A treatise of miscellany questions wherein many useful questions and cases of conscience are…A treatise of miscellany questions wherein many usefull questions and cases of conscience are…

It is aggravation of falsehood, and treachery they shall speak lies at one Table, that is, under a profession and sign of friendship, Dan. 11. 27. When David said to Mephibosheth, thou shalt eat bread at my table continually, 2 Sam: 9. 7. do we think that David meant no more, but that Mephibosheth should eat of the Kings meat, and be maintained by his favour? Nay Mephibosheths servant had so much. But there is an Emphasis put ⟨p. 224⟩upon eating at the Kings table, more then upon eating of the Kings meat: So the King expoundeth himself, vers: 11. As for Mephibosheth said the King, he shall eat at my Table, as one of the Kings Sons, so also doth Mephibosheth interpret it, 2 Sam, 19. 28. Another example (though perhaps it rise not so high) see 1 Kings 2. 7. But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those that eat at thy Table. It was an argument of Jezebels favour to the Prophets of the groves, that they did eat at her Table, 1 Kings 18. 19. So did Nehemiah, express his friendship, to the 150 Jews and Rulers who did eat at his Table, Neh. 5. 17. Peradventure in the two last examples, there were some successive (at least several Tables:) However, eating at any mans Table was ever a Symbol of friendship with him. Wherefore looking upon the Lords Supper as a feast or a great Supper made by the great King, it ought not to be without this friendly respect, dignation, and honour, which hath been universally among the Nations signified and expressed by placing the guests at the Table. And I can esteem it no less then an erring toto genere, when the order and decency, which is universally observed in all other feasts, (as such, that is, not as lavish, excessive, disorderly, but as feasts) is not observed in the Church-feast, the Lords Supper. When the old Prophet did invite the young Prophet to eat bread, and drink water with him, common civility made a table necessary in this single entertainment. 1 Kings 13. 20. And it came to pass as they sat at the Table, &c. If it were a disrespect to invite friends to eat & drink with us, & yet when they come, not to place them at a Table (where a Table may be had) I know no reason why it ought not also to be conceived a wronging of Christs guests, when they are not placed at his Table.