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tians e) he is to bewail his unbelief', and labour to have his doubts resolved ; and, so doing, he may and ought to come to the Lord's supper, that he may be further strengthened b.

Q. 173. May any who profess the faith, and desire to come to the Lord's supper, be kept from it?

A. Such as are found to be ignorant or scandalous, notwithstanding their profession of the faith, and desire to come to the Lord's supper, may and ought to be kept from that sacrament, by the power which Christ hath left in h church, until they receive instruction, and manifest

servant, that walketh in darkness, and hath no light? let him trust in the name of the Lord, and stay up on his God. Psal. lxvi. 18. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. Ver. 19. But verily, God hath heard me : he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Ver. 20. Blessed be God, which bath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

e Isa xl. 11. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall ga. ther the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Ver. 29. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Ver. 31. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Matt. xi. 28. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matt. xii 20. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. Matt. xxvi. 28. For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

f Mark ix 24. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.

Acts ii. 37. Now, when they

heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Acts xvi. 30. And he brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

h Rom. iv. 11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised; that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also. 1 Cor. xi. 28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup

173. i 1 Cor. xi. 27. to the end. Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. Ver. 28. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. Ver. 29. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. Ver. 30. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. Ver. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged, &c. to the end of the Chapter. Compared with Matt. vii. 6. Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample

their reformation *.

Q. 174. What is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper in the time of the administration of it?

A. It is required of them that receive the sacrament of the Lord's supper, that, during the time of the administration of it, with all holy reverence and attention they wait upon God in that ordinance, diligently observe sacramental elements and actions m, heedfully discern the Lord's body", and affectionately meditate on his death and sufferings, and thereby stir up themselves to a vigorous exercise of their graces P; in judging them

them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. And with 1 Cor. Chapter v. to the end. And with Jude, Ver. 23. And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garments spotted by the flesh. And with 1 Tim. v. 22. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partakers of other men's sins: keep thyself

pure.

k 2 Cor. ii. 7. So that contrariwise, ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such an one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

174. / Lev. x 3. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the Lord spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified-Heb. xii. 28. Wherefore, we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. Psal. v. 7. But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy; and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. 1 Cor. xi. 17. Now in this that I declare unto you, I praise you not, that ye come toge. ther not for the better, but for the worse. Ver. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he

come. Ver. 27. Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

m Exod. xxiv. 8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words. Compared with Matt. xxvi. 28 For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

n 1 Cor. xi. 29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

o Luke xxii. 19. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body, which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me,

p 1 Cor. xi. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 1 Cor. x. 3. And did all eat the same spiritual meat; Ver. 4. And did all drink the same spiritual drink: (for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them; and that Rock was Christ.) Ver. 5. But with many of them God was not well pleased; for they were

selves, and sorrowing for sin; in earnest hungering and thirsting after Christs, feeding on him by faith t, receiving of his fulness", trusting in his merits ", rejoicing in his love 3, giving thanks for his grace; in renewing of their covenant with God, and love to all the saints *.

Q. 175. What is the duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lords supper?

A. The duty of Christians, after they have received the sacrament of the Lord's supper, is seriously to consider how they have behaved themselves therein, and with what success; if they find quickening and comfort, to bless God for

overthrown in the wilderness. Ver. 11. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. Ver. 14. Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.

q 1 Cor. xi. 5. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

r Zech. xii. 10. And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications; and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first-born.

s Rev. xxii. 17. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

t John vi. 35. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

u John i. 11. And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Phil. iii. 9. And be found in him, not having mine own righte. ousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of

Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.

x Psal. lxiii. 4. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name Ver. 5. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. 2 Chron. xxx. 21. And the children of Israel that were present at Jeru. salem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the Lord.

y Psal. xxii. 26. The meek shall eat and be satisfied; they shall praise the Lord that seek him : your heart shall live for ever.

z Jer. 1.5. They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thither. ward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten. Psal. 1. 5. Gather my saints together unto me: those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.

a Acts ii. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

175. b Psal. xxvii. 7. The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my song will I praise him. Psal. lxxxv. 8. I will hear what God the Lord will speak;

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it, beg the continuance of it, watch against relapses, fulfil their vows, and encourage themselves to a frequent attendance on that ordinance ; but if they find no present benefit, more exactly to review their preparation to, and carriage at, the sacrament h; in both which, if they can approve themselves to God and their own consciences, they are to wait

for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly. 1 Cor. xi. 17. Now in this that I declare unto you, I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. Ver. 30. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. Ver. 31. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

c 2 Chron. xxx. 21, 22, 23, 25, 26. Ver. 21. And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the Lord, &c. Acts ii. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Ver. 46. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. Ver. 47. Praising God, and having favour with all the people.

d Psal. xxxvi. 10. O continue thy loving-kindness unto them that know thee, and thy righteousness to the upright in heart. Cant. iii. 4. It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother's house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me. 1 Chron. xxix. 18. O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the

thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee.

e 1 Cor. x. 3. And did all eat the same spiritual meat; Ver. 4. And did all drink the same spiritual drink: (for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them; and that Rock was Christ.) Ver. 5. But with many of them God was not well pleased; for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Ver. 12. Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

f Psal. 1. 14 Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the Most High.

1 Cor. xi. 25. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. Ver. 26. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. Acts ii. 42. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Ver. 46. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.

h* Cant. v. 1. I am come into my garden, my sister, my spouse: I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honey.comb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk: eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved. Ver. 2. I sleep, but my heart waketh: it is the voice of my beloved

for the fruit of it in due time : but, if they see they have failed in either, they are to be humbled, and to attend upon it afterward with more care and diligence'.

that knocketh, saying, Open to me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled: for my head is filled with dew, and my locks with the drops of the night. Ver. 3. I have put off my coat; how shall I put it on? I have washed my feet; how shall I defile them? Ver. 4. My beloved put in his hand by the hole of the door, and my bowels were moved for him. Ver. 5. I rose up to open to my beloved; and my hands dropped with myrrh, and my fingers with sweet-smelling myrrh, upon the handles of the lock. Ver. 6. I opened to my beloved; but my be loved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.

i Psal. cxxiii. 1. Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. *Ver. 2. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us. Psal. xi. 5. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Ver. 8. Yet the Lord will command his loving-kindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. Psal. xliii. 3. O send out thy light and thy truth; let them lead me, let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. Ver. 4. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God, my God. Ver. 5. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me hope in God: for I shall

yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.

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k2 Chron. xxx. 18, For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the passover otherwise than it was written: but Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, the good Lord pardon every one. Ver. 19 That prepareth his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary. Isa. i. 16. Wash ye, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil. Ver. 18. Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

12 Cor. vii, 11. For, behold, this self-same thing that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indig nation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! in all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 1 Chron. xv. 12. And (David) said unto them, Ye are the chien of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it. Ver. 13. For be cause ye did it not at the first, the Lord our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order. Ver. 14. So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel.

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