Answ.
This is done, by studying the free tender that is made of Christ in the Covenant of grace, which is expressed, Isai. 55.1. Revel. 22.17. Jesus Christ is that brazen Serpent lifted up upon the Cross, on purpose, that whosoever looks up to him, shall be healed; and whosoever receives him as his Lord and Saviour, should not perish, but have everlasting life. You must study the freeness, fulness, and particularity of the offer of Christ; and pray unto that Christ, who bids you believe, to give you to believe. And truly there cannot be a greater discourtesie to Jesus Christ, then to doubt of his love towards you, while ye are receiving the pledges of his love. For herein hath [130]God commended his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ dyed for us. What can Christ do more to manifest his love, or to perswade us of his love he bears to us? Much more might be said to this purpose, but we leave these things to be amplified by the Ministry of your faithful Pastors. And we proceed to give you further directions, for the right managing of your Sacramental addresses.
5. In the fifth place, we exhort you to consider the Sacrament, under a four-fold Notion:
1. As it is a spirituall medicine to cure the remainders of your corruption.
2. As it is spirituall food to strengthen your weak graces.
3. As it is a spiritual Cordial to comfort your distressed consciences.
4. As it is a strong obligation and forcible engagement to all acts of thankfulness and obedience unto Jesus Christ.
Now if you would get the benefit and comfort of the Sacrament, you must when you come to it, carry these four considerations in your mind; and labour to draw out good from the Sacrament, according to each of them.
1. You must consider what sin it is, that is most unsubdued, and unmortified in you; you must use the Sacrament as a medicine made of Christs body and blood, to heal that sin.
2. You must consider, what grace is most weak in you; and you must come to the Sacrament, as to food appointed on purpose to strengthen weak grace.