Eighteen sermons preached in Oxford 1640 of conversion, unto God. Of redemption, & justification,…

3. Others after the Communion is ended. Many will be persuaded that there is some preparation to be used before hand, but never do as much as dream of any after: whereas if a man neglect this, the Lords meat is as it were lost in us.

3. Others after the Communion is ended. Many will be perswaded that there is some preparation to be used before hand, but never do as much as dream of any after: whereas if a man neglect this, the Lords meat is as it were lost in us.

1. As for those things which are requisite before we come to the Lords Table, they are these.

1. A Consideration what need I have of the Sacrament. Is there any such necessity of it? Examine then, what need have I to eat my meat and drink? When we see God brings this before us, let us reason thus with our selves; it is as needful for the nourishment of my soul to receive the Sacrament, as for my body to take meat and drink. This is that whereby we are spiritually strengthened and enabled to hold out to the last. And here I'll not stand to dispute the case, whether a man may fall from Grace or not. And no doubt but he may: yet I say, not that he doth. I say, no doubt but he may; and why? there ⟨p. 448⟩is such an opposition and antipathy betwixt the flesh and the spirit, that did not God refresh the spirit now and then, it might be overborne by the bulk of our corruptions. Now Gods Ordinances are appointed to keep it in heart, and refresh it, as the sick spouse was staid with Apples, and comforted with flagons. And God hath appointed his Sacrament of the Lords Supper to strengthen and continue that life which we received in Baptism as by spiritual nourishment. In Baptism our stock of life is given us, by the Sacrament is confirmed and continued. If a child be born only and after birth not nourished; there is none but will know what a death such a soul will die. So it is here, unless Christ be pleased to nourish that life which he hath breathed into me in baptism, and by his Ordinances to give me a new supply and addition of grace; I am a dead man, I am gone for evil upon this ground, therefore upon examination being conscious, and privy to the weakness of my faith, to the manifold imperfections of my spirit, to my want of knowledge, the frailty of my memory, my often doubtings, the dangers of relapsing and falling back in my Christian progress, I cannot but apprehend that it is no needless thing for me to come preparedly to the Lords Table.