A treatise of the preparation to the holy supper of our onely saueour and redeemer, Iesus Christe Necessarie for all them that vvil vworthely approche to the Lordes holy table. Also a dialogue containing the principall points, which they that wil recieue the Supper ought to knowe and vnderstand. By Yues Rouspeau minister of the vvord of God. Ttanslated [sic] out of French into English by R.B.

Of Faith. The first Article .

FIrst of all we must haue faith that is to say , a certain & infallible assurance & firme perswasion that God is a merciful father 1 1 Esa. 35.5 : 6.7 . Ioh. 3.16 . vnto vs in the name of his sonne Iesus Christe our Lord , whome he deliuered to death for vs . This faith commeth not of vs , 2 2 Mat. 16.17 . Ro. 7.18 . 1. cor. 2.14 . nether is it grounded vpon vs , nether vpon any other thing the is in vs , but it commeth from God and is grounded 3 3 Math , 11.25.26.27 . Ioh. 1.13 . & 6.26 vpon God the Father , the Sonne , and the holy Ghost , and vpon the promises of the gospel confirmed inwardly within vs , by the working of the holy Ghost , whiche cryeth in our harts Abba . (4) (4) Ro. 8 15 Gal. 4.6 . that is to say father . Furthermore this faith is nourished , confirmed and increased in vs by the holy Sacraments . For in the Supper : God as a good father ( after that hee hath once brought vs into his Church by baptisme ) nourisheth vs spiritually with the proper substance of his Sonne Iesus Christe , applying and making proper vnto euery one of vs , the merit of his death & passion . To this end and purpose is it that Iesus Christe him self giueth vs the bread and Wine : 5 5 Math. 26.26 . Mat 14.21 . Luc. 22.19 1. Cor. 11.14 . that he commaundeth vs , to eat and drink it : that he saith that the Bread is his body whiche is giuen for vs , and that the Wine is his Blood which is shed for the remission of our sinnes : by whiche woordes he giueth him self wholly vnto vs , he wil be our nourishment and spyrituall life : hée will dwell in vs by his holy Spirit , and wil that we abide in him by faith , that through beléef we may not perish , 6 6 Ioh. 1.36.28 . but haue eternall life , wherof he is the onely heyre and giuer . 7 7 Psal 8.7 . Math. 11 Heb. 1.2 Ioh. 17 , 12 27. & 28.18 . In like sorte the breaking of the Bread of the Supper serueth to the confirmation of our faith and sure warranting of our saluation , in so much as it assureth vs and causeth vs to see with spirituall eyes , that Iesus Christe was once broken with the paines of death in Ierusalem , to deliuer vs from the same , and to get vs eternall life . Also , in that that by the commaundement of Christe Iesus , we take the Bread in our hands , and then the Cup , more ouer in that that we eate the Bread and drink the Wine , whiche turn into the nourishment of our bodyes : we are certyfied , that by the hands of Faith we take and embrace Iesus Christe our Lord for our onely Saueour and redéemer , and that by the same Faith we eat his body spiritually , and drink his blood to the hope of eternall life .

Now euery one of vs must liue by his owne faith , 8 8 Aba. 2 4. Ro. 1.17 . Gal. 3 11. Heb. 10.38 according as we may make our confession in the beleef whiche is called the Apostles , in that that euery man saith by him self I beleelue in God , and saith not we beleeue .

We must not heer cast our braines or think vpon the beléeuing or vnbeleeuing , vpon the worthynes or vnworthynes of an other man but vpon our owne . For Saint Paule dooth not teach vs to examin other men , or that other men should examine vs , but he saith namely , let a man examine him self . 9 9 1. Cor 11.28 . Therfore let euery one of vs for his owne parte be assured in his hert , that Iesus Christe the trewe Messias is come into the world to saue sinners 10 10 Mat. 11.28 . & 9.13 . Mar. 2.17 . Luc. 2.11 . Ioh. 3.17 . Act. 4.12 . & 5.35 . amongst whome he ought to account and estéeme him self ( by the example of s. Paule ) the chéefest . 11 11 1. Tim. 1.15 Let him beléeue that Iesus Christe came down from Heauen into Earth 12 12 Ioh. 3.13 . to lift him vp from Earth to Heauen , that he was made the Sonne of man : 13 13 Mat. 1.1 . Iohn . 1.14 . Ro. 1.3 . to make him the Childe of God , that he was conceiued by the holy Ghost 14 14 Mat. 1.20 Luc. 1 31. and that he was borne of the Virgin mary : 15 15 Esa. 7 14. Mat. 1.25 Luc 1.31 . to purifie and clense his wicked conception & birth . Let him perswade him self that the Sonne of God hath ouercome the Deuil : 16 16 Mat. 4.1 Mar. 1.12 . Luc 4 1. to deliuer him from the tiranny and slauish subiection of the deuil , that he hath fulfilled all the Law 17 17 Mat. 5.17 . Luc. 16 27 Ro. 10.4 . ( loouing God his father with all his hart , strength and might and his neighbour as him self ) to get him iustice , that he appéered before Pilat 18 18 Mar. 27.11 Mar. 15.2 Luc. 23.3 . Ioh. 18.33 . an earthly Iudge , and receiued as euil dooer sentence of condemnation for this life : to exempt him from appering before the terrible iudgement seat of Gods iustice to receiue sentence of death & euer lasting damnation , for that he had offended one eternall and euer lasting God . Let him assure him self that the same Iesu Christe went down to hel 19 19 Psa. 22.1 Mat. 27.46 . Mar. 15.14 . for him , that is to say that he suffred the sorrows and terrours of the second death , and of the sincere wrath of God to deliuer him , that he dyed a death accursed of God 20 20 Deu. 21.23 . Gala. 3.13 . in that hée was hanged on the Crosse : to purchase him life & blessing before God , that he rose again , for a gage 21 21 Mat. 28.6 . Mar. 16.16 . Ioh 20.14 . Act. 2.24 . and assurance of his resurrection , that he assended into Heauen , 22 22 Mar. 16.19 . Luc. 24.58 Act. 2.9 . for a certain token that he also shal assend thither , that he sitteth on the right hand of God his Father : to bée for him an euerlasting Préest teacher , king defender , reconciler , and aduorate , to be short , the he shall come at his last comming , for his comfort & ful redemption . We must also euery one of vs for his owne parte make proper vnto our selues , yea and make ours all the goodnes & all the riches that is in Iesus Christe : because that in giuing him self to vs he giueth vs also his benefits . So then in that that Iesus Christe is God : it is to make vs partakers of his diuinitie , in that that hée is heyre and Lord of the world : it is to make vs partakers of his Lordshippe and inheritaunce , & that we recouer in him the gouernment of all things , which we lost in Adam , in that hée is well belooued of his Father : it is that we may bee acceptable vnto him , in that that hée is riche : it is to make vs Partakers of his riches , in that that hée hath all power against the Deuil , Sin , Hel , Antichriste the worlde , and all our enemies : it is to defend and sheelde vs , in that that he is iust and good , it is to iustifye vs , & make vs good , in that that he is happy and immortall , it is to make vs partakers of his blessednes and immortalitie .

When we shall thus particulerly applye all the actions and benefits of Iesus our Lord and also all his essentiall qualityes vnto our selues , putting a whole trust in him , and in his promises , and distrusting our selues , then may we boldly come to the Lords table , wher at we shall inioy Iesus Christe God and man by the benefit of faith , and shall feel moreouer a great increace & augmentation of the same .

But we must note that it is impossible for vs to be vnite and made one with Christe , and to be made partakers of the treasures and riches which are in him , vnlesse we first renounce Antichriste and his kingdome , and vnlesse we detest all Idolatry , superstion and traditions of men , directly contrary to the pure seruice of God , bounded & limitted out in his woord . For séeing the God is our onely creator : and he giueth him self 23 23 Gen. 17.12 . wholly vnto vs in the person of his sonne Iesus Christ the true Isaack in whome all the nations of the earth are blessed 24 24 Een . 12.18 . it is great reason the likewise by faith we giue vp our selues & yéeld vs wholly vnto god . And thence is it the God in his law dooth rightfully require of his people , the they haue no other Gods but him . 25 25 Ec. 20.2 . And that they loone him withall their hart , with all their soule , with all their strength & understanding , that is to say , with al their partes aswel inward as outward . And thence is it also the God dooth not onely rebuke & reproue all them the halt on both sides . 26 26 1. Reg. 18.20 . but commaundeth also the they whiche sacrifice vnto straunge Gods , should be put to death . 27 27 Deut. 13.1 . & 17.5 . And to this purpose S. Paule ( minding to warn the Corinthians to flée from Idolatrye ) vseth an argument taken from the knitting to gither & vnion that we haue with Iesus Christ our lord in the supper speaking after this sort . 28 28 1 Cor. 10.16 . The cup of blessing which we blesse , is it not the communion of the blood of Christe ? And the bread which we breke is it not the communion of the body of Christe ? As if hée would say that séeing the Corinthians came not to the supper to be partakers simply of earthly elements but to be partakers really & in déed of the body & blood of our Lord Iesus Christ , to be made one with him by faith , and be made flesh of his flesh & bones of his bones , the therefore it were to great wickednes and abhomination to be present in the assemblyes of Infidels or to be partaker of their Idolatry , & therfore the Apostle addeth afterward 29 29 1. Cor. 10.21 . that the Corinthians cannot drik of the cup of the L. & the cup of Deuils : & that they cannot be partakers of the Lords Table and of the table of Deuils . Wherby he signifieth that it is impossible to serue God and the deuil togither , & that who so euer dooth communicate with Idolatry : dooth manifestly renounce our Lord Iesus Christe . Therfore séeing that darknes is no more contrary to light , vice to vertue , death to life , paradice to Hel , then the Pope and his doctrine is contrary to our Lord Iesus Christe and to his holy gospel : it behooueth all trew faithful people to withdraw them selues wholly from popery and cast of without delay the yoke of that Romish Antichrist , that they may giue them selues wholly to the seruice of this saueour & redéemer Iesus Christe , but if so be that the communion that we haue with the sonne of God , and the promises of the heauenly Father cannot intice and perswade vs to yéeld our selues wholly to God , to put our trust in him only , to serue and worship him only , according to his wil , but that we wil yet cleue vnto Antichrist and his seruants & ministers : yet at the lest , let the threatnings and iudgements of God hinder vs and fear vs so to doo , as when it is said 30 30 Apo. 18.4 . go out of her my people the ye be not partakers in her sinnes , and that ye receiue not of her plagues . And again , 31 31 Apo. 14.9.10.11 . if any man worship the beast and his Image and receiue his mark in his forehed , or in his hand the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God , yea of the pure wine , which is poured into the cup of his wrath , and he shal be tormented in fire & brimstone before the holy Aungels , and before the Lamb. And that stink of their torment shall ascend euermore : and they shall haue no rest day nor night , whiche worship the beast and his Image , and who so euer receiueth the print of his name . And again . 32 32 Apo. 21.8 . The fearful and vnbeléeuing , the abhominable murtherers , whoremongers , Sorcerers , Idolatours , and all lyers shal haue their parte in the lake which burneth with fire & brimstone which is the second death . Let this therfore be wel printed in our harts , that we be not seduced and destroyed with the vain seruers of this world , which think it a thing not impossible to serue God and the deuil , Iesus Christe and Antichriste , to folow the commaundements of God , and of men , and to satisfie the affections of the spirit and of the flesh all at once .

¶ Of Repentance . Article . 2.

THe preparation wherof we spake before touching Faith which applied vnto euery one of vs particulerly , Iesus Christe with all his riches and blessings can haue no place in vs , vnlesse it bring foorth also in vs a true repentance : that is to say , a true misliking of euil , and a burning loue & affection of goodnesse , as we see the example in Dauid , 1 1 Psa. 51.1 . Peeter 2 2 Mar. 26.75 . Mat. 14.72 . Luc. 22.61 . Paule , 3 3 Act. 9.5 . 1. Tim. 1 13 and other holy men . We must haue a sorowe and vnfained greef , for that we haue offended God , for that we haue before times wickedly abused our creation , redemption , and Baptisme , for that we haue prouoked God with all our members , for that we haue abused our understanding , hart , tung , feet and hands : for that we haue giuen and set foorth our soules and bodyes ( which are the temples wherin God would dwel ) to Infidelitie , Idolatrye , superstition , filthines , blasphemy , whordome , extortion , vsury , robery , gluttony , drunkennesse , ambition , excesse , ryot & other worldly vanities which is asmuch as if we wold haue lodged God the father , the sonne and the holy ghost : in a moste stinking and filthy priuy . We must therfore be sory for our wicked life passed , vsing a true and seuere examining of our selues , which may bring forth in vs a displeasantnesse and horrour of our fore passed renting and breaking by all maner of menes of the law of God , to folow the wil of the Deuil , of the world and of the flesh . Now the breking 4 4 Mat. 26.26 . Mar. 14 21. Luc. 22.19 . Act. 2 42. & 20.7 . 1. Cor. 11.14 . of the bread of the Supper ( which is omitted in the paosure of the Papistis ) should cause vs to acknowledge and detest our wickednesse , that is to say , whatsoeuer is found in vs contrary & repugnaunt to the pure and holy law of God . For in that that the bread is broken for vs , or rather in the that we breke the bread of the Supper our of Lord Iesus Christe : it signifieth vnto vs that indéed it is we , that it is our sinnes and iniquityes , which haue crucified & put to death the Lord of life , who is the very same Iesus Christe our Lord . So that we must not doo as in times passed the Infidels did , which made great lamentations and inuectiues against the Iewes , Pontius Pilate , Herod , Iudas , and them that had executed and put Christ to death , and in the mene season flattered them selues : vaunting of their owne merits and deserts , and did not narowly consider that Iudas , Pontious Pilate , and Herod , were but executers and ministers of their impietyes and sinnes . Let vs therefore consider in the breaking of the bread , that our sinnes , yea the sinnes of euery one of vs seuerally , crucified the sonne of God , & brake him with the sorowes of the first and second death , as namely the woords of the Supper doo shew that the body of Iesus Christ was broken for vs , & his blood was shed for the remission of our sinnes . And our heauenly father witnesseth the same , speaking of the death of his sonne 5 5 Ep. 53.3 for the sinnes of my people , haue I smitten him . Then if it be so that our sinnes beeing way in the balaunce of the Iustice of God , were found to be so weightie and of so great importaunce that his wrath could neuer haue béen appeased towards vs , but by the death of his onely Sonne , which maketh ful satisfaction , I say , by the cruel and ignominious death of the crosse . How should not we hence forwarde detest & abhorre our sin , as that which is the cruel & bloody murtherer of the onely sonne of God ? Beholde the 6 6 Mat. 27.4.51 . Sun & the Moon , behold the element , beholde the vale of the Temple , beholde the stones & Rocks which were mooued at the death of Iesus Christe , which shewed foorth tokens of sorow , and we which bere within our selues the cause of his death , shall not we haue in horrour and detestation this cursed enemy sin , that is lodged within vs ?

Shall we suffer him to rule & dwell in vs , as before , that it may bring home death vnto vs ? Not so : but we must detest it as that that before time seperated vs from God our chéefest happinesse , as that that caused vs to loose the Image and similitude of God , according to which we were created at the beginning by God . It is that that hath wholly destroyed vs , that hath depriued vs of holinesse and righteousnes , that hath banished vs out of paradise , that hath made vs slaues to the tiranny of the deuil , the hath made vs subiect to so many miseryes , and diseases , and to be short , bothe to the first and second death , it is that which after it had set a bar & deuision betwéen God and vs , caused vs to sée our owne filthines , purchased vnto vs shameful & vilanous infamy , made vs to tremble at the voice of our God which was before moste pleasant & loouing vnto vs . It is that wherby the wrath of God is heaped vpon men , that maketh the Earth to become barrain and to bring foorth thornes and thistles , that causeth women to bring foorth in sorow , and that men eat their bread in the sweat and labour of their bodyes . Séeing then that sin bringeth foorth and procureth vnto vs dayly so many miseries : it foloweth the we ought to withdraw our selues from it , if we wil not be wilful enemies of our owne happines & saluation . Now then I cite héer all disordered and flaunderous persons , which notwithstanding are so impudent to present them selues to the Lords holy table . I aske them what it is that they promised to God and his church in baptisme ? They wil answer me that they promised . God to renounce the Deuil and all his works . But one of the chéef and principall works of the deuil is sin . Why doo they not then abstain from it ? Why are they traytours & disobedient to God and his Church ? Why haue they conspired with the deuil , the world and the flesh , against their owne saluation ? How dare they present them selues béefore God , to aske him pardon and remission of their sinnes : séeing that more and more , they hepe sin vpon sin , and crucifie & kil again ( as much as in them lyeth ) the sonne of God , or at the least make a scorne & scoffe of the purging of his blood which was applyed vnto them in Baptisme ? Put the case that a wicked man , poor and destitute of all help , were fallen into a mire whence out he could by no menes raise vp him self , and that some yung Prince passing that way , took the paines to draw him out of this ditch to make him clene , to clad him with gorgeous and pretious apparel , if this wicked man , & poor miserable caitif fall again into this mire & beray bothe him self and his apparel , béeing moreouer in great daunger of his life , would not one think that this man were maruelously vnkinde and a contemner of that princely bounty and goodnesse , and on the other side , a wilful & sworne enemy of his owne helth , worthy to be lost & cast away with out any help or assistance ? Euen so soundeth our cause with Iesus Christe . We fel all into the pudle of sin in the person of Adam 7 7 Gen. 3.6 . Psal. 39. & . 15. we are all wicked dooers and worthy of an hundreth thousand gibbetꝭ before God , we can by no meanes get out of our selues and out of the ditch of destruction wherinto we are al fallen of our owne fault . Beholde the Sonne of God , the king of kings , the Lord of Lords , which commeth to draw vs out of this pudle , which commeth to wash vs with his pretious blood , whiche vouchsafeth to clad vs with the proper Cloke of his righteousnes & innocency . If we come again to wallow our selues in the puddle of sin , if we plese our selues in it , if we defile & be durt the robe of innocency which he hath giuen vs in baptisme , are we not manifest contemners of the inestimable looue & gift of Iesus Christe , & are moreouer worthy to rot a thousand times in our filthynes , or rather to gnash our téeh euerlastingly with the deuilꝭ in hel ? It is euident .

Séeing then that it is so the the end of our redemption , baptisme , & iustification requireth of vs to abstain from sin , ( so farfoorth as possibly we may , and our fleshly infirmitie wil suffer ) we must take all paines & diligence by the vertue of the spirit of God to cast out from vs all foulenes and filthynes , Idolatry , blasphemy , rebellion , hatred , murder , whordome , theft and vsury and all other things contrary to the holy law , if we wil not be more than ingrate towards Iesus Christe and open enemies of his Church and our owne saluation . But because it is not sufficient for the induing of a true & helthful repentance to acknowledge our misery , to abhorre it , to confesse it & to abstain from it , but we must also knowe , desire and doo the good whiche God commandeth in his woord : we must consider the argument which ought ernestly to stir vs vp to the sanctifying of the name of God . First in that we are ioyned and made one with Christe Iesus in the Supper in that we are made flesh of his flesh , and bones of his bones , in that we liue by his holy spirit . Ought not this vpon good cause to exhort vs to conforme our selues to the Image and likenes of the holinesse of our Lord Iesus Christe ? Can he dwel in vs , nourish vs with his owne substance , quicken vs with his holy spirit , ioyne vs vnto him self by the bond of faith , yet so that he his holy spirit & faith bring not foorth in vs good and holy woorks ? Moreouer , for so much as he dooth not giue him selfe vnto vs halfmele & destitute of his qualities , and richis , and accompanied with all spirituall gifts & blessings , adorned with righteousnes & perfection , accompanied with innocency and sanctification , how can we receiue Iesus Christe inriched with all his graces that the righteousnes of our hed may not shine in vs which are his members , yea , shine in all our partes aswel in warde as outward ? Must it néeds be that the two parts of our soule that is to say , our minde and hart , which ought to apprehend & take holde of the promises of God , which ought to receiue by faith the body and blood of our Lord Iesus Christe , that is to say , whole Iesus Christe true God , equall in euery respect to God his father , & true man made of humain body and soule : that this minde and hart I say must be applied to the meditation & looue of worldly and wicked things , béeing destitute of the knowledge & looue of God , and of the looue of our neighbour ? Dooth it behooue our body which is the temple of God , to be prophaned ? That our eares whiche were created of God to hear his voice should be stopped against it , and be open to vanities , wanton talk and vnchaste worldly songes ? Dooth it behooue our tung which is bound by the right of creation , to sing the praises of God , & by the right of redemption to shew foorth the Lords death til he come 8 8 1. Cor. 11. that this tung which is so proper an instrument of the glory of God , shold be mute to goodnes , and incessantly occupyed in backbiting , slandering , blaspheming , or at the least in speaking idle words , wherof one day we shall yéeld an account before the throne of the maiestie of God ? 9 9 Mat. 12.36 . Dooth it behooue our mouth which ought to receiue the blessed signe of the body & blood of our Lord Iesus to to suppresse the benefit of our redemption & to haue Adders poison in it ? Dooth it behooue our hand which ought to take at the Supper the assured gage of the looue of God , the infallible pledges of his legue with vs , the ernest peny of our saluation , to be void of goodnesse , and be side that , be giuen to extortion , theft , murder , oppression and violence ? Dooth it behooue our féet which ought to run & make haste to goodnes , to be redy and light to run to mischéef ? No surely but as he which calleth vs is holy , 10 10 Luc. 11.44 & 19.25 . & 20.7 . Luc. 1.75 1. Pet. 1.38 so likewise must we also be wholly holy , as he hath brought vs by holy baptisme into his holy house which is his Church , the communion of Saints : euen so likewise must we leade therin a good & holy conuersation , as he hath washed vs from our sinnes , by the pretious blood of his sonne Iesus Christe : so must we dye to them , and liue in righteousnes , as he hath called vs to the incorruptible hope of the blessed resurrection and eternall life : so must we lift vp our harts on hye , and not be buryed like Moules in this frail and transitory Earth . To be short , séeing that the grace of God is set before vs euery day , and his holy woord soundeth in our eares 11 11 Tit. 2 11 12.13.14 . to this only end that it may be saluation vnto vs , and that ( renouncing all vngodlines and worldly desires ) we should liue soberly , iustly , & godly in this present world , looking for the blessed hope and appéering of the glory of the mightie God , and of our Saueour Iesus Christe : we must pray vnto this good God , that he would giue vs grace so to behaue our selues towards him in liuing godly , so towardis our neighbours , in liuing iustly , so towards our selues , in liuing soberly : that we may be found at the day irreprensible , by the meanes of that his wel belooue Sonne our Lord Iesus Christe .

Of thanks giuing . Article . 3.

THirdly we must giue thanks to this good God for the benefit of our redemption , and for this cause it is that the auncients called the holly Supper , Eucharistie , that is to say , gratefulnes , good grace , giuing of thanks . For if so be that our ordinary food , and dayly bread whiche God giueth vs for the nourishment of our bodyes , ought to be sanctified by the word , 1 1 1. Tim. 4. & . 5. and receiued with thankꝭ giuing : ought we not much more to thank God for the heauenly bread , and for the nourishment of our soules which is offered vnto vs and really giuen vs in the holy supper of Iesus Christe ?

And we sée also how Iesus Christe him self sheweth vs an example héerof . For when he took the bread of the Supper , S. Mathew 2 2 Mat. 26.26 . Mar. 14.22 . and S. Mark say , that Iesus Christe blessed . And S. Luke expoundeth this woord to blesse when he saith that he gaue 3 3 Luc. 22.19 . thanks . Now then , séeing that we sée the Iesus Christe when he tooke the bread of the Supper gaue thankꝭ to God his Father , as he did also when he took the cup 4 4 Mar. 26.27 . Mar. 14.23 . Luc. 21.17 . and that for the redemption of man kinde : it is our duty to doo the like . And that we may be the better mooued to giue thanks to God : we haue to consider the greatnes of the benefit of our redemption & the excellency of the gift which God giueth vs at this holy table , which cannot be doon : vnlesse we consider our miserable condition , which was before figured by the temporall captiuite of Egipt . We sée there how Pharaoh 5 5 Ex. 1. & 2. & 3. was strong & mightie , how he knew not the eternall , how he went about to kil all the séed of the Israelits , by the suppression & death of their men children , we see also how excessiuely he caused the Israelites to woork without any hope of wages , how he wold not suffer them by any meanes to sacrifice to the Lord , nor to go foorth of the land of Egipt .

Which thing continued not for one yéer or two : but for the space of foure hundred & thirty 6 6 Ex. 12.20 . yéeres . Heer may we liuely beholde a draught of our misery . We were all lost and destroyed in Adam . We were holden captiues in the helly Egipt vnder the tiranny of a spirituall Pharaoh , which is the Deuil .

This tirant was strong and mightie : he suffred vs not to serue our God . He made vs to labour incessantly in slauish and vnfrutefull woorks of sin to the establishment of his owne kingdome . He flew not onely our men Children : but he led vs all indiferently , to vtter ruin and destrustion . And this tiranny bad not onely continued for a certain time : but had béen eternall and for euer parmanent , if the mercy and power of our God had not plucked vs out of it by the ministery of the true Moyses , which is our Lord Iesus Christe , who is the true Lamb whiche the heauenly Father hath deliuered to death , to deliuer vs from it and purchase vs eternal life . As it is said , that God so looued the world : that he hath giuen his only begotten sonne 7 7 Iohn . 3.16 . that who soeuer beléeueth in him should not perish , but haue euerlasting life . Now then , seeing this good God hath doon in vs so great a pleasure , as to frée vs from the tiranny of the Deuil , of sinne , of death , of hel : séeing the his looue was so great that he deliuered his onely Sonne to the cruel and ignominious death of the crosse , for vs which were the seruants and bond slaues of Sathan : his welbelooued for vs whiche were his enemies : the iust , and the Lamb without spot , for vs which were sinners and corrupt : the onely heir of Paradise , for vs which were worthely heires of hel : ought we not to be rauished with admiration of this great and vnspeakable looue of God towards vs , and our tungs to be for euer displayed to publish with loud voice the praise of the benefit of our redemption ? It is very resonable , and therfore we sée that Iesus Christe admonisheth vs of our duty in this behalf , speaking of the selebration of the holy Supper . 8 8 Luc. 22.19 . 1. Cor. 11.24 . Doo this in remembrance of me . And S. Paule expresseth what remembrance this is when he aduertiseth vs , 9 9 1. Cor. 11.26 . that as often as we shall eat this bread , & drink this cup : we shew the Lords death til he come .

Seeing then the God requireth of vs a true acknowledging of his benefits whiche we receiue at his hands & bountifulnes , by the menes of our Lord Iesus Christ : let vs take héed that we be not spotted with the fault of in gratitude , especially if we will not incur the wrathfull displeasure of God and acknowledge him for Iudge , whome we would not acknowledge for a gentle and merciful father , as S. Paule also to this purpose thretneth the ingrate and forgetful , when he saith , whosoeuer shall eate this bread and drinck the cup of the Lord vnworthely : eateth and drinketh his owne damnation . And rightfully is the vengeance of God displayed against them which wickedly suppresse the glory of God , in that that concerneth their owne saluation . For if so be that a murderer redy to be hanged for his wicked déeds casting away & reiecting his Princes gratious pardon ( & not vouchsauing to thank him for it ) deserueth worthely the gallous , or if a Childe deserue the rod , for not giuing once I thank you to his father , when he hath receiued at his hands great and singuler benefits , much more we whiche for our sinful and wicked déeds deserue to be hanged in hel , if we contemne the grace of God our souerain prince , and make no count of this euerlasting benefits , which our heuenly father presenteth vs withall in Iesus Christe , who is offered to vs in the Supper , by good right & reason we are worthy to perish for our vnkindenes and vnthankfulnes . But héer must we diligently mark the points that folowe .

First this acknowledging must be made to one only God by his only sonne Iesus Christ . For euen as God by his onely sonne hath created vs , & redéemed vs from euerlasting death : so wil he that to him alone , & by him alone , in whome he is wel pleased : we render thanks for all his benefits . As we sée how S. Paule setteth this foorth vnto vs in many places , and precisely in the Epistle to the Ephesians where he saith . Blessed be God euen the father of our Lord Iesus Christe , whiche hath blessed vs with all his spirituall blessing in Heaueuly things in Christe as he hath chosen vs in him before the foundation of the world , but they which call vpon Saints and put their trust in them , or in their merits , they also whiche make them patrons and aduocates to God warde , and like wise they whiche trust in their owne strength , in their owne frée will or good woorks : rob God of his glory , and can not giue him true thanks for the benefit of redemption . For we cannot giue to any creature the least iot that may be in the matter of our saluation : but wee commit sacriledge against God the creator . And therfore renouncing our selues and euery liuing creature : let vs say with the Apostle 10 10 1. Ti. 1.17 . vnto the King euerlasting , immortall , inuisible , vnto God only wise , be honor and glory for euer and euer Amen .

Secondly thanks must be giuen not with the mouth only : but with the hart also . For séeing that God is a spirit : he riquireth a seruice of vs , that is agréeable to his nature , that is to say , he wil be serued of vs in spirit and trueth . And therfore when that praising of God for the benefit of redemption , commeth in question : we must haue our harts lift vp on hye , and there must be a consent and mutuall agréement betwéen our inwarde affections and our tungs , as we sée how Dauid exhorteth himself to the same , when he saith . 11 11 Psal. 103.1 My soule praise thou the Lord & all the is within me praise his holy name . My soule ( I say ) praise thou the Lord , & forget not all his benefits . And the blessed Virgin singeth the self same in her song , saying 12 12 Luc. 1.46 . My soule magnifieth the Lord , and my spirit reioyceth in God my Saueour , now , all hipocrits , and wicked persons , also they that sing & praise in an vnknowen tung , are héer reprooued . For where there is no vnderstanding : ther is no affection nor wil , and consequently no Faith , without which : what soeuer we doo be it neuer so faire and glorious before men , it is but sinne and abhomination before God . Let vs take héed therfore the in this be half we wander not and go astray , lest we be condemned with the Iewish people whiche honored and serued God in vain , in so muche as they came néer vnto him onely with their mouthes , 13 13 Esa. 29.13 . Mat. 15.8 . and honoured him with their lips , but not with their harts .

Thirdly it must be doon at all times and seasons , that is to say , aswel in affliction : as in prosperitie , and to this purpose Dauid protesteth . 14 14 Psa. 34.1 That hée will alwaye giue thanks vnto his Lord , and that his praise shal be in his mouth continually . And Saint Paule admonisheth the Thessalonians to 15 15 1. Thess. 5 18. giue thanks in all things : adding , for this is the wil of God in Christe Iesus . But this is clene contrary to time seruers , and to all them whiche in time of prosperitie fawne vpon the gospell and are well content for that time to praise God whome afterwarde in time of affliction they defye and set naught by .

The cause of this mischéef is , for that they haue not yéelded them selues to the Churche of God for a good end and purpose , as to extoll the glory of God , to séek their owne saluation , and the saluation of their brethern , but rather to greaten them selues in their goods and honours , and to satisfye their owne affections . And therfore it commeth to passe that as soon as the deuil lifteth vp his hornes against the Churche of God , and perscutions be at hand : they melt away by and by in affliction , as dooth War before the fire , they are offended , and parched with the Sunne of the Crosse , they are sory for the good they haue doon , they repent them selues that they were so hasty to confesse the name of our Lord Iesus Christe in the assembly of the faithful , they wish they had neuer knowen God nor his woord , nor his Church , nor his ministers , because they make greter account ( as Esau did ) of one messe of pottage 16 16 Gen. 25.38 . then of the birth-right and blessing of the heauenly father , But let such maner of persons knowe the it shall no more profit them , that they made a fair beginning & ioly holding vp of their buckler : then it did Cain , Esau , Saule , Iudas . For séeing that sentence is generall , that whosoeuer continueth vnto the end he shal be saued : it foloweth by the contrary the all they whiche doo not coutinue constantly in the confession of the sonne of God , & are hindred by their goods and honours , looue of the world , ease of their flesh , to set foorth & declare with a continual train , the benefit of our redemption : it foloweth ( I say ) that such persons shall go to ruin and euerlasting destruction Last of all , this acknowledging must not onely bee priuat : but publique , in the face and presence of the whole church , and therfore as Dauid saith 17 17 Psal. 116.12 13.14 . what shall I render vnto the Lord for all his benefits toward me ? I wil take the cup of saluation and call vpon the name of the Lord . I wil pay my vowes vnto the Lord , euen now in the presence of all his people . And again , 18 18 Psal. 10.9.10 . I haue declared thy righteousnes in the great congregation , to I haue not refrained my lips , O Lord thou knowest , I haue not hid thy righteousnesse within mine hart , but I haue declared thy trueth and thy saluation , I haue not concealed thy mercy & thy trueth from the great congregation . So then this ought to be wel printed in the hart of the weke , and those that are ashamed to confesse & praise openly our Lord Iesus Christe . For séeing that God dooth auouche vs openly for his people & he giueth him self fréely vnto vs , & to our children , in the person of his wel belooued sonne our Lord Iesus Christe : we can doo no lesse than auouch him publiquely for our god and saueour , in the person of that same his welbelooued sonne Christe Iesus our Lord.

¶ Of Looue . Article . 4.

FAith , Repentance , and acknowledging of Gods benefits , cannot haue place in vs , and in vain are we called Christians , or that we brag of our selues for the practise of the commaundements of the first table , which concerne the seruice of God before mentioned : vnlesse we shew the effects by the keeping of the commaundements of the second Table , which concerne the looue of our neighbour , without whiche also we cannot worthely present our selues to the holy Table of Iesus Christe our Lord . And therfore is it that Iesus Christe him self in the sermon of the Supper which hee made to his Apostles the same night that he was betrayed and deliuered to death for vs , did diligently beat this point into their heads , saying . 1 1 Ioh 13.35 . By this shall all men knowe that ye army Disciples , if ye haue looue one to au other . And again , 2 2 Ioh. 15.12.13.14 . This is my commaundement that ye looue one an other , as I haue looued you . Greater looue then this hath no man , when any man bestoweth his life for his Fréends . Ye are my fréends : if ye doo what so euer I commaund you . To this same end tendeth also that , that the same night Iesus Christe washed the féete of his Apostles , 3 3 Ioh. 13.12.13.14 , 15. acter which washing : he said vnto them , knowe ye what I haue doon to you ? ye call me Maister and Lord , and ye say wel , for so I am , If I then your Lord and Maister haue washed your feet : ye also ought to wash one an others féet . For I haue giuen you an example that yee should doo euen as I haue doon do you .

We must therfore ( according to the commaundement and example of the sonne of God ) be furnished with true and hot looue , that we may worthely present our selues to the Lords table . If we wil haue a true discription of this looue : we must take it of S , Paule , which pointeth it out in liuely coulours , writing to the Corinthians in this sort . 4 4 1. Cor. 13.4 . Looue ( saith he ) suffereth long , it is bountiful , looue enuieth not , looue dooth not boast it self , it is not puffed vp , it disdayneth not , it séeketh not her owne things , it is not prouoked to anger , it thinketh not euill , it reioyceth not in iniquitie , but reioyceth in the trueth . It suffereth all things , it beléeueth all things , it hopeth all things , it indureth all things . Sée what manner of looue ours ought to be , euery one of vs must indeuour that all the partes of this description may rightly agrée vnto vs . We are many waies and in sundry sorts exhorted to this looue and brotherly concord in the holy Supper of our Lord Iesus Christe . First in that that we must wait one for an other , 5 5 1. Cor. 11.35 and that it is not lawful for euery one of vs to celebrate the Supper perticulerly and a parte : but when the whole congregation is assembled togither , all the faithful togither must take , eate and drink , the Bread and wine of the Supper , according to the commaundement of Iesus Christe . 6 6 Mat. 26.26 . Mar. 14.21 . Luc. 22.19 . 1. Cor. 11.14 Take ye eate ye , and drink ye all of this . It is a true figure and testimonie of the vnitie the ought to be among vs . Moreouer in that that wée béeing all gethered togither in one house of God , which is his Churche , we doo there all call vpon one self same Father which is in Heauen , we haue all one self same hed , aduocate and intercessour , whiche is Iesus Christe : 7 7 Math. 12. Ioh. 11.17 . 1. Tim. 2 1. Iohn . 2. we are all quickened with his holy Spirit which dwelleth in vs , in that that we all haue one self same word of God , in that that we all eat of one self same spirituall meat , and drinck all of the self same spirituall drink , in that also that we all pretend as Brethren to one self same inheritance , whiche is the kingdome of He auen : ought not this inflame vs with true and hot looue ? Finally , the making of the bread and wine of the Supper dooth teach vs asso what vnitie and concord we ought to haue one with an other , for as we sée , that the bread is made of many cornes , and yet not withstanding afterwards is but one selfe same lump of Bread : as we see also that the Wine is made of many clusters of grapes , and yet after it is made , is but one onely wine : in like sort must the Christians whiche are many in them selues : be ioyned togither thorow looue into one body , which is the Church , wherof Iesus Christe ought to be the onely hed and leader . But we must note that this looue wherunto we are exhorted by so many reasons of the Supper , cannot be where there is enuy , brauling , contencions , rancour , debate & diuision : and therfore before we com to the Supper , ( whiche is a witnesse of our agréement aswel with Christ as with his congregation ) if we haue had any strife and contention with our brethern : we must loouingly reconsile our selues vnto them . If any man haue offended vs : wée must frankly and fréely forgiue our brethren 8 8 Mat. 5.23.44 . yea our enemies , as we would that that good God should pardon vs , and as wée sée how Iesus Christ our Lord hath left vs an example of this looue : when he prayed to God his father for his enemies whiche put him to death , 9 9 Luc 23.34 . as we rede also that S. Stephen did the same . 10 10 Act. 7.60 . Again , we must also mark , that this looue ought to be practised in all estates . Kings must looue their subiects , they must be Nurces 11 11 Esa. 49.23 . of the church of God , loouers of common peace , they must vse their people with all moderation and clemency . So likewise must the people honor the king , 12 12 1. Peter . 2.13.14.15 . Ro. 13.2.3 they must pay him their tribute faithfully , they must be obedient to all his Lieutenants and Officers . The Pastour must looue his flock , 13 13 Act. 20.28.31 1. Pet. 5.2.3 . he must watch , take paines , and pray incessantly for it . 14 14 1. Sa 12.13 So like wise must the shéep looue their pastour , the Fathers their children , the Children their fathers and Mothers , the Wife the husband , and the Husband the wife , the Maisters their seruants , & the Seruants their maisters , and euery one in his calling must indeuer to exercise looue in the vocation whervnto God hath called him . For other wise it wil be impossible for vs to doo our duties faithfully , aswel toward god : as toward men , if the rule of looue doo not guide and gouern vs in all our dooings .

Article . 5. Necessary obseruations for them that wil come to the Lords table .

IN the articles aforesaid , consisteth the true examining of our selues , notwithstanding we must take good héed to these points and notes which folow .

First we haue to note , that we must not rast our heds and bend our braines to examine curiously an other mannes life : as many doo , whiche stretch out and scanne so narowly the blemishes of their Brethren , that they forget their owne . It is to be wished , and we must procure it asmuch as lyeth in vs , that the Church of God may be maintained in puritie , without shew of offence . But for so muche as in this worlde Corne shall alwaies be mixed with chaffe , 1 1 Mat. 3.12 . wéeds with whete , 2 2 Mat. 13.24 . good fish with bad , 3 3 Mat. 13.47 . Iudas with true Apostles , 4 4 Mat. 10. foolish Virgins with wise , 5 5 Mat. 1.25 . yet none of vs must be offended therfore , and moreouer let euery man indeuour to finde that perfection in him self , which he desireth to bring into an other .

Secondly , we must not think that faith , repentance , giuiuing of thanks & looue , and other vertues which God requireth of vs , can be perfet héer in this world , for there wil be alwaies in vs , ( what regēerate and new borne so euer we be ) some remnants of sinne , of incredulitie , of lacke of repentance , of vnthankfulnesse , and of selflooue , which is directly contrary and opposite , to the true looue of our neighboure . As long as we liue , the flesh 6 6 Ro. 7.23 . & 8.6.7 . Gal. 5.1.1 . Pe. 5.8 . wil fight against the Spirite , the Deuill and the Worlde , wil make war against vs as the life of the Patriarches , Prophets and Apostles doo sufficiently witnesse vnto vs , so that euen to the last breath of our life , we shall haue néed to craue of our God that he would forgiue vs our sinnes through his sonne Iesus Christe .

Notwitstanding so far it is that the imperfections which are in vs should cause vs to drawe back from God and from this holy banquet : that rather ( so that we are displeased with our selues for them ) they ought to cause vs to come the sooner , to the intent that as poore famished creatures : we might more gréedily and with greater desire , receiue Iesus Christe , which is the true shepherd of our soules .

Thirdly , although it be not required to the worthy comming to the Supper , to haue a perfit faith , perfit repentance , perfit giuing of thanks , perfit looue : yet must they be ( notwithstanding ) true , and procéed from the hart and from the Spirit . Our faith must not be fained , our repentaunce must not be counterfait and painted , as that of Hipocrites : the thanks whiche we giue to God must not come onely from the mouth , neither must we loue our brethren in word only , and not in déed : but let the whole profession of our faith , and christen life , abooue all things be far from ostententation & hipocrisie , so the we take more paines to be good Christians in déed and before God : then to be so counted and taken before men .

¶ Against them that willingly and of set purpose abstain from the holy Supper of the Lord . Article . 6.

AS there are many which doo amis in presenting them selues vnworthyly to the communion : so there are many which doo amisse on the contrary side , in that they wil by no meanes come , nor present them selues to this holy banquet . For feare of communicating ( as they say ) vnworthyly , and so consequently to be culpable of the body and blood of Iesus Christe . But let them that so abstain of set purpose from the Lords holy table : knowe that it is no lesse fault vp on an vnthankfulnesse , and contempt , to abstain from the holy and sacred meats whiche God presenteth to vs at the Supper : then to receiue it vnworthely , as we see that a Patient which beeing very sick maketh no account of the receipt and dyet whiche the Phisition hath prescribed : is no lesse faulty then he which abuseth , or vseth it not competently , as the Phisition hath appointed .

Therefore let not this sort of people flatter them selues , as though by this meanes they could be excused bothe before God and men , séeing that it is a most certain trueth , that so haynous an ingratitude , is in no wise to be admitted , or worthy excuse . For first of all , such men doo willingly contemn the commaundement of Iesus Christ , which saith to all his , doo this , take ye eat ye .

Secondly they contemne the blessed remembrance of the death and passion of the Sonne of God , who commaundeth all the faithful to selebrate the Supper in remembrance of him .

Thirdly , they contemne the price of their redemption , that is to say , the pretious body and blood of Iesus Christe , which are giuen and distributed to all faithful Christians in the Supper according as it is said . This is my body , which is giuen for you , this , is my blood which is shed for the remission of your sinnes . Finally , they despise the church and the vnitie therof , and willingly excommunicate them selues from the Communion whiche the faithful haue in the Supper , as wel with Iesus Christe : as one with an other . We sée therfore how fondly these contemners of the Lords holy Supper doo fall , and ar vtterly inexcusable . And therfore let vs take good héed that we folowe them not , if we wil not be punished with them , which for their Oxen 1 1 Mat. 22.7 . Luc. 14.22 Fermes , Wines , and trastique of merchandise refused to come to the mariage in the Gospel .

Contrarywise of them which come vnworthily to the holy Supper of the Lord , or ought not be therunto admitted . Article . 7.

¶ Of them which sin against the first Article of the first preparation , which consisteth in true faith ,

ALl Atheists , that is , such as are with out God , misbeléeuers , ignorant of God & his woord , all heretiques & false prophets all Magicians , Idolaters , and superstitious , whiche are partakers of the tables of Deuils , likewise all they which haue but an historicall Faith , all the adherents & ministers of the Roomish Antichrist , and they that establish by any maner ( whatsoeuer ) his kingdome , or depend there on , also all they which haue not yelded them selues to the Church of God , and haue not made profession of their Faith , finally all they that customably swere , either by the name of God or by their Faith , and apply it to vain matters , and causes of no value , all these ought to abstain from the Lords Table , for so muche as they haue not a true trust in God , without the whiche we can not bée members of Iesus Christe , nor consequently bee apt and méete to receiue life of him , which is the onely hed of the true faithfull .

¶ Of them which sin against the second Article of the second preparation which consisteth in Repentance .

ALl they which liue slanderously , all impenitent and vnthrifts , all contemners of God , of his woord and of his holy assemblies , all blasphemers and denyers of the name of God , all despisers of correction and ecclesiastical discipline , they also the haunt and frequent ordinarily euil company , which walke in the counsel of the wicked 1 1 Psal. 1 1. which stand in the way of sinners , which sit in the seat of the scorneful . To be short , they in whome appéereth no amendment of life , no regeneration , and they that conimit haynous and infamous vices , and such as are to be punished by the magistrate , all these , after that they are knowen to be such : ought not to be admitted to the supper , and if they present them selues vnto it : they ought not to be receiued , lest that that is holy be giuen to Dogs and Swine , 2 2 Mat. 7.6 . to the great dishonour of God , and slander of his Church .

¶ Of them which sin against the third Article of the third preparation which consisteth in giuing of thanks .

WIithout true faith and repentance : we cannot be méet to set forth the parises of God , who wil not be praysed by the mouth of the wicked , 3 3 Psal. 50.16 . & therfore all Infidels , Igno rants and impenitent , sin also against this Article , and ought not to be receiued to the Lords Supper . Also they that are mad or fooles , either by nature or some other accident . They also which by reason that they be vnder age ( as little children ) can not shew foorth the Lords death til he come , are not capable of the Supper .

Finally , they which by fragilitie , vnkindnesse , and contempt , in time of persecution did forsake Gods cause , and renounce the name of our Lord Iesus Christe , ought not also to be admitted thither : vnlesse that they doo first make open confession of their fault , and be reconciled to the Church of God.

¶ Of them which sin against the fourth article of the fourth preparation whiche consisteth in Looue toward our neighbours .

THe disobedient to Father and mother , to the magistrate , & to al superiours , the seditious conspiratours , fighters , murderers , and such as bere malice and hatred against their neighbours , they that are caried away with a desire of reuengement , whoremongers , adulterers , incontinent bougerers , drunkards , and gluttons , deceiuers , couetous , théeues , and vsurers , backbiters , mockers , false witnesses , lyers , & conmon periured persons , and in sum , all they which make an art of the breach of looue toward their neighbours , contained in the second table of the law of God , ought not to be receiued to the Supper . For seéing that the Scripture pronounceth thus , that suche sort of men haue none , acquaintance of God , are shut out of the kingdome of Heauen , 4 4 Ephe. 5.5 . Psal. 15. and shall not dwel in the Lords holy mountain : they ought of right to be shut out from these sacred signes , wherby the faithful are ioyned to Iesus Christe and made possessors of eternall life .

¶ Finis .

A Dialogue of the preparation to the holy Supper of our Lord IESVS CHRISTE . ¶ The Father .

HOwe must wée be prepared to come worthely to the supper of our Lord Iesus Christe ?

The Childe .

We must examin our selues according to the precept of the holy Apostle S. Paule .

Wherin consisteth the eramination of our selues ?

In two points . First , that we behaue ourselues as it is méet towarde God , who calleth vs to this holy banquet .

Then that we doo our dutye to our Brethren which are called to this holy Table with vs .

What is our duty towards God ?

It consisteth principally in three points

Which are they ?

In faith , repentance & giuing of thanks .

What is faith ?

It is a certaine assurance that God is our father and Saueour in the name of his Sonne Iesus Christe our Lord.

This assurance , commeth it of vs ?

No , Iohn . 1. Iohn . 17. Rom 10. Rom. 8. Gala. 4. for the faithfull are not borne of flesh , nor blood : neither of the wil of man , but they are borne of God.

But what meanes dooth God vse to beget vs vnto him , and to giue vs faith ?

His woord confirmed in vs by the woork of the holy Ghost , who cryeth in our harts Abba , that is to say , father .

Is not this faith confirmed and ratyfied in vs by the Lords Supper ?

Yes .

How so ?

First of all in that that Iesus Christe giueth himself vnto vs , promising vs that his body was giuen to death for vs , and that his blood was shed for the remission of our sinnes .

What more ?

In that that the bread and wine whiche we take , eate , and drink , according to Gods institution , teache vs that through faith we take , eate , and drink the body and blood of Iesus Christe , for the nourishment of our soules .

And those that are Insidels , can they eate the body of Iesus Christe , and drinck his blood ?

No , because they haue no true Faith , without which we can not be members of Iesus Christe , nor consequently receiue life of him who is the only hed of the faithful .

What then doo the Infidels when they receiue the Sacrament of the Supper ?

They eat and drink their owne damnation , 1. Cor. 11. in sted of receiuing the pledges and gages of their salnation .

Where must the true faithful séek Iesus Christe , to inioy him , and to haue the fruition of him ?

In heauen . For if we be risen again with Christe : Colo. 3. we must séek the things that are on hye , where Christe is sitting on the right hand of God.

Is not this the matter that the auneient Bishops vsed in the celebration of the Supper , to say to the people , Sursum corda , that is , lift vp your harts ?

Yes . And therfore the people answered . Habemus ad Dominum . We haue them to the Lord . Now that Iesus Christ is in Heauen and we on earth : how can wée be ioyned & vnite or made one with him ?

By faith and by the woork of the holy Ghost , whiche can wel ioyne and knit that that is otherwise seperated by distance of place .

What shall we then say of them that séek Iesus Christe in the Elements of the Supper , and say that there is a Transubstantiation of the bread and wine , into the body and blood of Iesus Christe ?

They erre diuers and sundry waies .

F ,

How so ?

First , they speake against thrée Articles of our Beleef , that is , that Iesus Christ is ascended vp into Heauen , that he sitteth on the right hand of God , and that he shall not depart from thence til he come to iudge vothe the quick and the dead .

What more ?

By their transubstantiation also they abolish the signe of the Sacrament , that is to say , the bread and the wine , and consequently they abolish the Sacrament of the Supper , which cannot be without the signe .

This doctrine of Transubstantiation hath it no other absurdities ?

C ,

Yes , for it giueth holy thingꝭ to swine , and graniteth , that the Insidels may eat Iesus Christe . Moreouer it maketh men Idotaters , and causeth them to worship the Sactament .

Say on .

It maketh also the glorious body of Iesus Christe subiect to rotting and filth .

To be short it abolisheth the true humanity of the sonne of God , making him an infinit body , and such an one as is in all places .

But hath not Iesus Christe said , Math. 28. Math. 18. that he would be with vs vnto the ende of the world : and where as two or three should bee gathered togither in his name , there hee would be in the middest of them ?

Yes . But these places must be vnderstood of the presence of his diuinitie , and not of his humanitie .

How canst thou prooue that ?

By the witnasse of Iesus Christe him self ( whiche saith ) that wee shall alwayes haue the poore with vs : Iohn . 12. Ict. 3.21 . but him we shal not haue alwaies , and S. Peeter saith , the Heauen must contain Iesus Christe , vntil the restoring of all things .

Therfore thou wilt conclude , that although Iesus Christ by his diuinitie , and his holy Spirite be alwaies with vs : yet notwithstanding touching his humanitie he can be but in one certain place , that is in Heauen .

Yea , Aug. 2. Psal. 54. as S. Augustine also witnesseth saying . Vntil heauen be ended , the Lord shal be alwaies on hie . But the trueth of the Lord is also with vs For his body wherein he was raised : must needs be in one certain place , but his trueth is spread throughout .

What is the summe of this true faith which seeketh not Iesus Christe in Earth , but in Heauen ?

I beléeue in God whiche hath created me , I beléeue in Iesus Christe which hath redeemed me from sin , from Sathan , from Hel and from death , I beleeue also in the holy Ghost , which hath sanctified me .

Why saiest thou perticulerly , I béeleeue , and not we beleeue ?

Because that euery one must examin himself , Hab. 2. Rom. 1. Gala. 3. Hev . 10. and liue by his owne faith , and not by the faith of other men .

How must that be doon ?

When we doo euery man particulerly for him self apply Iesus Christe vnto him self with all his blessings and riches .

What riches are there in Iesus Christ ?

There is saluation for the lost , life for the dead trueth for the liers , wisdoine for the ignoraunt , Iustice for the sinners , sanctification ctification for the impure ones , redemption for the captiues .

Must we therfore by faith applye all these things vnto vs , séeing we are by nature lost , dead , lyers , ignorant , sinners , vnclene and captiues ?

Yea , for Iesus Christe hath taken vpon him all our miseryes and wretche ones , to giue and communicate vnto vs all his blessings and riches , as also in deéd they be distributed vnto vs in his holy Supper .

Let vs now speak of the second parte of our duty towards God , which consisteth in repentance , and first of all what repentance is .

It is a sorowfulnes and hafred of euil and a looue of that that is good .

To be sory and gréeued for our wickednesse , is it not necessary to knowe it ?

Yes .

How doo we know the euil the is in vs ?

First of all by our beginning for that that is borne of flesh is flesh . Secondly because we transgresse the law of God , which is the rule of all perfection & Iustice . Third ly by the ordinary afflictions , whiche God sendeth vs because of our sinnes .

Haue we not also the Sacraments a glasse to beholde our sinnes in ?

We haue so . For is we were not sinners : we should haue no néed of remission of our sinnes in Baptisme . And if we were not in death it were in vain for vs to come to the Supper , to séek life and saluation in Iesus Christe .

When we knowe our sinnes , ought we not confesse them before God ?

Yes . Psal. 32. & ● . Lut. 18. According to the example of Dauid and the Publican , if we wil be iustified before God.

Why should we confesse and acknowsedge our sinnes before God ?

To obfain parden and ful remission , as God is iust and faithful to doo it .

For what end and purpose dooth God pardon vs our sinnes ?

C ,

For thrée principall ends .

What are they ?

First to this end , that we should reconcile our selues to our enemyes , secondly , that we should forgiue them , thyrdly that we should abstain from sinne , and liue to righteousnes .

Is there nothing in the Supper , that exhorteth vs to flée and hate ●m ?

Yes , for in that that wee breake the bread of the Supper : it sheweth vs that our sinnes did brute and breake the Sonne of God with the sorowes of death .

What foloweth then ?

That we should condemne and detest our sinnes , as the Authoures of the death of the Sonne of God.

Is it sufficient to abstaine from euill , and not to doo good ?

No , for euery trée that bringeth not foorth good frute : Math. 3. & 5 Mat. 25. is cut down and cast into the fyre . And therfore the naughtie Sernant was cast into vtter darknesse , not because he had wickedly spent his Maisters Talent , but because he vsed it not nor imployed it .

It is therfore requisit that euery one according to the talent which he hath receiued of God : doo glorify him in that vocation wherunto he is called .

Yea. If we wil enter as the good seruant , into the ioy of our Maister .

To doo this goodnes , must we not haue knoweledge ?

Yes .

By what meanes ?

By the law of God , and generally by all the holy Scriptures , whiche shew vnto vs what the good woorks are , whiche God requireth of vs .

Are we not exhorted to the Supper , to liue wel ?

Yes that we are . For in that that we are made one with Iesus Christe , made flesh of his flesh and bones of his bones , further more in that that we are partakers of his holinesse and innocency : it is to this end , that we should be holy as he is holy .

What more ?

In that also that we méet and agrée in the holy Church , which is the communion of Saints , in that that by the opperation and woork of the holy Ghost : we call vpon one father which is holy , to be short , in that that we hear his holy woord , and receine his holy Sacraments : it ought also to mooue vs to holynesse .

This holynesse which God requireth of vs , is it perfit in this world ?

No. As the examples of the Saincts shew vs . And moreouer vnto the last breth of our life , we shall haue alwaies need to aske of God that he would forgiue vs our sinnes through his Sonne Iesus Christe .

And this holynesse which is not perfit , can it please God which is parfit ?

Yea. For so much as by the operation of the holy Ghost , and by faith we obey the commaundements of God by Iesus Christ whiche couereth with the Cloke of his righteousnesse all our wants and imperfections .

Let vs come to the third parte of our duty towards God.

We haue said that it consisteth in an acknowledging .

What acknowledging ?

Of all the benefits which we haue receiued and receiue daily at the hand of God and espetially of the benefit of redemption by Iesus Christe .

Is it not for this cause that the auncients called the holy Supper , Eucharistia , that is to say , gratefulnesse , good grace , gining of thanks ?

It is so .

Is this acknowledging necessary for all them the are partakers of the Lordis table ?

Yea. As Iesus Christe hath she wed vs an example , Math. 26. Mark. 14. Luc. 22. 1. Cor. 11. and moreouer hath commaunded vs to celebrate the Supper in remembrance of him .

What are the conditions of this acknowledging ?

There are foure principall .

Which are the two first ?

First it ought to be giuen to one onely God , by his only Sonne Iesus Christe . Se condly it ought not to be giuen not onely by mouth , but also by hart .

Dooth it folowe héereby that all they which call vpon Saints & giue not thanks for their saluation to one onely . God by his Sonne Iesus Christe , are gilty ?

Yea. And they also erre which are Hipocrits , praying in an vnknowen tung , honouring God onely with their lips , and not with their harts .

F ,

Tel me the two last conditions of the acknowledging .

That is , it ought to bee doon at all times , that is to say , aswel in aduersitie : as in prosperitie . To be short , it ought to be practised not onely priuately : but also publiquely , and in the middest of the congregation of the faithful .

Seeing that we haue spoken inough of our duty towards God : let vs now speak of our duty towards our neighbour ,

It consisteth in true Charitie and brotherly vnitie , whiche doo necessarily folowe faith and the true seruice of God.

What is the true forme & rule of charity ?

That we looue our neighbours as our selues , or that we looue one an other , euen as Christe looued vs .

How did Christe looue vs ?

He looued vs when wee were his enemyes , and when we were wicked and abominable before God.

Haue we not héerein an example to looue our enemies , although they be wicked and naught ?

Yes . For in this part we must be agréeable to the image of our hed , Iesus Christe .

And this looue wherewithall Christe looued vs , was it fained ? or did it continue but for a time ?

No , for he looued vs not in word only : but in déed . He looued vs not only for a time but euen to the end , vnto death , euen to the sheding of his pretious blood for vs .

And ought we not to folow him héerin ?

Yes . To eschew all dissembling & inconstancy , when soeuer we debate of loouing our brethren and shewing our loue by déed .

Beside the example of Christe , are we not exhorted to this true looue in the Super ?

Yes .

By what reasons ?

First , in that that we doo all communicate togither at the Supper , that we eat of the self same meate , that we call vpon one self same Father , that we haue one self same hed Iesus Christe , that we are all quickened by his holy spirit , it ought to stir vs vp to true looue and Brotherly charitie .

What more ?

The making of the bread and wine of the Supper ought to exhort vs also vnto it .

How so ?

Because that euen as the Bread is made of many cornes , which are vnite to gither in one lump of Bread , and as the Wine is made of many clusters of grapes which are afterwarde put togither in one licour : so must the Christians , whiche are many in them selues : be ioyned togither by looue in one self same body , whiche is the churche of God.

This looue which we are exhorted vn to by so many reasons in the Supper , can it be in them whiche bere malice and batred one against an other ?

No. And therfore we must forget all iniuryes and reconcile our selues to them which haue offended vs , and forgiue them with all our hart euen as wee would that God should forgiue vs .

May we conclude by all that hath béen héertofore spoken , that such as doo not their duty aswel towarde God as towarde their neighbour , ought not to be receyued to the Supper ?

Yea , and therfore the true minister of Iesus Christe must take good héed that hée giue not that that is holy to such as are open ly knowen to be Dogs and Swine .

The father of all mercy defend vs in such sort through his holy spirit , with faith and repentance , that we may publish his praises with a sincere affection , and looue our neighbours , as Iesus Christe hath looued vs , that we come not to his holy Table to our damnation , as Infidels and impenitents doo , but rather to our saluation , béeing assured that we inioy as truely eternall life with all riches and treasures which are in Iesus Christe : as we inioy the Elements whiche he appointed vs for infallible witnesses of euerlasting life , in the same his welbelooued Sonne Iesus Christe our LORD .

So be it .