A Practical Catechism 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 Gospel 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 baptised into one body, whether we be jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have been made to drink into one Spirit. 1 joh. 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 jesus Christ. And these things writ we unto you, that your joy may be full. London, Printed for Tho. Vnderhill, at the sign of the Bible in Woodstreet. 1647. THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY, To my dear beloved friends, the Church and faithful People of God, which are at newport-pagnel in Buckinghamshire, at Luton in Bedfordshire, and at Michael Queen Hithe in London: * 2 Pet. 1.2. Grace and Peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of jesus our Lord. Dear 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 profanely abused by many, who are extremely 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, 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 than the rest,) who deny this and other Ordinances of Christ in the New Testament, to be now had in use at all amongst God's 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 bewail it as a strange and dangerous fancy, without, and against the word of truth, * Mat. 28.19, 20. 1 Cor. 11.23. etc. 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 glorify himself by so weak an instrument:) I have taken this opportunity, to send out these few Catacheticall thoughts of mine, 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 employed.) 4. The requisites, or things required for the prevention of the abuse, and the better help of myself and others, to the sweet and comfortable participation of it. All which (dear beloved in the Lord) I have thought good to present respectively unto yourselves, as the fittest objects I could make choice of to dedicate this work unto; and that for divers reasons, as these in special. 1. Because it was conceived, and brought forth amongst you, as being a part of my poor ministerial pains, while divine providence did call me to labour with you, and therefore you have the more right unto it. A poor child 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 spiritual good; and therefore I do now the more boldly bequeath it to you. 3. These labours of mine in a way of Catechising, have been sometimes profitable to some yea, I may say with thankfulness to God (by the acknowledgement 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 ministry, (at least more sense of their needs, than 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 perpetual pledge and memorial 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 he 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 myself) 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 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 looseness & profaneness: 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, etc. By this I desire, that you may endeavour the more to make up breaches, and to preserve Christian Unity and Unanimity amongst yourselves, * Remember Phil. 2.1, 2. Which hath been sometimes opened & applied 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 ministry of grace, (which are sadly withdrawn from some of you, † As Newport and Luton. ) I desire you by this, to prise 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 may seek the more earnestly after the * jer. 6.16 1 joh. 2.7. old truth of Jesus Christ, and stick more close unto them. While others are notional, be you practical, * 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 kind, of which there are many * Mr. Daniel Rogers two Treatises upon the Sacraments. Mr. Dike, Bradshaw, Hildersham, etc. very useful and profitable, for which I desire to bless God; nor from any thoughts of the worth of this, as flowing from myself, 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 satisfy 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 than others. 5. To give some taste of my poor labours 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 Catechising; which if ever, would at this time prove very seasonable. * Prov. 22.6. Hos. 4.6. Heb. 5.12. etc. Thus you have the reasons both of my Dedication, and Publication. I have kept you to long in the Porch; I shall now lead you into the House itself. The Lord give you, and others abundance of joy and consolation in Christ, in the use of it. So Prays, Your truly loving friend and servant for Jesus sake, Samuel Austin. London, Martii 5ᵒ. 1646. Some brief * Or, A Practical Catechism. catechetical Directions by way of question and answer, the better to prepare myself, and others, for sweet Communion with jesus 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. etc. 29. The sum of these directions, showing 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 himself, 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 prise 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. etc. 3. We must go to him, and wait upon him, by faithful and fervent prayer, for his special 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 special 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 Christ, and his Church, * As Baptism is the first Sacrament, or the Sacrament of our initiation, or entrance into jesus Christ and his Church wherein by the due and worthy receiving of Bread and Wine, according to Christ's 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 spiritual 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. etc. Quest. Why, or for what ends must we partake of this Ordinance? Answ. For these three ends. 1. To testify our obedience unto Jesus Christ. Math. 26.26, 27. 2. To perpetuate the memorial 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. 3. An answerable, careful, 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 coming to it without preparation, which are these three, viz. 1. 'Tis a horrible sin; no less than guilt of the body and blood of lesus Christ. 1 Cor. 11.27. 2. 'Tis a filthy shame; as to come with old nasty to a King's sable. 2 Chron. 30.3.15. Mat 22.11, 12. 3. 'Tis a most fearful danger; as to come to eat, and drink damnation to themselves. 1 Cor 11.29. Quest. But wherein does this due preparation of ourselves 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 ourselves 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 find out our sins, to be humbled for them, nor our graces, to rejoice in them, or rather in God for them, without time and pains. 2 Cor. 13.5. Gal. 6.4. 1 Cor. 1.30, 31. etc. 3. We cannot bring our hearts to close with God in this, or any other holy duty, unless we bestow some time and 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 ourselves 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 ourselves of these? Answ. For these two reasons. 1. Because unless we find 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 find 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 find, and feel our need of this Sacrament? Answ. By serious looking on our own spiritual vileness, sinfulness, and emptyness of grace in ourselves by nature, and then on the fullness of grace that is in Christ, as presented to us in this Sacrament. As for instance: 1. Although we find ourselves dull, yea dead (spiritually) in ourselves by nature, 2 Cor. 3.5. Eph. 2.1. etc. 4, 5. verses. Yet Christ is here presented as a fountain of life, to quicken us, Ephes. 2.1. etc. John 4.10, 14. Rev. 21.6. Secondly, Though we be dark and ignorant in ourselves; yet Christ is our wisdom to enlighten us, 1. Cor. 1.30. Thirdly, Though we are guilty, and liable to condemnation of ourselves: yet Christ is our righteousness, to cover and justify us. 1 Cor. 1.30. Phil. 3.7, 8, 9 Fourhtly, Though we are polluted in ourselves, yet Christ is our sanctification, that fountain of David opened, to cleanse and purify us, Zeach. 13.1. Fifthly, We are soul-sick in ourselves, yet Christ is here our Physician to heal us, Mat. 9.12. Sixthly, Our graces viz. faith, hope, patience, humility, love to God and his people, etc. Are exceeding dull & weak in ourselves, yet Christ is here our bread of life, to quicken, & strengthen them in us, Joh. 6.35. Seaventhly, and lastly, Our corruptions, temptations and soul-enemies 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 have of the virtue and power of jesus Christ, in this Sacrament, to subdue and conquer them. 2 Cor. 12.9. Rom. 8.37. etc. Phil. 4.13. Quest. But how shall we know whether we be the persons invited to this Sacrament? Answ. We may know it by these three things. 1. If we be such as hunger and thirst after Christ Jesus, and his precious 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, loiterers, 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 precious righteousness in this Sacrament? Answ. We may know by this, if we have the true marks and symptoms of spiritual hunger and thirst answerable to those in nature. Quest. Which are they? Answ. These six especially, viz. 1. A true sense and feeling of the great want of meat and drink, Pro. 27.7. So here we must find and feel our exceeding want of jesus Christ, if we hunger, & thirst for him. Mat. 5 6. with John 7.37. etc. 2. Pain and torment for this want, till it be supplied, 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 jesus Christ. Psal. 42.1.63.1. etc. 4. A diligent use of means, to obtain 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 find the want of Christ at home, we must seek abroad for him, come to his house, Word, Ministers, Ordinances, etc. as Cant. 1.8.3.1, 2. etc. Joh. 5.39. We must go many miles for him, if need be, as those, Joh. 6.24. Mat 2.1, 2. etc. 5. Willingness to be at any cost or charge, to obtain these, as Jacob and the Egyptians. 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 etc. 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 jesus 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. etc. 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. We may know by this if we 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 God's children, we must partake of the divine nature and image of God; be holy as he is holy, merciful, heavenly, as our heavenly father is merciful, etc. 2 Pet. 1.4. and 1 Pet. 1.15. Joh. 3.3, 5. Mat. 5.44, 45. etc. 48. Luke 6.36. [compare Ephes. 5.32. Col. 3.10.12. etc. 2. Children have a dear 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. etc. 3. Children (such as are good) are afraid to offend their Parents, careful to please them. So we must be afraid to offend our heavenly father, etc. as Mar. 1.6. 4. Children go to their Parents, to supply their wants, cast all their care upon them, to feed and them, etc. So we on God. Mat. 6.25, 26. etc. 31, 32. Mat. 6.25, 26. etc. 31, 32. If we have those dispositions and affections of God's children in us, this bread of the Lord is provided for us; but not else: If we be not born of God partakers of the divine nature, are not holy, heavenly, merciful, etc. But profane, earthly, cruel, etc. 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 himself 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 special duties of Piety which we own to God? Answ. They are many, according to the several Commandments in the first Table, as these especially. 1. To know him as our God, to believe, or rest on him in all our straits; to hope in him, to fear him, to love him with all our hearts, etc. To make choice of him, and him only, as our God; to be zealous for him, his truth, cause, glory, etc. As in the first Commandment. 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, etc. as he requires, without profaneness, ignorance, or superstition, on the one side; or formality, and hypocrisy, on the other; as in the second Commandment. 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, etc. and that in our hearts, words, and conversations, as in the third Commandment. Deut. 28.58. 4. To sanctify 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 Word, ⁴ Catechising, ⁵ meditation, ⁶ godly conference, ⁷ examination and repetition of what we hear to apply the same to our practice 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, warn the unruly, to convince and bring home poor seduced and sinful souls to the ways of truth and holiness, reconcile differences, etc. To provide necessary food, raiment, quench a dangerous fire, lift up the Ox fallen in the ditch, preserve the creature which would else be spilt, etc. as in the fourth Commandment. Compare Isa. 58.13. Rev. 1.10. ¹ Psal. 92. the whole Psalm, entitled a Psalm for the Sabbath day. ² See Isa. 55.6, 7. Mark 1.35. etc. 38, 39 ³ Luke 4.14, 15. and 15.21. ⁴ 16, 17. etc. Act. 13. Deut. 6.6, 7. Gal. 6.6. ⁵ Psal. 1.2. Luke 2.19. ⁶ Luke 24.17. etc. 25. etc. 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. etc. 7.10, 11, 12. Ibid. Mat. 25.35. etc. with 1 Thes. 5.14, 15. Gal. 6.1. etc. Jam. 5.19, 20. Rom. 12.18. 1 Cor. 1.10. etc. 6.1. etc. Mat. 12.1. &c., with Luke 6.1. etc. 10. Quest. Which are those duties of charity, we own to our neighbours, as in the second Table? Answ. They are these two in brief. 1. We must love them as ourselves, * Mat. 22.39. not only in their souls, as our own souls. Luke 22.32. Phil. 2.4.20. etc. But in their honours, as if our own, in every relation; whether our Parents natural, politic, or spiritual, etc. whether as superiors, equals, or inferiors, as in the fifth Commandment. 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 Commandment. 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 Commandments. 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, etc. 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 Commandment. Exod. 20.17. Rom. 7.7. Compare the examples of David, Paul, etc. 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 Devil? 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, etc. The not making choice of him as our God, the loving our pleasures, profits, or any thing more than him, etc. 2 Tim. 3.4. Jam. 4.4. against the first Commandment. 2. All worshipping of God by Images, or any imaginary way of man, without warrant of the word of God. Deut. 12. Ma. 32.15.9. As all profanes, ignorance, superstition, irreverence, infidelity, formality, or hypocrisy in his worship, * Isa. 29.13. john 4.23, 24. or the wilful contempt and neglect of it, against the second Commandment. 3. All abusive cursing, swearing, irreverent use of God's name, his titles, attributes, word, worship, works or servants, either in thought, word, or deed, against the third Commandment. Deut. 28.58. 4. All profanation of the Lords day, by vain sports, worldly employments, etc. giving way to our own thoughts, words or works on that day, not making it our delight to consecrate it as holy, and honourable 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 ourselves or others, in public, private, or secret, against the fourth Commandment. 5. All hatred or injurious dealing towards our neighbour, his soul, body, honour, or relations (as before) his life, chastity, goods or good name. Leu. 19.17, 18. All neglect of that affection, and duty of love which we own unto him, his soul, body, honour, etc. 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 may add that large * This catalogue of scandalous sins, may be of good use to show 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. etc. All which are properly called the fruits of the flesh, and the works of the Devil. Gal. 5.19. etc. John. 8.41.44. By these we may try ourselves if we do the Lords works, and that in the Lord's 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 Devils, 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 Sacramental graces, wherewith he usually adorns all such as he admits into inward 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 God's 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 household 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, Holiness, Heavenly-mindedness, etc. 1 Pet. 5.5. Psalm. 45.13, 14. Col. 3.1. etc. But they do all attend on these, as the Virgins on the King's daughter. Psal. 45.13, 14. Quest. But may none come to this Sacrament without these six special Graces? Answ. No, unless they will come to 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 discern the Lord's body, viz. Either the necessity, or excellency 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. etc. 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. 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 sacramental graces. Qu. Pray show 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 find ourselves sinful, vile, and lost in ourselves; but found and saved in and by our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is all fullness 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 mere 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 the willing allowance and Commission of them, as those in Isa. 1.12, 13. etc. 58.3. etc. 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 general only, but in particular, [as 1 Sam. 12.19. Neh. 1.6, 7. Rom. 7.7. etc.] joined 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 public] 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 special 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 God's free mercy in him for their salvation. Acts 16.30, 31. Ephes. 2.8. Tit. 1.1, 2. Quest. But every drunkard and swearer, etc. 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? etc. again, faith if it hath not works is dead being alone, etc. 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 ourselves, and our own lost estates, to rest and quiet our souls, wholly & only in, and upon jesus 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 on's 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 spiritual life and influence from Christ, and not swear 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. etc. 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. etc. 'tis holy in itself, and makes those pure and holy that partake of it, Judas 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, mere presumption, not faith. Quest. What is that thankfulness which is here required? Answ. it is not a mere lip-devotion, but a pious and hearty acknowledgement of the great love of Jesus Christ in dying for us, with answerable desires and resolutions (by God's 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 household of faith, the Communion and fellowship of the Saints, Gal. 6.10. Ephes. 4.32. Joh. 15.12. 1 Joh. 5.1. etc. 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, baptism, table, faith, hope heaven, etc. should have the same most intimate love, and dear affection in Christ jesus 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 sacramental 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 man's table, we would behave ourselves seemly, and suitably to so great a presence: so we being invited to the table of the great King of Heaven and earth. Mat. 22.2, 11. Quest. Wherein does this right disposition or behaviour of ourselves, consist? Answ. In these 6. particulars. viz. 1. In demeaning ourselves 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 ourselves) upon jesus Christ. Joh. 6.27. 4. Sincerely, and hearty 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 yourselves and others. First, How must we demean our 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 acknowledgement of our own sinfulness, vileness, and unworthiness, of the least mercy in ourselves, (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 precious Canaanitish woman. Gen. 32.10. 1 Chron. 17.16. etc. Dan. 9.7, 8. Eph. 3.8. Mat. 15.27. Quest. How may we demean ourselves reverently without rudeness? Answ. By setting ourselves as in the presence of the great King of heaven and earth; before whom the very Angels hid their faces, and the Elders cast down their Crowns to give him glory, Isa. 6.1, 2. etc. Rev. 4.10, 11. Quest. How intensively, without distractedness? Answ. By applying ourselves 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 precious merits and excellencies of jesus Christ, * As a man invited to a feast, comes not to gaze, but to eat. So we to feed upon jesus 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, etc. from his fullness. Joh. 1.16. & 7.37, 38. etc. To gain strength against every base lust, wandering desire, and against all our pride, envy, malice, worldliness, etc. and gracious abilities to all holy duties. Compare 2 Cor. 12.7, 8, 9 with Phil. 4.13. Quest. How sincerely and hearty, without feignedness? Answ. This is done by performing every duty with our hearts; we must pray, hear, confess, and bewail our sins with the heart; believe and close with Christ in the heart. Pro. 23.26. Isa. 29.13. Joel 2.12, 13. Rom. 10.9. Acts 8.37. etc. not to say we repent, and bewail 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 jesus Christ, and yet our hearts are far from him, we were never taken off from our sins, or from the creature, or carried out of ourselves to rest on him. This is to take the name of the Lord our God in vain, * Against the third Commandment. Exod. 20.7 to sin against him with aggravation: we had need to take heed of sinning there where we come to confess: bewail and ask pardon for our sin † See Isa. 1.13, 14. etc. Jer. 3.4, 5. & cap. 7.8, 9, 10. Quest. How divinely and spiritually, without earthliness? Answ. By raising our hearts to high and holy meditations in the outward Sacramental signs & actions of this Ordinance, and thereby feeding and solacing our souls with the inward grace of Christ herein presented to us. Exod. 12.24. etc. 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 God's gracious act, of setting apart his Son jesus Christ, for the work of our Redemption. Joh. 3.16. 2. When he blesseth the bread, then let us lift up our souls to bless God for jesus Christ. Luke 1, 68 etc. Eph. 1.3. etc. 3. When we see the bread broken, and the wine poured out in this Ordinance, then think with ourselves, even thus was the blessed Body of jesus Christ broken and crucified for us, and his precious blood 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. etc. 4. When the Minister gives unto us the Bread and Wine, then think, thus does God freely offer and give unto us Jesus Christ. Isa. 9.6. Joh. 3.16. 5. When we receive the Bread and Wine by the hand of the body; then stretch we out our special faith, which is as the hand of the soul, to receive and apply jesus Christ with all his precious Merits and Excellencies to our everlasting good. Joh. 1.12. 6. When we feed upon the Bread and Wine by the mouth and stomach of our bodies, then let us sweetly feed by faith upon Jesus Christ to the refreshing and nourishing of our souls to everlasting life. See Joh. 6.51.53.54. etc. 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 God's 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 Lord's 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 beloved's, 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. etc. 7, 8. verses, with John 24.16, 17, 18. as we take the Lord to be our God; so we must engage ourselves (by grace assisting us) to be his people. And that we will never swear, lie, steal, cousin, be drunk, profane his Sabbaths, slight and despise his Ordinances, or break Covenant with him as we have done, either by wilful commission of any sin, or neglect and omission of any duty: and therefore this is called a Sacrament, or Military Oath, whereby, as soldiers of old, did engage themselves to be true to their Captain, as well as he to them: So we, in this Ordinance, do solemnly engage ourselves to be true and faithful 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 mutual 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, than ever there hath been. Ephes. 4.3, 4, 5. etc. and that we will not admit of any more unchristian bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, or evil speaking, or any malice, heart-burnings, or unbrotherly jealousies against one another, or strifes and contentions 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 careful Christian carriage when they are gone, such as may in some measure answer their sweet Communion with jesus Christ. Col. 2.6, 7. As ye have therefore received Christ jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him, etc. Quest. How must this be done? Answ. These 4. ways. 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 practice of them. 1. How may we carry ourselves thankfully, without forgetfulness, 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 precious merits and excellencies of jesus Christ. And although we deserve not the least crumb of mercy: nay, deserve nothing but hell & misery in ourselves, 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 thankful to him for so great a mercy. Ps. 116.12.13. Ephes. 1.3. etc. Quest. How Worthily without Baseness? Answ. By behaving ourselves suitably to so high a privilege. Col. 1.10. As a man who is admitted to feast at a great man's table, will not away with base inferior company, and course or nasty diet. So we being admitted into high Communion with jesus Christ, and to feast upon his precious excellencies, should loathe our former vain, & base companionships with drunkards, swearers, etc. & to feed upon the filth of our own lusts, pride, malice, etc. 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, heavenly-mindedness, love, patience, etc. and more power against our spiritual enemies, as sin, Satan, etc. 1 Thes. 4.1. 2 Pet. 3.18. Eph. 6.10. etc. 1 Pet. 5.8, 9 etc. As a man that hath been at a feast, becomes more strong 〈…〉 for his work; so we in the wor●● of jesus 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 traveller 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 fullness 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.