A20536:579
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.
This maketh for the confutation of their error. Use 1
This maketh for the confutation of their error. Vse 1
1 That think they have no calling to come to the Sacrament, because they see more and greater faults in themselves, 1then they can espy, or then, indeed, there are in many other Christians: and it may be, Doct. 9 more then heretofore they saw in themselves. They find so much hypocrisy, so much pride, Use. 1 so much vain-glory and self-love: such blindness of mind, drowsiness of spirit, deadness of heart: such unwillingness to hear, or read, or meditate; to pray, to receive the Sacrament, to sing Psalms, and the like, that they are wonderfully disheartened, and begin to fear that God will in no sort accept of them, if they should come unto the table of his Son. But they must take heed how they give way to such conceits, for the things above mentioned, do not exclude them from having right unto Christ Jesus, and to his merits, and therefore should by no means keep them from the holy Sacrament.
1 That thinke they haue no calling to come to the Sacrament, because they see more and greater faults in themselues, 1then they can espie, or then, indeede, there are in many other Christians: and it may bee, Doct. 9 more then heretofore they saw in themselues. They finde so much hypocrisie, so much pride, Vse. 1 so much vaine-glorie and selfe-loue: such blindnesse of mind, drousinesse of spirit, deadnesse of heart: such vnwillingnesse to heare, or reade, or meditate; to pray, to receiue the Sacrament, to sing Psalmes, and the like, that they are wonderfully dishartened, and begin to feare that God will in no sort accept of them, if they should come vnto the table of his sonne. But they must take heede how they giue way to such conceits, for the things aboue mencioned, doe not exclude them from hauing right vnto Christ Iesus, and to his merits, and therefore should by no meanes keepe them from the holy Sacrament.
- 1See the reasons in the former Sermon.
But we come far short of that that should be in us. Object. What of that? if you have a sight of your defects, Answ. and a mourning heart for the same, and a constant endeavour to get the graces that you want, you may come to the Sacrament as soon as any other: yea if any have cause to make hast unto it, you are one of them: 1for the more dangerous any ones sickness is, the greater speed they should make to the Physician: and the more grievous any mans wound is, the more need hath he to hasten to the Surgeon. Neither is their absenting of themselves from the Sacrament, §1any means to better their estate, but the next way to keep them in a bad case still: Nay to make their condition far worse then it is, and to hasten the plagues of God upon them. 2By the Law of Moses it was determined, that all those that were negligent to keep the Passover, should incur the sentence and censure of excommunication, if they were not in a journey, hindered by inundations of waters, detained by sickness, or some extraordinary accident of that kind. Now if they were so strictly bound to repair unto that feast, when it was to be celebrated at Jerusalem, which was many miles distant from the greatest part of them that were inhabitants in that land: how much more are men now tied to attend upon the celebration of the Lords Supper, seeing they need not undertake such a tedious journey, ⟨p. 128⟩but may have it ministered unto them nearer at hand, and that with less cost (and yet a larger blessing) then they could in the days of the ceremonial Law? surely if they do neglect so great salvation, well they may escape the punishments of men, but they shall feel the strokes of God, and shall be cut off from having communion with him, and with his servants: they shall bear their sin, (as in that place the holy Ghost speaketh) which otherwise by receiving the Sacrament, they might have discharged their consciences of, and put it over unto Christs accounts.
But wee come farre short of that that should bee in vs. Obiect. What of that? if you haue a sight of your defects, Answ. and a mourning heart for the same, and a constant endeuour to get the graces that you want, you may come to the Sacrament as soon as any other: yea if any haue cause to make hast vnto it, you are one of them: 1for the more dangerous any ones sickenes is, the greater speed they should make to the Physitian: and the more greeuous any mans wound is, the more neede hath hee to hasten to the Surgion. Neither is their absenting of themselues from the Sacrament, §1any meanes to better their estate, but the next way to keepe them in a bad case still: Nay to make their condition farre worse then it is, and to hasten the plagues of God vpon them. 2By the Law of Moses it was determined, that all those that were negligent to keepe the Passeouer, should incurre the sentence and censure of excommunication, if they were not in a iourney, hindred by inundations of waters, detained by sickenesse, or some extrordinarie accident of that kind. Now if they were so strictly bound to repaire vnto that feast, when it was to bee celebrated at Ierusalem, which was many miles distant from the greatest part of them that were inhabitants in that land: how much more are men now tyed to attend vpon the celebration of the Lords Supper, seeing they neede not vndertake such a teadious iourney, ⟨p. 128⟩but may haue it ministred vnto them neerer at hand, and that with lesse cost (and yet a larger blessing) then they could in the daies of the ceremoniall Law? surely if they doe neglect so great saluation, well they may escape the punishments of men, but they shall feele the strokes of God, and shall bee cut off from hauing communion with him, and with his seruants: they shal beare their sinne, (as in that place the holy Ghost speaketh) which otherwise by receiuing the Sacrament, they might haue discharged their consciences of, and put it ouer vnto Christs accounts.
- 1Inconveniences that arise from forbearing the Sacrament.Inconueniences that arise from forbearing the Sacrament.
- 2Num. 9.13.
Further, §2those that by reason of their infirmities will forgo that ordinance, do greatly dishonour God, and lay an hard imputation upon him; as who should say, that he were such an extreme and rigorous Judge, as will accept of none, but of those that have attained to a great measure of perfection.
Further, §2those that by reason of their infirmities will forgoe that ordinance, doe greatly dishonor God, and lay an hard imputation vpon him; as who should say, that hee were such an extreame and rigorous Iudge, aswill accept of none, but of those that haue attained to a great measure of perfection.
Besides, §3such kind of persons do as much as in them lieth, proclaim themselves to be hypocrites: for if they be not such, they have a calling to partake of the Sacrament: as appeareth in this text, by the prayer of Hezekiah, who doth in assurance of faith, (as the effect manifestly proveth) make request for all such as prepared their whole hearts, (that is, did their best endeavour with a true and sincere heart) to seek the Lord.
Besides, §3such kind of persons doe as much as in them lieth, proclaime themselues to bee hypocrites: for if they bee not such, they haue a calling to partake of the Sacrament: as appeareth in this text, by the praier of Hezekiah, who doth in assurance of faith, (as the effect manifestly proueth) make request for all such as prepared their whole hearts, (that is, did their best indeauour with a true and sincere heart) to seeke the Lord.
Lastly, §4they give very ill example unto others, and expose themselves to the censures of men, as contemners, or at least, neglecters of Gods ordinance. And therefore in these regards, let all beware how they withdraw themselves, when the Lord inviteth them to such a banquet.
Lastly, §4they giue very ill example vnto others, and expose themselues to the censures of men, as contemners, or at least, neglecters of Gods ordinance. And therefore in these regards, let all beware how they withdraw themselues, when the Lord inuiteth them to such a banquet.
Secondly, Use 2 this is for instruction and consolation both together: albeit we perceive many blemishes, and great imperfections in our selves, yet let us take the Lords offer, when he calleth us to his table: and come with certain expectation of good success, as well as those that have a greater measure of repentance, 1and of faith, and love, then we can attain unto. For Christ Jesus the great shepherd and Bishop of our souls, taketh order, that not only his sheep, but his Lambs also may be fed. All the good grounds bring not ⟨p. 129⟩forth a like quantity of fruit: yet all agree in this substantial point, that they bring forth good and ripe fruit: 2though some do not yield the third part so much as others do, yet they are grounds blessed by God, and respected of God. Note. He that gained five talents, had the commendation of a good and faithful servant, and so had he likewise, that gained but two talents: so that every one shall have the praise of welldoing, according to the gifts and graces that God hath imparted unto him. Indeed those that do most, and best, as they bring more glory to Gods name, so shall they have larger reward from him: yet withal those that have fewer talents, and do him less service, shall not be despised, nor rejected, but according to their works be accepted and recompensed: for one may be faithful in a little, as well as in a great deal. Therefore let this be an encouragement unto us to draw near unto God in his worship: if we cannot come as we would, let us come as well as we can, and bring those talents which we have: if we cannot make a long prayer, let us make a short: if we cannot cry fervently unto the Lord, let us sigh that we cannot do better: if we have but a little faith, let us pray with the man in the Gospel, Lord I believe, help mine unbelief: 3which if we can do, the Lord will be merciful unto us, though we be not fitted in every respect according to that which is required of us.
Secondly, Ʋse 2 this is for instruction and consolation both together: albeit wee perceiue many blemishes, and great imperfections in our selues, yet let vs take the Lords offer, when he calleth vs to his table: and come with certaine expectation of good successe, as well as those that haue a greater measure of repentance, 1and of faith, and loue, then wee can attaine vnto. For Christ Iesus the great shepheard and Bishop of our soules, taketh order, that not onely his sheepe, but his Lambes also may bee fed. All the good grounds bring not ⟨p. 129⟩foorth a like quantitie of fruit: yet all agree in this substantiall point, that they bring forth good and ripe fruit: 2though some doe not yeeld the third part so much as others doe, yet they are grounds blessed by God, and respected of God. Note. He that gained fiue talents, had the commendation of a good and faithfull seruant, and so had he likewise, that gained but two talents: so that euery one shall haue the praise of weldoing, according to the gifts and graces that God hath imparted vnto him. Indeed those that doe most, and best, as they bring more glorie to Gods name, so shall they haue larger reward from him: yet withall those that haue fewer talents, and doe him lesse seruice, shall not be despised, nor reiected, but according to their workes be accepted and recompenced: for one may bee faithfull in a little, as well as in a great deale. Therefore let this bee an incouragement vnto vs to draw neere vnto God in his worship: if wee cannot come as we would, let vs come as well as we can, and bring those talents which we haue: if wee cannot make a long praier, let vs make a short: if wee cannot crie feruently vnto the Lord, let vs sigh that wee cannot doe better: if wee haue but a little faith, let vs pray with the man in the Gospel, Lord I beleeue, helpe mine vnbeliefe: 3which if we can do, the Lord will be mercifull vnto vs, though wee be not fitted in euery respect according to that which is required of vs.
But my wants are such, as I am afraid I shall fail, Object. no not only in some circumstance, but in the substance it self: and shall not only receive weakly, but altogether unworthily; how then may we certainly know that our hearts are sincere and upright before the Lord?
But my wants are such, as I am afraid I shall faile, Obiect. no not onlie in some circumstance, but in the substance it selfe: and shall not only receiue weakly, but altogether vnworthily; how then may wee certainly know that our hearts are sincere and vpright before the Lord?
By these works that follow. Answ.
By these workes that follow. Answ.
First, if we dislike all sin in our selves and others, 1and desire that all Gods graces might be wrought in our selves and others. Hypocrites will allow foul faults in themselves, §12and yet seem to dislike them, and much exclaim against them in others: whereas first, they should be humbled, and grieved for them in their own souls, and then proceed to speak against them in others.
First, if wee dislike all sinne in our selues and others, 1and desire that all Gods graces might bee wrought in our selues and others. Hypocrites will allow foule faults in themselues, §12and yet seeme to dislike them, and much exclaime against them in others: whereas first, they should bee humbled, and grieued for them in their owne soules, and then proceed to speake against them in others.
- 1Marks of sincertitie.Markes of sincertitie.
- 2A general dislike of sin, and liking of goodness.A general dislike of sinne, and liking of goodnesse.
Again, this hypocrisy is in our cursed nature, that, 1whereas ⟨p. 130⟩we could wish that we might live without offence, and that our names might be preserved from reproach: yet we shall find a tickling delight in our selves, when we see the nakedness of others discovered, and their faults ripped up to their disgrace: that so their black may the more commend our white. And again, we can be content to have many good gifts and graces, and would not be much grieved, if we could get all other that we want: yet we are ready to be offended, that others should be endued with the like, especially that they should go beyond us in doing good, and in receiving praise suitable thereunto. But this argueth great want of sincerity: and if we be not humbled for these corruptions, 2it showeth palpable and gross hypocrisy; for love envieth not: but if we carry an inward hatred of this evil disposition that is in us; and labour to abhor and seek to hinder all manner of sins, Note. as well in our selves, as in others; and in others, as well as in our selves: and on the other side, if we desire to love, and further good motions, and good actions, both in our brethren, and in our own persons; never mocking, nor deriding, nor discouraging the hearts of Gods servants from goodness, this is a clear case that we fail not in the substance of godliness, but that our hearts are very upright therein.
Againe, this hypocrisie is in our cursed nature, that, 1whereas ⟨p. 130⟩wee could wish that we might liue without offence, and that our names might bee preserued from reproach: yet we shall finde a tickling delight in our selues, when wee see the nakednesse of others discouered, and their faults ripped vp to their disgrace: that so their blacke may the more commend our white. And againe, wee can bee content to haue many good gifts and graces, and would not bee much grieued, if we could get all other that we want: yet we are ready to bee offended, that others should be indued with the like, especially that they should goe beyond vs in doing good, and in receiuing praise sutable thereunto. But this argueth great want of sinceritie: and if wee bee not humbled for these corruptions, 2it sheweth palpable and grosse hypocrisie; for loue enuieth not: but if wee carrie an inward hatred of this euill disposition that is in vs; and labour to abhorre and seeke to hinder all manner of sins, Note. as well in our selues, as in others; and in others, as well as in our selues: and on the other side, if wee desire to loue, and further good motions, and good actions, both in our brethren, and in our owne persons; neuer mocking, nor deriding, nor discouraging the hearts of Gods seruants from goodnes, this is a cleere case that wee faile not in the substance of godlinesse, but that our hearts are very vpright therein.
- 1Hypocrisy.Hypocrisie.
- 21. Cor. 13.4.
Secondly, §2if we endeavour still to be better, and to do better every day then other: 1never standing upon what we have done, but pressing hard to the mark: this is an infallible note, that we are true-hearted. He that feeleth but a little faith, a little love, a little repentance, &c. and would with all his heart have them increased: and on the contrary, findeth much deadness, much impatience, much unfitness for death, and much unwillingness to hear of the coming of Christ, much distraction on the holy Sabbath, &c. but would most willingly have these corruptions diminished; these very desires if they bring him to the conscionable use of the means, are evident signs of a faithful and well-affected heart.
Secondly, §2if wee indeauour still to bee better, and to doe better euery day then other: 1neuer standing vpon what wee haue done, but pressing hard to the marke: this is an infallible note, that we are true-hearted. Hee that feeleth but a little faith, a little loue, a little repentance, &c. and would with all his heart haue them increased: and on the contraie, findeth much deadnes, much impatience, much vnfitnesse for death, and much vnwillingnesse to heare of the comming of Christ, much distraction on the holy Sabbath, &c. but would most willingly haue these corruptions diminished; these very desires if they bring him to the concionable vse of the meanes, are euident signes of a faithfull and wel-affected heart.
- 1Growth in grace. Phil. 3.14.15.Grouth in grace. Phil. 3.14.15.
A third rule of trial, §3is, if from our hearts we can forgive, or at least, 1desire to forgive those that have done us wrong, either in word or deed, and are grieved at wrathful, and malicious, and revengeful thoughts and motions that do ⟨p. 131⟩spring up in our hearts. 2Forgive (saith our Saviour) and ye shall be forgiven: and therefore being able to do thus in some small measure, we may be assured that the Lord is appeased towards us, and that we are in his favour, and therefore have hearts without guile in his sight: Note. for a merciful heart is always a sincere heart: whereas hypocrites are of a cruel, and implacable nature: so that when any injury is done unto them, either in truth or in their imagination, they will swell, and fret, and chafe, and vow, and protest (or at least determine and resolve in themselves) that they will not put it up, but one way or other, at one time or other requite it at the full: ever an evil heart, is a proud and froward heart, and can endure nothing less then wrongs and indignities.
A third rule of triall, §3is, if from our hearts we can forgiue, or at least, 1desire to forgiue those that haue done vs wrong, either in word or deede, and are greeued at wrathfull, and malicious, and reuengefull thoughts and motions that doe ⟨p. 131⟩spring vp in our hearts. 2Forgiue (saith our Sauiour) and yee shall bee forgiuen: and therefore being able to doe thus in some small measure, wee may bee assured that the Lord is appeased towards vs, and that wee are in his fauour, and therefore haue hearts without guile in his sight: Note. for a mercifull heart is alwaies a sincere heart: whereas hypocrites are of a cruell, and implacable nature: so that when any iniury is done vnto them, either in truth or in their imagination, they will swell, and fret, and chafe, and vow, and protest (or at least determine and resolue in themselues) that they will not put it vp, but one way or other, at one time or other requite it at the full: euer an euill heart, is a proud and froward heart, and can endure nothing lesse then wrongs and indignities.
- 1Forgiving.Forgiuing.
- 2Mat. 6.14.
Therefore if God hath wrought such a great work in our souls, as that our hearts are inclined to forgive and forget abuses that are offered unto us, and can pray for our enemies, and long for their conversion, and reconciliation; first unto God, and then unto us; it is a notable testimony that we are truly regenerated, and sanctified in the inward, and outward man.
Therefore if God hath wrought such a great worke in our soules, as that our hearts are inclined to forgiue and forget abuses that are offered vnto vs, and can pray for our enemies, and long for their conuersion, and reconciliation; first vnto God, and then vnto vs; it is a notable testimony that wee are truely regenerated, and sanctified in the inward, and outward man.
There are none but they are apt to be angry with sin, either in themselves, or others: but if we can spend our anger at home upon the evils of our own nature, Note. and be more peaceable and quiet abroad; not storming so much that others are so bad, as grieving that we our selves are no better; happy and blessed are we that have gotten such a conquest of our own hearts: we may cheerfully, and comfortably communicate at the Lords Table, expecting from Christ Jesus a further increase of all holy and heavenly graces. And albeit, others have greater gifts, and fewer infirmities then we; yet seeing we join with them in the main matters, we shall be joined with them in the fruition of that blessing, which God useth to bestow upon his people; though we be but buds, 1yet being in the true vine, we shall receive sap, and juice from the root as well as the fairest, and goodliest, and fruitfullest branches that are in it. And thus much for Hezekiahs prayer, and the parts thereof.
There are none but they are apt to be angry with sin, either in themselues, or others: but if wee can spend our anger at home vpon the euils of our owne nature, Note. and be more peaceable and quiet abroad; not storming so much that others are so bad, as greeuing that wee our selues are no better; happy and blessed are wee that haue gotten such a conquest of our owne hearts: wee may cheerefully, and comfortably communicate at the Lords Table, expecting from Christ Iesus a further increase of all holy and heauenly graces. And albeit, others haue greater gifts, and fewer infirmities then we; yet seeing we joine with them in the maine matters, wee shall be ioyned with them in the fruition of that blessing, which God vseth to bestow vpon his people; though we bee but buds, 1yet being in the true vine, we shall receiue sap, and iuice from the root as well as the fairest, and goodliest, and fruitfullest branches that are in it. And thus much for Hezekiahs praier, and the parts thereof.
Now the success followeth to be spoken of: Verse 20. ⟨p. 132⟩And the Lord heard Hezekiah, &c. It being a prayer of faith that he made, for such things as God had promised, and for such persons as to whom the promise did belong, he receiveth an answer to his request: for so it is said, the Lord heard Hezekiah: that is, accepted and granted his suit: whence this doctrine may be gathered: that,
Now the successe followeth to bee spoken of: Verse 20. ⟨p. 132⟩And the Lord heard Hezekiah, &c. It being a praier of faith that hee made, for such things as God had promised, and for such persons as to whom the promise did belong, hee receiueth an answer to his request: for so it is said, the Lord heard Hezekiah: that is, accepted and granted his suit: whence this doctrine may bee gathered: that,