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ALl the Sacraments of the New Testament, in those that come to participate them, require a most Ex∣quisite and sincere preparation. But this Sacrament of the Lords Table, be∣cause in Institution and Effect it is the highest of all, requires the most per∣fect and purest Accomplishments. Our preparation to this Sacrament is not perfected by Contrition onely and
Confession of sins, (both which are un∣avoidably requisite) but if we will be worthy receivers and partake of those graces which are exhibited unto us in this heavenly banquet, there are many other duties we must necessarily per∣forme, for this Sacrament is of an in∣finite vertue, having in it the Wel-spring of all graces, even Iesus Christ with all the merits of his most bitter passion, which admit neither number nor mea∣sure. Wherefore such as our pre-dis∣position is, such also shall our propor∣tion be of this spiritual Manna; for as he that cometh to a Well to draw wa∣ter, takes no more thence, then what his vessel contains; which yet he can∣not impute unto the Well, but unto his Pitcher which could hold no more; so they that come unto this glorious Sacrament, receive onely so much grace as their preparation and holines makes them capable of. Now there are required of us, before we presume to lay hands upon this bread of life, three things.
We must (as far as it lies in us) re∣frain from all actual sins in thought, word, and deed. Secondly, We must do it to a good end, not for any private benefit; not by compulsion, or for fear of Censure, or any other Ecclesi∣astical correction; not out of Custome, nor for any sensual devotion or joy be∣cause of the confluence and company at these love-feasts. Thirdly and lastly, we must watch over our owne souls, and take heed that no wind blows upon our garden but the spiritu∣al and eternal; we must labour for an heavenly setlednesse, sanctified affecti∣ons, holy hopes, new garments, a clean heart, and a right spirit. Cant. 2. The soul must be sick of love, she must long for the banqueting house, nothing now must appear but flowers, nothing
must be heard but the singing of birds, and the voice of the Turtle. Lord God (saith S. Ambrose) with what contrition of heart, with what fountains of tears, with what reverence & fear, with what chastity of body and purity of mind should this divin mystery be celebrated! where thy flesh is the meat, where thy blood is the drink, where the creature feeds upon the Creatour, and the Cre∣atour is united unto the creature, where Angels are spectators, and God himself both the Priest and the Sacrifice, what holinesse and humility should we bring thither?
O what pure things,, most pure, must those hands be which bring my God to me!
As therefore some rich, odoriferous water is distill'd out of many and several sorts of fragrant herbs and flowers, so our devotion at this sove∣raigne Sacrament should be composed of many spiritual, acceptable affections with God, as (amongst others) are profound humility, unmeasurable re∣verence,
ardent love, firme faith, actu∣all charity, impatient hunger, and an intollerable longing after this heaven∣ly banquet.
And because we may not touch these white robes with dirty hands, nor come neer the Rose of Sharon with ill sents and offensive fumes, it hath been ever the Custom of Gods Church to injoyn and set apart a certain limit∣ed time of purification before this mysterious solemnity, wherein all re∣ligious and worthy Communicants addressed and prepared themselves in some measure for this unmeasurable mercy. Such was in our Church, that more strict and holy season, called Lent, and such still are the preparation-dayes before this glorious Sabbath in all true Churches. Two dayes were given the Israelites to sanctifie them∣selves, and to wash their clothes, that they might be ready against the third day, upon which the Lord was to come downe (in the sight of all the
people) upon Mount Sinai; And this onely at the reception of the Law which was given by Angels; much more then ought we to wash and cleanse our vessels from all vaine af∣fections, idle words and actions, and to separate our selves from the world for three dayes at least, that we may be ready against that great and blessed day, wherein we are to come, not to a mountain that might not be touched, nor to the sound of a Trumpet, nor to the voice of words spoken to us out of the midst of fire, but to the general as∣sembly, and Church of the first-borne, which are written in heaven, and to Iesus the Mediatour of the new Covenant, and to ••he blood of sprinkling, that speak∣eth better things then that of Abel. See then that thou refuse not to come to this great marriage of the Kings Son with thy soul, and see withall, that thou comest not without a wedding garment, that is to say, unprepared. For, whosoever shall eate this bread, and
drink this cup of the Lord unworth••ly, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord; But let a man examine himselfe, and so let him eate of that b••ead, and drink of that cup of the Lord, for he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drink∣eth damnation to himselfe, not discerning the Lords body, 1 Cor, 11.27, 28, 29. These are the words of a faithful wit∣nesse, and thou maiest beleeve them.
When therefore thou doest intend to be a partaker of this merciful and mysterious Sacrament, be sure for three daies at least not to intermeddle with any worldly businesse, but all that time redeeme those many daies which were vainly spent by thee; enter into thine owne bosome, examine what thou hast there, and if thou findest any sons of darknesse lurking under those fig-leaves, conceal them not, but turne them out of doors, and wash their Couch with thy teares; have a care that in the Bridegroomes bed, instead of myrrhe and flowers, thou strowest not
thornes and thistles. The Evening be∣fore thou art to communicate, feed but moderately, and after supper use no cor∣rupt communication, but converse in∣wardly with thine own heart, and me∣ditate what an Almighty guest thou art to entertaine there next day. Con∣sider seriously thine own unworthi∣nesse, and desire of him that he would sanctifie and furnish the roome where he is to eate the Passeover with thee. Intreat him to defend thee that night from all sinful Illusions and temptati∣ons, and to keep the house cleane and garnished for himself. When thou hast thus commended thy self into his hands, let thy sleep that night be short∣er then usual, be up with the day, or rather with thy Saviour, who rose up early, while it was yet dark. Meditate with thy self what miracles of mercy he hath done for thee. Consider how he left his Fathers bosome to be lodg∣ed in a manger, and laid by his robes of glory to take upon him the seed of
Abraham, that he might cloath thee with Immortality. Call to minde his wearisome journeys, continual afflicti∣ons, the malice and scorne he under∣went, the persecutions and reproaches laid upon him, his strong cries and teares in the days of his flesh, his spiri∣tual agony and sweating of blood, with the Implacable fury of his Ene∣mies, and his own unspeakable humi∣lity, humbling himself to the death of the Crosse, a death accursed by Gods own mouth. Consider againe (if thou canst) of what unmeasurable love was he possessed, who having de∣signed and spent his time of life here for thy salvation, did not onely leave thee those divine Oracles and Instru∣ctions to be guided by, but to seale up the summe and make heaven sure unto thee, did by his last Testament give himself with all the merits of his life and death to be wholly thine, and in∣stead of them took upon him all thy transgressions, bore all thine iniquities,
and to appease the anger, and satisfie the Justice of his Father, became the holy, harmlesse, and undefiled sacrifice and perfect satisfaction for the sins of the world, reconciling all things unto his Father, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
When thou hast thus considered him in his acts of love and humility, consider him again in his glory, take thine Eyes off from Bethlehem and Gol∣gotha, and look up to the mount of O∣lives, yea, to heaven where he sits now upon the right hand of his Father, An∣gels, principalities and powers being made subject unto him. Call to minde his Joyful resurrection, his most ac∣complished conquest, and triumph o∣ver the world, death and hell; his most gracious and familiar conversation with his Apostles before his Ascensi∣on, with his most loving and comfort∣able carriage towards them at his de∣parture, leading them out as farre as Bethanie, and lifting up his hands, and
blessing them. Lastly, close up these thoughts with a serious and aw∣ful meditation of that great and joy∣ful, though dreadful day of his second coming to judg••ment, promised by himself, and affirmed at the time of his Ascension by the two men in white apparel. Yemen of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Iesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Behold! he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him, and all kindreds of the earth shall waile because of him. Amen! even so, come quickly, Lord Iesus!
¶ These are the duties req••ired of thee, and which thou must faithfully and punctually performe, if thou wouldst be a worthy Communicant, and receive those sacred and mystical Elements to that blessed end for which they were ordained. But when I speak
of three dayes preparation, I do not impose that proportion of time, nor conclude it sufficient, as if it were e∣nough for thee to recede from thy corrupt inclinations, and the myre of thy sins for such a terme, with an in∣tention to returne and wallow in it a∣gain, when that holy season is over, for our whole life (had we the purity of Angels, and the innocence of infants,) bears no proportion at all, nor can it (without an immediate sanctification from God himself) any way qualifie, or make us fit for the reception of this unmeasurable mercy. But when I spoke of such a proportion of time, I did onely propose it to my Readers for the performing of those holy and ne∣cessary duties, which have particular relation to this solemne Feast, and which (indeed) are required then from every Christian. And as for a regular, sober, and holy life; we should in all places, and at all times labour for it, for without holinesse no man shall see the face
of God, much lesse be partaker of his merits, and by this spiritual eating and drinking become a member of that bo∣dy, whose life and head he is.
O Holy, blessed and glorious Tri∣nity! three persons, and one eter∣nal God, have mercy upon me a mise∣rable sinner.
O who will give mine head waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears! that I may weep night and day for my infi∣nite transgressions, ingratitude and re∣bellion against my most milde and merciful Creatour! O God my God be not farre from me! hide not thy face from the work of thine hands, re∣ject not my sighing and mournful spi∣rit, nor the earnest endeavours and de∣sires of mine undone and miserable
soul! O thou that breakest not the bruised Reede, nor quenchest the smoking Flax, quench not in me these weak sparks, this dawne and begin∣nings of the promised earnest. Take a∣way, O my God! this heart of stone, and give me a heart of flesh, renew a right spirit within me; cloath me with white raiment, and anoint mine Eyes with Eye-salve, that I may know and see how wretched, and miserable, and poore, and blinde, and naked I am and may be zealous therefore and repent! O thou that didst cause the waters to flow out of the stonie rock, and gavest to Magdalen such store of teares that she washed thy feet with them, give to me true remorse, and such a measure of repentance as may become a most miserable sinner! I confesse dear God, that I am not worthy of the least of thy mercies, much lesse to appear at this great and solemne Feast, this Feast of mercy and miracles, where none
but with holy hands, pure intentions, crucified affections, and renewed spi∣rits should presume to enter. But as for me I am all uncleannesse, a polluted, vile creature, and nothing belongs un∣to me at this great day, but confusion of face, and an utter separation from this glorions and saving Communion. I have wasted thy stock, consumed thy talents, and destroyed thy goods. I was restlesse, and unquiet till I had found out wayes to offend thee. I have broken thy Commandments, laid o∣pen thine Inclosures, and most grie∣vously trespassed against thy truth, and against the light of mine own Consci∣ence. I have preferred rottennesse and dust to the treasure of thy word, and mine own voluptuousnesse to thy re∣vealed will. And now O thou preser∣ver of men! What shall I do unto thee? A∣gainst thee onely have I sinned, and my transgressions are ever in thy sight. Lord God! I lay me down at thy foot∣stoole, and if thou wilt be extreme to
mark what is amisse, I shall from my very heart acknowledge and adore thy Justice. But O my dear Creatour, for Christ Jesus his sake have mercy upon me! look not on my deserts, but on thy glory; O Lord do not refuse me, but reforme and restore me! O Lord hearken, and do, and deferre not, but speak peace to my troubled soul, and send thy loving spirit to strengthen and confirme me in the way of holinesse, bring me home, O Lord, and leade me now unto these living waters, incorpo∣rate me into the saving vine, and purge me, that I may bear more fruit. O cast me not away like an abominable and withered branch, but make me to flou∣rish in the Courts of thy house, where thy Children are like Olive-branches round about thy table! O Lord hear, and have mercy, and forgive me, and be reconciled unto me for Christ Iesus his sake! To whom with thee and the holy Ghost be glory in the Church through all ages world without end, Amen.
HOly, holy, holy, is the Lord God of Hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory! Behold to the Moone, and it shineth not, and the Starres are darknesse in his sight. The Pillars of heaven do tremble, and are astonished at his reproof▪ O who then am I, that I should appear before thee, or what is man that thou shouldest regard him? O light of light, the all-seeing light that shineth in darknesse, and the darknesse comprehendeth it not, what will be∣come of me, when I shall appear be∣fore thy glorious and searching Eye! What an habitation of darknesse and death wilt thou finde within me? What abominable desolations and empti∣nesse? What barrenesse and disor∣ders wilt thou see there? Many a time hast thou knockt, and I have shut the
doors against thee, thou hast often cal∣led, and I would not answer. Sleep∣ing and waking, early and late, day and night have I refused instruction, and would not be healed. And now, O my God, after all this rebellion and uncleannesse, wilt thou come and lodge with me? O Lord, where shall I pre∣pare, and make ready for thee? What communion can there be betwixt light and darknesse, purity and pollution, perfe∣ction and deformity? O Rose of Sha∣ron! thou undefiled and everlasting flower, the glory of the fields, and the first fruits of the dead, shall the wilde Asses and the beasts of the wildernesse feed now upon thee? Wilt thou give the bread of life unto dogs, and cast thy pearls before swine? O Iesus Christ, the lover and the redeemer of all humble and penitent souls! Thou that feedest among the Lilies untill the day breaks and the shadows flee, what is there in my heart where onely tares and thistles grow, that thou canst feed
upon? Thy blessed body was wrapt in fine and white linen, (which is the righteousnesse of the Saints.) It was laid in a new and undefiled grave, hew∣en out of a rock, wherein never man was laid before. But all my righteous∣nesse is a filthy rag, my heart neither new nor undefiled, but a nest of un∣clean birds, where they have not onely laine, but hatched and brought forth their viperous young ones.
I confesse, dear God, I confesse with all my heart mine own extrem unwor∣thyness, my most shameful and deplo∣rable condition. But with thee, O Lord, there is mercy and plenteous redempti∣on. Thou dost not use to reject and cast off those that unfeignedly repent and return unto thee; the great design and end of thine Incarnation was to save sinners: Thou hadst never come into this world, but for thy love to thy lost sheep, and those thou didst then love, thou dost love still unto the end. Thou didst not come unto the whole,
but to the sick. The first (had there been any such,) had no need of a Phy∣sician, and the last (hadst not thou come to restore them,) had perished for ever. It was thy gracious pleasure (while thou wert here in the world) to re∣ceive Publicans and sinners, and though thou art now ascended to thy Father, yet hast not thou changed thy nature. Thou art the same yesterday, to day, and for evermore. Thy life here was nothing else but a pilgrimage and laborious search after sinners, that thou mightst finde them out and make them whole. And how willingly (O blessed Jesus!) didst thou lay down thy robes of glory, and cloath thy self with flesh, that thou mightst after∣wards lay down thy life a propitiation for our sins! How many scorching and wearisome journeys didst thou under∣go for our sakes! How many cold and tedious nights didst thou watch and spend abroad in prayer, when the birds of the aire lay warme in their nests,
and thou hadst not a place to put thy head in! In the day time I finde thee preaching in the Temple, and all night praying in the Mount of Olives; a little after on thine own Sabbath travelling for me in the corne-field; Another time (wearied with thy journey) sit∣ting on the Well of Iacob, and begging a draught of that cold water from the woman of Samaria; Now again I meet thee on the Asse, made infinitely hap∣py by so glorious a rider, by the God of Ieshurun who rideth on the heavens, and in his excellencie on the skies. Sure, it was his simplicity and ordinary contempt with man, that made him so accepta∣ble in thy sight. But (Oh!) with what language shall I attempt thy pas∣sion? thy bloody sweat, thy deep and bitter agony, thy lingring peece-meal∣ed death, with all the lively anguish∣ments, and afflictions of thy martyr'd Spirit? O my most loving and merci∣ful Saviour! It is onely thy own Spi∣rit, that can fully character thy own sufferings.
These miracles of love and most comfortable circumstances encourage me (O my God) to draw neer unto thee: for it is not probable that thou wouldst have subjected thy self to such bitter reproaches, blasphemies, and torments, had not thy love to man (for whose redemption thou didst suf∣fer them,) been as infinite as thy self; And greater love then this hath no man, that a man lay down his life for his friends. And lay it down thou didst, for no man could take it from thee. Thou couldst have commanded twelve legions of Angels from thy Father, and when thou wentest forth to meet thy murtherers, they went backwards and fell to the ground, and without thy permission (in whose hand their breath was) they could have done nothing. These mer∣ciful passages, together with thy own voice and frequent invitation much en∣courage me to draw neer unto thee.
Come unto me all ye that labour, and
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matth. 11.28.
If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink, John 7.37▪
These, with many more, are thy loving Invitations: This is the voyce of the great Shepherd, and thy sheep hear thy voyce. Thus thou didst cry, and these were the words thou didst speak while thou wert here upon earth, and shall I then turn away from thee, that speakest now from heaven? Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech, and thy preaching and Intercession shall last untill the hea∣vens be no more, and woe unto them that refuse to hear thee.
Wherefore, most holy Iesus, seeing thou dost invite sinners to thee, and didst die to redeem them, and art able to save them to the uttermost, that come to God by thee, and dost live for ever to make intercession for them, Heb. 7.25, 26. I the most wretched and the
worst of sinners in full assurance of thy mercies, and that thou art touched with the feeling of mine infirmities, Heb. 4.15. and wilt have compassion upon my penitent soul, draw neer to thy throne of grace, that I may obtaine mercy, and finde grace to help in time of need.
O Lord be merciful unto me, for∣give all my sins, and heal all mine infir∣mities. Cleanse my heart, sanctifie my affections, renew my spirit, and strengthen my faith, that I may at this great Feast discerne thy blessed body, and eate and drink salvation to my self, to the glory of thy great name, and the comfort of my poor and sorrowful soul, Amen.
Now unto him that hath loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us Kings and Priests unto God and his Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever, and ever. Amen.
IN the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the holy Ghost, Amen!
Iesus Christ, the Lamb, the Branch, the bright and morning-Starre, the bread of life that came down from heaven, have mercy upon me! It is thy promise, that whosoever eateth thy flesh, and drinketh thy blood, he shall have eternal life in him, and thou wilt raise him up at the last day. Behold, O God, I am now coming to thee; O thou fountain of purgation! thou Well of living waters wash me cleane! be unto me the bread of life to strengthen me in my pilgrimage towards heaven! grant that I may suck salvation from thy * 1.1 heart, that spring of the blood of God, which flowes into all believers. Thy flesh is meat indeed,
and thy blood is drink Indeed. O give me grace to receive both worthily, that I may never incurre thy anger, and eternal condemnation! Lord Iesus Christ! I beleeve all that thou hast said, and all that thou hast promised, helpe thou mine unbelief; thou art the Au∣thor, be thou the finisher of my faith; And for thy glories sake, for thine own names sake, leade me in the right way to this great mercy and mystery, Amen!
O Lord! I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth which thou hast shewed unto thy servant, all my life long unto this very day; much lesse am I worthy thou shouldst come now under my roof but seeing it is thy institution and free mercy that will have it so, be jea∣lous, O God, of the place of thine honour, cause me to remember whose
Temple I am, and suffer not my last state to be worse then the first. Even so, Lord Iesus, come quickly, Amen!
Cyprian de caenâ do∣mini, Crucihaeremus, sanguinem, sugimus, & inter ipsa redem∣ptoris nostri vulne∣ra figimus linguam.