But how may a man perceive and know,1 that he also doth pertain to this heavenly bread, and is called to this spiritual supper? let him consider the case in his own heart, which if he find so affected, that it doth as it were feel a sweetness in the promise of God, and is undoubtedly persuaded, that he is of the company of them which pertain to his supper, he is assuredly such a one in deed. For as we believe, so cometh it unto us. Such a man hath also by and by a regard of his neighbour,2 and helpeth him as his brother, careth for him, giveth unto him, lendeth him, comforteth him, briefly doth no otherwise to him then he desireth to be done unto himself. And all this proceedeth from hence, for that the bountifulness and goodness of Christ hath replenished his heart with sweetness and love, that it is a pleasure and joy unto him to do good to his neighbour, yea and he is grieved if there be none toward whom he may be serviceable. And beside all this, he is tractable and lowly towards all men, he doth not esteem the temporal pleasure and pride of life, he judgeth no man, he defameth no man, he interpreteth all things in the better part. When as he seeth that the matter goeth not well with his neighbour, as that he fainteth in faith, waxeth cold in love, and that his life is not on every side approvable, he prayeth for him, and is sore grieved if any commit any thing against God and his neighbour. In a sum, the root and sap are sound, for they are in a flourishing vine, to wit, Christ, and therefore such fruits come forth. But if any be void of faith, and not taught of God, such a one doth not feed on this heavenly bread, neither bringeth forth these fruits. For where a right faith is not, there such fruits are always wanting. And therefore S. Peter teacheth us to make our calling unto salvation, sure by good works, where he speaketh properly of the works of love, namely, that we do good to our neighbour, and be affected toward him, as toward our own flesh and blood. Thus much shall suffice concerning this text. Let us call to God for his grace.
But how may a man perceiue and know,1 that he also doth pertaine to this heauenly bread, and is called to this spirituall supper? let him consider the case in his owne heart, which if he fynde so affected, that it doth as it were feele a sweetenes in the promise of God, and is vndoutedly perswaded, that he is of the companie of them which pertaine to his supper, he is assuredly such a one in deede. For as we belteue, so commeth it vnto vs. Such a man hath also by and by a regard of his neighbour,2 and helpeth him as his brother, careth for him, giueth vnto him, lendeth him, comforteth him, briefly doth no otherwise to him then he desireth to be done vnto himselfe. And all this proceedeth from hence, for that the bountifullnes and goodnes of Christ hath replenished his heart with sweetnes and loue, that it is a pleasure and ioy vnto him to do good to his neighbour, yea and he is grieued if there be none toward whom he may be seruiceable. And beside all this, he is tractable and lowly towardes all men, he doth not esteeme the temporall pleasure and pride of life, he iudgeth no man, he defameeh no man, he interpreteth all thinges in the better part. Whē as he seeth that the matter goeth not well with his neighbour, as that he fainteth in faith, waxeth colde in loue, and that his life is not on euerie side approueable, he prayeth for him, and is sore grieued if any commit any thinge against God and his neighbour. In a summe, the roote and sappe are sound, for they are in a flourishing vine, to wit, Christ, and therefore such frutes come forth. But if any be voide of faith, and not taught of God, such a one doth not feede on this heauēly bread, neither bringeth forth these frutes. For where a right faith is not, there such frutes are alwayes wanting. And therefore S. Peter teacheth vs to make our calling vnto saluation, sure by good workes, where he speaketh properly of the workes of loue, namely, that we do good to our neighbour, and be affected toward him, as toward our owne flesh and blood. Thus much shall suffize concerning this text. Let vs call to God for his grace.
- 1How a man may know whether he be called to this spiritual supper.How a man maye know whether he be called to this spirituall supper.
- 2Charity toward our neighbour the fruit of true faith.Charitie towarde our neighbour the frute of true faith.
