Practical truths tending to promote the power of godliness

how unlike are they unto those blessed Martyrs of Jesus, who lived above an hundred years ago, and laid down their lives, that so they might hear witness to the truth of Christ, respecting this Institution of his? And (as one well speaks) if God should be provoked to suffer Popery once more to prevail, that men must either observe this Ordinance, in such a way as the Pope Commands, and so be damned for their Idolatry: or else suffer death, for their opposing Antichrist, they will then have sad reflections in their own Consciences, concerning their neglect in this matter. But some one will be ready to say. I am not fit to partake of the Lords Supper, else I would come?

Ans. 1. If thou art in thy sins, thou art not a sit Guest to sit down at the Lords Table. If thou art a profane person, thou hast nothing to do, to meddle with the Seal of Gods holy Covenant Psal. 50. 16. or, if thou art in a natural unconverted Estate, this Ordinance belongs not to thee; you have heard, that holy things are for holy persons. If men with profane hands or hearts shall eat thereof, they endanger their Souls. There is an awful Scripture to this purpose, L V. 720. The soul that eats of the flesh of the Sacrifice of Peace-offerings, (and so doth be do that partaketh at the Lords Table) having his uncleanness upon him, that soul shall be cut off.

2. If thou art not fit to have communion with Christ at his Table here, thou are not fit for Communion with him in Heaven. If indeed thou art in a state of Unfitness for the Lords Supper, thy case is lamentable. What, to live under the Gospel for so long a time, and yet to remain in a Christless estate? how canst thou sleep one night in thy present condition, if thou knowest that to be thy case? for if death should find thee out of Christ, it had been better for thee, that thou hadst never been born.