The Protestants.

FIrst, we doe truly affirme and teach, that an especiall and principall vse of the Eucharist or Communion, is to strengthen and assure our faith of the re∣mission of sinnes: and yet we deny not, but that it hath other vses beside: for as in Baptisme not onely the washing away of our sinnes is shewed forth, but it also betokeneth our dying to sinne, and rising to newnes of life, Ro. 6.3.4. So in the Lords supper whole Christ with all his benefites is exhibited vnto vs, as it is a pledge vnto vs, not onely of remission of sinnes, but that Christ is become our righteousnes and sanctification, 1. Cor. 1.30. that he will assist vs with his spirite, and replenish our harts with grace, Ioh. 4.14. yea, the spirituall eating and drinking of the flesh and blood of Christ, is a pledge vnto vs of the resurrecti∣on, and of life eternall, Ioh. 6.54. But that amongst the rest, it also assureth vs of remission of sinnes, thus it is proued.

Argum. Christ after S. Mathew saith, This is the blood of the new testa∣ment, that is shed for many for remission of sinnes, Math. 26.28. But the new testament includeth a promise of remission of sinnes, Iere. 31.34. Yea our Sa∣uiour setteth it downe in plaine termes: for why els should our Sauiour make expresse mention of forgiuenes of sinnes, if this sacrament did not serue for that vse?

Secondly, we doe holde, that to haue a liuely faith in the promises of God, with repentance for our sinnes, and a full purpose to amend our liues, is a suffici∣ent preparation for the Communion: and that this sacrament is a soueraigne remedy for a troubled conscience. Neither ought men to refraine from the Communion, till they haue fully satisfied for their sinnes, as the Papists teach, and are cleered in their conscience of all their sinnes: for so, few or none at all, should be admitted to the Lords table: but in whom faith hath alredy wrought repentance in some measure, he may safely receiue the sacrament for his further comfort, and assurance of remission of sinnes.

Argum. Iohn. 6.35. He that beleeueth in me, saith Christ, shall neuer thirst: S. Paul also exhorteth men to examine themselues, 1. Corin. 11.28. which is no∣thing els, as himselfe expondethu it, then to proue whether they be in the faith, 2. Cor. 13.5. Ergo, the examination or triall of faith, is a sufficient preparation for the Lords table.

Augustine saith, Ad Deum acceditur, fide sectando, corde inhiando, chari∣tate currando. We come or haue accesse vnto God in folowing him by faith, see∣king Page  467 him in our heart, and running to him with loue, In Psalm. 33. concion. 2. Ergo, by fayth we haue accesse vnto God, Rom. 5.2. but a liuely fayth, which worketh by loue, Galath. 5.6.