A treatise concerning the Lords Supper

4. The Author of this Ordinance is an ⟨p. 47⟩Omniscient God, and cannot be deceived; if there be but one among a thousand that receiveth unworthily, his eye will be upon him; he knows his Name, and sees where he sits, God knows the frame of your heart, he knows your end why you are there, and what your diligence was before you came; then come prepared.

The third Argument for diligent preparation is taken from the matter of this Sacrament: The more excellent and noble any thing is, the more heinous is the abuse thereof. If a Servant brake and spoil some earthen Pitchers, his Master may more easily pass it by, but if he take his Jewels, and his precious Pearls, and cast them in the kennel, and bury them in the dunghill, he will be more difficultly pacified. If a man shall deal unjustly with another, it will be displeasing unto God; but if he shall deal unworthily with his Son, he will be provoked: If you should abuse your common Bread and Drink, which God daily gives you for your ordinary repast and nourishment, you commit a Soul-damning Sin; but if you profane these spiritual dainties, without repentance, your damnation will be aggravated.

The third Argument for diligent preparation is taken from the matter of this Sacrament: The more excellent and noble any thing is, the more hainous is the abuse thereof. If a Servant brake and spoil some earthen Pitchers, his Master may more easily pass it by, but if he take his Jewels, and his precious Pearls, and cast them in the kennel, and bury them in the dunghil, he will be more difficultly pacified. If a man shall deal unjustly with another, it will be displeasing unto God; but if he shall deal unworthily with his Son, he will be provoked: If you should abuse your common Bread and Drink, which God daily gives you for your ordinary repast and nourishment, you commit a Soul-damning Sin; but if you prophane these spiritual dainties, without repentance, your damnation will be aggravated.