A25294:881
The substance of Christian religion, or, A plain and easy draught of the Christian…The substance of Christian religion, or, A plain and easie draught of the Christian…
The substance of Christian religion, or, A plain and easy draught of the Christian catechism in LII lectures on chosen texts of Scripture, for each Lords-day of the year, learnedly and perspicuously illustrated with doctrines, reasons, and uses / by that reverend and worthy labourer in the Lord's vineyard, William Ames ...The substance of Christian religion, or, A plain and easie draught of the Christian catechisme in LII lectures on chosen texts of Scripture, for each Lords-day of the year, learnedly and perspicuously illustrated with doctrines, reasons, and uses / by that reverend and worthy laborer in the Lord's vineyard, William Ames ...
London: printed by T. Mabb for Thomas Davies, 1659
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Reas. 1. Because these mysteries cannot be unworthily used, but that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ must needs withal be unworthily affronted, as it were by contempt. And hence it is, that unworthy partakers are said to eat and drink judgement unto themselves; to wit, from God's wrath, who by this most unworthy ignominy put upon his Son, is provoked.
Reas. 1. Because these mysteries cannot be unworthily used, but that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ must needs withall be unworthily affronted, as it were by contempt. And hence it is, that unworthy partakers are said to eat and drink judgement unto themselves; to wit, from God's wrath, who by this most unworthy ignomony put upon his Son, is provoked.
Reas. 2. Because no noble form is introduced ordinarily into matter, nor fitly disposed and prepared before; so the grace and comfort of this Sacrament, useth not to be received but by such, as are suitably disposed and prepared for it; so that who so comes unworthily, doth of necessity go unfruitful from this Sacrament, as to any solid fruits thereof.
Reas. 2. Because no noble forme is introduced ordinarily into matter, nor fitly disposed and prepared before; so the grace and comfort of this Sacrament, useth not to be received but by such, as are suitably disposed and prepared for it; so that who so comes unworthily, doth of necessity go unfruitful from this Sacrament, as to any solid fruits thereof.
Reas. 3. Because unfitness and unpreparation makes this most holy Ordinance become an occasion unto many of greater hardening in their sins. ⟨p. 195⟩For as the preaching of the Gospel is to some a savour of death unto death, not of its own nature, but by their perverse dispositions; so also this Sacrament unto unworthy communicants, is not the cup of blessing, but occasion of a curse. Now the specialties that are required unto this disposition, are these: 1. A right and pure intention, whereby we look at all and only such ends in partaking of the Supper, as God looked at, in the appointing of it, and giving of it to us. 2. A good conscience, whereby we have a sure and firm purpose and resolution of obeying God in all things, commanded by him; and of shunning all sins, in obedience unto him. 3. An awful reverence flowing from the right discerning of the Lords body. 4. Humility, which flows from a right examination of our selves, whereby we cannot but perceive our own unworthiness. 5. A great desire to the spiritual good things, which are offered us in this Sacrament. 6. Thankfulness to God for the goods bestowed and imparted to us. 7. Charity towards our brethren, who are together with us partakers of these blessings in Christ; as in the former Doctrine were further declared.