bread: but come to the Lords table as to an ordinary feast. 2. They that have knowledge of the Mystery, and yet do not come with due consideration of the dignity thereof. Q. What remedy doth the Apostle prescribe for preventing of this sin, and for avoiding of this judgement? Ans. That every man try and examine himself. Que. What doth that teach us? 2 Cor. 13.5 Ans. That every man must have discretion to judge of his own estate: or else he is not fit to come to the Lords Table. Quest. By what rule must we try ourselves? Ans. By the rule of God's Law, examining ourselves by every commandment thereof. Psal. 119.59. Quest. What must be the matter of our trial? Ans. Whether we be fit guests for God's table, or no. Quest. How many things are required to make us fit? Ans. Fine things especially. Que. What is the first? Ans. Knowledge. Quest. What knowledge is required in this case? Ans. A general and a particular knowledge. Que. What is the general knowledge required? Ans. 1. The knowledge of God, his nature, persons, attributes and works. 2. The knowledge of our natural condition by original sin, and the punishment thereof. 3. The knowledge of the covenant of grace, concerning our redemption in Christ. Que. What is the particular knowledge? Answ. The knowledge of the nature and use of the Sacrament, in the signs and actions to be performed about them. Quest. What is the second thing? An. A true and sound faith. Quest. What is faith? A. A sure persuasion, that all Christ's merits are mine, as if I had wrought them myself. Quest. Why is faith necessary? Ans. Because in the Sacrament we receive so much as we believe, and no more. Quest. Do all receive grace presently in the Sacrament? Ans. No. Quest. How then? Ans. 1. Such as have strong faith indeed, do at the instant receive both grace, and a sense of grace. 2. A there receive grace peradventure, but no sense and feeling of grace. 3. Others receive neither grace, nor any sense of grace for the present. Quest. What is the reason that some receive grace, but no sense of it? Ans. The weakness of their faith, being lke to a vessel with a narrow mouth, that can receive but a little water at out. Quest. What is the reason that some receive neither grace, nor any sense of it? Ans. Because they come vnhumbled and unprepared. Qu. Was it to be done in both these cases? Luke 17.5. Mark 9.24 Ans. We must earnestly pray for increase of faith. Qu. What is the third thing? Ans. Repentance. Q. Wherein consisteth that? Matt. 26.75. Psal. 119.106 Ans. In an hearty sorrow for our sins past, and a full purpose to lead a godly life for the time to come. Q. What is the fourth thing? Ans. Love and charity towards our brethren. Q Wherein consisteth that? Ans. In a readiness to satisfy for the injuries which we have done to others: Mat. 5.23.24 and to forgive them that are done to ourselves. Qu. What is the fift and last thing? An. A special sanctification. Qu. What is that? An. A renewing of our Faith and Repentance, Genesis 35.6 1 Sam. 16.5. job 1.5. as we have particularly renewed our sins Cue In what manner must this duty of Examination be performed? An. 1. With diligence, Lam. 3.40. Zeph. 2.1. 2 Cor. 13.5. Heb 4.13. Psa, 44.20, 21 that we may thoroughly discern of our estate. 2. With singleness of heart, because we have to deal with God that can not be deceived. 3. Speedily without delay. 4. Constantly, without giving over, till we have found that we seek for. 5. With earnest prayer to God, for the direction and assistance of his Spirit. Que. Why doth the Apostle command every man to examine himself? every man to examine himself? 1 Cor. 2.11 An. 1. Because every man knoweth himself best. 2, Because a godly man will be most faithful to himself. Rom. 14.12 Galat. 6.5 3. Because every man must chief give account to God for himself, and not for others, further than he is charged with them by virtue of his calling. Que. How doth the Apostle prove, that the unworthy receiving of the Lords Supper causeth temporal judgements? Ans. By the present experience which the Corinthians had in themselves. Q. What was that? Ans. For this cause many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep, that is, are dead. Que. What do you generally learn from thence? A. That as all sin, so especially unworthy receiving is the cause of outward calamities. Quest. Why doth the Apostle make mention of divers kinds of judgements? Deut. 28. tot. and 32.34 Levit. 26. tot. Ans. To teach us, that the Lord hath variety of judgements to inflict upon sinners. Que. Why are the judgements set down, one greater than another? Answ. To teach us, john 5.14 Amos 4.6, 7, 12 that there are degrees of God's judgements: if we can not profit by the lesser, he can and will inflict greater. Quest. Doth God strike his children with temporal death? Ans. Yes sometimes. Qu. What is the reason thereof? A. 1 For the chastisement of sins past. Lu. 23.39, 40 1 Ki. 13.24, 26 2. For preventing sin to come. 3. 1 Ki. 14.12, 13 That they may not see the evil and misery that is to come. 2 Kin. 22.20 Esay 57.1 Quest. Why is death compared to a sleep? A. 1. Esay 57.2 Apoc. 14.13 Because in it the godly rest from their labours. 2. Because it is as easy, john 11.11. for Christ to raise the dead out of their graves, as it is for us to awake our friends out of sleep. Quest. What remedy hath the Apostle prescribed for preventing of these judgements? Ans. That we judge ourselves. Que. What is meant by judging ourselves? Ans. To take that course against ourselves, which is taken with a malefactor. Q. What is that? As joshua 7 16, 17, 18. Answ. 1. To make diligent search to find out our sins. 2. To arraign ourselves before the bar of God's judgement. 3. To frame a bill of Indictment against ourselves. Psal. 51.4. 4. To give evidence against ourselves. 5. To give up a verdict against ourselves, and to plead guilty. Psal. 51.4. Dan. 9.7 1 Kin. 20.32 6. To pronounce sentence of condemnation against ourselves. 7. To play the executioners, and to put our sins to death, Coloss. 3.5. Galat. 5.24. Que. But will not God take us at the advantage, and condemn us out of our own mouths? 1 john 1.9 Prov. 28.13 Ans. No, if we judge ourselves, we shall not be judged. Que. But we see the godly notwithstanding subject to many outward miseries? Ans. True: but their crosses are no punishments of their sins. Quest. What then is the end of Gods correcting his children? Ans. There is a twofold end, one in this life, and another in the life to come. Quest. What is the end of God's corrections in this life? Ans. As a loving father to nurture his children. Quest. Wherefore doth God nurture his children? Ans. 1. To make them learn. Psal. 119.71. Que. What lessons may a man learn under the Cross? Ans. 1. To see his sins. Gen. 42.21. Psa. 30.6, 7, 8 2. To see his own frailty, and to fly to God for succour. 3. To see the vanity of all earthly things, and to seek for an inheritance in heaven. Q. Wherefore else doth God nurture his children? A. 1. To break them of their wills. jerem. 31.18. Psal. 119.67.120 2. To keep them in awe. Qu. What is the end of God's corrections for the life to come? Answer. That we may not be condemned with the wicked world. Quest. What may we learn from hence? Heb. 12.11. Ans. 1. Not to measure affliction by the present sense, but by the fruit that followeth after it. Psal. 41.1. Eccles. 9.1. 2. To judge wisely of the afflicted, and not to determine of any man by his outward estate in this life. FINIS.