A20536:390
Ten sermons tending chiefly to the fitting of men for the worthy receiving of…Ten sermons tending chiefely to the fitting of men for the worthy receiuing of…
Ten sermons tending chiefly to the fitting of men for the worthy receiving of the Lords Supper Wherein amongst many other holy instructions: the doctrines of sound repentance and humiliation, and of Gods special favours unto penitent sinners, and worthy communicants are largely and effectually handled. The six first, by I. Dod. The four last, by R. Cleaver. Whereunto is annexed, a plain and learned metaphrase on the epistle to the Colossians, written by a godly and judicious preacher. There is also set before the sermons, a short dialogue of preparation: containing the chief points that concern the worthy receiving of the Lords Supper, taken for the most part, out of the sermons following: and collected into a method for the benefit and ease of those that desire direction in this matter.Ten sermons tending chiefely to the fitting of men for the worthy receiuing of the Lords Supper VVherein amongst many other holy instructions: the doctrines of sound repentance and humiliation, and of Gods speciall fauours vnto penitent sinners, and worthy communicants are largely and effectually handled. The six first, by I. Dod. The foure last, by R. Cleauer. Whereunto is annexed, a plaine and learned metaphrase on the epistle to the Collossians, written by a godly and iudicious preacher. There is also set before the sermons, a short dialogue of preparation: containing the chiefe points that concerne the worthy receiuing of the Lords Supper, taken for the most part, out of the sermons following: and collected into a method for the benefit and ease of those that desire direction in this matter.
London: printed by William Hall for Roger Jackson, 1610London: printed by William Hall for Roger Iackson, 1610
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Hence it cometh to pass, that many offer themselves to receive the Sacrament, the seal of the eternal covenant; and come to the word to hear the promises of life, and yet depart without all comfort and assurance of Gods favour, because they came not with tears for their transgressions and rebellions against the Lord; nor with that piercing sorrow, which would go as near them, and be as effectual in them, as if they shed abundance of tears; because we will not do the lesser which belongeth to us, God will not do the greater which pertaineth to him.
Hence it commeth to passe, that many offer themselues to receiue the Sacrament, the seale of the eternall couenant; and come to the word to heare the promises of life, and yet depart without all comfort and assurance of Gods fauour, because they came not with teares for their transgressions and rebellions against the Lord; nor with that piercing sorrow, which would goe as neere them, and bee as effectuall in them, as if they shed abundance of teares; because wee will not doe the lesser which belongeth to vs, God will not doe the greater which pertaineth to him.
Secondly, Use 2 seeing God would have all to wash, the best as well as the worst, let us be instructed, if we would have fellowship, and communion with God, to search our hearts, to the intent we may find out the hidden corruptions thereof, and bewail the same with a sound and earnest lamentation. And then if we do but ask mercy, we shall have it; otherwise not. For if one of our children have fallen into some great and grievous fault, we will not forgive him, till he first humble himself, as the Prodigal son did: if there be in him no remorse for the offence committed, but he continue proud and stubborn still; the father should spoil his child, if he should show him favour: the best course he can take with him then, is to carry a heavy countenance towards him, and a strait hand over him, that so he may recover him and ⟨p. 55⟩save his soul: and even in like sort will God deal with us; where he loveth most, he will check and rebuke most, till they grow to that reformation which he requireth, and aimeth at in their correction.