⟨which⟩ may contribute to make us good. ⟨Therefore⟩ (as a learned Divine ſays very well) this Sacrament can be neglected by none but thoſe that
⟨do⟩ not undeſtand it, but thoſe who are unwilling ⟨to⟩ be tyed to their duty, and are afraid of being ⟨engaged⟩ to uſe their beſt diligence to keep the ⟨commandments⟩ of Chriſt: And ſuch perſons have ⟨no⟩ reaſon to fear being in a worſe condition, ſince ⟨they⟩ are already in ſo bad a ſtate. And thus much ⟨may⟩ ſuffice for anſwer to the firſt Objection concerning the great danger of unworthy receiving ⟨this⟩ holy Sacrament. I ſhal proceed to the
Obj. 2. ſo much preparation and worthineſs being
required to our worthy receiving, the more
timorous ſort of Chriſtians can never think ⟨themſelves⟩ duly enough qualified for ſo ſacred an ⟨Action⟩.
For a full anſwer to this Objection, I ſhall ⟨endeavour⟩ briefly to clear these Three things. First, ⟨That⟩ every degree of Imperfection in our ⟨preparation⟩ for this Sacrament is not a ſufficient reaſon ⟨for⟩ men to refrain from it. Secondly, That a total ⟨want⟩ of a due preparation, not only in the degree ⟨but⟩ it in the main and ſubſtance of it, though it render us unfit at preſent to receive this Sacrament, ⟨yet⟩ it does by no means excuſe our neglect of it. ⟨Thirdly⟩, That the proper inference and concluſion from the total want of a due preparation, is not ⟨to⟩ caſt off all thoughts of receiving the Sacrament, ⟨but⟩ immediatly to ſet upon the work of preparation, that ſo we may be fit to receive it. And ⟨if⟩ I can clearly make out theſe three things, I hope ⟨this⟩ Objection is fully anſwered.
⟨I⟩ That every degree of Imperfection in our preparation for this Sacrament is not a ſufficient reaſon
