The guard of the tree of life, or, A sacramental discourse showing a Christians…The guard of the tree of life, or, A sacramental discourse shewing a Christians…

Now, to the Answer, what act of faith is here to be exercised: unto which I say, that that act of faith which doth apprehend and apply Christ, is most suitable to this ordinance of the Sacrament; hence is this called a taking of Christ, a receiving of Christ, a feeding upon Christ, eating his flesh, and drinking his blood; all which show this act is most suitable to the ordinance.

Now, to the Answer, what act of faith is here to be exercised: unto which I say, that that act of faith which doth apprehend and apply Christ, is most sutable to this ordinance of the Sacrament; hence is this called a taking of Christ, a receiving of Christ, a feeding upon Christ, eating his flesh, and drinking his blood; all which shew this act is most sutable to the ordinance.

Here we have an offer of Christ, and this act is most suitable to take him as offered. And the more strength we have to apply and bring Christ home, the more we feed on him, the more we are nourished, and built up.

Here we have an offer of Christ, and this act is most sutable to take him as offered. And the more strength wee have to apply and bring Christ home, the more we feed on him, the more wee are nourished, and built up.

But though this act of faith is ⟨p. 49⟩most suitable to the ordinance, yet we shut not out the other from the comfort & benefit of it. That which gives the soul union with Christ, doth give it communion with all the benefits of Christ. Christ and his benefits go together. Yet I could wish that every one who hath done this first act of faith, would work it up one degree higher, to apprehend and apply Christ in the promises of grace. Seeing according to the measure of your faith, and feeding upon Christ; such is the measure of the benefit by Christ here. But however, be not discouraged, such as are weak in faith will Christ receive.