A20536:414
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.
And first to give instance in the exercises of religion; 1who can clear himself therein? For if men come unto Sermons, and offer unto the Lord their bodily presence, do not the most think they have acquitted themselves well? Albeit in the mean while they be altogether negligent in making preparation for this work, by searching their souls to cast out the leaven of corruption, which will hinder the powerful operation of the word: and by getting that sight of their wants, that might cause them to come with an eager appetite unto Gods house. They seldom, or at least very coldly, pray unto the Lord to give them an understanding mind, and a teachable heart to profit by the means: but for the most part, thrust in themselves rudely with a proud and unprepared heart, and with unruly and distempered affections; that when they stand in Gods holy presence, are wandering from the duties in hand, and running after their covetousness, or after their delights: and so if the word fly in at the one ear, it flies out as fast at the other. And they do not mingle it with faith, as they should do, but with their own corruptions, 2which hinder the effectual working of it: and so it seals up unto many, their own just condemnation, in steed of being an instrument of God for their edification and salvation. And as for Gods own children, in steed of those excellent graces that might be thereby wrought in them, it oftentimes hardens their harts, and fits them for sharp correction.
And first to giue instance in the exercises of religion; 1who can cleare himselfe therein? For if men come vnto Sermons, and offer vnto the Lord their bodily presence, doe not the most thinke they haue acquited themselues well? Albeit in the meane while they bee altogether negligent in making preparation for this worke, by searching their soules to cast out the leauen of corruption, which wil hinder the powerfull operation of the word: and by getting that sight of their wants, that might cause them to come with an eager appetite vnto Gods house. They seldome, or at least very coldly, pray vnto the Lord to giue them an vnderstanding minde, and a teachable heart to profit by the meanes: but for the most part, thrust in themselues ruedly with a proud and vnprepared heart, and with vnrulie and distempered affections; that when they stand in Gods holie presence, are wandring from the duties in hand, and running after their couetousnesse, or after their delights: and so if the word flie in at the one eare, it flies out as fast at the other. And they doe not mingle it with faith, as they should doe, but with theirowne corruptions,