The doctrine of the Lords supper By way of question and answer, gathered out of 1. Corint. chap. 11. ver. 23. to 33. By Charles Richardson, preacher at S. Katharins neare the Tower of London. Richardson, Charles, fl. 1612-1617. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A10735 of text S119813 in the English Short Title Catalog (STC 21014). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 41 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 19 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2018 A10735 STC 21014 ESTC S119813 99855019 99855019 20489 2248516581

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 Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A10735) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 20489) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1475-1640 ; 1556:23) The doctrine of the Lords supper By way of question and answer, gathered out of 1. Corint. chap. 11. ver. 23. to 33. By Charles Richardson, preacher at S. Katharins neare the Tower of London. Richardson, Charles, fl. 1612-1617. [36] p. Printed by Lionell Snowdon, for W. Butlar, and are to be sold at his shop in the Bulwarke, neare the Tower of London, London : 1616. Signatures: A-B C² . Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library. eng Lord's Supper -- Early works to 1800. eebo The doctrine of the Lords supper. By way of question and answer, gathered out of 1. Corint. chap. 11. ver. 23. to 33. By Charles Richardson, preacher Richardson, Charles, 1616 38 6566 9 0 0 0 0 0 13.71 C The rate of 13.71 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2011-02 Assigned for keying and markup 2011-02 Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2011-04 Sampled and proofread 2011-04 Text and markup reviewed and edited 2011-06 Batch review (QC) and XML conversion

THE DOCTRINE OF THE LORDS SVPPER .

By way of Question and Answer , Gathered out of 1. Corinth . chap. 11. ver. 23. to 33.

By CHARLES RICHARDSON , Preacher at S. Katharins neare the Tower of London .

LONDON Printed by Lionell Snowdon , for W. Butlar , and are to be sold at his shop in the Bulwarke , neare the Tower of London . 1616.

To my Christian Auditours at S. Katharines neare the Tower , increase of all sauing graces .

CHristian Auditours , though among all the parts of Gods seruice , which wee are bound to performe , there are none more excellent , nor more honourable , then the worthy receiuing of his holy & blessed Supper : yet it is fearefull and lamentable to see , how much it is generally abused and profaned in the world . Some are ignorant , and vnderstand nothing at all of the true vse of the Sacrament . As our Sauiour Christ said to the woman of Samaria , Iohn 4.22 Yee worship that which ye know not : so it may be truely said to many at this day , They receiue that which they know not . They haue no iudgement to discerne the Lords body , and therefore they rush vpon these holy Mysteries without any reuerence . Others are notoriously wicked , holding their sins in their right hand . Ierem. 7.9 , 10 They will steale , murther , and commit adultery , and sweare falsly &c. As the Prophet saith , & yet thinke they may come and stand before God in his house : Matth. 7.6 and though in the sight of God , they be no better then filthy dogges and swine : yet they will presume to sit as guests at his Table . Others againe there are , that haue both knowledge and grace in some measure , and yet for want of due preparation , come many times to the Lords Supper , without that reuerence that is required .

For the reforming of all these abuses , I haue in your hearing handled in many Sermons , the Doctrine of this Sacrament , as the Apostle hath set it downe . And for the helpe of those that are ignorant , I haue drawne the summe of all that was publikely taught , into short Questions and Answers , which here I commend vnto you , as an vnfained testimony of my loue . I confesse I owe much vnto you , for the great kindenesse which I daily receiue at your hands . For as you entertained me at my first comming with a generall consent : 2 Cor. 8.3 so I beare you record , that to your power , yea and many of you , beyond your power , are willing to giue me better maintenance ( considering the pouerty of the place ) then many richer Parishes about the Citie doe affoord . All that I can doe , is to continue my paines among you , as I haue begunne so long as it shall please God . And I desire you all to labour together in prayer for me , that I may with all faithfulnesse fulfill the Ministerie that I haue receiued of the Lord . Coloss. 4.17 . Thus hoping you will accept this small gift of mine , with the same affection that I offer it , I commend you all to the grace of God , beseeching him , to make your hearts stable and vnblameable in holinesse before God , euen our Father , at the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ with all his Saints .

Yours in the Lord , CHARLES RICHARDSON .
THE DOCTRINE OF THE LORDS SVPPER .

Question .

WHat doeth the Apostle set downe in this portion of Scripture ?

A. Two things .

Qu. Which are they ?

A. 1. The true institution of the Lords Supper , to the 27. verse .

2 , The right vse thereof in the rest of the verses .

Q. What is to be obserued in the first part ?

A. 1. A Preface . 2. The Institution it selfe .

Que. What are the words of the Preface ?

A. I haue receiued of the Lord , that which I also haue deliuered vnto you .

Q. What doe you learne from hence ?

A. 1. It teacheth Ministers , that they must deliuer nothing to the people concerning the Doctrine of faith and manners , but what they haue receiued and learned of the Lord .

●…s 17.11 ●ohn 4.1 2. It teacheth the people to receiue no doctrine , but that which is agréeable to the Word .

Q How many things are to be considered in the Institution of the Lords Supper ?

A. Foure things .

Q. Which are they ?

A. 1. The Author of it : 2. the time when it was ordayned : 3. the patres : 4 the end of it .

Q. Who was the Author of the Lords Supper ?

A. The Lord Iesus Christ .

Q. What doth that teach vs ?

A. 1. That none hath power to make Sacraments , but Christ onely .

Psalme 5.7 and 26.6 Exodus 20.7 2. That wee must bring reuerence with vs when we come to receiue because it is not the ordinance of man , but of God .

Q. At what time did Christ ordaine it ?

A. In the same night that he was betrayed .

Q. What doth that teach vs ?

Answ. To make great account of the Lords Supper , as being the last gift that Christ left to his Church .

Q. How many parts are there of the Lords Supper ?

A. Two .

Q. Which are they ?

A. The signes , and the actions to be performed about the signes .

Q. What be the signes in the Lords Supper ?

A. Bread and Wine .

Q. What doth the Bread signifie ?

A. The body of Christ .

Que. What resemblance is there betweene the Bread & the Body of Christ ? 1 Cor. 10.16

A. 1. Heb. 5.8 , 9 As bread is baked in the Ouen by the heate of the fire : so the body of Christ , being as it were baked in the fire of the Crosse , is made the bread of life .

2. Matth. 11.28 Ieremy 29.13 As bread is most easily gotten of all food : so Christ is easily found of all that truely and seasonably sake him .

Q. Why did our Sauiour Christ make choice of bread , rather then of flesh to signifie his body ?

Psal. 104 15 A. Because he did not so much respect the colour and outward forme , as the strength of nourishing , which is greater in bread then in flesh .

Q. What doth the Wine signifie ?

1 Cor. 10.16 A. The bloud of Christ .

Que. What resemblance is there betweene the wine and the bloud of Christ ?

A. 1. As wine flowing from the grape , is the swéetest of all licours : so the bloud of Christ , Iohn 6.55 who is the true Vine , flowing from his side , is the sweetest drinke of the soule .

2. As wine doth cleare and refresh the heart of man : Psal. 104.55 so the bloud of Christ sprinkled vpon the heart , doth comfort the soule of euery beléeuer .

Q. Why hath our Sauiour ordained both bread and wine to be signes in this Sacrament ?

A. To teach vs , that in him there is full and perfect nourishment and saluation for vs . Psal 130 7 Acts. 4.12

Q. What doth this admonish vs ?

Matth. 5.6 A. That wee must bring to the Lords Table an earnest desire of Christ and his grace : we must both hunger and thirst after him .

Q Is it not lawfull to administer the Lords Supper vnder one signe , as the Papists doe ?

A. No , not without great iniury to Christ and his Church .

Que. What iniury is done to Christ thereby ?

A. There is a mangling of his ordinance , Apoc. 22.18 , 19 Galat. 3.15 and a detracting from his last will and Testament : both which are condemned .

Quest. What iniury is done to the Church ?

A. The conscience of the godly are depriued of that most swéete promise which Christ hath annexed to the Cup. Matth. 26.28

Q. What are the actions to be performed in the administration of these signs ?

A. Some of them were performed by Christ , and are now to be performed by the Minister : and some by the Disciples to be done by the receiuers .

Q. What are the actions to be done by the Minister ?

A. They are thrée .

Q. What is the first of them ?

A. To take the bread and wine , and to blesse the same .

Q. What meane you by that ?

1 Tim. 4.5 1 Sam. 9.13 A. By prayer to separate them , that they may be sacramentall bread and wine .

Q. What doth this action signifie ?

Iohn 10.36 and 6.27 A. That Christ Iesus was set apart , by the Father , to be the Redeemer of the Elect.

Q. How was Christ set apart to this worke ?

A. Thrée wayes .

Q. Which are they ?

1 Pet. 1.20 Galat. 4.4 Matt. 3.16 , 17 A. 1. In Gods eternall decree . 2. In his incarnation . 3. In his baptisme .

Q. What doth this action admonish vs ?

Rom. 12.1 Pro. 23.26 Ans. That wee must likewise set our selues apart to his seruice .

Qu. What is the second action to bee done by the Minister ?

A. To breake the bread , and to powre out the Wine .

Q. What doth this action signifie ?

Esay 53.4 , 5 1 Pet. 2.24 Matt. 20.28 A. That Christ his body was broken with sorrow , and his bloud shed vpon the Crosse for our sinnes .

Q. What doth it admonish vs ?

A. 1. Zech. 12.10 2 Sam. 24.17 That our soules should bléede with remorce and sorrow for sinne .

2. Galat. 2.20 That we must for euer loathe and detest our sinnes .

3. Coloss. 1.24 1 Thess. 1.6 Matth. 20.22 That wee must be content to suffer any thing for Christ his sake . Mat. 10.38 .

Que. What is the third action to bee done by the Minister ?

A. To giue the bread and wine to euery particular receiuer .

Q. What doth this action signifie ?

Ans. That God doth likewise giue Christ Iesus with all his merits to euerie true beleeuer . Iohn 3.16

Q. What doth it admonish vs ?

A. 1. 1 Cor. 6.20 1 Pet. 1 17 , 18 , 19 That we must wholly giue our selues backe againe to Christ

2. That we must be willing for Christ his sake to giue somewhat to the reliefe of our poore brethren . 1 Iohn 3.17 and 4 11

Q. What words did our Sauior Christ vse in administring these signes ?

A. Words of promise concerning the Bread and the Cup.

Q. What are he words concerning the Bread ?

A. This is my body which is broken for you .

Quest. What is the meaning of these words ?

Genesis 17 , 10 , 11 and 41.26 , 27 Exudus 1● . 13 1 Cor. 10.4 A. This bread is a signe to represent , and a seale to seale vnto you my body , with the benefites of my passion suffered in the same .

Q. What may we learne from thence ?

A. The great goodnesse of God to his Church , that hath not only giuen vs his word and promises : but for the better strengthning of our faith , hath also giuen vs his Sacraments , to seale the same vnto vs .

Q. Is not the bread really turned into the body of Christ , after these words be pronounced by the Priest ?

A. No , by no meanes .

Q. Why so ?

A. 1. Because it ouerthroweth the nature of the Sacrament .

Q. How prooue you that ?

A. Because in euery Sacrament there must be these two things : the signe , and the thing signified . But if the bread cease to be bread , and be turned into the body of Christ , then the Sacrament hath lost his outward Signe .

Q. Why else ?

A. Because it is plaine in the text , that our Sauiour Christ tooke the bread and wine into his hand : he brake the one , and powred out the other , and did himselfe eat and drinke the same . Now none of all these can bee true of the reall body and bloud of Christ .

Q. Why else ?

An. Because the Bread is called the Communion of the body of Christ : 1 Cor. 10.16 therefore it is not his body it selfe .

Q. Why else ?

A. Because the Apostle calleth it bread still after the consecration , to teach vs , 1 Cor. 11.26 , 27 , 28 that the substance of bread remaineth .

Q. Why else ?

A. Because diuerse absurdities would otherwise follow .

Q. What are they ?

A. 1. Matth. 28.6 Acts 1.9 , 11 and 3.21 That Christs body should be in many places at once , which is contrary to the nature of a true body .

Q. What else ?

A. That Christ should haue two bodies : one borne of the Virgine Mary , and another made of the bread .

Q. What else ?

Ans. That we should not in the Lords Supper receiue the body of Christ , that was crucified for vs , but an other body made by the Priest .

Que. But may not this be done by a miracle ?

A. No.

Q. Why so ?

An. 1. Because Miracles are ceased : neyther haue the Priests now anie promise thereof .

Exodus 4.3 , 4 Iohn 2.7 , 8 , 9 2 Because in euery Miracle there is a visible and sensible change . But heere is no such thing we see , and feele , and taste bread still , as we did before .

3. Because Miracles , though they be beyond and aboue nature , yet they are not against nature to ouerthrow it as this doth , in making the finite body of Christ to be in many places at once .

4. Because a Miracle is an extraordinarie worke of God , belonging to certaine times and persons . But the Sacraments are for all times , and for the whole church .

Q. But can not God by his omnipotencie doe this ?

An. Wee are not in this case to respect what God can doe , but what hee will doe : now he hath not any where reuealed that he will doe this , and therefore we are not to beléeue it .

Q. What are the words concerning the Cuppe ?

A. This Cup is the new Testament in my bloud , which is shed for you , Matt. 26.28 Luke 22.20 and for many for the remission of sinnes .

Que. What is the meaning of these words ?

A. The Cup , that is , the wine in the Cup which I offer vnto you , is a pledge and seale of my Testament , to establish and confirme the same .

Q. What is meant by the word Testament ?

Answ. Eyther a Couenant or a last Will .

Q. How many kinds of Couenants is there ?

Ans. Two : the couenant of Workes , and the couenant of Grace .

Q. What is the couenant of Works ?

A. It is a compact of perfect obedience to the will of God , Leuit. 18.5 vpon condition of eternall life if it be obeyed , and of eternall death if it be not obeyed .

Q. Is any man able to keepe this couenant ?

Rom. 3.23 Ans. No , for all haue sinned , and are are depriued of the glory of God .

Q. What is the couenant of grace ?

Ier. 31.31 , 32 , 33 A. It is a compact of mutu●ll reconciliation betwéene God and man , in and through Christ Iesus .

Q. Wherein consisteth that ?

Ieremy 31.34 A. 1. In a gracious promise of remission of sins , and euerlasting life on Gods part .

Marke 1.15 2. In faith in Gods promises , and repentance on mans part .

Qu. What resemblance is betweene this Couenant , and a last will or Testament ?

A. 1. As he that maketh the Testament , hath no benefite by it himselfe : so Christ no benefite by this Couenant , but all redoundeth to the Church .

Q. What else ?

Heb. 9.16 , 17. Ans. 2. As a Testament is neuer of force till the Testator be dead : so this couenant was made effectuall by the death of Christ .

Q. Why is it called a new Testament ?

A. To distinguish it from the old Testament , that was made with the Fathers before Christ .

Qu. Was not the couenant of Grace in the Lawe , the same that is in the Gospel ?

Ans. Yes : For substance , and in respect of all the causes it was one and the same .

1. Deut. 9.5 2 Tim. ● . 9 The efficient cause of both is the méere mercy of God , without any respect of workes .

2. The matter of both is Christ , Genesis 3.15 and 12.3 2 Cor. 5.19 Heb. 13.8 Apoc. 13 , 8 Heb. 11. tot Rom 4.23 , 24 Heb. 11.9 , 10 , 13 Gen. 47.9 Num 23 to Psal. 116.15 . without whom no man is receiued into Gods fauour .

3. The formall cause of them both is faith .

4. The end whereunto they bother cited men , is eternall life .

Quest. How then doe they differ one from another ?

A. 1 The promises in the olde Testament , were for the most part of temporall blessings , but the promises in the new Testament , are of spirituall .

2. In the olde Testament there were many ceremonies and sacrifices , burdensome and costly : in the new Testament there are but a few , & they light and easie .

Matth. 11.13 Heb. 11.13 Iohn 1.29 Galat. 3.1 3. In the olde Testament , all things were deliuered obscurely , in Types and Figures : but in the new Testament , the mysterie of our saluation is plainely and openly reuealed .

Iohn 7.38 , 39 Acts 2.17 Ierem. 31.14 4. There is ordinarily a greater measure of the graces of Gods Spirite in the New Testament , then there was in the Olde .

Deut. 32.8 , 9 Matth. 10.5 , 6 Marke 16.15 Acts 10.15 , 34 Rom. 3.29 Ephes. 2.14 , 15 5. The New Testament is made knowne to more people then the old was . For that was only knowne to the Iewes , but this is published to all nations .

6. In the old Testament Christ was onely promised , 1 Pet. 1.20 2 Tim. 1.9 , 10 but in the new Testament he is exhibited .

Quest. Why was it necessary that the bloud of our Sauiour Christ should bee shed ?

Ans. 1. Because it was figured in the olde Testament , in the Paschall Lambe , and in the Sacrifices .

Leuit. 17.11 . Heb. 9.22 . 2. That hee might make his sacrifice perfect and sufficient .

Q. Why doth hee not say , This is my body of the new Testament , as well as , This is my bloud &c.

Ans. Because although the new Testament be established by the offering vp of whole Christ : Iohn 19.34 yet his death was more manifest , in the sheding of his bloud , then in the sufferings of his flesh .

Q. What commaundement did our Sauiour annex vnto these words ?

A. Doe this in remembrance of me .

Qu. What remembrance of Christ is commanded heere ?

Ans. Not an historicall remembrance , such as is in the Diuell , nor a bare and idle remembrance , as if it did not appertaine vnto vs : but an effectuall remembrance , whereby wee doe apprehend and apply Christ with all his benefites to our selues by faith : and so call to minde his sacrifice , as by it we may conceiue present comfort in our consciences , and assured hope of euerlasting life .

Q. What are the actions that were performed by the Disciples , and must be performed by euery receiuer ?

A. They are two .

Q. What is the first ?

A. To take the bread and wine at the hands of the Minister .

Q. What doth this action signiffe ?

A. That in like manner wee must receiue Christ Iesus into our hearts by a true and liuely land . Iohn 1.12 . and 6.35

Q. What doth it admonish vs ?

Psal. 24.7 , 8 Ephe. ● . 17 . Apoc. 3. ●0 A. To prepare and cleanse our hearts for the rec●●uing of so honourable a guest .

Q , What is the second action ?

An. To ease the bread and drinke the wine .

Q. What doth this action signifie ?

1 Cor. 10.16 Ioh. 17.21 . Ephe. 5.30 A. The vnion and communion which we haue with Christ .

Q. What is this vnion ?

Iohn 6.56 . A. It is a consolating of our persons with the person of Christ .

Q. What a manner of vnion is it that we haue with Christ ?

Ans. Not corporall and bodily , but spirituall and supernaturall , yet reall and true .

Q. By what meanes is it wrought in respect of Christ ?

Ephes. 4.16 Ans. By his Spirit : whereby all the faithfull are knitte vnto Christ , as the members of the body by ioynts & sinewes are coupled to the head .

Quest. By what meanes is it wrought in respect of vs ;

Galat. 2.20 Ans. By a particular application of Christ and his merits to our owne soules .

Q. What doth it admonish vs of ?

A. Of that Christian concord and fellow his that ought to be among the members of Christ . Rom. 12.5 and 15.5 , 6 , 1 Cor. 1.10 Acts 4.32 Esay 11.6 ,

Q. What arguments are there in the administration of the Lords Supper to perswade vs thereunto ?

Ans. 1. 1 Cor. 10.17 Because we all do eate of one Bread and all drinke of one Cup.

2. Because many graines of wheate doe make one loafe of bread , and many grapes make one cup of wine .

Quest. What is the end of the Lords Supper ?

A. To shew forth the death of Christ till he come .

Q. How must we shew forth the death of Christ ?

Ans. Two wayes : in speach , and in action .

Q. How in speach ?

Ans. By giuing thankes to God for the great benefite of our redemption . Psalme 116.12 Luke 1.68

Q. How in action ?

Ans. 1. 2 Cor. 4.10 Galat. 6.14 . By suffering crosses and afflictions for Christ his sake .

2. Rom. 6.4 . By feeling the power of Christs death , in killing our corruptions and sinnes .

Quest. Why doth the Apostle in the next place set downe the right vse of the Lords Supper ?

Ans. To teach vs , that the ordinances of God must not bee separated from their holy vse .

Quest. What order doth the Apostle obserue in setting downe hereof ?

An. First , he sheweth the abuse of the Lords Supper , and then the remedy of it .

Quest. What is the abuse of the Lords Supper ?

Answer . To eate and drinke vnworthily .

Q. Who doe eate and drinke vnworthily ?

Ans. Not onely such as are altogether vnworthy to come , but euen they also , who being worthy , doe not come as they ought .

Quest. Who are they that are altogether vnworthy ?

Ans. There are some without the Church , and some in the Church .

Quest. Who are they that are without the Church ?

Ans. All Turkes , Iews , Pagans , Exodus 12.48 and Infidels .

Quest. Who are they that are within the Church ?

Ans. 1. All that are grossely ignorant , though they liue neuer so ciuilly .

2. All grosse sinners , Matth. 7.6 and 15.26 though they haue neuer so much knowledge .

3. All hypocrites .

Quest. Who are they that may be said to be worthy to come ?

Ans. All the faithfull , Luke 22 : 30 who for the merites of Christ are counted worthy .

Que. How may these come vnworthily ?

Ans. When as not considering the excellencie of the Lords Supper , nor seriously examining themselues , eyther thorow ignorance or negligence , they lie in some sinne without sufficient repentance .

Que. What is the danger of vnworthy receiuers ?

An. 1. They make themselues guilty of a grieuous sinne .

2. They become liable to a fearefull iudgement .

Quest. What is the sinne whereof they are guilty ?

Ans. They are guilty of the body and bloud of Christ .

Q. How so ?

Ans. Because the disgrace done to the signes of Christ his body and bloud , redoundeth to himselfe .

Que. What is the iudgement wherevnto they are lyable ?

Ans. They eate and drinke damnation to themselues .

Q. What is meant by damnation ?

Luke 23.40 1 Pet. 4.17 . Ans. Not the second death , but temporall correction .

Quest. How proue you that is taken so heere ?

1 Cor. 1.2 . and 6.11 Rom. 8.1 . Ans. Because the Apostle threatneth it to the Corinthians , who were iustified and sanctified , and therefore not subiect to damnation .

Q. Why doth the Apostle say hee eateth and drinketh iudgement to himselfe ?

A. To teach vs , that the vnworthines of any man hurteth none but himselfe .

Qu. What reason giueth the Apostle of this ?

Ans. Because hee discerneth not the Lords body .

Qu. What is to discerne the Lords body ?

Ans. To distinguish these Elements , being signes of Christs most precious body and bloud from all other things , and to vse them with that reuerence and deuotition that is méete .

Quest. Why is the body of Christ to be accounted of so precious and excellent ?

Ans. 1. Because of the exeltation of it , being ready vnited to the Deity .

2. Because of the merite of his sufferings in it , whereby he hath procured for vs eternall life .

3. Because of the efficacie thereof in mortifying of our corruptions .

Qu. Who are they that do not discerne the Lords body ?

Ans. 1. Ignorant Christians , who put no difference betwéene the bread of the Sacrament and common bread : but come to the Lords table as to an ordinary feast .

2. They that haue knowledge of the Mysterie , and yet doe not come with due consideration of the dignitie thereof .

Q. What remedy doth the Apostle prescribe for preuenting of this sinne , and for auoyding of this iudgement ?

Ans. That euery man trie and examine himselfe .

Que. What doth that teach vs ?

2 Cor. 13.5 Ans. That euery man must haue discretion to iudge of his owne estate : or else he is not fit to come to the Lords Table .

Quest. By what rule must we try our selues ?

Ans. By the rule of Gods Lawe , examining our selues by euery commaundement thereof . Psal. 119.59 .

Quest. What must bee the matter of our triall ?

Ans. Whether wee bee fitte guests for Gods table , or no.

Quest. How many things are required to make vs fitte ?

Ans. Fine things especially .

Que. What is the first ?

Ans. Knowledge .

Quest. What knowledge is required in this case ?

Ans. A generall and a particular knowledge .

Que. What is the generall knowledge required ?

Ans. 1. The knowledge of God , his nature , persons , attributes and works .

2. The knowledge of our natural condition by originall sinne , and the punishment thereof .

3. The knowledge of the couenant of grace , concerning our redemption in Christ .

Que. What is the particular knowledge ?

Answ. The knowledge of the nature and vse of the Sacrament , in the signes and actions to be performed about them .

Quest. What is the second thing ?

An. A true and sound faith .

Quest. What is faith ?

A. A sure perswasion , that all Christs merites are mine , as if I had wrought them my selfe .

Quest. Why is faith necessary ?

Ans. Because in the Sacrament we receiue so much as wee beleeue , and no more .

Quest. Doe all receiue grace presently in the Sacrament ?

Ans. No.

Quest. How then ?

Ans. 1. Such as haue strong faith indéede , do at the instant receiue both grace , and a sense of grace .

2. A there receiue grace peraduenture , but no sense and feeling of grace .

3. Others receiue neither grace , nor any sense of grace for the present .

Quest. What is the reason that some receiue grace , but no sense of it ?

Ans. The weakenesse of their faith , being lke to a vessell with a narrow mouth , that can receiue but a little water at oute .

Quest. What is the reason that some receiue neither grace , nor any sense of it ?

Ans. Because they come vnhumbled and vnprepared .

Qu. Whas it to be done in both these cases ?

Luke 17.5 . Marke 9.24 Ans. Wee must earnestly pray for increase of faith .

Qu. What is the third thing ?

Ans. Repentance .

Q. Wherein consisteth that ?

Matt. 26.75 . Psal. 119.106 Ans. In an hearty sorrow for our sins past , and a full pu●pose to leade a godlie life for the time to come .

Q. What is the fourth thing ?

Ans. Loue and charitie towardes our brethren .

Q Wherein consisteth that ?

Ans. In a readines to satisfie for the iniuries which wee haue done to others : Mat. 5.23.24 and to forgiue them that are done to our selues .

Qu. What is the fift and last thing ?

An. A speciall sanctification .

Qu. What is that ?

An. A renewing of our Faith and Repentance , Genesis 35.6 1 Sam. 16.5 . Iob 1.5 . as we haue particularly renued our sinnes

Qu In what manner must this duetie of Examination be performed ?

An. 1. With diligence , Lam. 3.40 . Zeph. 2.1 . 2 Cor. 13.5 . Heb 4.13 . Psa , 44.20 , 21 that we may throughly discerne of our estate .

2. With singlenesse of heart , because wee haue to deale with God that can not be deceiued .

3. Speedily without delay .

4. Constantly , without giuing ouer , till wee haue found that we seeke for .

5. With earnest prayer to God , for the direction and assistance of his Spirit .

Que. Why doth the Apostle commaund euerie man to examine himselfe ? euery man to examine himselfe ?

1 Cor. 2.11 An. 1. Because euery man knoweth himselfe best .

2 , Because a godly man will be most faithfull to himselfe .

Rom. 14.12 Galat. 6.5 3. Because euery man must chiefly giue account to God for himselfe , and not for others , further then he is charged with them by vertue of his calling .

Que. How doth the Apostle prooue , that the vnworthy receuing of the Lords Supper causeth temporall iudgements ?

Ans. By the present experience which the Corinthians had in themselues .

Q. What was that ?

Ans. For this cause many are weake and sicke among you , and many sléep , that is , are dead .

Que. What doe you generally learne from thence ?

A. That as all sinne , so especially vnworthy receiuing is the cause of outward calamities .

Quest. Why doth the Apostle make mention of diuers kindes of iudgements ?

Deut. 28. tot. and 32.34 Leuit. 26. tot . Ans. To teach vs , that the Lord hath varietie of iudgements to inflict vpon sinners .

Que. Why are the iudgements set downe , one greater then another ?

Answ. To teach vs , Iohn 5.14 Amos 4.6 , 7 , 12 that there are degrées of Gods iudgements : if we can not profit by the lesser , hee can and will inflict greater .

Quest. Doth God strike his children with temporall death ?

Ans. Yes sometimes .

Qu. What is the reason thereof ?

A. 1 For the chastisement of sins past . Lu. 23.39 , 40 1 Ki. 13.24 , 26

2. For preuenting sinne to come .

3. 1 Ki. 14.12 , 13 That they may not sée the euil and misery that is to come . 2 Kin. 22.20 Esay 57.1

Quest. Why is death compared to a sleepe ?

A. 1. Esay 57.2 Apoc. 14.13 Because in it the godly rest from their labours .

2. Because it is as easie , Iohn 11.11 . for Christ to raise the dead out of their graues , as it is for vs to awake our friends out of sléepe .

Quest. What remedy hath the Apostle prescribed for preuenting of these iudgements ?

Ans. That we iudge our selues .

Que. What is meant by iudging our selues ?

Ans. To take that course against our selues , which is taken with a malefactor .

Q. What is that ?

As Ioshua 7 16 , 17 , 18. Answ. 1. To make diligent search to finde out our sinnes .

2. To arraigne our selues before the barre of Gods iudgement .

3. To frame a bill of Inditement against our selues .

Psal. 51.4 . 4. To giue euidence against our selues .

5. To giue vp a verdict against our selues , and to pleade guilty .

Psal. 51.4 . Dan. 9.7 1 Kin. 20.32 6. To pronounce sentence of condemnation against our selues .

7. To play the executioners , and to put our sinnes to death , Coloss. 3.5 . Galat. 5.24 .

Que. But will not God take vs at the aduantage , and condemne vs out of our owne mouthes ?

1 Iohn 1.9 Prov. 28.13 Ans. No , if we iudge our selues , wee shall not be iudged .

Que. But wee see the godly notwithstanding subiect to many outward miseries ?

Ans. True : but their crosses are no punishments of their sinnes .

Quest. What then is the end of Gods correcting his children ?

Ans. There is a two-fold end , one in this life , and another in the life to come .

Quest. What is the end of Gods corrections in this life ?

Ans. As a louing father to nurture his children .

Quest. Wherefore doth God nurture his children ?

Ans. 1. To make them learne . Psal. 119.71 .

Que. What lessons may a man learne vnder the Crosse ?

Ans. 1. To sée his sinnes . Gen. 42.21 . Psa. 30.6 , 7 , 8

2. To sée his owne frailety , and to fly to God for succour .

3. To see the vanity of all earthly things , and to seeke for an inheritance in heauen .

Q. Wherefore else doth God nurture his children ?

A. 1. To breake them of their wills . Ierem. 31.18 . Psal. 119.67.120

2. To kéepe them in awe .

Qu. What is the end of Gods corrections for the life to come ?

Answer . That wee may not be condemned with the wicked world .

Quest. What may wee learne from hence ?

Heb. 12.11 . Ans. 1. Not to measure affliction by the present sense , but by the fruit that followeth after it .

Psal. 41.1 . Eccles. 9.1 . 2. To iudge wisely of the afflicted , and not to determine of any man by his outward estate in this life .

FINIS .