If we were now so perfect as we ought to be, we
should not have need of it: but to help our imperfectness it was ordained
of Christ; for we be so forgetful, when we be not pricked forward, we
have soon forgotten all his benefits. Therefore to the intent that we
might better keep it in memory, and to remedy this our slothfulness, our
Saviour hath ordained this his supper for us, whereby we should remember
his great goodness, his bitter passion and death, and so strengthen our
faith: so that he instituted this supper for our sake, to make us to keep
in fresh memory his inestimable benefits. But, as I said before, it is
in a manner nothing regarded amongst us: we care not for it; we will not
come unto it. How many be there, think ye, which regard this supper of
the Lord as much as a testoon? But very few, no doubt of it: and I will
prove that they regard it not so much. If there were a proclamation made
in this town, that whosoever would come unto the church at such an hour,
and there go to the communion with the curate, should have a testoon;
when such a proclamation were made, I think, truly, all the town would
come and celebrate the communion to get a testoon: but they will not come
to receive the body and blood of Christ, the food and nourishment of
their souls, to the augmentation and strength of their faith! Do they
not more regard now a testoon than Christ? But the cause which letteth
us from celebrating of the Lord's Supper, is this: we have no mind nor
purpose to leave sin and wickedness, which maketh us not to come to this
supper, because we be not ready nor meet to receive it.
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