Expl. 97. By worthiness we are only to understand fitness; for in order to a Christian's practice of this Ordinance, he must examine himself in these two things. (1) As to his Right and Title, for if a man has no right to or interest in the righteousness of Christ, when he receives this seal, he has it only to a blank. (2) As to fitness, called in Scripture the wedding garment, for he is no more fit to be a guest at Christ's table who wants this garment, than he is to feast with a Prince at his royal table, who is clothed with nothing but ⟨p. 169⟩rags and nastiness; yet more distinctly he must examine himself, (1st,) in point of knowledge, whether or no he be competently acquainted with the terms of the Covenant of Grace, of which this Sacrament is a seal, and with the necessary principles of Religion, and with the indispensable duties of the Gospel▪ and with the greatness of the love of Christ in dying for sinners; for he who is grossly ignorant of these things, as also of the difference between the Sacramental elements, and actions, and what is spiritually intended by them, can never be able to discern the Lord's body; but above all he must be sure to know practically and experimentally Christ crucified in this Sacrament. (2dly,) He must examine his faith, as, (1) Whether he be in a state of faith, (a believer) which he may know by his being a new Creature. (2) Whether he do upon this particular occasion exercise the Grace of faith; but especially whether he doth heartily assent to the truth of the Gospel; and whether he does heartily close with Christ in the Gospel. (3) His repentance, whether it be such as doth break his heart as well from sin as for sin, which hath broken and crucified the body of his dear Redeemer. (4) His love whether this doth fill him (1) with admiring thoughts of the love of Christ in dying for him, greater love than this hath no man seen. (2) With readiness and resolution to suffer, yea dye for Christ if called to it. (5) New obedience, which ⟨p. 170⟩may be known to be such. (1) By the spring from whence it doth flow, the Grace of God; or the new nature. (2) By the manner of its being performed, sc. in a spiritually-natural way with delight and zeal. (3) By the rule of it, the Law spiritually interpreted. (4) By the end of it, the glory of God; and that person who finds himself thus qualified, may come and welcome to the Lord's table;
Expl. 97. By worthiness we are only to understand fitness; for in order to a Christian's practice of this Ordinance, he must examine himself in these two things. (1) As to his Right and Title, for if a man has no right to or interest in the righteousness of Christ, when he receives this seal, he has it only to a blank. (2) As to fitness, called in Scripture the wedding garment, for he is no more fit to be a guest at Christ's table who wants this garment, than he is to feast with a Prince at his royal table, who is cloathed with nothing but ⟨p. 169⟩rags and nastiness; yet more distinctly he must examine himself, (1st,) in point of knowledg, whether or no he be competently acquainted with the terms of the Covenant of Grace, of which this Sacrament is a seal, and with the necessary principles of Religion, and with the indispensable duties of the Gospel▪ and with the greatness of the love of Christ in dying for sinners; for he who is grosly ignorant of these things, as also of the difference between the Sacramental elements, and actions, and what is spiritually intended by them, can never be able to discern the Lord's body; but above all he must be sure to know practically and experimentally Christ crucified in this Sacrament. (2dly,) He must examine his faith, as, (1) Whether he be in a state of faith, (a believer) which he may know by his being a new Creature. (2) Whether he do upon this particular occasion exercise the Grace of faith; but especially whether he doth heartily assent to the truth of the Gospel; and whether he does heartily close with Christ in the Gospel. (3) His repentance, whether it be such as doth break his heart as well from sin as for sin, which hath broken and crucified the body of his dear Redeemer. (4) His love whether this doth fill him (1) with admiring thoughts of the love of Christ in dying for him, greater love than this hath no man seen. (2) With readiness and resolution to suffer, yea dye for Christ if called to it. (5) New obedience, which ⟨p. 170⟩may be known to be such. (1) By the spring from whence it doth flow, the Grace of God; or the new nature. (2) By the manner of its being performed, sc. in a spiritually-natural way with delight and zeal. (3) By the rule of it, the Law spiritually interpreted. (4) By the end of it, the glory of God; and that person who finds himself thus qualified, may come and welcome to the Lord's table;
