The second tome of homilies of such matters as were promised, and entitled in…The second tome of homilees of such matters as were promised, and intituled in…

But before all other things, this we must be sure of especially, that this Supper be in such ⟨p. 400⟩wise done and ministered, as our Lord and saviour did, and commanded to be done, as his holy Apostles used it, and the good fathers in the primitive Church frequented it. For (as that worthy man saint Ambrose saith) he is unworthy of the Lord, that otherwise doth celebrate that mystery, then it was delivered by him. Neither can he be devout, that other ways doth presume than it was given by the author. We must then take heed lest of the memory it be made a sacrifice, least of a communion it be made a private eating, least of two parts we have but one, least applying it for the dead, we lose the fruit that be alive. Let us rather in these matters follow the advice of Cyprian in the like cases, that is, cleave fast to the first beginning, hold fast the Lords tradition, do that in the Lords commemoration which he him self did, he him self commanded, & his apostles confirmed. This caution or foresight if we use, then may we see to those things that be requisite in the worthy receiver, whereof this was the first, that we have a right understanding of the thing it self. As concerning which thing, this we may assuredly persuade our selves, that the ignorant man can neither worthily esteem, nor effectually use those marvellous graces and benefits offered and exhibited in that Supper: but either will lightly regard them, to no small offence, or utterly condemn them, to his utter destruction. So that by his negligence he deserveth the plagues of God to fall upon him, and by contempt he deserveth everlasting perdition. To avoid then these harms, ⟨p. 401⟩use the advice of the wise man, who willeth thee when thou sittest at an earthly kings table, ¹to take diligent heed what things are set before thee: So now much more at the king of kings table, thou must carefully: search and know what dainties are provided for thy soul, whither thou art come, not to feed thy senses and belly to corruption, but thy in ward man to immortality and life, nor to consider the earthly creatures which thou seest, but the heavenly graces which thy, faith beholdeth. For this table is not (saith Chrysostom) for chattering Jays, but for Eagles, who flee thither where the dead body lieth.