MEAT FOR MEN. OR, A Principal Service of the SACRAMENTS. Wherein (amongst many) these Two Points are specially handled— 1. Of the Baptising of Infants. 2. Of Kneeling in the act of Breaking and receiving the Lords Supper. For the use of all Religious Families and monthly Communicants in the Kingdom when they come to the Lords Table. Written by way of brief Questions and Answers, for the ease and benefit of the Simple. By W. Crashaw B. of Divinity, and sometimes Pastor at Whitechapel. HEB. 5. 14. Strong Meat belongeth to them that are of age. LONDON, Printed for G. Fayer-beard at the North door of the Royal Exchange, 1629. To the many thousands of Professors of CHRIST'S Religion in all places in this Kingdom. Brethren, be not Children in understanding, howbeit in Malice be ye Children, but in Understanding be Men. So teacheth you the holy Apostle, so adviseth, exhorteth, and prayeth for you all. A helper of your Faith, and a Servant of your souls in CHRIST JESUS. W. Crashaw. To the right Honourable, the Countess of Devonshire, Grace and Peace. Right Honourable: Having known you so ancient a Hearer, and which makes a true Disciple of Christ, so careful a practiser of Religion, I presumed therefore this Principal dish of Spiritual meat, would not be unwelcome to you, as I know it will be more welcome to the World, after so great and good a taster as yourself: And though I may safely say (as one long before me) All God's dishes are dainties; yet doubtless this of the Sacraments carrieth with it a peculiar Excellency: And I bring it in first, not that there are not others to come in before it, but for the general use and present necessity of it even at this time: That this may serve first to stay and comfort many weak and then if it may be, to satisfy certain curious and squeasie stomaches amongst us: Who some of them about the Sacrament of Baptism, others in some circumstantial matters concerning the Lords Supper, have kindled such a fire of contention in the Church, as now diverse of them would be glad with many tears to quench if they knew how. It hath pleased God who works even by weak means, by my words in public and private to satisfy many, if by writing also I may do good to them that cannot hear me, let the glory be His, the comfort theirs, and the service acceptable to the Church; So the labour shall willingly be mine: and I shall take joy and comfort in such courses, in Pulpit and by Pen, Preaching, writing, and conferring to spend and end the few days I have remaining, and so to make ready for a better life. And wherein (Madam) any of my labours may be serviceable to you or yours. Command me, Your servant in Christ, W. CRASHAW. The points here handled are these. OF true saving Faith. Chap. 1 How Faith is wrought. Chap. 2 How Faith is increased. Chap. 3 Of the Nature of a Sacrament. Chap. 4 Of the Sacraments of the Old Testament, and who hath power to ordain a Sacrament. Chap. 5 Of the Sacraments of the New Testament, and the Relation betwixt them and those of the Old. Chap. 6 What be the essential parts of a Sacrament. Chap. 7 Of the nature and use of Baptism. Chap. 8 Of the outward and inward things in Baptism. Chap. 9 Of the difference betwixt Baptism and the Lords Supper, Chap. 10 Who may be Baptised. Chap. 11 That Children may and aught to be Baptised. Chap. 12 Of the Names and Nature of the Lords Supper, Chap. 13 Of the outward Elements in the Lord's Supper. Chap. 14 Of Bread and the excellent resemblance, betwixt it and the Body of Christ. Chap 15 Of Wine and the notable correspondency, betwixt it and the Blood of Christ, Chap▪ 16 Of the outward actions to be performed in the Ministration of the Lords Supper, Chap▪ 17 Of the inward actions Spiritual, which are performed in this Sacrament, betwixt God and the Soul of the worthy Receiver, Chap 18 What preparation is necessary in regard of God, to make a man a worthy Receiver, Chap. 19 What preparation is requisite in regard of our Brethren, Chap 20 Of the Circumstances observable in this Sacrament, Chap▪ 21 That kneeling in the very act of Breaking, giving and Receiving, is not only lawful but convenient & commendable, Chap. 22 What a Christian man is to do, when he hath Received. Chap. 23 MEAT FOR MEN. CHAP. 1. Of Faith. Question. WHat is the end of a Christian man's life? Answer. The salvation of his 1. Pet. 1. 9 Soul. Q. How can a man be saved? he is a Sinner? A. By true Faith in CHRIST. Rom. 3. 22, etc. 1. joh. 5 4. 1. Sam 8. 3, 4, 5. Q. How come we by this Faith? A. It neither comes by Nature from our Parents, nor by humane instruction from any Teachers, nor by imitation of them that have it. Q. How then must we get it? A. It is the gift of God. Heb. 12. 2. Q. Doth God give it to all men? A. No, all men have not Faith: no 2. Thes. 3. 8 not all that be in the Church. Q. To whom then belongs it? A. To those that are the Elect of God. Tit. 1, 1. Q. How doth God give it them? A. By means of his own appointing 1. Cor. 1. 21 he doth begin and increaseth it. Q. Is it not then perfect at the first? A. No: it is true, but not perfect, for Tim. 1, 5. Rom. 4. 19 20. Mat. 14. 31. Faith is first weak, and afterward becomes a strong Faith. Chap. 2. How Faith is wrought. Question. BY what means doth God begin or beget Faith in his Children? A. Ordinarily, by hearing the Word Rom 10, 12. 1. Cor. 1. 21 preached. Q. By what parts of his word, the Law or Gospel? A. By both: for the law gins, and Gal. 3, 23, 24. Rom. 7. 24, 25. the Gospel finisheth that work. Q. How is that done? A. The Law prepares the hart by humbling it, and making it a contrite heart. Q. How doth the Law humble the heart? A. By showing a Man God's justice, Rom. 7, 9, 10 11. and his own sins. Q. And how doth the Gospel finish the work of faith? A. It purifies the heart of man, and Acts. 15. 9 1. joh. 3, 3 makes it a new heart. Q. How doth the Gospel purge the heart? A. By letting us see the great love of 2. Cor. 2. 14 15 1. Pet. 1. 22 God in jesus Christ. Q. Can then the Preachers of the Word give this Faith? A. No. they preach the Word, but it's 1. Cor. 3, 5, 6, 7. only God that inspires Faith. Q. How may a man know that he hath true Faith? A His Soul must be inflamed with joh, 7. 37 38 a holy desire to please God, and to do all good works. Chap. 3. How Faith is maintained and increased. Question. HOw doth God maintain and increase Faith in his Children. A. By diverse means, whereof some are principal, and some inferior. Q. What be the principal means? A. Two: the continual Preaching of Mat. 28. 19 Acts. 2, 41 1. Thes. 3. 11 12, 13 the same Word: and the holy use of the Sacraments. Q. And what be the Inferior means? A. Three: 1. The reading of God's joh. 5. Word. 2. Holy conferences with holy men. Heb. 10. 24 25 Lam. 3. 22, 23. 24. Zeph. 3, 5 Psal. 107. 3. Daily observation of God's Mercies and judgements, and meditation upon the same. Q. How differ these? A. The principal are public, and performed by God's Ministers: the other are daily to be practised by ourselves in private. Q. How differ the Word and Sacraments? A. Thus: the word contains the Heb 13. 20 Rom. 4, 11. Covenants of God: and the Sacraments are seals confirming that Covenant of our souls. Again, the Word is the holy and internal jam. 1. 18. joh. 1. 13 1. Pet. 1, 23. seed of our Regeneration, and by Sacraments we are borne anew, and fed up for Heaven. Chap. 4. Of the Nature of a Sacrament in General. Question. IS not the Preaching of the Word sufficient for Faith? A. No▪ the Sacraments must also be Rom, 3, 1, 10 14 received as Covenants after they be made must be sealed. Q. What are the Sacraments in their general nature? A. Outward visible signs of inward, Gen. 17. Exod, 12. and invisible graces. Q. What be they in regard of God? A. Tokens of his love, pledges of his favour▪ and seals of his Covenant. Q. What be they in regard of Christ? A. Commemorations of his death, and 1. Cor. 11. 24 25, 26 applications of the virtue thereof unto ourselves. Q And what be they in regard of us? A. Seals of his Covenants betwixt Rom. 4, ●●. God and us: and effectual means to strengthen our Faith, and all other holy graces in us. Chap. 5. Of the Sacraments of the old Testament, and to whom it belongs to ordain a Sacrament. Question. MAy the Church ordain Sacraments? A. No, it belongs to God, as a Exod. 14. Gen. 17. part of his Prerogative. Q. Why may God alone ordain Sacraments? A. Because they be Seals of his Covenants, tokens of his love, and parts of his worship. Q. How many be the Sacraments of the new Testament? A. As many as were the ordinary Sacrament of the old; namely two, Q. Which were the ordinary Sacraments of the old Testament? A. Circumcision, and the Passeover. Q. Why do you call them extraordinary. Gen. 17 Exod. 12. A. Because there were extraordinary? Q. How did they differ? A. Thus: the extraordinary were such as God ordained upon some special occasion, & were to last but for that time Exod. as the Manna, the Rock, the Cloud, etc. Q▪ And what then were the ordinary? A. Such as were always in force, from the time of their ordination till Christ's coming. Chap. 6. Of the Sacraments of the new Testament, and a comparison with them of the Old. Question. What be the Sacraments of the new Testament? A. These two: Baptism, and the Lords Supper. Q. What say you then to Confirmation and marriage, and the rest of the five Sacraments of the Roman Church? A. They are some of them God's holy ordinances, and some of them may be holy signs, but they were never ordained by Christ for Sacraments, nor ever so used in the ancient Church. Q. How do these answer to those of the old Testament? A. Thus our Baptism answers to 1, Pet. 3, 21 Circumcision, and the Lords Supper succeeds in the room of the Pass over. Q How differ these from those? A. Nothing at all in matters of efficacy or power, but only in manner and 1, Cor. 10, 3 4 circumstance, for those did point at Christ to come, ours at Christ come already. Q. What need then was there, to have any other in the new Testament? A. Because the Sacraments are Seals of God's Covenant, and its fit that the Heb. 7, 8, 9 Covenant being renewed, the Seals also should be new. Chap. 7. Of the essential parts of a Sacrament. Question. What be the essential parts of every Sacrament? A. Two: one outward and visible, the other inward and invisible represented thereby. Q. What outward things be there in every Sacrament? A. These, 1. A visible Minister, a Man called thereunto of God. 2. Some visible Elements ordained of God. 3. Some outward actions appointed by God. Q And what spiritual and invisible? A These: 1. The invisible God represented by the Minister. 2. Some holy grace or blessing represented by the Element. 3. Some gracious works of God represented by the external actions of the Minister. Q What circumstances or Ceremonies are required in the Sacraments? A. Such as the Church shall appoint by lawful authority. Chap. 8. Of the Nature and use of Baptism. Question. What is Baptism? A. The word signifieth a washing Heb. 9 10 with water. Q. What is the Sacrament of Baptism? A. In it own general nature, it is Acts. 2. 38 a washing of the body in the name of the Lord. Q. And what is it in regard of God? A. A badge or cognizance which God sets upon such as he takes to be his servants. Q. And what is it in regard of Christ? A. An application of the virtue of his 1. Cor. 5. 7. bloodshedding, to cleanse the Soul from the guilt of Original sin. Q. And what is Baptism in respect of ourselves? A. The Sacrament of our entrance, or Admission into the Covenant and Church of God. Q. When may Baptism be administered? A. At any time if there be cause: but ordinarily when the Congregation is assembled to worship God. Chap. 9 Of the outward and inward things in Baptism. Question. What is the outward and visible Element in Baptism? A. Water: and nothing but water. Q What is the outward action? A. To wash the Body in water. 1. Pet. 3. 21▪ Q. Why is not better liquor to be used, as milk or blood? A. Because washing is the effect of 1. Cor. 5. 7. this Sacrament, and those may be better for feeding, but not for washing. Q. What is the inward and invisible things? A. The blood of Christ. Reu. 1. 5. 1. Pet. 3. 21: Q. What is the spiritual action in Baptism? A. The cleansing or purging of the 1. joh. 1, 7 19 Soul by the blood of Christ. Q Who is the outward Minister of this Sacrament? A. He that is also a Minister of the Acts. 2. 41. Mat. 28. 19 Word, for these 2 must both go together. Q. Who is the Minister of the inward Baptism? A. The Lord jesus, who hath washed us from our sins in his blood. Q Where is the Institution of Baptism set down in the Scripture. A. In the Gospel, where Christ after his Resurrection commands his Apostles. Mat. 28. 18, 19, 20. Go teach all Nations, Baptising them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the holy Ghost. Chap. 10. Of the difference betwixt Baptism, and the Lords Supper. Question. What difference is there betwixt Baptism and the Lords Supper? A. 1. Baptism is the Sacrament of our new birth: and the Lords Supper of our spiritual growth. 2. Baptism is the Sacrament of our Admission, the Lords Supper of our Confirmation in the state of Grace. Q. What other difference is there? A. This: Baptism must ever be first, and the Lords Supper must come after. Q. What reason is there for that? A. It is necessary that one bee first borne, afore he be fed. Q. Is there any other difference? A. Yes: Baptism sufficeth to be once administered. But the Lord's Supper is often requisite. Q. What reason may be thereof? A. Because, it sufficeth to be once borne, but being borne, it is necessary to be often fed. Q. Is there no other difference? A. Yes, Children may be Baptised, but may not Communicate: as a Child may be borne, but is not fit for all food. Chap. 11. Who are to be Baptised. Question. WHo are to be Baptised? A. All that are capable of it? Acts. 2. 41. and 8. 36. Q. Who are capable of it? A. All that believe in Christ, and desire Acts, 8. 36. Mark. 16. 16 Acts. 10, 47 Acts. 8. 36 & 2. 41. Baptism. Q. How is Baptism to be desired? A. They that be of years must profess their own faith, and desire it themselves. Infants of Believers do it by Mark. 10, 13 their Parents, or witnesses & undertakers. Q. May all challenge Baptism that be thus made capable? A. Yes, assuredly, for it is the spiritual Acts, 8. 36. Mark. 10 14 15, birthright to all Believers. Q. May not Turks nor jews nor Heathen be Baptised? A. No, because they believe not in Mark. 16, 16 Christ. but when they do they may. Q But may the Children of Papists bee Baptised? A. Yes▪ because they profess Christ Acts. 8. 37. jesus according to the Apostles Creed, though they do by other doctrine and practices adulterate and corrupt it. Q. Is Baptism necessary to Salvation? A Not simply necessary to Children, Gen. 17. 12 2. Sam. 12. 18. and. 23. no more than Circumcision was in the old Testament. Q. How then is it necessary? A. To all them that can ask it, and Mark. 16. 16 may have it, it is absolutely necessary, so as without it there is no Salvation. Chap. 12. That Children may be Baptised. Question. But may Infants be Baptised? A. Yes, the Infants of believing Parents. Q. How may that be seeing they have no Faith. A. That is more than we know, for God may work Faith in their Souls immediately. john. 3, 8. Q. But if they have Faith, yet they cannot profess it. A. Their Parents and witnesses profess it for them. Gen. 17 Q But how can Children enter into a Covenant with God? A. Very well: for a man may covenant Heb. 7. 9, 10 for himself and his Children, and that act of the Parents is the children's acts. Q. But how is it proved that the Infant of the believing Parents may be Baptised? A. By many Arguments: 1 By Gods own practice, who commanded Gen. 17. 9 to 13. children to be Circumcised at eight days old, in the Old Testament. 2 By the tenor of his Covenant Gen. 17. 7 which runs thus; I will be thy God, and the God of thy seed. 3 By the practice of Christ, who took Mark. 10, 13 them up in his arms and blessed them; now if they be capable of Christ's blessings, they are capable of Baptism. 4 By the practice of God's Church, in the purest and best times. Chap. 13. Of the Names and Nature of the Lords Supper. Question. What is the second Sacrament of the new Testament? A. The Eucharist, or Communion, of the Lords Supper. Q. What is that? A. The Sacrament of our Confirmation or Celebration in God's Church, by which our Souls are daily fed up in the hope of Heaven, and assurance of God's love to us in Christ. Q. Why is it called the Lords Supper? A. Because Christ ordained it, and began Mat. 26. 26. it at his last Supper. Q. And why is it called the Communion? A. Because not one alone receives it, as in Baptism, but always many together 1. Cor. 10. 16. 17. do Communicate. Q. But why is it called the Eucharist, or Thanksgiving? A. Because, as always, so now especially we have cause to offer up our best thanks to God for our Redemption by Christ, Q. To whom belongs this Sacrament? A. To all, that being baptised can and 1. Cor. 11. 28 do prepare themselves for it. Q. May all such challenge it? A. Yes, as all jews had their part in Exod, 12. 3. 4. 6. the Passeover; and therefore in old time, it was not unworthily called by the people their Writings, for indeed it doth of Right belong unto them. Chap. 14. Of the outward Elements in the Lord's Supper. Question. What be the outward visible Elements in the Lord's Supper? A. Bread and Wine. Math. 26. 26 1. Cor. 11. 23 Q. Are there no other? A. Christ ordained neither more nor fewer, whatsoever the Roman Church saith. Q. Where is the Institution of this Sacrament? A. In three of the Gospels, and it is Math. 26. Mar. 14 Luk. 22 2. Cor. 11. repeated by Saint Paul, after Christ's ascension. Q. What is the inward, invisible and spiritual blessing? A. Christ jesus his Body and Blood, 1. Cor. 10. 16 with all the merits of the same. Q. What Bread is fittest in the Sacrament? A. The best and purest feeding bread. Q. And what Wine? A. That which is most cherishing and comfortable, and doth most nearly resemble blood. Q Are we tied to any fashion or kind of Bread? A. Such as the Church shall appoint. Q. Ought there to be Water mingled with the Wine? A. No: Christ appointed no such thing. Q. But may it be done at all? A. Yes, in case of necessity, as: 1. When there is want of wine. 2. When some be so weak, they cannot endure Wine. Chap. 15. Of the Bread, and how it resembleth Christ's Body. Question. Why did the Lord appoint Bread, and Wine, rather than any other things? A. For two causes; namely, their generality, and significancy above other Creatures that are eaten and drunk. Q. How appears this generality? A. Thus: of all Creatures that men Mat. 4. 4. Deutr. 8. 3. eat or drink, these are most generally known, most universally used, and most easily come by. Q But what is their significancy? A. This: that these two creatures do most plainly signify, and most lively resemble the body and blood of Christ, of 1. Cor. 10. 16 17. any Creatures in the world. Q. How doth the Bread resemble Christ his Body and sufferings. A. Most lively: in many particulars: joh. 6. 41. and therefore he is called the Bread that came down from heaven. Q Show the first resemblance? A. Bread relisheth all other meats, so Christ gives the true savour and relish 1. Cor. 1. 30 to all other blessings. Q Declare the second? A. No meat is wholesome to the Body, without Bread: no more is any blessing to the Soul, without Christ. Q. Add the third? A. Most meats hurt the Body eaten without Bread, and the more outward blessings without Christ, the more hurtful to the Soul. Q. What is the next resemblance? A. Bread and wine alone feeds the Body, Philip. 4, 11 12, 13. if one have no other meat. So Christ alone gives feeding and contentment to the Soul, if a man had nothing else. Q. What proportion is there else betwixt Bread, and the holy Body of Christ? A. This Bread strengthens the heart, Psal, 104. 15. other meats feeds other humours, but Bread is the strength of Nature. So other blessings serve for other uses Psal. Philip, 4, 13, but Christ is the strength of the Soul. Q. Go forward is there any more? A. Yes: Bread is meat for all men, several Deut. 8. 3 meats are for several sorts of men, but bread for all. So, some blessings are for some, some 2. Tim, 2, 6, joh. 4, 15. 16 1. joh. 2, 2 for others, but Christ for all: all that eat him have equal title in him. Q. Is there yet any other point of resemblance? A Yes: Bread feeds not till it have past and endured the violence of all the Elements, and as it were died many deaths. So Christ the Bread that came down joh. 3. 14. 15 &c, from Heaven, is not a Saviour of our Souls till he have suffered all kind of sufferings. Chap. 16. Of Wine, and how it resembleth the Blood of Christ. Question. HOw doth the Wine resemble the Blood of Christ? A. First, in name and colour, being therefore called the blood of the grape: Q. And is not that all? A. No, it is also like in nature and operation, for first, Wine is not Wine till it be pressed out of the grape So Christ's blood is not effectual, but Heb. 9, 12. 13, 14 being pressed out of his blessed body. Q. Show the next resemblance? A. Wine is fit drink for the sorrowful Prou. 31, 6, and heavy hearted man- So Christ's blood is sweetest to the sorrowful Psal. 51, 17. Math. 9 13 Soul, and humbled heart. Q. Is there any other resemblance? A. Yes. Wine cherisheth the heart of Psal, 104, 15 man. So the Spiritual Wine, the blood of Christ comforts the distressed conscience. Q. It seems then the people ought to have Wine as well as the Bread? A. Yea, rather they then the Clergy, Math. 9 12. as weak ones have more need of Wine then the strong and healthful. Q. It seems the people have need of it, but by what right can they challenge it? A. By a double right, 1. By the institution Math 26. 26 27. 28. 1. Cor. 11. 25 and 28. of Christ, who so ordained it, 2. By the practice of the Primitive Church, for 1000 years after Christ. Chap. 17. Of the outward actions in the Lord's Supper. Question. What be the outward actions to be performed in the Lord's Supper? A. They be of two sorts: some to be done by the Minister, some by the Receiver. Q. What is the Minister to do? A. Four things. 1. To take Bread and Wine. Mat. 26. 26. etc. 2. To bless them. 3. To break the Bread, and pour out the Wine. 1. Cor. 11. 26. etc. 4. To give them to the Communicants, to every one severally. Q. And what belongs to the Receiver? A. Two things. 1. To take them both. Mat. 26. 26. etc. 1. Cor. 11. 23 etc. 2. To eat and drink them in remembrance of the breaking of Christ's body, and shedding of his blood. Q. And is not the Minister to hold it up, to be seen and worshipped of the people. A. No, Christ commanded no such thing, but it came in together with Idolatry. Q. But is not the people to worship it when it is consecrated? A. No, that were foul Idolatry to Deut. 2. 2 worship Bread? Q. But it is not Bread but God? A. Nay, if it were God it might not be eaten with the Mouth. Q. But may not the people keep part of it, and carry it home? A. No, it is impiety, and superstition: and Christ commanded no more, but to take and eat. Chap. 18. Of the inward actions in the Lord's Supper. Question. What be the spiritual and inward actions in the Sacrament? A. Answerable to the outward: some belong to the Giver, some to the Receiver. Q Who is the invisible Minister here? A. God the Father, giving Christ unto Rom. 8. 32. us. Q. What are the actions he doth? A. Four: Answerable to the four outward things done by the Minister. 1 He destinates Christ to be our Saviour, represented by the Ministers taking of bread and wine. 2 He sanctifies Christ's humanity, and joh. 3, 34 furnisheth it with holiness: shadowed by the Minister's blessing of the Eliments. 3 He gives his Son to dye, and to be Rom. 8, 32▪ broken for us, lively resembled in breaking the Bread and pouring out the Wine. 4 He offers that crucified Son, to 1. Cor. 1. 30 every believing soul, as is most comfortably represented unto us in the Ministers giving of the broken bread to each Communicant. Q. And what be the spiritual actions of the Receiver? A. Spiritually by Faith, and Love, to john, 9 53, etc. to 56▪ take and eat him, that is to make him our own, as Bread is when a man hath eaten it, and receives life and strength by it. Chap. 19 What Preparation is requisite in regard of God. Question. Who receive benefit by this Sacrament? A. The worthy Receiver: Many receive it, but none else receive benefit by it. Q. Who is the worthy Receiver hereof? A. He that believing in Christ, doth rightly prepare himself thereunto. Q. What is requisite to a right preparation? A. Two sorts of things: 1 Some betwixt God and ourselves. 2 Some betwixt our neighbours and us. Q. What is required in regard of God? A. Seven things: 1. A competent measure of knowledge 1, Chr. 28. 9 of the principles of Religion. 2. A serious examination of our hearts 2. Cor. 13. 5 Gal. 6. 4. and lives, to know our corruptions and sins. 3. True confession of them all to God Psalms, 51. 4. james 5. 16. and to man also where we find need. 4 A cleansing of our hearts by renewing jam. 4▪ 8 Exod. 12. 8. of our repentance. 5 A trimming of our souls by holy resolutions, Reuel. 21. 2. jerem. and love of virtue. 6 A raising up of our hearts to a meditation i Sam. 12. 24 of God's mercies to us in Christ. 7 A resolution to become new creatures, 2. Th. 5. 23. and to practise new obedience every day more and more. Chap. 20. What preparation is requisite in regard of our Brethren. Question. What preparation is fit in respect of our Neighbours? A. To be in Christian love and charity Exod. 12. 8. Heb. 12. 14. with all men: and at peace also if it be possible. Q. How can we love evil men? A. We must love good men in God, Math. 5. and evil men for God: yea though they be our cruel enemies. Q▪ What shall they do that have Law saite●? A. Either presently end them, or 1. Cor. 6. learn to go to Law without breach of Charity. Q. How may one do so? A. Thus: 1 Never going to Law for small things. Prou. 2 Making Law the last means of getting right. 3 To be ever ready to make a quiet end Psal, 34. 14. to some loss. Q. What if a man see he cannot go to Law without breach of Charity? A. Till he can, he must have no john, 6. 27, suits, nor rob God of his worship to enrich himself. Q. What must he do that is at variance with another? A. Seek to be reconciled. Mat. 5. Q. What if the other will not be reconciled? A. Let him show himself ready for Gal. 6. 5. his part, and God will accept him: and leave the other to God and the Church to deal withal. Chap. 21. Of the Circumstanes of this Sacrament. Question. Whether is it necessary to receive fasting? A. It is convenient, not necessary. Q. How appears that? A. Thus: 1 If one be not well, God saith he will Math. 9 3, have mercy and not Sacrifice. 2 Because meat defiles not a man. 3 In the primitive Church they received at any time, day or night. Q. Must we follow Christ in all things toucbing this Sacrament? A. For matter of substance we must, but for circumstances not so. Q. What be the substantial matters in this Sacrament? A. Four: 2. Persons, and 2. things. Q What be the Persons? A, A Minister qualified to give it, and a worthy Receiver to take it. Q▪ What be the the things? A. The Elements, and the actions to be done about those Elements. These may not be altered. Q. But why are we not tied also to follow Christ, in the circumstances of time, place, gesture, number, sex, unleavened Bread, etc. A. Because Christ was tied to the Circumstances of the Passe-ouer, so are not we. Q. Why was Christ bound to keep the Pass over? A. Because he was a jew borne, and came to fulfil all righteousness. Q. But the Passe-ouer was a Ceremony? A. True: but the Ceremonicall Law was in source until Christ died. Chap 22. That kneeling is not only lawful but convement and commendable. Question. Who then is to appoint the Circumstances for this Sacrament? A. The Church hath power to do it. Q. How appears? A. Because She is the Spouse, and Math. 28. 20 hath the Spirit and power of Christ. Q What time hath the Church appointed as best? A. The morning, because we are then fittest for any great or good action. Psal. Q. And what place? A. The public Congregation, except in case of necessity. Psal, 40 Q And what gesture is best and fittest? A. The gesture of most Humility; namely, kneeling. Q▪ Why is kneeling the best beseeming gesture? A Because we then show the Lords 1. Cor. 11. 28 death, who died by our means, and for our fault: therefore we may not show that death, but with all humility. Q. But is it not Idolatry to kneel to the Bread? A. We kneel to no Bread, but only james. to God, to whom also we then pray. Q. But did not the Pope bring in kneeling, together with Transubstantiation? A. No, it was used by devout and holy Christians long before: as may appear in the end of this Book. Q. But is it not a Feast, and therefore more fit to sit then kneel? A. First, the Scripture calls it not a 1 Cor. 11. 28 Feast, but a commemoration of the Lords death. Secondly, if it be a Feast, it's like a Funeral feast where is cause of Sorrow as well as joy.. Thirdly, the conclusion certainly is a 1. Cor. 11. 28 Feast, but not the breaking, giving, and taking: That is a showing of the Lords death, and therefore it is to be done kneeling: But that done, than it is a Communion and Lovefeast, and then we may either sit and sing, or stand and praise 1 Cor. 10. 16 GOD. Q. But why should we alter the gesture that Christ used? A. It is not certain Christ gave it them sitting, the Text saith not so. Again, Saint Paul repeating all he received 2 Cor. 11. 23 of Christ, saith not a word of any gesture. Third, If it were certain, yet the Church upon good cause might as well alter it, as the Bread, time, place etc. Q. What is to be thought of them that wilfully refuse to kneel? A. They are like rebellious, and proud children, that will take upon them to overrule their Mother. Q. May one alone Communicate? A. No, there must be a convenient 1. Cor. 10. 16, 17. number, else it is no Communion. Chap▪ 23. What a Christian ought to do after he hath Received. Question. WHat is to be done, when we have Received? A. In the Church we are to give God Heb. 13. 15. 1. Cor. 16. Heb. 3. 16. thankes, with the Congregation, and to offer up our Aims for the poor. Q Who are to give alms when they receive? A. All that come to take part in Christ, Wives, women, and servants, are all to give something to Christ's poor members, Gal. 3. 28. seeing he gives himself to all without difference. Q. How and what is every one to give? A. According to the necessities of the 2. Cor. 8. 2. & 9 7. 1. Cor. 16. 2. poor, and as God hath blessed thee that Month, or since thou didst last receive. Q And what is to be done at home? A. Retire yourselves in private, and meditate upon the infinite mercy of God, in giving Christ to dye for our sins, and Psal. 44. Math. 6. 6. 1. Thes. 4. 12 to beg grace, that daily we may walk worthy of it. Q▪ But as we received together in the Church, it is not fit to go together that day to drink and make merry? A. Thankfulness is necessary, and moderate mirth is lawful, but as this is 1. Thes. 5. 18 Philip. 3. joh. 6. 2. a Spiritual feast, so our joy that day is to be Spiritual: There be other days enough for the body. FINIS.