A BRIEF DIALOGUE, Concerning preparation for the worthy receiving of the Lords SUPPER.  
Taken, for the most part, out of the ten Sermons of Mr I. DOD, and Mr. R. CLEAVER, touching that Subject.   printer's or publisher's device 
LONDON Printed by I. B. for Roger jackson, and are to be sold at his shop near FIeet Conduit, 1614   

A DIALOGUE of Preparation to the Lords SUPPER.  Question. 
WHat is the Lords Supper?  Answer. 
It is a Sacrament of the 
Mat. 26. 28  eternal Covenant, whereby through the use of bread and wine rightly administered, and faithfully 
joh. 6. 27. 54. etc.  received, the souls of them that are engrafted into Christ, are spiritually nourished unto eternal life.  Q. 
What then is required of those that will be partakers of this heavenly food at the Lords Table?  A. 
They must be prepared as meet 
Mat. 22. 12 1 Cor. 11. 28.  guests for such a banquet.  Q. 
For the better attaining to this preparation, how many things are there to be considered?  A. 
Three: first, what is to be done before the parting of it: secondly, what at it: thirdly, what after it.  Q. 
What is it that must be done before?  A. 
There must be, first, an examination how fit we are to receive: secondly, a 
1 Examination.  premeditation of the benefits that we are to receive: thirdly, a faithful and fervent prayer for God's blessing upon our examination, premeditation and receiving.  Q. 
Of what points are we to examine ourselves?  A. 
First, in general, whether we be of the number of the faithful, and have in us the life of grace: for otherwise we are utterly unfit to be partakers of the Lords Supper, which is appointed for food to continue spiritual life where it is, and not to work it where it is not: to be for nourishment unto God's Children, but for the bane and destruction of dogs & swine, that dare presume to meddle with the same. Secondly, we must examine ourselves more particularly.  Q 
Concerning what matters?  A. 
Whether we have attained unto a competent measure of Repentance, knowledge, faith, and love: which if we can find in ourselves, we may resolve our hearts in that point of general examination, and conclude that we are within the covenant of grace, and have communion with Christ jesus, & therefore are in state to be communicants at his Table.  Q. 
How should we try ourselves in the matter of Repentance?  A. 
We must examine, first, whether we have at any time carefully sifted our 
1 Repentance.  hearts and behaviour, to find out as many of our corruptions as possibly we could. Secondly, whether we have been, and are hearty sorrowful for the same. Thirdly, whether we have rightly confessed them before the Lord, with an earnest desire of the pardon thereof. Fourthly, whether we purpose and resolve for ever hereafter (through God's gracious assistance) to reform both our hearts and ways.  Q. 
Is there any necessity of that searching of ourselves?  A 
Yes verily: for otherwise we shall be found hiders of sins, which hindereth all 
1 Searching. See the Sermon on Pro. 28. 13. Doct. 1. job. 20. 12.  true prosperity, and argueth plainly that there is in us a love of iniquity, and abundance of hypocrisy, which will keep us from reaping benefit by the word or sacrament.  Q 
Whereby should we try ourselves to the intent that we may come to a more full and particular sight of our corruptions.  A. 
By the Law of God, which is the true touchstone: examining ourselves by every Commandment, that so we may discern, if not all, yet the most part of the corruptions of our Souls, and errors of our lives: and for our more orderly proceeding herein, we may use this direction following: wherein are set down the chief heads of most of the sins against every Commandment, 

Sins against the first Commandment.  
1 Atheism, which is, when men either 
If any do desire proofs of Scripture for these particular sins mentioned, he may use the help of Mr Dods Book on the commandments or of the True watch where many of these are touched.  think there is no God, or live as if there were no God.  
2 Idolatry: which is, the having of a false god.  
3 Ignorance, uncapablenes of knowledge, errors, and heresies.  
4 Forgetfulness of good things, especially of those that most concern us, and chief at that instant when we should make use of them. Secondly, remembering of evil things; especially of those that most corrupt us: and chief then, when we should be most free from the thought of them.  
5 Unwillingness unto good things, principally to the best: readiness unto, and wilfulness in evil, especially the worst. Secondly, impatience under crosses.  
6 Distrust of God's power, mercy, promises, and providence, whence carnal fears are wrought and cherished, and the true fear of God is expelled & banished.  
7 Presumption upon God's mercy.  
8 Carnal confidence in wit, learning, wealth strength, friends, etc. thinking ourselves the better, or more safe simply for them: whence ariseth pride and security.  
9 Too much love of evil: as also of ourselves, our friends, our pleasure, profit, credit, etc. Secondly, too little love of God, and of goodness, of God's servants, and services.  
10 Hatred of God and goodness. Secondly, want of hatred against our own, and others sins.  
11 Abundance of worldly sorrow, shame, and discontentment. Secondly, want of spiritual grief, and indignation against our own and others transgressions. Thirdly, not lamenting for the calamities of God's people, private or public.  
12 Immoderate carnal mirth: too little spiritivall joy.  
13 Hardness of heart, benumbedness of conscience: or hellish terrors and accusations, proceeding from doing things either without, or against the rules of the Word.   

Sins against the second Commandment.  
1 BAse and unwarranted conceits of God, as when we frame any Image of him in our minds.  
2 Worshipping of Images.  
3 Adoration of Angels or Saints, observing holy days in devotion to them, swearing by them, etc.  
4 Approbation of Idolatry by presence, speech, gesture, silence, keeping of superstitious relics or monuments, keeping company with Idolaters, etc.  
5 Neglect of any of God's ordinances, as of preaching, hearing, reading, meditation, conference, the use of good books, and of good company, of private and public prayer, fasting, making of vows, etc.  
6 Superstitious fasting, rash vows, breach of lawful vows, abuse of lots, etc.  
7 Want of sorrow for being borne of Idolatrous forefathers.   

Sins against the third Commandment.  
1 PRofession joined with profaneness, whereby God's name is dishonoured.  
2 Abusing of God's word: first, by fruitless speaking of it: secondly, framing jests out of it, or against it: thirdly, maintaining of sin by it: four, applying it to charming, etc.  
3 Abusing the names or titles of God: first, by admiration, as by saying in our common talk, Oh Lord, Oh jesus, etc. Secondly, by cursing, etc.  
4 Swearing vainly, outrageously, and falsely, etc.  
5 Blaspheming.  
6 Taking a lawful oath without due reverence and consideration.  
7 Praying without faith, feeling, reverence, fervency, not waiting for answer. etc. Ask evil thinks: aiming more in our requests at the relieving of our necessity, then at the advancement of God's glory.  
8 Hearing, reading, meditating, conferring, singing of psalms, and receiving the Sacrament without preparation, attention, reverence, delight, and profit.  
9 Light passing over of God's great works, of creation, preservation, redemption, as also of other his mercies & judgements.  
10 Abuse of our Christian liberty, to the hardening, insuaring, perverting, or just grieving of any   

Sins against the fourth Commandment.  
1 NEglect of peparation for the Saboth before it come, and of fitting our hearts for holy services when it is come.  
2 Profane absence from. or unfruitful presence at God's ordinances.  
3 Excessive eating and drinking, which causeth drowsiness, & unfitness for God's worship.  
4 Doing any ordinary work of our calling.  
5 All recreations which distract.  
6 Vain and worldly speeches, and thoughts.  
7 A secret desire that the Sabbath were over.  
8 Neglect of calling ourselves, or others to a reckoning after holy exercises.  
9 Giving liberty to ourselves in the night before the whole Sabbath bathe be ended.   

Sins against the fift Commandment.  
Sins of all inferiors in respect of their superiors. 

1 WAnt of reverence inward, or outward: secondly, neglect of prayer: thirdly, of humble submission.    
Sins of all Superiors. 

First want of love: secondly failing in prayer: thirdly in giving good example.    
Sins of Children in respect of their Parents. 

1 Disobedience.  
2 Murmuring at their Parents corrections, though unjust.  
3 Contemning them for any defect of body or mind.  
4 Unthankfulness in not relieving them, not standing for their deserved credit, etc.    
Sins of parents. 

1 Negligence in not instructing their children betime.  
2 Not correcting them till it be too late, or doing it with vitternesse without compassion, instruction, and prayer.  
3 Giving them ill example.  
4 Neglect of bringing them up in some lawful calling.  
5 Not bestowing them timely, and religiously in marriage.  
6 Light behaviour before them, and too much familiarity with them, whereby they become vile in their eyes.  
7 Loving beauty, or any outward parts more than God's Image in them.  
8 A sin peculiar in the mother is refusing to nurse them    
Servants sins in respect of their Governors. The three first sins of Children may be in servants, as also these that follow 

1 Idleness in their calling.  
2 Unthriftiness & unfaithfulness in dealing with their Master's goods & affairs.  
3 Stealing, privy defrauding of them.  
4 Eye service.    
divers sins of Parents are found in Masters, as these that follow. 

1 Unadvised entertainment of sinful servants.  
2 Not using religious exercises with them: not admonishing nor correcting them, or doing it in an ill manner: grieving more when they fail in their business, then when they are slack in God's service.  
3 Not recompensing their labours by giving them a due reward when they are with them, & when they part from them.  
4 Neglect of them in sickness: unjust stopping of their wages for that time.  
5 Not relieving them (if they be able) in their age, who have spent their youth in their service.    
Sins of the wife in respect of her Husband. 

1 Failing in reverence, which appeareth in froward looks, spèeches, or behaviour.  
2 Disobedience in the smallest matters.    
Sins of the Husband. 

1 Not dwelling with his wife.  
2 Neglect of edifying her by instruction and example.  
3 Denying her comfortable maintenance, and employment.    
Snnes' common to them both. 

1 Want of love.  
2 Bewraying one another's infirmities: discovering each others secrets.  
3 jealousy. 4 Contention.    
Sins of the people in regard of their Ministers. 

1 Disobeying and opposing against their doctrine.  
2 Denying them competent maintenance.  
3 Not standing for them when they are wronged.    
Sins of Ministers. 

1 Slackness in preaching.  
2 Unprofitable or hurtful teaching.  
3 Giving ill example.    
Sins of Subjects. 

1 Rebellion. 2. Refusing to pay dues.    
Sins of Magistrates. 

1 Carelessness in establishing and promoting true religion.  
2 Of maintaining peace, and providing that Malefactors may be punished, and well doers be encouraged.    
Sins of Inferiors in gifts or age. 

1 No● acknowledging, nor reverencing, nor imitating the graces of their superiors.  
2 despising of the aged.  
See the sins of Superiors in gifts or age, in the very beginning of the fift Commandment.     

Sins against the sixth Commandment.  
1 RAsh anger, envy, hatred, & malice.  
2 Brawling, reviling, threatening, and provoking of others.  
3 Fight.  
4 Cruelty in punishing, oppression, etc.  
5 Murdering of ourselves or others, or consent thereto.  
6 Immoderate worldly sorrow: neglect of Physic, or wholesome diet, and exercise in surfeiting & drunkenness, all which are enemies to the health and life of man.  
7 Cruelty to our own, or others souls.   

Sins against the 7. Commandment  
1 ADultery, fornication, incest, rape, Sodomy.  
2 All wantonness, secret or open, alone or with others.  
3 Nocturnal pollutions, and lustful dreams, etc.  
4 Unholy marriages, in regard of religion, age, nearness of blood, want of parent's consent, etc.  
2 Abuse of the marriage bed, not observing the time of 

natural separation  
Leu. 28. 19  
solemn humiliation    
6 Nourishing of the causes and occasions of wantonness, as impure lusts, surfeiting, drunkenness, idleness, lascivious apparel, society with lascivious persons, lewd books, songs or speeches: wnaton looks, pictures, stage-plays, dancing, dalliance, etc.  
7 Wearing apparel contrary to our sex.  
8 Unlawful divorce.   

Sins of the eight Commandment.  
1 Covetousness, and all desire of our neighbour's goods, albeit through fear or shame we cannot get them.  
2 Church-robbing.  
3 Robbing of ourselves by wastefulness in diet, apparel, gaming, &c: by idleness, unadvised suretyship, niggardliness, etc.  
4 Robbing of others, taking away the smallest things: first by fraud: secondlyuncharitable enclosure: thirdly, dealing wrongfully with the goods of the deceased: four, deceit in buying and selling:▪ fifthly, withholding either things committed unto us, or things found lent, earned, or otherwise due.  
5 Not making of restitution.  
6 counseling, or consenting to others in theft.   

Sins against the ninth Commandment.  
1 FAlse witness-bearing in public or private, or consent thereunto.  
2 Raising, spreading abroad, or listening to false reports of talebearers.  
3 Rash suspicion▪ hard judging, interpreting things in the worst sense.  
4 Aggravating and discovering others infirmities without care of their credit, others edification, orour own good.  
5 Flattery.  
6 Lying, though in jest, or to a good end.  
7 Boasting.  
8 Injurious charging of ourselves to be hypocrites in time of temptation.  
9 Want of care, of our own, and others good name, that God might have more glory.   

The breach of the tenth Commandment: by  
MVltitudes of evil thoughts and motions against our neighbours, and scarcity of such as are good.    Q. 
When we have attained to a particular sight of our many and grievous iniquities and transgressions, what is further to be done for us?  A. 
We must labour to bring our hearts 
Dan. 9 9 2 Godly sorrow. See the Sermon on Isa. 1. Doct. 1. jam. 4. 8, 9 jer. 4. 14. joel. 2. 13. Zac. 12. 20. Chr. 13. 8  to true sorrow & contrition for the same.  Q. 
What use is there of that?  A. 
It is requisite in divers respects: it being a special means to purge our souls from the pollution of sin, to move the Lord to have compasssion on us, and plentifully to pour down his mercies upon us, without which, it is certain there is no sound repentance in us, nor mercy to be expected from our God.  Q. 
Sith it is so necessary, show me how it may be gotten?  A. 
First, we must beseech the Lord, (from whom proceedeth every good and perfect gift) to work it in our hearts.  
Secondly, we must use all good helps to stir up ourselves thereunto: as,  
First, to call to mind the multitude, and grievousness, and offensivenesse of 
Nehem. 9 Psal. 51.  our sins, together with our long continuance therein: aggravating them by every circumstance to make them more odious to ourselves.  
Secondly, to go to the house of mourning, 
Eccles. 7.  and to make use of every stroke of God, as well upon others, as ourselves.  
Thirdly, not only with patience to endure, but with earnestness to entreat, and with gladness to accept of the help of such as have broken hearts themselves, and so are more able and skilful to pierce and wound the souls of others.  
Fourthly, when by our own sifting, and others faithful dealing; our hearts are touched with some remorse, let us seriously and thoroughly ponder upon the infinite mercy of God the Father, in giving his Son, and of Christ jesus in giving himself for us, who by reason of our sins were deadly enemies unto him: the consideration whereof cannot but move our hearts to relent, unless they be altogether flinty, and hard as Adamant.  Q. 
When our hearts are touched with inward grief for our special corruptions, what is to be done in the next place? 
3 Confession. See the Sermon on Prou. 28. Doct. 2. 2 joh. 1. 9, 2 Sam. 24. 12.   A. 
We must bring them in an holy confession before God.  Q. 
What motives are there to induce us so to do?  A. 
divers: for first, without this there is no promise of pardon of sin, nor indeed any godly sorrow, or sound repentance for sin.  
Secondly, this is a sovereign preservative against relapses, as may be seen in David, Peter, and Paul.  
Thirdly, this is an effectual means 
Dan. 9 19 Neh. 1. 5, 6.  to quicken our hearts unto prayer.  
Fourthly, hereby God is much glorified in his Truth, Mercy, and justice.  Q. 
Seeing this acknowledgement of sin is so needful, declare how it must be performed?  A. 
These rules must be observed therein. First that it proceed from a good root, viz.  
1 From an utter hatred of sin: not from weariness under the Cross, as in Pharaoh, nor from some sudden passion, as in Saul.  
2 From hope of mercy: for if that be 
2 Sam. 14. 18.  wanting, we shall never rest on God for pardon.  
Secondly, that it may be made in a good manner, viz.  
1 Hearty and sincerely, not coldly and hypocritically.  
2 Particularly and with enumeration of our special and most beloved sins, as in 
jer. 31. 19  Paul and Ezra.  Q. 
What will follow upon such a confession?  A. 
A desire of reformation, and a full 
4 Reformation. See the Sermon on Prou. 28. Doct. 3. Acts 19 18 Isa 1. 16.  purpose to abandon the allowance of every infirmity, and the practice of every gross sin.  Q. 
How may this reformation be attained unto?  A. 
First, we must constantly and carefully avoid all the occasions of sin, and be most sealous of ourselves where we are most prone to be overtaken.  
Secondly, we must conscionably and continually use all the means of goodness.  
Thirdly, when we are evertaken through infirmity, we must presently and hearty lament our fall, and seek a reconciliation.  
Fourthly, if these means prevail not, we must bind ourselves by a solemn vow to strive against our principal sins, and most dangerous corruptions.  Q. 
what other notes are there besides these already spoken of, whereby we may be assured that our repentance is sound, & that our hearts do not deceive us therein?  A. 
These following: First, if we be universal in our obedience desiring to 
Notes of sound repentance. Psal. 119▪ 6 See the Sermon on that place Doct. 2. Ps. ●. 13, 14 joh. 31. 1. 1 Cor. 4. 3.  practise or forbear whatsoever GOD would have us: not giving a dispensation to ourselves for the committing of any sin, or for the omitting of any du●y, but 〈…〉 manner of evil both in ourselves and others.  
Secondly, if we increase in goodness, neither waxing worse, nor standing at a stay, but daily getting ground of our corruptions.  
Thirdly, if in all our intents and actions we look unto the Lord, as the searcher of our hearts, and the trier & rewarder of our works, not discouraging ourselves whatsoever men think, or speak of us and our doings, so that God do approve of us and them: not contenting ourselves with men's approbations when the testimony of God is not for us.  
Fourthly, if we like best, and desire most that company in private, and that teaching in public, where our special corruptions shall be roundly and wisely, and mercifully reproved & inveighed against, and the duties wherein we come shortest, most earnestly pressed, and stood upon: neither falling out with those that admonish us, nor denying, cloaking, excusing or extenuating our faults.  Q. 
What else is required in a worthy receiver?  A. 
A competent measure of knowledge, so that he be able to discern between the 
2 Knowledge.  elements, and the Lords body and blood: taking every thing in it own nature and kind: not confounding the sign with the thing signified, nor putting no difference between the Sacramental and common bread, but using each of them in the manner appointed by Christ, and with such reverence as is due unto them, & to that end for which they were ordained: namely, the commemoration of Christ his death, and our nearer and fuller communion with him.  Q. 
What further examination must we use before our communicating at the Lords Table?  A: 
We must try whether we have faith or not: without the which it is impossible 
3 Faith. Heb. 11. 6. Rom 14. 23.  to please God, and whatsoever we do is sin.  Q. 
What then is to be believed concerning this particular ordinance?  A. 
That it is ordained of God not to 
See the 2. Sermon on N●t. 14. Doct. 7.  be a sign to signify and represent, but a seal also to confirm, and an instrument to exhibit Christ with all his merits unto every believer.  Q. 
Why is love unto men required in all faithful receivers.  A. 
First, because being destitute of that we cannot be assured of God's love unto 
4 love.  us, nor of our love unto him.  
Secondly, we cannot with any confidence 
joh. 3.  expect at the Sacrament a general acquittance from all our debts unto God, except we in love, can pass by small offences in our brethren.  
Thirdly, the Lord's Supper is ordained as a seal of a mutual fellowship, and 
Mat. 18. 35  communion of God's people, as with their head Christ, so with one another.  Q. 
What rules are we to observe in love?  A. 
First, if any indignity or injury 
See the Sermon on Isai. 1 Doct. 1 Mat. 18. 35 Rom. 12. Mat. 5.  have been offered us, we must forgive, and forget the same, and overcome evil with goodness: loving them that hate us, and praying for them that speak and practise evil against us, at least desiring and striving so to do.  
Secondly, if we have done wrong unto others, we must undo it again: otherwise our sacrifice and service cannot be accepted.  Q. 
But what if those that we have wronged be far off, that we cannot seek unto them: or will not yield to a reconciliation when it is sought for?  A. 
God will accept of our true and unfeigned desire in that behalf, when a reconciliation is desired, but occasion denied, and if others will not be pacified towards us, it is their fault and not ours, neither must that keep us from the Sacrament.  
Thus much concerning examination.  Q. 
what is that Premeditation which must be used?  A. 
It is a serious consideration of the 
2 Premediatinu.  benefits which we are to receive by Christ jesus.  Q 
what are those?  A. 
They set down in the new covenant 
Eze 36. 21. jer. 31. 31.  (whereof the Lord's Supper is a seal,) and they may be reduced to these heads. 

1. freedom from all manner of evil whatsoever, whether of sin or misery, in this life or in that which is to come:  
2 The enjoyment of all good things: 

1. In this World: and that, 

1. For the inward man. 

1. Perfect justification.  
2. True sanctification.    
2. For the outward man. 

a good name, estate, safety, health, etc.      
2. In the world to come. 

all manner of happiness. etc.        Q. 
Having thus examined ourselves concerning our repentance, knowledge, faith, and love, and used premeditation of the benefits that are to be expected of all worthy receivers, what remaineth further to be done by us?  A. 
We must before our approaching 
3 Prayer.  to the Lords Table, earnestly beseech his Majesty to give a blessing to these our endeavours: and where we have come short in fitting ourselves, we are to entreat him to pardon i●; to accept of us in the mediation of his dear Son, and to make a supply of all our wants, of his rich mercy and free grace.  Q. 
But what if a man find that he cometh very short of that examination, and preparation that is required; were he not better to be absent himself from the Sacrament, till he be better fitted?  A 
In no wise: for if he be upright hearted, 
See the 2. Sermon on 2 Ch. 30 Doct. 3  though never so weak, the Lord will accept of him. And if he feel his sickness to be grievous and dangerous, he hath the more need to hasten to the Physician: neither is the staying from God's ordinance a means to better his estate, but rather to make him worse, and to pull Gods heavy judgements upon his soul & body. Num. 9  
Thus much concerning the duties tending to preparation before our receiving.  Q. 
How must we be disposed in the present act of receiving?  A. 
We must present ourselves with reverence be fore the Lord, setting our senses 
How we are to be disposed in the act of receiving. Isai. 53.  and our faith a works, and heed fully meditating upon these foore things.  
First, when we see the bread broken, and the wine poured out, we must consider the bitter passion of Christ jesus, who was wounded for our transgressions, and broken for our iniquities; who encountered with his Father's wrath, and with Satan, death, and hell: and for our sakes in particular sustained such woeful terrors in his soul, and torments in his body, that he cried out in the bitterness of his heart, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? and at length, shed forth his most precious bloold for the pacifying of his Father's displeasure, and the satisfying of his infinite justice. And withal we should seriously ponder upon the inconceiveable love of God the Father, in giving his only and well beloved Son, to suffer ●●ch unspeakable fortures for us, who were cursed Rebels against him: and thence be drawn to think on the heinousness and odiousness of our sins, which so far incensed the Lords wrath & indignation, that nothing could quench the flame thereof, but only the precious blood of his dear Son.  
Secondly, when we see the Minister distributing the bread and wine, we are to consider, that as those outward elements are offered unto us by man: so Christ jesus with all his benefits is offered unto us by the blessed Trinity.  
Thirdly, that as we reach forth our natural hand to receive the bread and wine, we must withal reach forth the hand of faith to apprehend and lay hold on Christ.  
Fourthly, in eating the berad and drinking the wine, we must apply Christ with all his merits particularly unto ourselves, and be assured, that as that bread and wine are made the nourishment of our bodies: so Christ his body and blood are made the nourishment of our souls: And as certainly as the bread and wine are made one substance with us, to strengthen our bodies, and to refresh our hearts, so surely Christ is made one with us, and we with him, and then our souls shall be strengthened, and our hearts spiritually revived, either presently in the very act of receiving, or afterwards in due time, when we shall stand in most need of comfort. And therefore in assurance of faith we should stir up our hearts to expect all the forenamed benefits of remission of sins, and sanctification of our natures, together with the fruition of all outward blessings, and the removal of all hurtful crosses.  Q. 
well were it for us indeed, if we could look for these things to be bestowed upon us: but the greatness and multitude of our sins is such, that we justly fear they will keep good things from us.  A. 
This doubt should not perplex 
See the Sermon on Isai. 1. Doct. 7. 1 joh. 1. 6. Eze. 36. 25  nor trouble us, if we be truly penitent for all our transgressions: for Christ hath paid for many and great sins, as well as for fewer & lesser: and through him the Lord is ready to pardon all, and all manner of iniquities, as well the greatest of them, as the smallest, and if once our sins be done away, all the forenamed benefits do of right belong to us.  
Thus much concerning the meditations that are needful in the very act of receiving.  Q. 
What is to be done after our receiving?  A. 
First, we must give hearty thanks unto the Lord for this inestimable benefit, 
3 What to be done after our receiving.  which we have received in being partakers of the Lords Supper.  
Secondly, wèe must carefully mark how we speed, and what success we find, and if the Lord afford us present comfort, we must be much more thankful, and endeavour by all good means to nourish and cherish the same, and if we miss of it for that time, we must notwithstanding give God the glory of his truth, in making good his Covenant and every part thereof, and therefore with confidence and constancy wait and pray for the blessing: resolving with ourselves (every one in his own soul) that as sure as God is true, and faithful in his promises, we shall in the fittest season reap fruit and profit by his ordinance, which in conscience and obedience unto him, we have been partakers of. In which regard every particular believer may boldly speak, in this, or the like manner unto his own soul: I have with as great uprightness as I could, communicated at the Lords table, and there received the seal of the everlasting covenant of grace, and therefore it shall assuredly be performed unto me: and albeit my faith, and assurance of God's favour be but weak, it shall be strengthened, and whatsoever Satan, or mine own deluded conscience tell me, all mine iniquities are pardoned and covered, and I am at this very instant, as free from sin in God's account, as Adam was before 
Psal. 32.  his fall, and as the Saints and Angels are now in heaven; yea, as Christ jesus himself is, I being a member of his mystical body.  
And for sanctification, though I be tainted with much ignorance, with many errors, with bad affections and evil actions, yet the Lord according to his Covenant, will reform all, and give me a mind to know him, and his will, and a memory to hold fast what I know: he will give me a heart to love him, to fear him, and to obey his Commandments. I shall have Christ his power to strengthen and uphold me, his wisdom to instruct and direct me, and his Spirit to work all needful graces in me, so that all the powers of hell shall never be able to prevail against me, much less shall the afflictions of this World be able to separate me from Christ jesus, I need not fear any evil: For all shall work together for the best unto me, neither can I want any thing that is good, for God having given 
Rom. 8.  us his Son, how shall he not with him give us all things?  
Thirdly, we must determine and endeavour to lead a new life, bringing forth the fruits of Repentance, Faith, & Love, more abundantly then in former times, as having renewed our covenant with the Lord for that purpose: and therefore when we find any sinful motions stirring within us, we should reason thus: Did I not at the Sacrament vow and covenant with God to strive against all manner of corruptions? and did I not receive the seal of the covenant in assurance that I should have power and strength against them? Why then should I yield unto them? why should I be any longer in bondage unto them? nay, I will not serve sin in the lusts thereof, but will resist it, and by the power of Christ I shall get victory over it: for the Lord hath said that 
Rom. 6. 14.  sin shall not have dominion over us.  
So also when we find wants and imperfections in our best services, as coldness in prayer, distractions in meditating, unfruitfulness in hearing, deadness in singing of Psalms, etc. As also impatiency, or faint-heartedness under crosses, disgraces, persecutions, etc. Let us thou relieve ourselves with these, or the like meditations: Was I not lately at the Lord's Table, where I received a pledge of my engrafting into Christ, who is the true Vi●e? and is there not in him sufficient juice of all good graces to be derived to every branch that is in him: and is not the second Adam as able to convey his virtues into me, as the first Adam was to convey his corruptions▪ why then should I not seek to him, in assurance of obtaining strength to do and suffer whatsoever he will have me? yea, I will run unto him, and crave power and ability 
job. 15.  from him, and ask, I shall obtain: for he hath said it, that will never falsify the least part of his truth.  Q. 
May it not then be concluded, if immediately upon the receiving of this Sacrament, we grow worse than we were before, that we came unworthily thereunto?  A. 
Yes verily, if we be indeed worse, and not in our own conceit only, it is sure that there was some sin or other unrepented of lying upon our consciences, which caused God's ordinance to be ineffectual. Indeed the worthiest receivers, in their own imaginations, and through Satan's false suggestions, seem unto themselves to be worse, (when in truth they are not so) because they feel their corruptions stirring more violently, and temptations rushing upon them more fiercly than e●●r before: but this is so far from being an argument of unworthy receiving, that if they set themselves to resist this combat, there can be no more evident testimony of their worthy receiving: for now that their sin hath had a deadly blow, it beginneth (like a mad bull in the same case) to rage's more furiously: and Satan being dispossessed of his holds, plieth his business with new and fearful assaults; and therefore such have no cause at all to be dismayed, but rather very great cause to be comforted.  Q. 
But (will some say) what shall I think of myself in this matter, when I find, that whereas I resolved upon new obedience, I come still far short of that which I am desirous to perform?  A. 
You need not discourage your heart for all this: the sight of your imperfections argueth that your eyes are more enlightened then in former times, and that you have gotten an humble and lowly conceit of yourself, and your good deeds, which are things very pleasing unto God: neither doth he require such strict observation of the Commandments, as that we 
See the Sermon on Isa. 1. Doct. 1.  should obey them in perfection, but only that we should consent in our hearts, and labour in our practice to yield obedience thereunto: which if we can do, the Lord 
See the Sermon on 2 Ch. 30 Doct 3.  will graciously accept of us, and of those duties which we perform, seeing that we fall not in the substance of his service, but only in some circumstances, and that full sore against our wills.  
FINIS.