HOMILY ON THE WORTHY RECEIVING OF THE SACRAMENT

from Short-Title Catalogue 13675.
Renaissance Electronic Texts 1.2.
© 1994, 1997 Ian Lancashire (ed.)
University of Toronto


AN HOMILIE OF THE
worthy receiuing and reuerend esteeming of
the Sacrament of the body and blood
of Christ.

[II.15.1-1]  THE great loue of our Sauiour Christ
[II.15.1-2]  towards mankinde (good Christian peo­
[II.15.1-3]  ple) doth not onely appeare in that deare
[II.15.1-4]  bought benefit of our redemption and
[II.15.1-5]  saluation by his death and passion, but
[II.15.1-6]  also in that he so kindely prouided, that
[II.15.1-7]  the same most mercifull worke might be
[II.15.1-8]  had in continuall remembrance, to take
[II.15.1-9]  some place in vs, and not bee frustrate of
[II.15.1-10]  his end and purpose. For as tender pa­
[II.15.1-11]  rents are not content to procure for their
[II.15.1-12]  children costly possessions and liuelyhood,
[II.15.1-13]  but take order that the same may be con­
[II.15.1-14]  serued and come to their vse: So our
[II.15.1-15]  Lord and Sauiour thought it not sufficient to purchase for vs his Fa­
[II.15.1-16]  thers fauour againe (which is that deepe fountaine of all goodnesse and
[II.15.1-17]  eternall life) but also inuented the wayes most wisely, whereby they
[II.15.1-18]  might redound to our commodity and profit. Amongst the which means,
[II.15.1-19]  is the publike celebration of the memory of his pretious death at the
[II.15.1-20]  Lords table. Which although it seeme of small vertue to some, yet being
[II.15.1-21]  rightly done by the faythfull, it doeth not onely helpe their weakenesse
[II.15.1-22]  (who be by their poysoned nature readier to remember iniuries then be­
[II.15.1-23]  nefits) but strengtheneth & comforteth their inward man with peace and
[II.15.1-24]  gladnesse, and maketh them thankefull to their redeemer, with diligent
[II.15.1-25]  care and godly conuersation. And as of olde time GOD decreed his

[margin]
Exod.12.
[margin]

[II.15.1-26]  wonderous benefits of the deliuerance of his people, to be kept in memo­
[II.15.1-27]  ry by the eating of the Passeouer, with his Rites and Ceremonies: So
[II.15.1-28]  our louing Sauiour hath ordeyned and established the remembrance of
[II.15.1-29]  his great mercy expressed in his passion, in the institution of his heauenly

[margin]
Matth.26.
1.Cor.11.
[margin]

[II.15.1-30]  Supper, where euery one of vs must be ghestes, and not gazers, eaters,
[II.15.1-31]  and not lookers, feeding our selues, and not hiring other to feed for vs,
[II.15.1-32]  that we may liue by our owne meat, and not to perish for hunger, whiles
[II.15.1-33]  other deuour all. To this, his commandement forceth vs, saying, Do ye

[margin]
Luke 11.
1. Cor 6.
Matth.26.
[margin]

[II.15.1-34]  this, drinke yee all of this. To this, his promise entiseth, This is my bo­
[II.15.1-35]  dy which is giuen for you, this is my blood which is shed for you. So
[II.15.1-36]  then of necessity we must be our selues partakers of this table, and not
[II.15.1-37]  beholders of other: So wee must addresse our selues to frequent the
[II.15.1-38]  same in reuerent and comely maner, lest as Physicke prouided for the bo­
[II.15.1-39]  dy, being misused, more hurteth then profiteth: so this comfortable me­
[II.15.1-40]  dicine of the soule vndecently receiued, tendeth to our greater harme and

[margin]
1.Cor.11.
[margin]

[II.15.1-41]  sorrow. And Saint Paul sayth: He that eateth and drinketh vnworthily,
[II.15.1-42]  eateth and drinketh his owne damnation. Wherefore, that it be not sayd

[margin]
Matth. 22.
[margin]

[II.15.1-43]  to vs, as it was to the ghest of that great Supper, Friend, how camest thou
[II.15.1-44]  in, not hauing the mariage garment? And that wee may fruitfully vse Saint

[margin]
1.Cor.11.
[margin]

[II.15.1-45]  Pauls counsell, Let a man prooue himselfe, and so eate of that bread, and drinke
[II.15.1-46]  of that cuppe: We must certainely know, that three things bee requisite in
[II.15.1-47]  him which would seemely, as becommeth such high mysteries, resort
[II.15.1-48]  to the Lordes table. That is: First, a right and worthy estimation and
[II.15.1-49]  vnderstanding of this mysterie. Secondly, to come in a sure faith.
[II.15.1-50]  And thirdly, to haue newnesse or purenesse of life to succeede the receiuing
[II.15.1-51]  of the same.

[II.15.1-52]  But before all other things, this we must bee sure of especially, that
[II.15.1-53]  this Supper be in such wise done and ministred, as our Lord and Saui­
[II.15.1-54]  our did, and commanded to bee done, as his holy Apostles vsed it, and the
[II.15.1-55]  good Fathers in the Primitiue Church frequented it. For (as that wor­
[II.15.1-56]  thy man Saint Ambrose sayth) he is vnworthy of the Lord, that other­
[II.15.1-57]  wise doeth celebrate that mystery, then it was deliuered by him. Neither
[II.15.1-58]  can he be deuout, that otherwise doth presume then it was giuen by the
[II.15.1-59]  authour. We must then take heed, lest of the memory, it be made a sacrifice,
[II.15.1-60]  lest of a communion, it be made a priuate eating, lest of two partes, we
[II.15.1-61]  haue but one, lest applying it for the dead, we lose the fruit that be aliue.
[II.15.1-62]  Let vs rather in these matters follow the aduice of Cyprian in the like ca­
[II.15.1-63]  ses, that is, cleaue fast to the first beginning, hold fast the Lords traditi­
[II.15.1-64]  on, doe that in the Lords commemoration which he himselfe did, he him­
[II.15.1-65]  selfe commanded, and his Apostles confirmed. This caution or foresight
[II.15.1-66]  if we vse, then may we see those things that be requisite in the worthy re­
[II.15.1-67]  ceiuer, whereof this was the first, that we haue a right vnderstanding
[II.15.1-68]  of the thing it selfe. As concerning which thing, this we may assuredly
[II.15.1-69]  perswade our selues, that the ignorant man can neither worthily esteeme,
[II.15.1-70]  nor effectually vse those marueylous graces and benefits offered and ex­
[II.15.1-71]  hibited in that Supper: but either will lightly regard them, to no small
[II.15.1-72]  offence, or vtterly condemne them, to his vtter destruction. So that
[II.15.1-73]  by his negligence he deserueth the plagues of GOD to fall vpon him,
[II.15.1-74]  and by contempt hee deserueth euerlasting perdition. To auoyde then

[margin]
Prou.23.
[margin]

[II.15.1-75]  these harmes, vse the aduice of the Wise man, who willeth thee when
[II.15.1-76]  thou sittest at an earthly Kings Table, to take diligent heede what
[II.15.1-77]  things are set before thee. So now much more at the King of Kings
[II.15.1-78]  Table, thou must carefully search and know what daynties are proui­
[II.15.1-79]  ded for thy soule, whither thou art come, not to feede thy senses and
[II.15.1-80]  belly to corruption, but thy inward man to immortalitie and life, nor to
[II.15.1-81]  consider the earthly creatures which thou seest, but the heauenly graces
[II.15.1-82]  which thy faith beholdeth. For this Table is not (sayth Chrysostome)
[II.15.1-83]  for chattering Iayes, but for Eagles, who flee thither where the dead bo­
[II.15.1-84]  die lyeth. And if this aduertisement of man cannot perswade vs to re­
[II.15.1-85]  sort to the Lords Table with vnderstanding: see the counsell of GOD in
[II.15.1-86]  the like matter, who charged his people to teach their posteritie, not only
[II.15.1-87]  the rites and Ceremonies of the Passeouer, but the cause and end thereof:
[II.15.1-88]  Whence we may learne, that both more perfect knowledge is required at
[II.15.1-89]  this time at our hands, and that the ignorant cannot with fruit and pro­
[II.15.1-90]  fit exercise himselfe in the Lords Sacraments.

[II.15.1-91]  But to come nigher to the matter: Saint Paul blaming the Corinthi­
[II.15.1-92]  ans for the prophaning of the Lords Supper, concludeth that ignorance
[II.15.1-93]  both of the thing it selfe, and the signification thereof, was the cause of
[II.15.1-94]  their abuse: for they came thither vnreuerently, not discerning the Lords
[II.15.1-95]  Body. Ought not we then by the monition of the wise man, by the wise­
[II.15.1-96]  dome of GOD, by the fearefull example of the Corinthians, to take ad­
[II.15.1-97]  uised heed, that we thrust not our selues to this Table, with rude and vn­
[II.15.1-98]  reuerent ignorance, the smart whereof Christs Church hath rued and la­
[II.15.1-99]  mented these many dayes & yeres? For what hath bin the cause of the ru­
[II.15.1-100]  ine of GODS religion, but the ignorance hereof? What hath bin the cause
[II.15.1-101]  of this grosse Idolatrie, but the ignorance hereof? What hath beene the
[II.15.1-102]  cause of this mummish Massing, but the ignorance hereof? Yea, what
[II.15.1-103]  hath beene, and what is at this day the cause of this want of loue and
[II.15.1-104]  charitie, but the ignorance hereof? Let vs therefore so trauaile to vnder­
[II.15.1-105]  stand the Lords Supper, that we be no cause of the decay of GODS wor­
[II.15.1-106]  ship, of no Idolatry, of no dumbe Massing, of no hate and malice: so may
[II.15.1-107]  we the boldlier haue accesse thither to our comfort. Neither need wee to

[margin]
Actes 1.
[margin]

[II.15.1-108]  thinke that such exact knowledge is required of euery man, that hee be
[II.15.1-109]  able to discusse all high points in the doctrine thereof: But thus much

[margin]
Matth.26.
[margin]

[II.15.1-110]  we must be sure to hold, that in the Supper of the Lord, there is no vaine
[II.15.1-111]  Ceremonie, no bare signe, no vntrue figure of a thing absent: But (as the

[margin]
1.Cor.11.
[margin]

[II.15.1-112]  Scripture saith) the Table of the Lord, the Bread and Cup of the Lord,
[II.15.1-113]  the memorie of Christ, the Annuntiation of his death, yea the Commu­
[II.15.1-114]  nion of the Body and Blood of the Lord, in a marueilous incorporation,
[II.15.1-115]  which by the operation of the holy Ghost (the very bond of our coniuncti­
[II.15.1-116]  on with Christ) is through faith wrought in the soules of the faithfull,
[II.15.1-117]  whereby not onely their soules liue to eternall life, but they surely trust
[II.15.1-118]  to win their bodies a resurrection to immortalitie. The true vnderstan­

[margin]
Irene.lib.4.
cap.34.
Igna.Epis.
ad Ephes.
Dionisius.
Origen.
Optat.
Cyp.de cana
Domini.
Atha.de pec.
in spir.sanct.
[margin]

[II.15.1-119]  ding of this fruition and vnion, which is betwixt the body & the head be­
[II.15.1-120]  twixt the true beleeuers and Christ, the ancient Catholike Fathers, both
[II.15.1-121]  perceiuing themselues, and commending to their people, were not afraid
[II.15.1-122]  to call this Supper, some of them, the salue of immortalitie and soue­
[II.15.1-123]  raigne preseruatiue against death: other, a deificall Communion: other,
[II.15.1-124]  the sweet dainties of our Sauiour, the pledge of eternall health, the de­
[II.15.1-125]  fence of Faith, the hope of the Resurrection: other, the food of immorta­
[II.15.1-126]  litie, the healthfull grace, and the conseruatorie to euerlasting life. All
[II.15.1-127]  which sayings both of the holy Scripture and godly men, truely attribu­
[II.15.1-128]  ted to this celestiall banket and feast, if we would often call to minde, O
[II.15.1-129]  how would they inflame our hearts to desire the participation of these
[II.15.1-130]  mysteries, and oftentimes to couet after this bread, continually to thirste
[II.15.1-131]  for this food? Not as specially regarding the terrene and earthly crea­
[II.15.1-132]  tures which remaine: but alwayes holding fast, and cleauing by Faith
[II.15.1-133]  to the rocke whence wee may sucke the sweetnesse of euerlasting saluati­
[II.15.1-134]  on? And to be briefe, thus much more the faithfull see, heare, and know
[II.15.1-135]  the fauourable mercies of GOD sealed, the satisfaction by Christ to­
[II.15.1-136]  wards vs confirmed, and the remission of sinne established. Here they
[II.15.1-137]  may feele wrought the tranquilitie of conscience, the increase of Faith,
[II.15.1-138]  the strengthening of hope, the large spreading abroad of brotherly kind­
[II.15.1-139]  nesse, with many other sundry graces of GOD. The taste whereof they
[II.15.1-140]  cannot attaine vnto, who be drowned in the deepe durtie lake of blind­
[II.15.1-141]  nesse and ignorance. From the which (O beloued) wash your selues with
[II.15.1-142]  the liuing waters of GODS word, whence you may perceiue and
[II.15.1-143]  know, both the spirituall food of this costly Supper, and the happy tru­
[II.15.1-144]  stings and effects that the same doth bring with it.

[II.15.1-145]  Now it followeth to haue with this knowledge a sure and constant
[II.15.1-146]  faith, not onely that the death of Christ is auaileable for the redemption
[II.15.1-147]  of all the world, for the remission of sins, and reconciliation with GOD
[II.15.1-148]  the Father: but also that he hath made vpon his Crosse a full and suffici­
[II.15.1-149]  ent sacrifice the thee, a perfect cleansing of thy sins, so that thou acknow­
[II.15.1-150]  ledgest no other Sauiour, Redeemer, Mediatour, Aduocate, Interces­
[II.15.1-151]  sour, but Christ onely, and that thou mayest say with the Apostle, that he
[II.15.1-152]  loued thee, and gaue himselfe for thee. For this is to sticke fast to Christs
[II.15.1-153]  promise made in his Institution, to make Christ thine owne, and to apply
[II.15.1-154]  his merits vnto thy selfe. Herein thou needest no other mans helpe, no
[II.15.1-155]  other Sacrifice, or oblation, no sacrificing Priest, no Masse, no meanes
[II.15.1-156]  established by mans inuention. That Faith is a necessary instrument in
[II.15.1-157]  all these holy Ceremonies, wee may thus assure our selues, for that as
[II.15.1-158]  Saint Paul saith, without Faith it is vnpossible to please GOD. When
[II.15.1-159]  a great number of the Israelites were ouerthrowne in the wildernesse,

[margin]
Heb.11.
[margin]

[II.15.1-160]  Moses, Aaron and Phinees did eat Manna, and pleased GOD, for that

[margin]
In Iohan.
Hom.6.
[margin]

[II.15.1-161]  they vnderstood (saith Saint Augustine) the visible meat Spiritually.
[II.15.1-162]  Spiritually they hungred it, spiritually they tasted it, that they might
[II.15.1-163]  be spiritually satisfied. And truely as the bodily meat cannot feede the
[II.15.1-164]  outward man, vnlesse it be let into a stomacke to bee digested, which is
[II.15.1-165]  healthsome and sound: No more can the inward man be fed, except his
[II.15.1-166]  meate bee receiued into his soule and heart, sound and whole in Faith.

[margin]
De cana
Domini.
[margin]

[II.15.1-167]  Therefore (saith Cyprian) when we doe these things, we need not to whet
[II.15.1-168]  our teeth: but with syncere faith we breake and diuide that whole bread.
[II.15.1-169]  It is well knowne that the meat we seeke for in this Supper, is Spiri­
[II.15.1-170]  tuall food, the nourishment of our soule, a heauenly refection, and not
[II.15.1-171]  earthly, an inuisible meat, and not bodily, a ghostly substance, and not
[II.15.1-172]  carnall, so that to thinke that without Faith wee may enioy the eating
[II.15.1-173]  and drinking thereof, or that that is the fruition of it, is but to dreame a
[II.15.1-174]  grosse carnall feeding, basely obiecting and binding our selues to the ele­
[II.15.1-175]  ments and creatures. Whereas by the aduice of the Councell of Nicene,

[margin]
Concilium
Nicen.
[margin]

[II.15.1-176]  we ought to lift vp our mindes by fayth, and leauing these inferiour and
[II.15.1-177]  earthly things, there seeke it, where the sunne of righteousnesse euer shi­
[II.15.1-178]  neth. Take then this lesson (O thou that art desirous of this Table) of
[II.15.1-179]  Emissenus a godly Father, that when thou goest vp to the reuerend Com­

[margin]
Euseb.Emis.
serm.de Eu­
char.
[margin]

[II.15.1-180]  munion, to be satisfied with spirituall meates, thou looke vp with fayth
[II.15.1-181]  vpon the holy body and blood of thy GOD, thou maruayle with reue­
[II.15.1-182]  rence, thou touch it with the minde, thou receiue it with the hand of thy
[II.15.1-183]  heart, and thou take it fully with thy inward man.

[II.15.1-184]  Thus we see (beloued) that resorting to this table, we must plucke vp
[II.15.1-185]  all the rootes of infidelity, all distrust in GODS promises, that we make
[II.15.1-186]  our selues liuing members of Christs body. For the vnbeleeuers and faith­
[II.15.1-187]  lesse, cannot feed vpon that precious body: whereas the faythfull haue
[II.15.1-188]  their life, their abiding in him, their vnion, and as it were their incorpo­
[II.15.1-189]  ration with him. Wherefore let vs prooue and trie our selues vnfaynedly,
[II.15.1-190]  without flattering our selues, whether we bee plants of the fruitfull O­
[II.15.1-191]  liue, liuing branches of the true vine, members indeed of Christs mysti­
[II.15.1-192]  call body, whether GOD hath purified our hearts by fayth, to the sin­
[II.15.1-193]  cere acknowledging of his Gospel, and imbracing of his mercies in
[II.15.1-194]  Christ Iesus, so that at this his table we receiue not only the out­
[II.15.1-195]  ward Sacrament, but the spirituall thing also: not the figure,
[II.15.1-196]  but the trueth: not the shadow only, but the body: not to
[II.15.1-197]  death, but to life: not to destruction, but to saluation:
[II.15.1-198]  which GOD grant vs to doe through the me­
[II.15.1-199]  rits of our Lord and Sauiour, to
[II.15.1-200]  whom bee all honour and
[II.15.1-201]  glory for euer,
[II.15.1-202]  Amen.


{P} The second part of the Homilie, of the worthie
receiuing and reuerend esteeming
of the Sacrament of the Body
and Blood of
Christ.

[II.15.2-203]  IN the Homilie of late rehearsed vnto you, yee haue
[II.15.2-204]  heard (good people) why it pleased our Sauiour
[II.15.2-205]  Christ to institute that heauenly memorie of his
[II.15.2-206]  death and passion, and that euery one of vs ought to
[II.15.2-207]  celebrate the same at his Table, in our owne persons,
[II.15.2-208]  and not by other. You haue heard also with what
[II.15.2-209]  estimation and knowledge of so high mysteries, wee
[II.15.2-210]  ought to resort thither. You haue heard with what
[II.15.2-211]  constant faith wee should clothe and decke our selues, that wee might be
[II.15.2-212]  fit and decent partakers of that celestiall foode.

[II.15.2-213]  Now followeth the third thing necessarie in him that would not eate
[II.15.2-214]  of this bread, nor drinke of this cup vnworthily, which is, newnesse of life,
[II.15.2-215]  and godlinesse of conuersation. For newnesse of life, as fruits of faith are
[II.15.2-216]  required in the partakers of this Table. We may learne by eating of the
[II.15.2-217]  typicall lambe, whereunto no man was admitted, but hee that was a
[II.15.2-218]  Iewe, that was circumcised, that was before sanctified. Yea Saint

[margin]
1.Cor.10.
[margin]

[II.15.2-219]  Paul testifieth, that although the people were partakers of the Sacra­
[II.15.2-220]  mentes vnder Moses, yet for that some of them were still worshippers of
[II.15.2-221]  images, whoremongers, tempters of Christ, murmurers, and coueting
[II.15.2-222]  after euill things: GOD ouerthrew those in the wildernesse, and that
[II.15.2-223]  for our example, that is, that wee Christians should take heede wee re­
[II.15.2-224]  sort vnto our Sacramentes with holinesse of life, not trusting in the
[II.15.2-225]  outward receiuing of them, and infected with corrupt and vncharitable
[II.15.2-226]  maners. For this sentence of GOD must alwayes be iustified: I will
[II.15.2-227]  haue mercie and not sacrifice. Wherefore (saith Basil) it behoueth him

[margin]
De Bap. lib.
1.cap.3.
[margin]

[II.15.2-228]  that commeth to the body and blood of Christ, in commemoration of
[II.15.2-229]  him that died and rose againe, not onely to bee pure from all filthinesse of
[II.15.2-230]  the flesh and spirit, lest hee eate and drinke his owne condemnation: but
[II.15.2-231]  also to shew out euidently, a memorie of him that died and rose againe
[II.15.2-232]  for vs, in this point, that yee be mortified to sinne and the world, to liue
[II.15.2-233]  now to GOD in Christ Iesu our Lord. So then we must shew out­
[II.15.2-234]  ward testimony, in following the signification of Christes death, amongst
[II.15.2-235]  the which this is not esteemed least, to render thanks to Almighty GOD
[II.15.2-236]  for all his benefites, briefly comprised in the death, passion, and resurrecti­
[II.15.2-237]  on of his dearely beloued Sonne. The which thing, because we ought
[II.15.2-238]  chiefly at this table to solemnise, the godly fathers named it Eucharistia,
[II.15.2-239]  that is, thankesgiuing. As if they should haue said, Now aboue all other
[II.15.2-240]  times ye ought to land and praise GOD. Now may you behold the ma­
[II.15.2-241]  ter, the cause, the beginning and the end of all thankesgiuing. Now if
[II.15.2-242]  you slacke, ye shewe your selues most vnthankefull, and that no other be­
[II.15.2-243]  nefite can euer stirre you to thanke GOD, who so little regard here so ma­
[II.15.2-244]  ny, so wonderfull, and so profitable benefites. Seeing then that the name
[II.15.2-245]  and thing it selfe doth monish vs of thankes, let vs (as S. Paul saith) offer

[margin]
Heb.13.
[margin]

[II.15.2-246]  alwayes to GOD, the host or sacrifice of praise by Christ, that is, the
[II.15.2-247]  fruite of the lippes which confesse his Name. For as Dauid singeth: Hee

[margin]
Psal.50.
[margin]

[II.15.2-248]  that offereth to GOD thankes and prayse, honoureth him. But how
[II.15.2-249]  few be there of thankefull persons, in comparison to the vnthankefull?
[II.15.2-250]  Loe ten Lepers in the Gospel were healed, and but one onely returned to
[II.15.2-251]  giue thanks for his health. Yea happy it were, if among fourtie commu­

[margin]
Luke I7.
[margin]

[II.15.2-252]  nicants, we could see two vnfainedly giue thankes. So vnkinde wee
[II.15.2-253]  bee, so obliuious wee be, so proud beggers wee be, that partly wee care not
[II.15.2-254]  for our owne commoditie, partly wee knowe not our duety to GOD,
[II.15.2-255]  and chiefly we will not confesse all that wee receiue. Yea, and if wee be
[II.15.2-256]  forced by GODS power to doe it: yet wee handle it so coldly, so dryly,
[II.15.2-257]  that our lippes praise him, but our hearts dispraise him, our tongues
[II.15.2-258]  blesse him, but our life curseth him, our wordes worship him, but our
[II.15.2-259]  workes dishonour him. O let vs therefore learne to giue GOD here
[II.15.2-260]  thankes aright, and so to agnise his exceeding graces powred vpon vs,
[II.15.2-261]  that they being shut vp in the treasure house of our heart, may in due time
[II.15.2-262]  and season in our life and conuersation, appeare to the glorifying of his
[II.15.2-263]  holy Name.

[II.15.2-264]  Furthermore, for newnesse of lift, it is to bee noted that Saint
[II.15.2-265]  Paul writeth: that we being many, are one bread and one body: For all
[II.15.2-266]  bee partakers of one bread. Declaring thereby, not onely our Commu­
[II.15.2-267]  nion with Christ, but that vnity also, wherein they that eate at this table,
[II.15.2-268]  should bee knitte together. For by dissension, vaine glorie, ambition,
[II.15.2-269]  strife, enuying, contempt, hatred, or malice, they should not bee dis­
[II.15.2-270]  seuered: but so ioyned by the bond of loue, in one mysticall bodie, as
[II.15.2-271]  the cornes of that bread in one loafe. In respect of which straite knotte
[II.15.2-272]  of charitie, the true Christians in the Primitiue Church, called this
[II.15.2-273]  supper, loue. As if they should say, none ought to sitte downe there,
[II.15.2-274]  that were out of loue and charitie, who bare grudge and vengeance in
[II.15.2-275]  his heart, who also did not professe his kinde affection by some charitable
[II.15.2-276]  reliefe, for some parte of the congregation. And this was their prac­
[II.15.2-277]  tise. O heauenly banket then so vsed. O godly ghestes, who so esteemed
[II.15.2-278]  this feast.

[II.15.2-279]  But O wretched creatures that wee bee at these dayes, who bee
[II.15.2-280]  without reconciliation of our brethren whom we haue offended, without
[II.15.2-281]  satisfying them whom wee haue caused to fall, without any kinde of
[II.15.2-282]  thought or compassion toward them whom we might easily relieue, with­
[II.15.2-283]  out any conscience of slander, disdaine, misreport, diuisi&omacron;, rancor, or inward

[margin]
Gene.4.
Gene.27.
2.Sam.3.
[margin]

[II.15.2-284]  bitternesse. Yea, being accombred with the cloked hatred of Cain, with the
[II.15.2-285]  long coloured malice of Esau, with the dissembled falshood of Ioab, dare ye
[II.15.2-286]  presume to come vp to these sacred and fearefull mysteries? O man, whi­
[II.15.2-287]  ther rushest thou vnaduisedly? It is a table of peace, and thou art ready
[II.15.2-288]  to fight. It is a table of singlenesse, and thou art imagining mischiefe.
[II.15.2-289]  It is a table of quietnesse, and thou art giuen to debate. It is a table of
[II.15.2-290]  pitie, and thou art vnmercifull. Doest thou neither feare GOD the
[II.15.2-291]  maker of this feast, nor reuerence his Christ the refection and meate, nor
[II.15.2-292]  regardest his spouse his welbeloued ghest, nor weighest thine owne con­
[II.15.2-293]  science, which is sometime thine inward accuser? Wherefore (O man)
[II.15.2-294]  tender thine owne saluation, examine and try thy good will and loue to­
[II.15.2-295]  wards the children of GOD, the members of Christ, the heires of the
[II.15.2-296]  heauenly heritage: yea, towards the image of GOD, the excellent
[II.15.2-297]  creature thine owne soule. If thou haue offended, now be reconciled.
[II.15.2-298]  If thou haue caused any to stumble in the way of GOD, now set them
[II.15.2-299]  vp againe. If thou haue disquieted thy brother, now pacifie him. If
[II.15.2-300]  thou haue wronged him, now relieue him. If thou haue defrauded him,
[II.15.2-301]  now restore to him. If thou haue nourished spite, now imbrace friend­
[II.15.2-302]  ship. If thou haue fostered hatred and malice, now openly shew thy loue
[II.15.2-303]  and charitie, yea be prest and ready to procure thy neighbours health of
[II.15.2-304]  soule, wealth, commoditie, and pleasures, as thine owne. Deserue not
[II.15.2-305]  the heauie and dreadfull burden of GODS displeasure for thine euill
[II.15.2-306]  will towards thy neighbour, so vnreuerently to approch to this table of

[margin]
Chrysost.ad
popu. Ant.
Homil.6.
[margin]

[II.15.2-308]  the Lord. Last of all, as there is here the mysterie of peace, and the Sa­
[II.15.2-309]  crament of Christian societie, whereby wee vnderstand what sincere loue
[II.15.2-310]  ought to be betwixt the true communicants: So heere be the tokens of
[II.15.2-311]  purnesse and innocencie of life, whereby we may perceiue that we ought
[II.15.2-312]  to purge our owne soule from all vncleannesse, iniquitie, and wicked­
[II.15.2-313]  nesse, lest when we receiue the mysticall bread (as Origen saith) we eate it

[margin]
In Leuit.
Cap.23.
[margin]

[II.15.2-314]  in an vncleane place, that is, in a soule defiled and polluted with sinne.

[margin]
1.Cor.11.
[margin]

[II.15.2-315]  In Moses law, the man that did eate of the sacrifice of thankesgiuing,

[margin]
Luke 17.
[margin]

[II.15.2-316]  with his vncleannesse vpon him, should bee destroyed from his people.

[margin]
Homil.14.
[margin]

[II.15.2-317]  And shall we thinke that the wicked and sinfull person shall bee excusable
[II.15.2-318]  at the table of the Lord? We both reade in Saint Paul, that the Church
[II.15.2-319]  of Corinth was scourged of the Lord, for misusing the Lords Supper,
[II.15.2-320]  and wee may plainely see Christs Church these many yeeres miserably
[II.15.2-321]  vexed and oppressed, for the horrible prophanation of the same. Wherefore
[II.15.2-322]  let vs all vniuersall and singular, behold our owne maners and liues, to
[II.15.2-323]  amend them. Yea now at the least, let vs call our selues to an accompt,
[II.15.2-324]  that it may grieue vs of our former euill conuersation, that wee may
[II.15.2-325]  hate sinne, that wee may sorrow and mourne for our offences, that we
[II.15.2-326]  may with teares powre them out before GOD, that we may with sure
[II.15.2-327]  trust desire and craue the salue of his mercy, bought and purchased with
[II.15.2-328]  the blood of his dearely beloued Sonne Iesus Christ, to heale our deadly

[margin]
Chrysost. ad
popul Ant.
Homil.6.
[margin]

[II.15.2-329]  wounds withall. For surely, if wee doe not with earnest repentance
[II.15.2-330]  cleanse the filthie stomacke of our soule, it must needes come to passe, that
[II.15.2-331]  as wholesome meate receiued into a raw stomacke corrupteth and mar­
[II.15.2-332]  reth all, and is the cause of further sickenesse: so shall we eat this whole­
[II.15.2-333]  some bread, and drinke this cup to our eternall destruction. Thus we and
[II.15.2-334]  not other, must thorowly examine, and not lightly looke ouer our selues,
[II.15.2-335]  not other men, our owne conscience, not other mens liues, which wee
[II.15.2-336]  ought to doe vprightly, truely, and with iust correction. O (saith Chry­

[margin]
Ad popu.
Ant.Hom.6.
[margin]

[II.15.2-337]  sostome) let no Iudas resort to this Table, let no couetous person approach.
[II.15.2-338]  If any be a Disciple, let him be present. For Christ saith, With my Dis­

[margin]
Mat.26.
[margin]

[II.15.2-339]  ciples I make my Passeouer. Why cryed the Deacon in the Primitiue
[II.15.2-340]  Church, If any bee holy, let him draw neere? Why did they celebrate
[II.15.2-341]  these mysteries, the quier doore being shut? Why were the publique pe­
[II.15.2-342]  nitents and learners in Religion commanded at this time to auoid? was
[II.15.2-343]  it not because this Table receiued no vnholy, vncleane, or sinfull ghests?
[II.15.2-344]  Wherefore, if seruants dare not to presume to an earthly masters table,
[II.15.2-345]  whom they haue offended: Let vs take heed we come not with our sinnes
[II.15.2-346]  vnexamined, into this presence of our Lord and Iudge. If they bee wor­
[II.15.2-347]  thy blame which kisse the Princes hand with a filthy & vncleane mouth:
[II.15.2-348]  shalt thou be blamelesse which with a stinking soule, full of couetousnesse,
[II.15.2-349]  fornication, drunkennes, pride, ful of wretched cogitations and thoughts,
[II.15.2-350]  doest breathe out iniquity and vncleannesse on the Bread and Cup of the
[II.15.2-351]  Lord?

[II.15.2-352]  Thus haue you heard, how you should come reuerently and decently

[margin]
Epilog.
[margin]

[II.15.2-353]  to the Table of the Lord, hauing the knowledge of his word, of the
[II.15.2-354]  thing it selfe, and the fruits thereof, bringing a true and constant Faith,
[II.15.2-355]  the roote and welspring of all newnesse of life, aswell in praising GOD,
[II.15.2-356]  and louing our neighbour, as purging our owne conscience from filthi­
[II.15.2-357]  nesse. So that neither the ignorance of the thing shall cause vs to con­
[II.15.2-358]  temne it, nor vnfaithfulnesse make vs voide of fruit, nor sinne and ini­
[II.15.2-359]  quitie procure vs GODS plagues: but shall by Faith, in know­
[II.15.2-360]  ledge and amendment of life in Faith be here so vnited to Christ
[II.15.2-361]  our Head in his mysteries, to our comfort, that after wee
[II.15.2-362]  shall haue full fruition of him indeede, to our euerla­
[II.15.2-363]  sting ioy and eternall life, to the which he bring
[II.15.2-364]  vs, that dyed for vs and Redeemed vs,
[II.15.2-365]  Iesus Christ the righteous, to whom
[II.15.2-366]  with the Father, and the holy Ghost,
[II.15.2-367]  one true and eternall GOD, be
[II.15.2-368]  all praise, honour and domi­
[II.15.2-369]  nion for euer,
[II.15.2-370]  Amen.