4. Of Public Worship
Interpretation of the Scriptures
Once every week, the congregation assembles to hear some place of the scriptures orderly expounded.(1 Corinthians 14:1 ff., 1 Thessalonians 5:20, Ephesians 4:29, 1 Corinthians 12:28-31) At which time, it is lawful for every man to speak or enquire, as God shall move his heart, and the text minister occasion; so it be without pertinacity or disdain, as one that rather seeks to profit than to contend. And if [it] so be any contention arise, then such as are appointed moderators, either satisfy the party, or else if he seems to evil, exhort him to keep silence, referring the judgement thereof to the ministers and elders, to be determined in their assembly or consistory before mentioned. qeQ When the congregation is assembled at the hour appointed, the minister uses one of these two confessions, or like in effect, exhorting the people diligently to examine themselves, following in their hearts the tenor of his words. A Confession of Our Sins, Framed to Our Time, out of the 9th Chapter of Daniel
O Lord God, which art mighty and dreadful, thou that keepest covenant, and shewest mercy to them that love Thee and do Thy commandments: (Nehemiah 1:5, Job 9:1-35; Job 38:1-41; Job 39:1-30; Job 40:1-24 w:1-24 Psalms 24, 76, 77:10 ff, 139) We have sinned; we have offended; (Exodus 20:6, Luke 7:47) we have wickedly and stubbornly gone back from Thy laws and precepts. (Genesis 3:6-19, Romans 5:12 ff., 1 John 1:8-10, Psalms 32:5; Psalms 106:6 ff.) We would never obey Thy servants the prophets that spake in Thy name, (Leviticus 26:1-46, Deuteronomy 28:1-68, Jeremiah 26:4-6; Jeremiah 29:19, Nehemiah 1:6-11) to our kings and princes, to our forefathers, and to all the people of our land. O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto Thee; (Psalms 11:7, James 1:13, Job 4:17-19; Job 9:1 ff; Job 25:4-6) unto us pertaineth nothing but open shame, as it is come to pass this day unto our miserable country of England; yea unto all our nations, whether they be far or near, through all lands, wherein they are scattered for the offences that they and we have committed against Thee, (Psalms 89:10 [?], Jeremiah 26:1-24; Jeremiah 27:1-22) so that the curses and punishments which are written in Thy law (Leviticus 26:14 ff., Deuteronomy 27:1-26; Deuteronomy 28:1-68; Deuteronomy 29:1-29; Deuteronomy 30:1-20) are now poured upon us; and Thou hast performed those words wherewith Thou didst menace us and our rulers that governed us, in bringing the same plagues upon us which before were threatened. And yet notwithstanding, both they and we proceed in our iniquity, and cease not to heap sin upon sin. For they which once were well instructed in the doctrine of Thy gospel, are now gone back from the obedience of thy truth, and are turned again to that most abominable idolatry, (2 Peter 2:20-22, Proverbs 26:11, Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:26-31) from the which they were once called by the lively preaching of Thy word. And we, alas! to this day, do not earnestly repent us of our former wickedness, neither do we rightly consider the heaviness of thy displeasure. (Psalms 19:12-13, Deuteronomy 31:16 ff; Deuteronomy 29:20, Ezekiel 5:5-11) Such is thy just judgment, O Lord, that thou punisheth sin by sin, and man by his own inventions, (Romans 1:18 ff.) so that there can be no end of iniquity, except Thou prevent us (Isaiah 65:1) with Thy undeserved grace. (Ephesians 2:5)
Therefore convert us, O Lord, and we shall converted; (Psalms 85:4, Jeremiah 31:18) for we do not offer up our prayers trusting in our own righteousness, (Titus 3:5, 2 Timothy 1:9) but in Thy manifold mercies. And although Thou hast once of Thy especial grace delivered us from the miserable thraldom of error and blindness, and called us many times to the sweet liberty of Thy gospel, (Galatians 4 & 5:1 ff.) which we notwithstanding have most shamefully abused, in obeying rather our own lusts and affections, (Galatians 5:13-21) than the admonitions of Thy prophets; (Zechariah 7:8-14) yet we beseech Thee once again, for Thy name’s sake, (Psalms 23:3; Psalms 25:11) to pour some comfortable drop of Thy accustomed mercies upon us; incline Thine ears, and open Thine eyes, (Psalms 71:1 ff.) to behold the grievous plagues of our country, the continual sorrows of our afflicted brethren, and our woeful banishment. And let our afflictions and just punishments be an admonition and warning to other nations among whom we are scattered, that with all reverence they may obey thy holy gospel; lest for like contempt, in the end, like or worse plagues fall upon them. (Matthew 11:20-24; Matthew 12:41, Luke 10:13-16)
Wherefore, O Lord, hear us! O Lord, forgive us! O Lord, consider and tarry not over long! but for Thy dear Son Jesus Christ’s sake, be merciful unto us, and deliver us. (John 16:23-24) So shall it be known to all the world, that Thou only art the selfsame God, that ever showeth mercy to all such as call upon Thy holy name. (Psalms 103; 108:4, 136) Another Confession for All States and Times
O eternal God and most merciful Father, we confess and acknowledge here, before Thy divine majesty, that we are miserable sinners,(Romans 3:9 ff., Psalms 14:1-3) conceived and born in sin and iniquity, (Psalms 51:5) so that in us there is no goodness.(Romans 7:15-25) For the flesh evermore rebels against the spirit, (Galatians 5:17) whereby we continually transgress Thy holy precepts and commandments, and so purchase to ourselves, through Thy just judgment, death and damnation.(Romans 2:1 ff., Jeremiah 3:23-25, Isaiah 40:7 thew:7 thew:7 [?])
Notwithstanding, O heavenly Father, forasmuch as we are displeased with ourselves for the sins that we have committed against Thee, and do unfeignedly repent us of the same, we most humbly beseech Thee, for Jesus Christ’s sake, to show thy mercy upon us, to forgive us all our sins, and to increase thy Holy Spirit in us: that we, acknowledging from the bottom of our hearts our own unrighteousness, may from henceforth not only mortify our sinful lusts and affections, (Colossians 3:5 ff., Romans 6:1-7, Ephesians 4:20-24; Ephesians 5:3-5, 1 Peter 2:11) but also bring forth such fruits as may be agreeable to Thy most blessed will; not for the worthiness thereof, but for the merits of Thy dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ, (Romans 5:1 ff., Hebrews 9:14, Ephesians 2:16 ff.) our only Saviour, whom Thou hast already given [as] an oblation and offering for our sins, and for whose sake we are certainly persuaded that Thou wilt deny us nothing that we shall ask in His name, according to Thy will. (John 14:13-14; John 16:23, Matthew 7:7-12, James 1:5-7) For Thy Spirit does assure our consciences that Thou art our merciful Father, (1 John 3:24, Romans 8:9-17; Romans 8:37-39) and so lovest us Thy children through Him, that nothing is able to remove Thy heavenly grace and favour from us. To Thee, therefore, O Father, with the Son and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, world without end. So be it. QeQ This done, the people sing a Psalm all together, in a plain tune; which ended, the minister prays for the assistance of God’s Holy Spirit, as the same shall move his heart, and so proceeds to the sermon; using after the sermon this prayer following, or such-like. A Prayer for the Whole Estate of Christ’s Church
Almighty God and most merciful Father, we humbly submit ourselves, (1 Peter 5:6) and fall down before Thy Majesty, (Numbers 16:22, Deuteronomy 9:18, Joshua 7:6) beseeching Thee from the bottom of our hearts, that this seed of Thy word, (Matthew 13:3-8) now sown amongst us, may take such deep root, that neither the burning heat of persecution cause it to wither, neither the thorny cares of this life do choke it, but that as seed sown in good ground, it may bring forth thirty, sixty, and an hundred fold, as thy heavenly wisdom hath appointed. And because we have need continually to crave many things at thy hands, we humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, to grant us thy Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13, Romans 8:12-17, James 5:16, 1 John 5:14, Romans 12:11-12, Wis 9:17-18) to direct our petitions, that they may proceed from such a fervent mind as may be agreeable to Thy most blessed will. (2 Corinthians 3:5, John 15:5, Php 2:13) And seeing that our infirmity is able to do nothing without thy help, and that thou art not ignorant with how many and great temptations (Psalms 40:12-13 :12-13; Psalms 40:1713, 1713, 17, 1 Peter 1:6) we poor wretches are on every side enclosed and compassed, let Thy strength, O Lord, sustain our weakness, that we being defended with the force of Thy grace, may be safely preserved against all assaults of Satan, who goeth about continually like a roaring lion, seeking to devour us. (1 Peter 5:8)
Increase our faith, (Luke 17:5) O merciful Father, that we do not swerve at any time from Thy heavenly word, but augment in us hope and love, with a careful keeping of all Thy commandments, that no hardness of heart, (Psalms 95:7-8, Hebrews 3:7 ff; Hebrews 4:7) no hypocrisy, no concupiscence of the eyes, (1 John 2:15-17) nor enticements of the world, do draw us away from thy obedience. And seeing we live now in these most perilous times, (1 Timothy 4:1 ff., 2 Peter 3:3 ff., 2 Timothy 3:1 ff., Jude) let Thy Fatherly providence defend us against the violence of all our enemies, which do everywhere pursue us; but chiefly against the wicked rage and furious uproars of that Romish idol, enemy to Thy Christ. (2 Thessalonians 2:1 ff., 1 John 2:18, Revelation 13:1-18; Revelation 17:1-18)
Furthermore, forasmuch as by Thy holy apostle we are taught to make our prayers and supplications for all men, (1 Timothy 2:1 ff.) we pray not only for ourselves here present, but beseech thee also, to reduce all such as be yet ignorant, from the miserable captivity of blindness and error, to the pure understanding and knowledge of Thy heavenly truth, that we all, with one consent and unity of minds, (Romans 15:6, 1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:3) may worship thee our only God and Saviour; and that all pastors, shepherds, and ministers, to whom Thou hast committed the dispensation of Thy holy word, (John 21:15-17, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Corinthians 9:16 ff., Mark 16:15) and charge of thy chosen people, (1 Peter 5:1-3) may both in their life and doctrine be found faithful, setting only before their eyes Thy glory; and that by them, all poor sheep which wander and go astray, may be gathered and brought home to thy fold.
Moreover, because the hearts of rulers are in thy hands (Proverbs 21:1) we beseech Thee to direct and govern the hearts of all kings, princes, and magistrates to whom Thou hast committed the sword; (Romans 13:4, John 19:11) especially, O Lord, according to our bounden duty, we beseech Thee to maintain and increase the honourable estate of this city, into whose defence we are received, the magistrates, the council, and all the whole body of this commonwealth: Let Thy Fatherly favour so preserve them, and Thy Holy Spirit so govern their hearts, that they may in such sort execute their office, that thy religion may be purely maintained, manners reformed, and sin punished according to the precise rule of Thy holy word. (1 Timothy 1:3 ff., James 1:18 ff.) And for that we are all members of the mystical body of Christ Jesus, (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Romans 12:4-5) we make our requests unto thee, O heavenly Father, for all such as are afflicted with any kind of cross or tribulation, (James 5:13-15) as war, plague, famine, sickness, poverty, imprisonment, persecution, banishment, or any other kind of Thy rods, whether it be calamity of body, or vexation of mind, (2 Corinthians 1:6 ff., Hebrews 13:3) that it would please Thee to give them patience and constancy, till Thou send them full deliverance of all their troubles. And as we are bound to love and honour our parents, kinfolks, friends, and country, (Exodus 20:12) so we most humbly beseech Thee to show Thy pity upon our miserable country of England, which once, through Thy mercy, was called to liberty, and now for their and our sins, is brought unto most vile slavery and Babylonian bondage.
Root out from thence, O Lord, all ravening wolves, (Matthew 7:15, Acts 20:29) which to fill their bellies destroy thy flock. (Ezekiel 34:1 ff., Romans 16:17-18, Php 3:2; Php 3:18-19) And show thy great mercies upon those our brethren which are persecuted, cast in prison, and daily condemned to death for the testimony of Thy truth. (Hebrews 13:3, Romans 8:36, Psalms 44:22) And though they be utterly destitute of all men’s aid, (John 16:33) yet let Thy sweet comfort never depart from them, but so inflame their hearts with Thy Holy Spirit, that they may boldly and cheerfully abide such trial (1 Peter 1:7) as thy godly wisdom shall appoint. (Acts 2:23, Matthew 10:35 ff., Luke 21:12 ff.) So that at length, as well by their death as by their life, (Romans 14:7-8) the kingdom of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ may increase and shine through all the world. In whose name we make our humble petitions unto thee, as he hath taught us. Our Father which art in heaven, etc.
Almighty and ever living God, vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to grant us perfect continuance in Thy lively faith, augmenting the same in us daily, (Luke 17:5) till we grow to the full measure of our perfection in Christ, (Ephesians 4:12-16) whereof we make our confession, saying, "I believe in God," etc. qeQ
Then the people sing a Psalm, which ended, the minister pronounces one of these blessings, and so the congregation departs. The Lord bless you and save you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be merciful unto you; the Lord turn His countenance towards you, and grant you His peace. (Numbers 6:24-26) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. So be it. (2 Corinthians 13:14) qeQ
It shall not be necessary for the minister daily to repeat all these things before mentioned, but beginning with some manner of confession, to proceed to the sermon; which ended, he either uses the prayer for all estates before mentioned, or else prays, as the Spirit of God shall move his heart, framing the same according to the time and matter which he hath entreated of. And if there shall be at any time any present plague, famine, pestilence, war, or suchlike, (Leviticus 26:14 ff., Deuteronomy 28:15 ff., 1 Kings 8:33-402 Samuel 21:1-22[?]) which are evident tokens of God’s wrath; as it is our part to acknowledge our sins to be the occasion thereof, so are we appointed by the scriptures to give ourselves to mourning, fasting, and prayer, as the means to turn away God’s heavy displeasure. Therefore, it shall be convenient that the minister, at such time, not only admonish the people thereof, but also use some form of prayer, according as the present necessity requires, to the which he may appoint, by a common consent, some several day after the sermon, weekly to be observed. The Order of Baptism
First note, that forasmuch as it is not permitted by God’s word, that women should preach or minister the sacraments; and it is evident that the sacraments are not ordained of God to be used in private corners as charms or sorceries, but left to the congregation, and necessarily annexed to God’s word as seals of the same; therefore the infant which is to be baptized shall be brought to the church, on the day appointed to common prayer and preaching, accompanied with the father and godfather. So that after the sermon, the child being presented to the minister, he demands this question: Do you present this child to be baptized, earnestly desiring that he may be engrafted in the mystical body of Jesus Christ?
`The answer: Yes, we require the same. The minister proceeds: Then let us consider, dearly beloved, how Almighty God has not only made us his children by adoption, Romans 8:14-17, Galatians 4:4-7, Ephesians 1:5; Ephesians 2:18-19) and received us into the fellowship of his church; but also has promised that he will be our God, and the God of our children, unto the thousandth generation. (Genesis 17:7, Exodus 20:6, Deuteronomy 7:9, Isaiah 59:21) Which thing, as He confirmed to His people of the Old Testament by the sacrament of circumcision, (Genesis 17:7 ff., Romans 4:11) so has He also renewed the same to us in his New Testament by the sacrament of baptism; (Colossians 2:11-12, Galatians 3:27, Acts 2:38-39) doing us thereby to wit, that our infants appertain to Him by covenant, and therefore ought not to be defrauded of those holy signs and badges whereby His children are known from infidels and pagans. (Acts 10:47-48)
Neither is it requisite, that all those that receive this sacrament have the use of understanding and faith; but chiefly that they be contained under the name of God’s people: (Acts 2:38-39, 1 Corinthians 7:4) so that remission of sins in the blood of Christ Jesus does appertain to them by God’s promise. Which thing is most evident by St. Paul, (1 Corinthians 7:14) who pronounces the children begotten and born, either of the parents being faithful, to be clean and holy. Also our Saviour Christ admits children to His presence, embracing and blessing them. (Mark 10:13-16, Matthew 19:13-15, Luke 18:15-16, Psalms 22:9-10) Which testimonies of the Holy Ghost assure us, that infants are of the number of God’s people; and that remission of sins does also appertain to them in Christ. Therefore, without injury, they cannot be debarred from the common sign of God’s children. Neither yet is this outward action of such necessity, that the lack thereof should be prejudicial to their salvation, (Romans 4:10, Galatians 3:1 Fff., Genesis 15:6; Genesis 17:12) if that prevented by death, they may not conveniently be presented to the church. But we (having respect to that obedience which Christians owe to the voice and ordinance of Christ Jesus, who commanded to preach and baptize all without exception), (Mark 16:15-16, Matthew 28:19) do judge them only unworthy of any fellowship with Him, who contemptuously refuse such ordinary means as His wisdom has appointed to the instruction of our dull senses.
Furthermore, it is evident that baptism was ordained to be ministered in the element of water, (Matthew 3:11, 1 Peter 3:21, 1 John 5:6, 1 John 5:8, 1 Corinthians 10:1-4) to teach us, that like as water outwardly does wash away the filth of the body, so inwardly does the virtue of Christ’s blood purge our souls from that corruption and deadly poison wherewith by nature we were infected: (Ephesians 2:1 ff.) whose venomous dregs, (Romans 7:5 ff.) although they continue in this our flesh, yet by the merits of his death are not imputed unto us, (Romans 4:1 ff., Galatians 3:1 ff., Psalms 32:1-2) because the justice of Jesus Christ is made ours by baptism. (Romans 6:3-6, Galatians 3:27) Not that we think any such virtue or power to be included in the visible water or outward action (for many have been baptized, and yet never inwardly purged), but that our Saviour Christ, who commanded baptism to be ministered, will, by the power of his Holy Spirit, effectually work in the hearts of His elect (Acts 2:41-42; Acts 13:48) (in time convenient) all that is meant and signified by the same. And this the scripture calls our regeneration, (Ephesians 2:1 ff., 1 Corinthians 12:9-11, Romans 6:3-6, Colossians 2:12-13[?]) which stands chiefly in these two points: in mortification (that is to say, a resisting of the rebellious lusts of the flesh), and newness of life, whereby we continually strive to walk in that pureness and perfection wherewith we are clad in baptism. And although we in the journey of this life are encumbered with many enemies, (1 Peter 5:8, Luke 22:31, Job 7:1-21[?]) which in the way assail us, yet we fight not without fruit. For this continual battle which we fight against sin, death, and hell, (Romans 5:3-5, 1 Peter 1:5-7, James 1:2-4, Ephesians 6:10-18) is a most infallible argument that God the Father, mindful of His promise made unto us in Christ Jesus, does not only give us motions and courage to resist them, but also assurance to overcome and obtain victory. (1 Corinthians 15:57-58, Hosea 13:14, Hebrews 2:14-15, Job 19:25 ff. [?]) Wherefore, dearly beloved, it is not only of necessity that we be once baptized, but also it much profits oft to be present at the ministration thereof; that we being put in mind of the league and covenant made betwixt God and us, (Deuteronomy 6:1 ff., Joshua 1:8) that He will be our God, and we His people, He our Father, and we His children, (Jeremiah 31:33, Hebrews 8:8-12) may have occasion as well to try our lives past as our present conversation, and to prove ourselves, whether we stand fast in the faith of God’s elect, or contrariwise have strayed from Him through incredulity and ungodly living; (Ephesians 4:22 ff[?], Colossians 3:8 ff., Hebrews 13:9 [?]) whereof if our consciences do accuse us, yet byhearing the loving promises of our heavenly Father (who calls all men to mercy by repentance), (Ezekiel 18:21-22, Acts 11:18, 2 Peter 3:9, Deuteronomy 4:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:1 ff.) we may from henceforth walk more warily in ourvocation.
Moreover, you that are fathers and mothers may take hereby most singular comfort, to see your children thus received into the bosom of Christ’s congregation, whereby you are daily admonished that you nourish and bring up the children of God’s favour and mercy, over whom His fatherly providence watches continually. (Matthew 18:12-14) Which thing, as it ought greatly to rejoice you (knowing that nothing can chance unto them without His good pleasure), (Matthew 6:25-34, Luke 12:6-7) so ought it to make you diligent and careful to nurture and instruct them in the true knowledge and fear of God. (Deuteronomy 4:9; Deuteronomy 6:7; Deuteronomy 11:19, Ephesians 6:4) Wherein if you are negligent, you do not only injury to your own children, (1 Samuel 2:22-25, 2 Kings 2:23-24) hiding from them the good will and pleasure of Almighty God their Father, but also heap damnation upon yourselves, in suffering His children bought with the blood of His dear Son, so traitorously (for lack of knowledge) to turn back from Him.
Therefore it is your duty, with all diligence, to provide that your children, in time convenient, be instructed in all doctrine necessary for a true Christian, (Genesis 18:19, Deuteronomy 32:46) chiefly that they be taught to rest upon the justice of Christ Jesus alone, and to abhor and flee all superstition, Papistry, and idolatry. Finally, to the intent that we may be assured, that you the father and the surety consent to the performance hereof, declare here before God and the face of His congregation, the sum of that faith wherein you believe, and will instruct this child.
Then the father, or in his absence the godfather, shall rehearse the articles of his faith; which done, the minister exhorting the people to prayer says in this manner, or suchlike, kneeling: (3. In the edition of 1562, the word kneeling is omitted.)
Almighty and everlasting God, which of Thy infinite mercy and goodness hast promised unto us that Thou wilt not only be our God, but also the
God and Father of our children: we beseech Thee, that as Thou hast vouchsafed to call us to be partakers of this Thy great mercy in the fellowship of faith, (Galatians 3:26-29, 1 Peter 1:5, Php 3:9, Romans 3:22; Romans 4:11-17) so it may please thee to sanctify with Thy Spirit, (2 Corinthians 5:17 ff. [?], Romans 8:14-17, Ephesians 2:18-22; Ephesians 3:1-21[?]) and to receive into the number of Thy children this infant, whom we shall baptize according to thy word, (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38-41) to the end that he coming to perfect age, may confess Thee only the true God, (Romans 10:9-10, John 17:3) and whom Thou hast sent Jesus Christ, and so serve Him, and be profitable unto His church in the whole course of his life; (Romans 12:1, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 [?], 2 Thessalonians 5:11 [?]) that after this life is ended, he may be brought as a lively member of His body unto the full fruition of Thy joys in the heavens, (1 Corinthians 2:9, Romans 6:22, Titus 3:7) where Thy Son our Christ reigneth, world without end. In whose name we pray as He hath taught us: Our Father, etc. When they have prayed in this sort, the minister requires the child’s name, which known, he says:
N., I baptize you in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38-41) And as he speaks these words, he takes water in his hand and lays it upon the child’s forehead: which done, he gives thanks as follows:
Forasmuch, most holy and merciful Father, as Thou dost not only beautify and bless us with common benefits, like unto the rest of mankind, but also heapest upon us most abundantly rare and wonderful gifts, (Ephesians 2:1 ff., 1 Peter 2:9-10, Hosea 2:23, 2 Peter 3:13-14) of duty we lift up our eyes and minds unto Thee, and give Thee most humble thanks for Thy infinite goodness, which hast not only numbered us amongst Thy saints, (1 Peter 2:9-10, Ephesians 2:19-22) but also of Thy free mercy dost call our children unto Thee, marking them with this sacrament as a singular token and badge of thy love. Wherefore most loving Father, though we are not able to deserve this so great a benefit, (yea, if Thou wouldst handle us according to our merits, (Romans 2:1 ff., Jeremiah 3:24-25, Isaiah 40:6-7 ew:6-7 ew:6-7, Luke 17:10) we should suffer the punishment of eternal death and damnation), yet for Christ’s sake we beseech Thee, that Thou wilt confirm this Thy favour more and more towards us, and take this infant into Thy tuition and de- fence, whom we offer and present unto Thee with common supplications, and never suffer him to fall to such unkindness, whereby he should lose the force of this baptism, (2 Corinthians 6:16-18 [?]) but that he may perceive Thee continually to be his merciful Father, through the Holy Spirit working in his heart, by whose divine power he may so prevail against Satan, that in the end, obtaining the victory, he may be exalted into the liberty of Thy kingdom. The Manner of the Lord’s Supper The day when the Lord’s Supper is ministered, which commonly is used once a month, or so oft as the congregation shall think expedient, the minister uses to say as follows:
Let us mark, dear brethren, and consider how Jesus Christ did ordain unto us His Holy Supper, according as St. Paul makes rehearsal in the 11th chapter of the First Epistle to the Corinthians: I have, says he, received of the Lord that which I have delivered unto you, (to wit) that the Lord Jesus, the same night He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He brake it, saying, Take ye, eat ye, this is My body which is broken for you; do ye this in remembrance of Me. Likewise after supper, He took the cup, saying, This cup is the new Testament or covenant in My blood, do ye this so oft as ye shall drink thereof, in remembrance of Me. For so oft as ye shall eat this bread and drink of this cup, ye shall declare the Lord’s death until His coming. Therefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink the cup of the Lord unworthily, he shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. Then see that every man prove and try himself, and so let him eat of this bread and drink of this cup; for whosoever eateth or drinketh unworthily, he eateth and drinketh his own damnation, for not having due regard and consideration of the Lord’s body. This done, the minister proceeds to the exhortation.
Dearly beloved in the Lord, forasmuch as we are now assembled to celebrate the holy communion of the body and blood of our Saviour Christ, let us consider these words of St. Paul, how he exhorts all persons diligently to try and examine themselves before they presume to eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For as the benefit is great, if with a truly penitent heart and lively faith we receive that holy sacrament (for then we spiritually eat the flesh of Christ and drink his blood, (John 6:56-57) then we dwell in Christ and Christ in us, we are one with Christ and Christ with us), so is the danger great if we receive the same unworthily, for then we are guilty of the body and blood of Christ our Saviour, we eat and drink our own damnation, not considering the Lord’s body; we kindle God’s wrath against us, and provoke Him to plague us with diverse diseases and sundry kinds of death.
Therefore if any of you be a blasphemer of God, (Galatians 5:19-21) hinderer or slanderer of his word, an adulterer, or be in malice or envy, or in any other grievous crime: bewail your sins, and come not to this holy table, lest after the taking of this holy sacrament, the Devil enter into you as he entered into Judas, (John 13:27) and fill you full of all iniquities, and bring you to destruction both of body and soul. Judge therefore yourselves, brethren, that you be not judged of the Lord; repent yourselves truly for your sins past, (Matthew 3:10-12, Titus 2:11-14) and have a lively and steadfast faith in Christ our Saviour, seeking only your salvation in the merits of his death and passion, (Acts 4:12, Galatians 2:16-21) from henceforth refusing and forgetting all malice and debate, (1 Peter 2:1, 1 Corinthians 14:20, Ephesians 4:1-3; Ephesians 4:25-32) with full purpose to live in brotherly amity and godly conversation all the days of your life. And albeit we feel in ourselves much frailty and wretchedness, as that we have not our faith so perfect and constant as we ought, being many times ready to distrust God’s goodness through our corrupt nature, (Romans 7:15-25) and also that we are not so thoroughly given to serve God, neither have so fervent a zeal to set forth His glory as our duty requires, feeling still such rebellion in ourselves, that we have need daily to fight against the lusts of our flesh; (Galatians 5:17) yet, nevertheless, seeing that our Lord has dealt thus mercifully with us, that He has printed His gospel in our hearts, (Hebrews 8:10-12, Jeremiah 31:33-34, Isaiah 59:21) so that we are preserved from falling into desperation and misbelief; and seeing also He has endued us with a will and desire to renounce and withstand our own affections, (Romans 7:15; Romans 7:19-20, Php 1:6) with a longing for his righteousness and the keeping of his commandments, we may be now right well assured, that those defaults and manifold imperfections in us shall be no hindrance at all against us, to cause Him not to accept and impute us as worthy to come to His spiritual table. For the end of our coming thither is not to make protestation that we are upright and just in our lives, (Luke 18:9-14) but contrariwise, we come to seek our life and perfection in Jesus Christ, acknowledging in the meantime, that we of ourselves are the children of wrath and damnation. (Ephesians 2:3, Luke 5:31-32[?])
Let us consider, then, that this sacrament is a singular medicine for all poor sick creatures, a comfortable help to weak souls, and that our Lord requires no other worthiness on our part, but that we unfeignedly acknowledge our naughtiness and imperfection. Then to the end that we may be worthy partakers of His merits and most comfortable benefits (which is the true eating of his flesh, and drinking of his blood), (John 6:55-58) let us not suffer our minds to wander about the consideration of these earthly and corruptible things (which we see present to our eyes, and feel with our hands) to seek Christ bodily present in them, as if He were enclosed in the bread or wine, or as if these elements were turned and changed into the substance of His flesh and blood. For the only way to dispose our souls to receive nourishment, relief, and quickening of His substance, is to lift up our minds by faith above all things worldly and sensible, and thereby to enter into heaven, that we may find and receive Christ, where He dwells undoubtedly very God and very man, (1 Timothy 6:14-16) in the incomprehensible glory of His Father, to whom be all praise, honour, and glory, now and ever. Amen. The exhortation ended, the minister comes down from the pulpit, and sits at the table, every man and woman in likewise taking their place as occasion best serves: then he takes bread, and gives thanks, (Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-29) either in these words following, or like in effect:
O Father of mercy, and God of all consolation, seeing all creatures do knowledge and confess Thee as Governor and Lord, (Revelation 5:13) it becometh us, the workmanship of thine own hands, at all times to reverence and magnify thy Godly Majesty: first, for that Thou hast created us to Thine own image and similitude; (Genesis 1:27) but chiefly that Thou hast delivered us from that everlasting death and damnation, (Ephesians 2:8-12, Galatians 1:4, Genesis 3:15) into the which Satan drew mankind by the means of sin, from the bondage whereof, neither man nor angel was able to make us free; (Acts 4:12, Hebrews 1:4-5, Revelation 5:1-4) but thou, O Lord, rich in mercy and infinite in goodness, hast provided our redemption to stand in Thy only and well-beloved Son, whom of verylove Thou didst give to be made man, (John 3:16) like unto us is all things (Hebrews 2:17) (sin excepted), (Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 7:26-28) that in His body He might receive the punishments of our transgression, (1 Peter 2:24, Isaiah 43:25[?], Isaiah 53:1-12) by His death to make satisfaction to Thy justice, (Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5, Romans 5:8-10) and by His resurrection to destroy him that was author of death; (Hebrews 2:14) and so to reduce and bring again life to the world, (John 6:50-51) from which the whole offspring of Adam most justly was exiled. (Genesis 3:22-24, Romans 5:12)
O Lord, we acknowledge that no creature is able to comprehend the length and breadth, the depth and height, of that Thy most excellent love, (Ephesians 3:18-19) which moved Thee to show mercy where none was deserved; (Ephesians 2:8-12) to promise and give life where death had gotten victory; (John 6:33; John 17:2-3, Ephesians 2:1-7) to receive us into Thy grace when we could do nothing but rebel against Thy justice. (Genesis 6:5, Romans 3:9-18, Isaiah 64:6, Psalms 5:9; Psalms 14:1-3, Romans 7:14)
O Lord, the blind dullness of our corrupt nature will not suffer us sufficiently to weigh these Thy most ample benefits; (Matthew 16:13-17, 1 Corinthians 2:14. Luke 11:33 ff. [?], Matthew 10:1-42 [?]) yet, nevertheless, at the commandment of Jesus Christ our Lord, (Matthew 26:26-28, Luke 22:17-20) we present ourselves to this His table, (which He hath left to be used in remembrance of His death until His coming again), (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) to declare and witness before the world that by Him alone we have received liberty and life; (John 8:32; John 8:36, Galatians 5:13) that by Him alone Thou dost acknowledge us Thy children and heirs; (Romans 8:14-17, 1 Peter 1:3-5, Ephesians 1:5) that by Him alone we have entrance to the throne of Thy grace; (Ephesians 2:18, Hebrews 4:15-16) that by Him alone we are possessed in our spiritual kingdom, (Matthew 25:1-46, John 14:1 ff., Luke 12:32) to eat and drink at his table; (Luke 22:14-20, Revelation 2:7; Revelation 2:17) with whom we have our conversation presently in heaven; and by whom our bodies shall be raised up again from the dust, and shall be placed with Him in that endless joy, (Php 3:20, Ephesians 2:6[?]) which Thou, O Father of mercy, hast prepared for Thine elect, before the foundation of the world was laid. (Ephesians 1:4, Revelation 13:7-8) And these most inestimable benefits, we acknowledge and confess to have received of Thy free mercy and grace, by Thy only beloved Son Jesus Christ: (Romans 3:20 [?], Ephesians 2:8-12, Titus 3:4-7) for the which therefore, we Thy congregation, moved by Thy Holy Spirit, (Romans 8:15[?]) render thee all thanks, praise, and glory, for ever and ever. This done, the minister breaks the bread, and delivers it to the people, (Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26) who distribute and divide the same amongst themselves, (Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 10:16) according to our Saviour Christ’s commandment, and in likewise gives the cup. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26, John 13:1-38; John 14:1-31) During the which time, some place of the scriptures is read, which does lively set forth the death of Christ, to the intent that our eyes and senses may not only be occupied in these outward signs of bread and wine, which are called the visible word; but that our hearts and minds also may be fully fixed in the contemplations of the Lord’s death, which is by this holy sacrament represented. And after the action is done, he gives thanks, saying:
Most merciful Father, we render to Thee all praise, thanks, and glory, for that Thou hast vouchsafed to grant unto us miserable sinners so excel-lent a gift and treasure, as to receive us into the fellowship and company of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ our Lord; (1 Corinthians 10:16-17) whom Thou delivered to death for us, (Romans 4:25) and hast given Him unto us as a necessary food and nourishment unto everlasting life. (John 6:55-58) And now we beseech Thee also, O heavenly Father, to grant us this request; that Thou never suffer us to become so unkind as to forget so worthy benefits; but rather imprint and fasten them sure in our hearts, that we may grow and increase daily more and more in true faith, (Luke 17:5) which continually is exercised in all manner of good works, (Galatians 5:6) and so much the rather, O Lord, confirm us in these perilous days and rages of Satan, (1 Timothy 4:1-3, Ephesians 6:12[?], 2 Peter 3:3) that we may constantly stand and continue in the confession of the same to the advancement of thy glory, (Matthew 5:13-16, 1 Peter 2:9; 1 Peter 2:12) which art God over all things blessed for ever. So be it. The action thus ended, the people sing the 103rd Psalm, "My soul, give laud," etc, or some other of thanksgiving: which ended, one of the blessings before mentioned is recited, and so they rise from the table, and depart. To the Reader:
If perchance any would marvel why we follow rather this order than any other in the administration of this sacrament, let him diligently con-sider, that, first of all, we utterly renounce the error of the Papists; secondly, we restore unto the sacraments their own substance, and to Christ His proper place. And as for the words of the Lord’s Supper, we rehearse them not because they should change the substance of the bread or wine, or that the repetition thereof, with the intent of the sacrificer, should make the sacrament (as the Papists falsely believe), but they are read and pronounced, to teach us how to behave ourselves in this action, and that Christ might witness unto our faith, as it were with His own mouth, that He has ordained these signs for our spiritual use and comfort. We do first, therefore, examine ourselves, according to St. Paul’s rule, and prepare our minds that we may be worthy partakers of so high mysteries. Then taking bread, we give thanks, break, and distribute it, (Matthew 26:26-30, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, Luke 22:19-20) as Christ our Saviour has taught us.
Finally, the ministration ended, we give thanks again, according to His example. So that without His word and warrant, there is nothing in this holy action attempted. The Form of Marriage
After the banns or contract has been published three several days in the congregation (to the intent that if any persons have interest or title to either of the parties, they may have sufficient time to make their challenge), the parties assemble at the beginning of the sermon, and the minister, at time convenient, says as follows: Of Marriage The Exhortation
Dearly beloved brethren, we are here gathered together in the sight of God, and in the face of his congregation to knit and join these parties together in the honourable estate of matrimony, (Hebrews 13:4, Proverbs 18:22) which was instituted and authorized by God himself in paradise, (Genesis 2:18-24) man being then in the state of innocence. For what time God made heaven earth, and all that is in them, and had created and fashioned man also after His own similitude and likeness, unto whom He gave rule and lordship over all the beasts of the earth, fishes of the sea, and fowls of the air; He said, It is not good that man live alone; let Us make him an helper like unto himself. And God brought a fast sleep upon him and took one of his ribs and shaped Eve thereof; giving us thereby to understand, that man and wife are one body, one flesh, and one blood. Signifying also unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and his church; (Ephesians 5:32) for the which cause man leaves his father and mother and takes him to his wife, (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:7-8, 1 Corinthians 6:16) to keep company with her; the which also he ought to love, even as our Saviour loves His church: that is to say, His elect and faithful congregation, for the which He gave His life. (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:7-8, 1 Corinthians 6:16) And semblably [similarly] also, it is the wife’s duty to study to please and obey her husband, (Ephesians 5:22-24, Colossians 3:18, 1 Peter 3:1-6, 1 Corinthians 11:3 ff., 1 Timothy 2:9 ff.) serving him in all things that are godly and honest; for she is in subjection, and under the governance of her husband, so long as they continue both alive. (Romans 7:2, 1 Corinthians 7:39, Matthew 19:9(Romans 7:2, 1 Corinthians 7:39, Matthew 19:9) And this holy marriage, being a thing most honourable, is of such virtue and force, that thereby the husband has no more right or power over his own body, but the wife; and likewise the wife has no power over her own body, but the husband; (1 Corinthians 7:2 ff.) forasmuch as God has so knit them together in this mutual society to the procreation of children, that they should bring them up in the fear of the Lord, and to the increase of Christ’s kingdom. (Ephesians 6:4, 2 Timothy 3:14-15 [?]) Wherefore, they that are thus coupled together by God, can not be severed or put apart, unless it be for a season, with the assent of both parties, (1 Corinthians 7:5) to the end to give themselves the more fervently to fasting and prayer; giving diligent heed, in the meantime, that their long being apart be not a snare to bring them into the danger of Satan through incontinence. And therefore to avoid fornication, every man ought to have his own wife, and every woman her own husband: so that so many as cannot live chaste, are bound by the commandment of God to marry, (Matthew 19:10-12, 1 Corinthians 7:9) that thereby the holy temple of God, which is our bodies, may be kept pure and undefiled. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 6:18-20, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, Leviticus 19:2[?], 1 Peter 1:15-16[?]) For since our bodies are now become the very members of Jesus Christ, how horrible and detestable a thing is it to make them the members of an harlot! Everyone ought therefore to keep his vessel in all purity and holiness; (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 5:24-33[?]) for whosoever pollutes and defiles the temple of God, him will God destroy. (1 Corinthians 3:16-17)
Here the minister speaks to the parties that shall be married, in this wise: I require and charge you, as you will answer at the day of judgment, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, (1 Corinthians 4:5, Matthew 7:1 ff.[?], Romans 2:16) that if either of you do know any impedement why you may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony, that you confess it; for be you well assured, that so many as are coupled otherwise than God’s word does allow, are not joined together by God; neither is their matrimony lawful.
If no impediment is known, then the minister says: I take you to witness that are here present, beseeching you all to have good remembrance hereof; and moreover, if there be any of you which knows that either of these parties is contracted to any other, or knows any other lawful impedement, let them now make declaration thereof. If no cause is alleged, the minister proceeds, saying:
Forasmuch as no man speaks against this thing, you, N., shall protest here before God and His holy congregation, that you have taken, and are now contended to have N., here present, for your lawful wife and spouse; promising to keep her, to love and treat her in all things according to the duty of a faithful husband, (Colossians 3:19, 1 Peter 3:7, Matthew 19:5, 1 Corinthians 7:3-5; 1 Corinthians 7:10-11[?], Malachi 2:15-16) forsaking all others during her life; and briefly, to live in a holy conversation with her, keeping faith and truth in all points, according as the word of God and His holy gospel do command. The answer: Even so I take her before God, and in presence of this His congregation. The minister to the spouse also says: You, N., shall protest here before the face of God, in the presence of this holy congregation, that you have taken, and are now contented to have, N., here present, for your lawful husband; promising to him subjection and obedience, (1 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:22-24; Ephesians 5:33, Colossians 3:18, 1 Timothy 2:19-15, 1 Peter 3:1-6, Esther 1:20 [?], Matthew 19:3-6) forsaking all others during his life; and finally, to live in a holy conversation with him, keeping faith and truth in all points, as God’s word does prescribe. The answer: Even so I take him before God, and in the presence of this His congregation. The minister then says: Give diligent care to the [words of the] gospel, that you may understand how our Lord would have this holy contract kept and observed; and how sure and fast a knot it is, which may in no wise be loosed, according as we are taught in the 19th chapter of St. Matthew’s gospel: "The Pharisees came unto Christ to tempt him and to grope His mind, saying, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every light cause? He answered, saying, Have ye not read, that He which created man at the beginning, made them male and female? saying, For this thing shall man leave father and mother, and cleave unto his wife, and they twain shall be one flesh; so that they are no more two, but are one flesh. Let no man therefore put asunder that which God hath coupled together." If you believe assuredly these words which our Lord and Saviour did speak (according as you have heard them now rehearsed out of the holy gospel), then may you be certain, that God has even so knit you together in this holy state of wedlock. Wherefore apply yourselves to live a chaste and holy life together, in godly love, in Christian peace, and good example; ever holding fast the band of charity without any breach, keeping faith and truth the one to the other, even as God’s word does appoint.
Then the minister commends them to God, in this or suchlike sort: The Lord sanctify and bless you; the Lord pour the riches of his grace upon you, that you may please Him, and live together in holy love to your lives’ end. So be it.
Then is sung the 128th Psalm, "Blessed are they that fear the Lord," etc, or some other, pertaining to the same purpose. The Visitation of the Sick
Because the visitation of the sick is a thing very necessary, and yet notwithstanding, it is hard to prescribe all rules pertaining thereunto, we refer it to the discretion of the godly and prudent minister: who, according as he sees the patient affected, either may lift him up with the sweet promises of God’s mercy through Christ, if he perceives him much afraid of God’s threatenings; or contrariwise, if he is not touched with the feeling of his sins, may beat him down with God’s justice; evermore like a skillful physician, framing his medicine according as the disease requires. And if he perceives him to want any necessaries, he not only relieves him according to ability, but also provides by others that he may be furnished sufficiently. Moreover, the party that is visited may, at all times, for his comfort, send for the minister; who does not only make prayers for him there presently, but also, if it so requires, commends him in the public prayers to the congregation. Of Burial The corpse is reverently brought to the grave, accompanied with the congregation, without any further ceremonies; which being buried, the minister goes to the church, if it is not far off, and makes some comfortable exhortation to the people, touching death and resurrection. The Order of Ecclesiaistical Discipline As no city, town, house, or family can maintain their estate and prosper without policy and governance, so the church of God, which requires more purely to be governed than any city or family, cannot without spiritual policy and ecclesiastical discipline continue, increase, and flourish. And as the word of God is the life and soul of this church, (Ephesians 5:26) so this godly order and discipline is as it were sinews in the body, which knit and join the members together with decent order and comeliness. It is a bridle to stay the wicked from their mischiefs. It is a spur to prick forward such as are slow and negligent; yea and for all men it is the Father’s rod ever in a readiness to chastise gently the faults committed, and to cause them afterward to live in more godly fear and reverence. Finally, it is an order left by God unto His church, whereby men learn to frame their wills, and doings, according to the law of God, by instructing and admonishing one another, yea, and by correcting and punishing all obstinate rebels, and contemners of the same. There are three causes chiefly which move the church of God to the executing of discipline. First, that men of evil conversation be not numbered amongst of God’s children to their Father’s reproach, (Ephesians 5:7-11; Ephesians 5:27[?]) as if the church of God were a sanctuary for naughty and vile persons. The second respect is, that the good be not infected with companying the evil; which thing St. Paul foresaw when he commanded the Corinthians to banish from amongst them the incestuous adulterer, saying, A little leaven maketh sour the whole lump of dough. (1 Corinthians 5:6-7, Galatians 5:9) The third cause is, that a man thus corrected, or excommunicated, might be ashamed of his fault, (2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:14[?], 1 Corinthians 5:5) and so through repentance come to amendment; the which thing the apostle calls, delivering to Satan, that his soul may be saved in the day of the Lord; meaning that he might be punished with excommunication, to the intent his soul should not perish for ever.
First, therefore, it is to be noted, that this censure, correction, or discipline, is either private or public: private, as if a man commits either in manners or doctrine against you, (Matthew 18:15-17, Luke 17:3, James 5:16-20, Leviticus 19:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:12-15) to admonish him brotherly betwixt him and you. If perchance he stubbornly resists your charitable advertisements, or else by continuance in his fault declares that he amends not; then, after he has been the second time warned in presence of two or three witnesses, and continues obstinately in his error, he ought, as our Saviour Christ commands, to be disclosed and uttered to the church, so that according to public discipline, he either may received through repentance, or else be punished as his fault requires. And here, as touching private discipline, three things are to be noted: first, that our admonitions proceed of a godly zeal and conscience, rather seeking to win our brother than to slander him; next, that we be assured that his fault is reprovable by God’s word; and finally, that we use such modesty and wisdom, that if we somewhat doubt of the matter whereof we admonish him, yet with godly exhortations he may be brought to the knowledge of his fault; or if the fault pertains to many, or is known of diverse, that our admonition be done in presence of them. Briefly, if it concerns the whole church, in such sort that the concealing thereof might procure some danger to the same, that then it be uttered to the ministers and seniors [elders], to whom the policy of the church does pertain. Also in public discipline, it is to be observed that the ministry pretermit nothing at any time unchastised with one kind of punishment or other. If they perceive anything in the congregation, either evil in example, slanderous [scandalous] in manners, or not beseeming their profession; as if there be any covetous person, any adulterer, or fornicator, forsworn, thief, briber, false witness-bearer, blasphemer, drunkard, slanderer, usurer; any person disobedient, seditious, or dissolute; any heresy or sect, as papistical, anabaptistical, and such like: briefly, whatsoever it is that might spot the Christian congregation, (Ephesians 5:27) yea, rather whatsoever is not to edification, ought not to escape either admonition punishment. And because it happens sometimes in the church of Christ, that when other remedies assayed profit nothing, they must proceed to the apostolical rod and correction as unto excommunication (which is the greatest and last punishment belonging to the spiritual ministry); it is ordained that nothing be attempted in that behalf without the determination of the whole church: wherein also they must beware and take good heed, that they seem not more ready to expel from the congregation than to receive again those in whom they perceive fruits worthy of repentance to appear; neither yet to forbid him the hearing of sermons, which is excluded from the sacraments, and other duties of the church, that he may have liberty and occasion to repent. Finally, that all punishments, correction, censures, and admonitions, stretch no further than God’s word, with mercy, may lawfully bear.
They worship Me in vain, teaching doctrine which is men’s traditions. Matthew 15:9 Come forth of Babylon My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, nor receive of her plagues, for her sins are gone up to heaven, and God hath remembered her wickedness. Revelation 18:4-5