A gospel-church, or, God's holy temple opened wherein is shewed from the scriptures ... / by Stephen Ford ...

CHAP. XII.

Of the Lords Supper, wherein several questions are answered concerning the nature, use, and end of it, and the necessary qualifications and prepara∣tions of all worthy Receivers of it; with several other things relating to the Lords Supper.

I Shall now give you a brief account of the Lords Supper, commonly called the Sacra∣ment of the Lords Supper, by Learned Men; but I shall call it as the Gospel doth, the Lords Supper, 1 Cor. 11.20. and breaking of Bread Luk. 24.35. Acts 2 42. Acts 20.7. This holy and spiritual Ordinance, this great Seal of the Covenant, the Lord Jesus hath ap∣poi ted for, and given to his Gospel Churches for their souls profit, and the manifestation of the glory of his Love and Grace to them.

Quest. What is the Lords Supper?

Answ. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is a Heavenly Feast, or a spiritual Gospel Ordinance, instituted and appointed by Je∣sus

Christ for, and given to his inchurched Saints, to be to them a constant Memorial, Sign, and Seal of his death and sufferings for them. (1.) It is a Feast, yea, it is a Feast of fat things, Isa. 25.6. and a Heavenly Banquet, Cant. 2.4. It is the Spiritual Wedding-Supper, made & appointed by Jesus Christ for his Spouses; where he comes, furnishes the Table, sits down and eats with them; invites them to sit down with him, and bids them welcome; bids them eat and drink a∣bundantly, Rev. 3.20. Cant. 5.1. (2) It is a Spiritual Gospel-Ordinance, not a Civil, or a Carnal and Legal Ordinance such as were or∣dained for the Jewish Church of old; but it is a Spiritual Gospel-Ordinance, for, and respect∣ing spiritual things. (3.) The Institutor of it, and that is Jesus Christ, him to whom the Fa∣ther had committed all power. and Authority, and into whose hand he had given all things, Joh. 3.35. Matth 11.27. Matth. 28.18. I say, it is an Ordinance instituted by Jesus Christ him∣self, Matth. 26.26, 27. 1 Cor. 11.23. For I received of the Lord that, which also I delivered un∣to you; that the Lord Jesus, the same Night in which he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat, this is my body, which is broken for you; this do ye in remembrance of me. And mark it, it is an insti∣tuted and a positive Ordinance and duty, not a natural or moral one. It is not founded on, or put in, and among the moral precepts, or natu∣ral Laws of God; but it is meerly an Institution of Christ, appointed for, and given to his in∣churched members, and none else. And there∣fore, it is not an Ordinance for, and the use of

it, a duty incumbent on Unbelievers, and per∣sons dead in sins, while they remain in that con∣dition; but 'tis only appointed and intended for Believers in their orderly walkings with God. All men, as they are reasonable Creatures, are bound to pray to God, and to hear his Word preached, because they are (though not meerly and only so) Ordinances and duties of moral worship, and not meerly of divine Institution, as Baptism and the Lords Supper are; but all men are not so bound to participate of the Lords Supper and water Baptism. (4.) It is said, that this Ordinance is appointed for, and given to inchurched Saints, that is, that persons in Christ, may, and they only can partake of it in the way and order of the Gospel. For although their relation to Christ, and interest in the Cove∣nant of Grace, gives them a fundamental right unto it, yet it is their orderly walking together in Church-fellowship under the discipline of Christ, the care, inspection, and government of his Church-Ministers, that gives them an imme∣diate and orderly right unto it. For we never read of any of the Apostles, or other Ministers in their days, that did, or were allowed to re∣ceive it, but such as were inchurched. That it was by the Apostles direction administred and received in the Churches we often find, but ne∣ver that it was so else-where, or by Believers out of a Church-state, Acts 2.42. ult. Acts 20.6, 7. 1 Cor. 11.23, 24. compared with 1 Cor. 1, 2. And Paul tell, the Church at Corinth, That the Cup of Blessing, which we bless, is it not the Com∣munion of the Blood of Christ? the Bread, that we break, is it not the Communion of the Body of

Christ? For we being many are one Bread and one Body; for we are all partakers of that one Bread, 1 Cor. 10.16, 17. (5.) The Matter of this Or∣dinance is Bread and Wine, Luk. 22.19. Matth. 26.26. 1 Cor. 11.23.24. Mark. 14.25. Matth. 26.29. It is true that it is but carnal matter, and that which is common food among men; but it is more than Bread and Wine by Christ's Authority and Appointment, when they are set apart by the word of Prayer, and by Faith dedi∣cated and sanctified to this use and service, in the name, and by the Authority of Jesus Christ.

Quest. Why is this Ordinance called the Lords Supper, 1 Cor. 10.20?

Ans. 1. It is called a Supper, because it was instituted and celebrated at, or about Supper∣time. The Lord Jesus chose that time rather than another, as of his Soveraign Authority, will and pleasure, who may make, appoint, and change times and seasons as he will; so likewise with respect to the Paschal Lamb, or the Pass∣over, and the time of the Israelites eating there∣of, which was done in the Night, Exod. 12.8. and also that he might abolish and put an end to that Ordinance at that time of its observation, by setting this up in the place and room thereof.

2. It is called the Lords Supper, 1. Because he did personally and immediately institute it, administer and eat it himself, Matth. 26.26.27.29. (2.) Because it is appointed and ordain∣ed by him, to be a constant memorial & pledge of his Death and Sufferings, Luk. 22.20. But more of this anon. (3.) Because it is to be re∣ceived and celebrated in his Name, and to his Glory, 1 Cor. 11.2••. We read of several things

called by his Name; as his Day, or the Christian Sabbath, Rev. 1.10. The Laws and Commands of Christ are so called, Joh. 15.10. So likewise we read of the Table and Cup of the Lord, 1 Cor. 10.21. So are the Churches and the Teachers of them called by his Name for the reasons be∣fore mentioned.

Quest. What is the nature, use, and end of the Lords Supper, or wherefore is it instituted and given to inchurched Saints, as it appears it is?

Ans. I shall answer this question in many par∣ticulars, only in the general I may say, that it is instituted, ordained, and given to the Churches for Christs glory and their spiritual profit.

1. But more particularly: 1. To be to them a constant sign and memorial of Christs Death and Sufferings for them. We are exceeding prone and very apt to forget the Love of Christ, and what he hath done and suffered for us, which should be matter of shame and sorrow to us. But the Lord Jesus in his great love and care to, and of his Churches, hath provided proper Reme∣dies for these Maladies, and hath appointed his Gospel, and the Preaching thereof, and also Bap∣tism and the Supper, to keep alive in their minds and hearts his Death and Sufferings, and to be continual signs, tokens, and memorials of them unto their Souls, Rom. 4.11. Luk. 22.19. 1 Cor. 11.24, 25, 26. And as God told Noah, Gen. 9.11.—17. This is the Token of the Cove∣nant which I have made between me and you. I do set my Bow in the Cloud, and it shall be for a To∣ken of the Covenant. So says Jesus Christ, I have entered into Covenant with God in your behalf, and in your names, to dye and suffer the shame∣ful

Death of the Cross for you, to redeem you from all Iniquity, Tit. 2.14. to wash and cleanse you from the guilt and filth of sin, to reconcile you unto God, and make you acceptable to him, Eph. 5.25, 26. 2 Cor. 5.18, 19. Eph. 1. This I have done for you; I took your sins and guilt, your death and punishment on my self, by assuming your Nature, and substituting my self in your stead; and I have paid your Debts, made you Righteousness, 2 Cor. 5. ult. & have brought you nigh to God by the Sacrifice of my Life: And you may not forget it, but have it still in your eyes and hearts. Behold, I have given you this sign, token, and memorial thereof. Here you shall see by Faith your great high Priest sacrifi∣cing and offering up himself, to attone divine Justice, to appease the wrath of God; and here you may see how I was handled by God and Men for you. Here you may see how I was Tortured, Reproached, Buffetted, Scourged, Crowned with Thorns, Spit upon, Hanged, Nailed and Crucified. Here you may see by Faith, my Blood gushing out, my Groans, Sighs, and Tears, my Agonies and bloody Sweats, and my soul made an Offering for your Sins. Here you may see what a horrible and an exceeding great evil, Sin is; how infinitely God hates it: And here you may see my Travels and Tor∣ments, my Griefs & unexpressible Sorrows for you. I Dyed that you might Live: I was made a Curse, that you might be for ever blessed; and I was put to Shame, that you might be honoured. I was made a Man of Sor∣rows, that you might rejoyce; and I was pu∣nished that you might be released. I was de∣based

that you might be exalted; and I was scourged that you might be crowned. I was condemned that you might be justified; and I was slain that you might be saved. In this Or∣dinance you may see a Righteous Man dying, and yet under more guilt and punishment than ever man was; & here you may see a holy man dying as a great, yea, the greatest of Sinners. Here you may, as in a glass, behold one put to the worst of Deaths for Sin, and yet never sinned; and here you may see the Lord of Glory mur∣dered by the hands of wicked men. In this Or∣dinance you may see by Faith, as in a glass, a∣mazing and astonishing wonders; the offended Person the Sufferer, and the Offender set free. The Innocent Surety taken and cast into Prison, and the Necent released and set at liberty. In a word, here you may see the Prison doers s••t open for Prisoners to come forth freely, Isa. 61.1, 2. and here you may see all Debts discharged. Here you may see Divine Justice satisfied, and God reconciled, Isa. 53. And here you may see sins pardoned, and the Book crossed: Here you may see the fountain of eternal Love opened to Sinners, and God well pleased; and here you may hear God saying, Deliver them, for I have found a Ransom. Here you may see Truth and Mercy, Justice and free Grace meet in that one Glorious Mediatour; and here you may see God and Men in perfect peace and friendship. Here you may see the everlasting Love of God streaming forth to you, and here you may see the Grace of Christ flowing out to you. Here you have a Token, Sign, and Memorial of it be∣fore your eyes, that you may look on these

things with great delight, with joy and re∣joycing, and with admiration and thanksgiving. Here you will read heart-ravishing matters, and here you may see adorable objects. This Or∣dinance sets forth the Love of God, the Misery of Man, the Grace of Christ, and a Crucified Je∣sus to the life. In it you may be even swallow∣ed and lost, for it holds out to you heights, depths, breadths and lengths of infinite, free, and adorable Love and Grace.

2. The Lords Supper is a seal and pledge to inchurched Believers also. It is not appointed for, and given to them, to be a sign, token, and memorial of God's Love, and of the Grace and Death of Christ only; but to be a seal and pledge to them too. So the Apostle Paul tells us, that the Ordinance of Circumcision was a Seal of the Righteousness of Faith, that is of Christ, the great object of Faith, Rom. 4.11. Circumcision and the Passoever were the Isra∣lites Seals; and Baptisme and the Lords Sup∣per are the believing Gentiles Seals. Seals are appointed and made use of among men to rati∣fie and confirm their Contracts, Covenants and Promises to men, whereby they are made firm and irreversible. Now the great God, in allu∣sion to the practises of men, is pleased in his a∣bundant Grace and Mercy, not only to cove∣nant and promise his greatest mercies to men, but for their satisfaction and encouragement, to seal them, and thereby to ratifie and confirm them. He need not to have done so upon his own account, but he doth it only for our sakes. Now I judge the Lords Supper Seals thus. (1.) First to the truth and reality of the Cove∣nant,

and to the Blood of it, namely, Christ's, which is called the Blood of the everlasting Cove∣nant, Heb. 13.20. and (2.) To the Faith and Consciences of particular Saints. That is, it seals to them their right unto, and interest in the Covenant of Grace, the Blood of Christ, and to all the benefits of his mediation and mer∣cies of the Covenant. But the first thing or matter it seals to, is the truth and reality of the Covenant on God's part, if I may so express it. It pleased God to determinate and chuse to save men by Covenant, or in a Covenant-way. And this good pleasure of his took place in the bo∣som of his eternal Counsels before all time; which Covenant of Grace was made with Jesus Christ in Eternity, Tit. 1.2. 2 Tim. 1.9. Prov. 8. Eph. 1.4. but was made manifest in time unto men, 2 Tim. 1.10. To them he gave Copies and Transcripts of it; at first to Adam in Paradise, Gen. 3.17. and afterwards to Noah, Abraham, and others, until the promised Seed came, when the whole of it was opened and unfolded. In this Covenant God promised to give his Son Je∣sus Christ to and for men, Isa. 42.1.6. to make his Soul an offering for sin, that he should see his Seed, and of the travail of his Soul, and that the pleasure of the Lord should prosper in his hand, Isa. 53.10, 11. And the Lord Jesus he engaged to come and fulfil all the will of his Father for them that were given to him. For so David and Paul bring him in speaking of himself in Psal. 40.6.7, 8. Heb. 10.6, 7, 8, 9. In Burnt-offerings and Sacrifices for sin thou hadst no plea∣sure; then said I, Lo, I come to do thy Will, O God; and a Body hast thou prepared me, &c.

David spake of him as to come, but Paul as al∣ready come, and all in pursuance of the old Con∣tract and Agreement in Heaven; but I cannot inlarge on this. But I say that Christ came, and did the Will of his Father by virtue of the eternal Covenant between the Father and Him, as I could shew at large, had I room and time to do it. Hence he tells us by Solomon, in Prov. 8. that his delights were with the Sons of men from the beginning: That he came down from Hea∣ven to do the Will of him that sent him: Joh. 6.38. That he kept his Fathers Commandments: Joh. 15.10. That He finished the work the Father gave him to do, Joh. 17.4. And appeals to his Father in the case, yea, to his Righteousness, and demands of him his promised Reward, Joh. 17.4, 5, 24. God the Father promises to be well pleased with him and his Offerings, and in him with those he mediated for: That they should be pardoned, healed, justified, washed and sanctified; and that they should be accep∣ted: Eph. 1.6. That if Christ would be made sin for them, they should be made Righteousness of God in him, 2 Cor. 5. ult. Now that God and the Mediatour have so Covenanted, promised, and engaged for, and in the behalf of Believers; that Christ came and finished all the work that the Father gave him to do; that Christ hath o∣beyed and suffered, the Father satisfied and well pleased; and that Peace, Friendship, and Reconciliation for men is obtained; and that God is faithful, who hath promised; Heb. 10.23. and that he will not fail to perform the Truth to Jacob, and Mercy to Abraham, Micah 7. ult, is continued and ratified unto Believers, in and

by the Lord's Supper. For there is held forth a clear proof and confirmation of it. This is my body that is broken, and my blood that is shed or given, 1 Cor. 11.23, 24, 25. These are the first objects and matters our faith eyes and fixes on in the Lord's Supper; and these are the first things that it seals unto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 us, namely, that God hath covenanted and promised these mercies upon Christ's dying; that Christ hath dyed, done the Fathers whole will, and finished his work; and that God the Father hath accep∣ted his Mediation in our behalf, justified his Son Jesus, and is well-pleased with him, and with us in him; that God is faithful who hath promi∣sed, and that he is able, and will perform his promises, made to Christ for, and given down to us. On these things our faith must fix; and then this Ordinance of the Supper will con∣firm them us.

2. As the Lord's Supper seals, or ratifies and confirms to our faith the truth, and reality of the Covenant and promises, the death of Christ, the faithfulness of God, and his being satisfied and well pleased with Christ's mediation for us, and that he will perform his Covenant and Pro∣mises unto the Heirs of promise: so it seals, ratifies and confirms Believers interest and proprie∣ty in them. It ratifies and confirms to their own Consciences, that they are interested in Christ: that they are Christs, and Christ is theirs: that they are regenerated and redeem∣ed: that their sins are pardoned, and their per∣sons accepted in the Beloved, Eph. 1.6, 7. This Ordinance seals to them the fruits of Christ's death, and to the truth, sincerity and peculiarity

of his grace in them: that they are united to him, and that he is their head, and they are his Members. That he loves them, and they love him, with special and peculiar love. This Or∣dinance seals to them their Adoption, and their right unto the eternal Inheritance: and it as∣sures them (as a means of Christ's appointing for that end) that God is their Father, and they are his Children: that Christ is their Husband, and they are his Spouses; and that they shall live and reign with him in glory.

But yet know, that though there be a kind of a natural aptness in this holy Ordinance, thus to seal the love of God to you, as it is Christs Ordinance, and instituted by him for this end: yet it cannot, doth not do it of, or by its self, or its own power; but it seals as an Ordinance in the hand of the spirit, or as a fit medium and means, whereby and wherewith the holy spirit seals the Souls of Believers. It is the proper work of the holy Ghost to seal, ratifie and con∣firm his own work in Believers hearts, Eph. 1.13. Eph. 4.30. And this great work he doth, especially, in and by the Lord's Supper on the hearts of good men. For as the matters he seals to, are his own works in their hearts; so he onely can confirm them to their Faith and Con∣sciences. The love of God is said to be shed abroad into our hearts by him, Rom. 5.5. and to this he sets his seal, and gives in his Testimony, Rom. 8.16. namely, that he hath shed abroad the love of God in our hearts: that God loves us, & we love him with special love; and that he hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Pet. 1.2. He first writes his Lawes, and creates his grace in our hearts, puts the Lord Jesus into the possession of them, forms saith, Repentance and all other graces of Christ in them; and then he seals, ratifies and confirms all to us, Cant. 8.6, 2. Cor. 1.22. Job. 33.16. So that now we know, that we are passed from death to life, Joh. 3.14. and are sure that we are of God; that the Lord Jesus is ours, and we are his, Cant. 2.16. And can say with Thomas, my Lord and my God; and with David, I am thine; and with Paul and others; if our earthly house be dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens, 2 Cor. 5.1. Thus you see how this Ordinance seals up the love of God, and the work of his grace in our Souls: And therefore, when ever you receive it, be sure to look for, and expect it; and make use of it for, though not only for this end and purpose: And in order thereunto, be careful and diligent, in preparing and fitting your selves for the recepti∣on of this seal on your hearts; and then you need not doubt of your obtainment of it.

3. This Ordinance is instituted and given to inchurched Saints, to bring the Lord Jesus and them together, into the nearest, clearest, and closest fellowship and communion, that can be in this lower state. The Lord Jesus and they do greatly love one another, and delight in communion with each other, Cant. 4. ult. Cant. 5.1. Believers in their holy, obediential and orderly walking are Christs dearly beloved Spouses, and he is their dearly beloved Husband, Cant. 2.16. Jer. 12.7. They do greatly love, and rejoyce in one anothers company and Society▪ their speeches

are pleasant, and their countenances sweet and lovely to each other, Zeph. 3.17. Cant. 1.4. Cant. 2.7, 10, 13. Cant. 2.14. There is a ho∣ly fondness, and a heart-ravishing friendliness between Christ and his Beloved: they lye deep in each others hearts and are so knit to one ano∣ther in warm affections, as that they cannot pa∣tiently bear each others absence Hence we find the Lord Jesus and his people inviting one another, and importunately solliciting each other to come to them: yea, and proffering them∣selves, and (as it were) inviting or pressing themselves upon, or into one anothers company, Cant. 2.••0, 13, 14, 7. Cant. 4.8. ult. Cant. 5.1. Cant. 6. ult. Cant. 7.11, 12. Rev. 3.20. Joh. 14.21, 23.

Therefore hath glorious Jesus instituted Churches, and gathered up his people into spi∣ritual housholds; formed them into holy Socie∣ties, and made them his walled Gardens. Therefore hath he brought them into a holy Band, knit them together into bodies, and given to them this Feast of fat things, this Pledge and Token of his distinguishing love, and this holy sign and seal; that he may invite and bring them together, to take, and eat; and that himself may come and be with them there. He is the matter, and the great master of the Feast, and he is the King that comes in, to see his Guests, and that bids them be merry, yea, and to eat and drink abundantly, (with an) O Beloved! Cant. 5.1. In the last verse of the 4th chapter, the Church importunatly invites and sollicites the Lord Jesus to come into his Garden, and eat his pleasant fruits; namely, when they were con∣gregated

together, and waiting on and for him. The Lord Jesus comes, and tells them so, Chap. 5.1. I am come into my Garden my Sister, my Spouse, I have gathered my myrrh with my Spice: then he chears them up, and bids them welcome, be merry, and eat and drink, not sparingly, but freely and abundantly, O Beloved. His holy Temples, and this heavenly Feast, are appointed and ordained for his Reception and Entertain∣ments with his Beloved, Rev. 2.1. 2 Cor. 6.16. There are the•• most joyful meetings; and there do they hold and enjoy the most comfortable and heart-satisfying communion together, as holy hearts can and do often experience. For this end hath he instituted, and for this end should all Church-members receive this Ordi∣nance.

4. As it is appointed for Communion be∣tween Christ and his inchurched-members, so likewise for their Communion among themselves, 1 Cor. 10.16, 17. Good men have heart-divi∣ding, and love-separating lusts, self-Interests, world and Devil: and therefore they need all proper means to unite and knit their hearts to∣gether in Brotherly Love & Communion, Col. 2.2. The Lord Jesus hath commanded, and strict∣ly charged his people to love one another, as he hath loved them, Joh. 13.34. Joh. 15.12, 15. and that they love one another with pure hearts fervently, 1 Pet. 1.22. That they walk in love, and endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the Bond of peace, Eph. 4.1, 2, 3. Eph. 5.1, 2. Now in order to the obtainment of it, and that Believers may be encouraged to mind and do his will herein, the Lord Jesus hath by his own

Laws and Authority formed them up into holy Temples, and united them into spiritual Socie∣ties, and given them occasion and opportunity to meet together and feast themselves at his Table, at his cost and charges; and that as Guests of his own bidding. There they may often meet, sit down and feed together of his dainties. There they see and taste, feel and smell, and there they may speak of, & hear him, and of his grace and love. There they may see, that they are all bought with the same price and redeemed with the same blood. There they may see, that they are members together of the same head and body; that they are all Plants of his planting; Trees of his watering; Sub∣jects of the same Grace and Spirit, and the same objects of his care and protection.

There they may see, that they are all bone of his bones, and flesh of his flesh; and that he hath fellowship and communion with them all: That they are heirs together of the grace of life, 1 Pet. 3.7. and that they are all entitled to an eternal inheritance. There they may see, that they are all partakers of the same life, and that the Lord Jesus hath made the same provisions for the everlasting happiness of all their Souls. There they may see, that they have the same faith and hope, and that the covenant and pro∣mises belong to them all: That there is a mu∣tual Interest amongst them, and that they are concerned in, and with each other: That they are engaged in one common cause with Christ, and that they are not their own, but one ano∣thers.

All which things and considerations, are of great use towards the knitting and endearing of their hearts one to another in spiritual love, holy peace, and Brotherly affection. For by their sitting down altogether as one body, at one Table of the Lord: eating and drinking the same Bread and Wine, and by faith, the same body and blood of the Lord: by beholding and believing their mutual interest in Christ, and in all the benefits of his death; and that they are all alike invited to the feast, and all alike wel∣comb'd and entertained by their Lord and King: they are much induced thereby to love one ano∣ther: to seek, desire and rejoyce in the good of each other, and to walk together as Heirs of the Kingdom of Glory; keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. And likewise, in joyning hearts and hands together, as one body, in celebrating the worship, and in magnifying the name and glory of Christ.

5. An other great use and end of this Ordi∣nance, is, to knit and endear the heart to Christ himself. And it is a powerful means to effect it. He is a most full and glorious Object of Love; a most lovely Object indeed. He is the fairest of Ten thousands, and altogether lovely, or alto∣gether loves, Cant. 5.10. ult. He hath all glori∣ous excellencies in him, and is the perfection of beauty, Psal. 50.2. All ye glories of the Hea∣vens and the Earth, of Angels and men, are but dark shadows unto this Son of Righteousness. The Lord Jesus is most lovely, glorious and beauti∣ful, in his love and grace to us, in his obedience and death for us, and in all his Laws and Pro∣mises to us. But especially, his Person is most

beautiful, glorious and lovely, Psal. 45. 1 Cor. 2.8. his most transcendant and glorious excel∣lencies, will be the eternal wonderment of Saints and Angels, and they shall be for ever employed in adoring and praising him. He is an Object too high for us (now) to reach, and a Sun too bright and glorious for our dim eyes to behold, only some Raies and Beams of his Glory, he causes to shine on us, and enables us to take them in, in some degree, Psal. 63.1, 2. But of all means, the Lord's Supper is the most full and proper for the opening and representing unto us, unto our faith, the beauty, glory and loveliness of Christ, in his love and grace: in his death and sufferings.

There we may read wonderful Stories, and see glorious Mysteries indeed. There we may read and see his love and grace to us, streaming forth by his heart blood, and there we may see the greatness, freeness, profitableness, purity, sweetness, and the transcendant excellency of his love and loveliness. There we may see the eternal Fountain of love, and the inexhaustible-Treasures of his heart, of his grace and kindness opened and running down to us; and there we may see a bottomless Sea of mercies and affe∣ctions discovered. There we may read Christ loving us, and giving himself for us, unto an ac∣cursed death, Gal. 2.20. Gal. 3.13. And Oh! my Brethren, what an attracting, Soul drawing, heart-knitting object of love, is the Lord Jesus represented to be to us, in that Ordinance? It is a Glass that represents and shews us nothing else, but love and Christs loveliness. It is an Ordinance that Preaches and Seals love to Be∣lievers;

and thereby provokes, enflames and drawes out their love to him. Love will be drawn and not driven; and what drawes it into warm and strong Acts, but lovely persons, things and actions? love and lovely objects irritates, and drawes forth love to them: and the more love∣ly, beautiful and glorious they are, the more forceably and powerfuly they draw; as expe∣riences shews, and we all know.

But then are such objects and things, most attractive and powerful, when they are our own, or when we know that we have a right unto, and an interest in them. Now in the Lord's Sup∣per, you have these glorious objects and things handed out to you, and sealed to you in parti∣cular. Take, cat, this is my body that was broken, and this is my blood that was shed for you, 1 Cor. 11.23, 24, 25. It speaks to sound-hearted Be∣lievers thus. Here is your glorious Head and King; your Redeemer and Saviour. Here is the body that was broken, and the blood that was shed for you. Here is your Covenant, and here are your promises sealed, ratified and con∣firmed, and here is free, eternal and distinguish∣ing love and grace, shewed and given to you. Oh! how strongly must this draw their love, and how powerfully, must this enflame their affections to Jesus Christ? For this end it is appointed, and this it doth in measure effect in holy hearts.

6. It is instituted and appointed, to strengthen and nourish inchurched Believers, and to make them fat and flourishing in the house of God, Psal. 92.13, 14. Psal. 132.13, 14, 15. Psal. 84.4, 7.

Believers have many grace-weakning, and heart-wasting-lusts, Snares and Temptations; and therefore they have need of such strength∣ning, heart-chearing, and grace-nourishing means; that they languish not, but thrive and prosper, in the inner man. I have spoken some∣what of this before; when I shewed you the priviledges of the Churches, and the end for which all Believers should walk in Church fel∣lowship: and therefore shall not insist on it here. Only let me add, that you may find in this Or∣dinance, both Food and Physick. Here is (as in the hand of an Ordinance) food for your Souls, and nourishment for your Graces; and here is Physick for them also. Here is the bread of Life, and here is the water and wine of Life to; feed and comfort you, to fatten and nourish you, to build you up and establish you; and to make you strong men in Christ: to encourage and help you, and to make you fruitful in every good work, Joh. 6. Col. 1.10. And here is not only food, but Heavenly and spiritual Physick too. Here you may have Purging and cleansing-Phy∣sick, and here you may have comforting and refresh∣ing Physick also. And you do, and still you will need both. You need Lusts-purging, and Heart-purifying Physick: and behold here it is for you. Christ gave himself, and shed his blood, that it might purge, cleanse and heal us, and that it might in, and by his own means, be con∣veyed to us; I mean the vertue and efficacy of it, for that end, Eph. 5.25, 26, 27. Tit. 2.14. 1 Joh. 1.7, 9. Now in this Ordinance, the purging, cleansing, and heart-purifying virtue of this blood is handed out, and conveyed to the

Faith of Believers, & which the Spirit in Christ's behalf applys, and which we for our selves are to apply also. The Spirit doth it powerfully and efficasiously, and we by Faith are to do it dutifully, and so it obtains its Ends on us: And as it is purging, cleansing, and heart-purifying Physick to our Souls, so it is Cordial Physick al∣so, to refresh and comfort, to revive and chear our drooping, sad, and disconsolate Souls. Of this Blood, and for this End, we may drink free∣ly and constantly! Here we may have our fill, and drink abundantly, according to our needs. Here you may Augment your Light, Faith, Peace, Hope, Joy, Courage, Zeal, Meekness, Love, and Patience; and here you may obtain a measure of all spiritual good. Here you may enrich your Souls with Christ, Grace, Assurance, Experiences and Consolations; and here you may obtain the destruction of your Lusts. Here you will have the Spirit to feed you with the Bread of Life, and here you may grow like a Cedar in Lebanon, Psal. 92.12, 13. Therefore make use of this Ordinance for this blessed End also.

7. It is appointed to shew and represent unto us the evil of sin also. The great God represents sin to us in many glasses, and shews it in and by several means. He assures us that it is the Evil of Evils, the Plague of Plagues, and that it is the root and fountain, the sink and sum of all Mischiefs; that it is unexpressibly and tran∣scendantly evil, Rom. 7.13. That it is the ob∣ject of his loathing, abhorrence and hatred, as being that which hath turned glorious Angels into hateful Devils, and thrown them out of

Heaven into Hell; as that which hath defaced and marr'd his Image in men, and made them Enemies unto, and Rebels against God. This he declares to us in, and by his Word, his Law and Gospel; as also by the Judgments he exe∣cuteth in the Earth on Sinners; yea, the whole Creation here below do loudly proclaim it. But the clearest glass wherein God opens and mani∣fests the odiousness, and exceeding sinfulness of sin, is Christ's Death and Sufferings, which the Lords Supper plainly declares unto us, and where we may see it displayed in all its most hateful and abominable colours. Here you may by Faith, see the exceeding great Evil of it, and be provoked and stirred up to Hate, and ab∣hor it, to eschew and avoyd it. For by be∣holding the Curse and Wrath of God, poured out on the Soul and Body of his dear Son, Gal. 3.13. and by seeing him Reproached, Buffet∣ted, Contemned, Despised, Crucified, Hanged, Nailed to the Cross, Cruelly handled, Tortured, Tormented, Pierced, Murdered, and above all, the weight of divine Vengance pressing his pre∣cious Soul, and wringing out Bloody Sweats, and he pouring out his Soul to Death, and all for, and under the weight of our Sins and Guilt. Surely the sight of this, by Faith, will greatly raise our hatred of all sin, and disswade us from it.

8. It is appointed and given to encrease and strengthen our Gospel-Repentance too. Here we may look on Him, whom we by sin have pierced, and mourn, and be in bitterness of Soul, Zach. 12.10. for here is the Blood of the Scape Goat, that is able to break the most stony hearts in

the world. And we stand in daily need of it, for we are in danger every day of being hardened through the deceitfulness of sin, and the world, Heb. 3.13. But the Lord's Supper presents to us a heart-melting Object, yea, many such Ob∣jects. There we may see heart-melting Love, and there we may behold heart-breaking Grace. There we may perceive the Lamb of God mak∣ing Attonement for our sins; and there we may understand that the Lord of Glory hath taken off from us our Sins, Guilt, and Punishment. There we may discern him standing in our stead, and between the living God and us Condemned dead men, with the Censor of the Sanctuary full of his precious Blood, making sa∣tisfaction for us to divine Justice. There we may know (in measure) how dearly He loved us, and how dear we have cost. There we may see our sins Pardoned, persons Accepted, God Reconciled and Well-pleased; & there we may hear him saying, Deliver them out of Prison, for I have found and accepted a Ransom. Surely, there is not a more powerful means in the World to produce and provoke to Repentance; yea, pure Gospel-Repentance in Believers, than the Lord's Supper is. For here are presented to us all the greatest and strongest Gospel-motives to unfained, Spiritual and Gospel-Repentance, to melt & soften the heart. It is Love & Grace, the hopes of Pardon and Acceptance, and of being sanctified and saved, that provokes and produ∣ces Repentance unto Life, not Fear and Dread of Divine Wrath and Vengeance: Not the bare sight and Conviction of Sin, and the Ap∣prehension of future punishment; no, but 'tis

the sense or hope (at least) of our persons being loved and accepted into favour with God, and of our being acquitted and justified through the blood of the Covenant that doth it.

9. To stir us up to Admire, Adore, and Praise the great and free Love and Grace of God, and Jesus Christ our Lord. They do in and by this Ordinance, set off and commend their free, eternal, and distinguishing Love and Grace unto Believers; and thereby give them occasion of Praising, Admiring, and Adoring it. These are some of God's Holy and Gracious Ends in ap∣pointing this Ordinance for, and giving it unto them; and these, and what-ever other uses and ends there are of it, should be diligently sought out and understood by all Believers. And be∣ing sound out, they should be carefully, dili∣gently, and faithfully aimed at and pursued by them.

Well then, do you joyn Issues with God, aim at, and carry on the holy Ends of Jesus Christ in this Gospel Ordinance; and by your so doing, you will please and honour him, and greatly pro∣fit your own Souls.

Quest. What are the necessary qualifications and preparations of all worthy Receivers of the Lords Supper; or what is required of, and ought to be found in them?

Ans. There qualifications and preparations are two-fold. 1. A State qualification or wor∣thiness. 2. A habitual and practical, or actual fitness.

1. A State-worthiness or qualification, which in brief is this, or consists of these two things.

1. Regeneration. 2. Ʋnion with Christ by Faith. (1.) Regeneration, or a New Creature, 2 Cor. 5.17. This is absolutely necessary as to Salva∣tion, Joh. 3.3, 5. so to fit and qualifie men to, and for every good work. Without Rege∣neration, or being Born again, we cannot Be∣lieve, Repent, or Obey the Gospel in a right and acceptable manner. Without this change of Nature, we cannot love God, nor fear God; we cannot know him rightly, nor worship him Spiritually, Joh. 4.23, 24. Phil. 3.3. for we cannot Worship him with Reverence and Godly fear, until we are partakers of the Divine Na∣ture, and of his special Grace to do it withal, 2 Pet. 1.4. Heb. 12 28. In our Unregenerate States, we are blind and dark, Eph. 5.8. Dead in sins, Eph. 2.1.5. Enemies to God, and Strangers to the Lord Jesus Christ, Rom. 5.10. Eph. 2.12. We are Carnal and Vain, Hard-hearted and Impenitent Sinners, and are shut up in Unbelief: Yea, we are Haters of God, and the power of Godliness, and excessive Lovers of Sin and the World, and altogether voyd of the Love of God, and of real love and pitty to our own Souls. Now then, it is abso∣lutely necessary that we be Regenerated and Created in Christ Jesus unto good Works, Eph. 2.10. for till then we are utterly uncapable of doing them according to the Will of God. How then can we receive and partake of the Lords Supper worthily, until we are Regenerated and made New Creatures? How can we discern the Lords Body, 1 Cor. 11.29. and how can we un∣derstand the mystery, and take in the profit of Christ, his Death to our Souls, until we are

taught of God? How can we receive it in Faith, and in Obedience to his Will, until the Grace of Faith be formed in our hearts, and un∣til our hearts are bowed and melted by Grace into the Holy Will of God? How can we Wor∣ship God, and Celebrate this Ordinance with lively hearts, whilst we are dead in sins? And how can we apply the Seal to that Grace which we have not? Therefore I say it is absolutely necessary that all that receive this holy Seal, be Regenerated and made New Creatures. For how can that Ordinance feed and nourish that which is not in Being, namely, the New Crea∣ture?

2. They must be Ʋnited to Jesus Christ by Faith also. They must be in him, and have re∣lation to him, as living Members to their Head, 2 Cor. 5.17. Col. 2.6. Christ must be theirs, and they must be his by Faith, or they cannot claim him as theirs, nor receive any benefit by his Death; for else, how can they joyn with Christ in his saying, Take eat, this is my Body which is broken for you, 1 Cor. 11.23, 24. But I must hasten.

2. They must have an habitual worthiness or meetness for the right Receiving, and due Cele∣bration of this Ordinance likewise: I mean a holy and spiritual, ready and accurate frame and disposition of heart to, & for it; they must have their Sight, Faith, and Love ready in act and ex∣ercise, or they are not, cannot be meet partakers of the Lord's Table. It is not only necessary that they be in a State of Justification and Rege∣neration, but they must be also in, or qualified with a habitual frame, posture, and disposition

of heart, to receive and celebrate it to the Glory of Christ, and profit of their own Souls, Tit. 3.1. Their Hearts and Graces must be ready fixed and tuned for the work, that they be not to seek of them, or at a loss concerning them, when they should honour Christ with, and get the Seal of the Spirit to them, Psal. 57.7. Psal. 108.1. Psal. 112.7. This habitual meetness or worthi∣ness, qualification, or preparation, (call it which you will) is a matter of great weight and mo∣ment, especially in this matter, and therefore you must labour all you can to obtain it.

2. There is a practical and actual meetness and preparedness for the worthy and acceptable re∣ceiving of the Lords Supper also. That is, there is something (more than ordinary) to be done by them in order to their worthy participating of it. This practical preparation I shall briefly present to you in some particulars.

1. You must examine your selves, 1 Cor. 11.28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the Bread, and drink of the Cup. And here 1. You must examine your States, and try if you be in the Faith or no: If you are indeed, (at least in a well grounded hope and perswa∣sion in a justified and regenerate state and con∣dition, 2 Cor. 13.5. 2 Pet. 1.10. and to know whether the Lord Jesus and his special Grace be formed in your hearts, Gal. 4.19. This must be effectually done by you, or you may be undone, For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh his own Damnation, 1 Cor. 11.29. And if you should eat and drink this holy Sup∣per, in an unregenerate and unjustified state; be you sure, that you will eat and drink dam∣nation

to your selves; for the Lord hath spoken it. This is not a matter to be dallied with.

2. Examine your selves, if you allow not of some sin, and if there be not one lust, carnal-self, or some one or more Idols indulged, and conni∣ved in at, and by you. For should you carelesly overlook this matter, and sit down at the Kings Table with any of them in you, and wink at it: be you assured, that the Lord Jesus will not ac∣cept and bless you: visit you and smile on your Souls; but he will loath your offering, and hide his face from your Souls. Therefore search and see what you can find of any of them in your hearts or hands; within or without you. For your great Lord searches and tryes you, Rev. 2.23. Make an impartial, and diligent enquiry into this matter, and that with all pos∣sible integrity of heart, that God may see, that you are willing to know the worst of your selves. And do as David and others have done, in this weighty matter, Psal. 77.6. make dili∣gent search, and entreat the Lord to help you, Psal. 139. ult. Ask your selves, and try to pur∣pose; do I not wink at and practically allow of Anger, Passion, Wrath; yea, of Hastiness, Rashness, Peevishness and Frowardness? Do not I wink at my Pride, worldly-mindedness, vanity of mind, and frothy discourses? Do not I hearken to Tatlers, and take up Reproach∣es against the Righteous, and do not I Reproach them also, by telling to others what I hear? Do not I worship God carnally, and in a formal and Hypocritical manner; and do not I live in the careless neglect of many Religious and Re∣lative duties; day after day? Am not I a Peace∣breaker

among my Relations and others, by a peevish and quarrelsome Spirit, instead of a Peace-maker? Am I not guilty of very much luke-warmness and indifferency of spirit in all Duties, as also of much idleness and mispend∣ing of pretious time? Do I not live as a stran∣ger to God, and his holy will; and in an unac∣quaintedness with my self; and do not I slight my Gospel-mercies, and undervalue the good things that God gives me? Do I not leave my eternal concerns in doubt and at a great uncer∣tainty, and live year after year in the dark, about my spiritual state? although I have suf∣ficient means to enable me to make a right judg∣ment of them; and am enjoyned so to do, 2 Pet. 1.10. 2 Cor. 13.5.

3. Examine your selves, and try if you do act and move in duties by the Spirit of God; with, and from Divine and Gospel principles? Doth the life of Christ animate and quicken you, the love of Christ constrain and draw you; the light of Christ lead and conduct you; and the faith of Christ strengthen and encourage your hearts in them? Do you act and worship God with your own Spirit, or the holy Spirit of God? And do you worship him with special light, love, faith, and sincerity, or with com∣mon? For it is possible you may be mistaken, and take the one for the other. So likewise you should examine your Aims and Ends; what you Intend and Design in receiving of the Lords Supper? And you must also enquire what Earnings and Improvements you make of it, and what your Spiritual profit is? what you meet withall in it, and what good you receive from it?

2. Whatever Evil you find in your Hearts or Hands; you must throw out, and Repent of it. You must not think it enough, and that your Work is done, when you have found out the Plagues of your own Hearts, 1 Kings 8.38. But you must endeavour the speedy removal of them, and thorowly amend your Wayes, Jer. 7.3, 5. You must confess them to God unfeigned∣ly, humble your selves; and Repent in Dust and Ashes, Job. 42.6. 2 Chro. 7.14. yea, you must also Hate and Abhor them, forsake and Mor∣tifie them; and resolve to have no more to do with them.

3 You must also prepare your selves, by emptying the Heart of Carnal-self, and the World: for else these things will greatly Obstruct your Holy and Profitable receiving of this Ordi∣nance. The more the Heart is emptied, the more it will Hunger and Thirst after it, and the good and profit of it: the stronger your De∣sires will be after Christ, and the benefits of his Death, the clearer you will see them, and the Sweeter they will be unto your Taste. The emptier you are of these Heart suffocating Evils, the more Desirable, Beautiful, Accepta∣ble and Pleasant they will be unto your Souls; and the greater and more apparant, will your Earnings and Advantages be to your Souls. As you will abundantly Experience, if you make proof of it.

4. Prepare for the Worthy and Profitable receiving of this Holy and Soul enriching Ordi∣nance; by possessing your Hearts with the Excel∣lency and Goodness, the Priviledge and Profit of it. Get as clear Apprehensions and Concepti∣ons

as you can, of the Person, the Love, Grace and Benefits, it holds forth unto you, and who it is you go to meet withall there. For the clearer your sight is of these things, and the more the Heart is possessed and affected with them, the more they will stir up and provoke your Faith, enflame your Love, and draw your Hearts to them. The clearer they lye in your Heads, (your Minds) and the warmer they lye on your Hearts, the more Influential and forceable they will be on all your Affections and Graces, to quicken, raise and draw them forth into act and Exercise.

5. Prepare, by getting a due sight and sense of your own Wants and Weakness: your own personal Vileness and Ʋnworthiness, and of your own Sins and Iniquities. That the due sight and sense of these Evils, may make you Vile in your own Eyes, debase and humble your Hearts. That you may be truly Base and Vile in your own Eyes, and draw nigh to him with a Holy fear and Trembling, Esa. 66.2. Psal. 2.11. That you may go to him, and make use of this Or∣dinance, for the supply of your Wants, and strengthening your Weaknesses, and that you may be sensible of the worth and necessity of Christ's Death for you.

6. Get high and great Expectations, raised in your Hearts, of seeing, enjoying and receiving a measure of all the fulness of Christ, and his bene∣fits, or the fruits of his Death. The Lord Jesus will be most free and open handed there, to all worthy Receivers: and therefore, you must not go to it, and him, with dejected, fear∣ful and low Spirits and Hopes. But you must

go to them with high and great Hopes and Ex∣pectations, of finding him and receiving high and great things from him. Be sure, that he would have you do so, that it is your Duty, and that you shall find him a liberal and noble Bene∣factor to you. Yea, that he will far exceed your highest regular Expectations from him, in his Princely favours, and glorious distributions to your Souls.