Meat for Men
The source for this document is https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/eebo2/B07539.0001.001
Project Note
This is licensed under Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND. This license allows reusers to copy and distribute the material in any medium or format in unadapted form only, for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
The source of this document is the Early English Books Online (EEBO-TCP) website. Those books were transcribed in a character for character manner and can be very cumbersome to read since there was no standard spelling during that time. Many spelling variations such as "unlesse", "vnlesse", and "vnles" regularly appear.
This project was conceived to clean up those books as much as possible and make them more accessible to the interested reader, leading to the creation of a massive list of variant spellings and their corrections. This was used to clean up the text, but is of course only as complete as the list itself. Because of the nature of the original transcription, some words have missing characters or places where the original language (e.g., Greek) was not transcribed. This effort does not change that. Be aware that the original transcription can also be faulty and in some cases entire sentences may be missing.
Although this is no substitute for a properly compared, proofed, and scholarly edition, I believe that the result is a document which is far more accessible, particularly for searching for terms using standard spelling. The document has been cleaned and presented in what I hope is a pleasing and useful format for the vast majority of Christian brothers and sisters who just want access to read these spiritually nourishing works.
However, a word of warning: The Puritans were a very diverse group of people and their age was characterized with godliness, but also much upheaval, disputation and strife. They disagreed on many doctrines and some of these works contain less orthodox or Scriptural views than others. The reader is strongly advised to read with discernment, particularly if it is unknown whether author is trustworthy.
This project took a huge amount of time and skill to bring to fruition. I would particularly like to thank David Jonescue for the initial list of Puritans he found on EEBO and the concept behind this project as well as the continuous, unceasing efforts toward seeing this complete. Without his labor, this would not be available. Alex Sarrouf was invaluable in providing the initial list of over 7,000 spelling variations he had identified and corrected, as well as continuing to review more than 16,000 additions to that list for any typos.
Logan West
(with David Jonescue and Alex Sarrouf)
www.puritansearch.org
MEATE FOR MEN.
OR, A Principal Service of the SACRAMENTS.
-
Wherein (amongst many) these Two Points are specially handled—
- 1. Of the Baptizing of Infants.
- 2. Of Kneeling in the act of Breaking and receiving the Lord's Supper.
For the use of all Religious Families and monthly Communicants in the Kingdom when they come to the Lord's Table.
Written by way of brief Questions and Answers, for the ease and benefit of the Simple.
By W. Crashaw B. of Divinity, and sometimes Pastor at White-Chapel.
HEB. 5. 14.
Strong Meat belongeth to them that are of age.
LONDON, Printed for G. Fayer-beard at the North door of the Royal Exchange, 1629.
To the many thousands of Professors of CHRIST'S Religion in all places in this Kingdom.
Brethren, be not Children in understanding, howbeit in Malice be ye Children, but in Understanding be Men.
So teacheth you the holy Apostle, so adviseth, exhorteth, and prayeth for you all. A helper of your Faith, and a Servant of your souls in CHRIST JESUS.
W. Crashaw.
To the right Honorable, the Countess of Devonshire, Grace and Peace.
Right Honorable:
HAuing known you so ancient a Hearer, and which makes a true Disciple of Christ, so careful a practiser of Religion, I presumed therefore this Principal dish of Spiritual meat, would not be unwelcome to you, as I know it will be more welcome to the World, after so great and good a taster as yourself: And though I may safely say (as one long before me) All God's dishes are dainties; yet doubtless this of the Sacraments carrieth with it a peculiar Excellencie: And I bring it in first, not that there are not others to come in before it, but for the general use and present necessity of it even at this time: That this may serve first to stay and comfort many weak and then if it may be, to satisfy certain curious and squeasie stomachs amongst us: Who some of them about the Sacrament of Baptism, others in some circumstantial matters concerning the Lord's Supper, have kindled such a fire of contention in the Church, as now diverse of them would be glad with many tears to quench if they knew how. It hath pleased God who works even by weak means, by my words in public and private to satisfy many, if by writing also I may do good to them that cannot hear me, let the glory be His, the comfort theirs, and the service acceptable to the Church; So the labor shall willingly be mine: and I shall take joy and comfort in such courses, in Pulpit and by Pen, Preaching, writing, and conferring to spend and end the few days I have remaining, and so to make ready for a better life. And wherein (Madame) any of my labors may be serviceable to you or yours. Commaund me,
Your servant in Christ, W. CRASHAW.
The points here handled are these.
| OF true saving Faith. | Chap. 1 |
| How Faith is wrought. | Chap. 2 |
| How Faith is increased. | Chap. 3 |
| Of the Nature of a Sacrament. | Chap. 4 |
| Of the Sacraments of the Old Testament, and who hath power to ordain a Sacrament. | Chap. 5 |
| Of the Sacraments of the New Testament, and the Relation betwixt them and those of the Old. | Chap. 6 |
| What be the essential parts of a Sacrament. | Chap. 7 |
| Of the nature and use of Baptism. | Chap. 8 |
| Of the outward and inward things in Baptism. | Chap. 9 |
| Of the difference betwixt Baptism and the Lord's Supper, | Chap. 10 |
| Who may be Baptized. | Chap. 11 |
| That Children may and ought to be Baptized. | Chap. 12 |
| Of the Names and Nature of the Lord's Supper, | Chap. 13 |
| Of the outward Elements in the Lord's Supper. | Chap. 14 |
| Of Bread and the excellent resemblance, betwixt it and the Body of Christ. | Chap 15 |
| Of Wine and the notable correspondency, betwixt it and the Blood of Christ, | Chap▪ 16 |
| Of the outward actions to be performed in the Ministration of the Lord's Supper, | Chap▪ 17 |
| Of the inward actions Spiritual, which are performed in this Sacrament, betwixt God and the Soul of the worthy Receiver, | Chap 18 |
| What preparation is necessary in regard of God, to make a man a worthy Receiver, | Chap. 19 |
| What preparation is requisite in regard of our Brethren, | Chap 20 |
| Of the Circumstances observable in this Sacrament, | Chap▪ 21 |
| That kneeling in the very act of Breaking, giving and Receiuing, is not only lawful but convenient & commendable, | Chap. 22 |
| What a Christian man is to do, when he hath Receiued. | Chap. 23 |
MEATE FOR MEN.
CHAP. 1.
Of Faith.
Q. How come we by this Faith?
A. It neither comes by Nature from our Parents, nor by human instruction from any Teachers, nor by imitation of them that have it.
Chap. 2.
How Faith is wrought.
Question. BY what means doth God begin or beget Faith in his Children?
Q. By what parts of his word, the Law or Gospel?
A. By both: for the law begins, and the Gospel finisheth that work.
Q. How is that done?
A. The Law prepares the heart by humbling it, and making it a contrite heart.
Q. And how doth the Gospel finish the work of faith?
Chap. 3.
How Faith is maintained and increased.
Question. HOw doth God maintain and increase Faith in his Children.
A. By diverse means, whereof some are principal, and some inferior.
Q. What be the principal means?
A. Two: the continual Preaching of the same Word: and the holy use of the Sacraments.
Q. And what be the Inferior means?
A. Three: 1. The reading of God's Word.
2. Holy conferences with holy men.
3. Daily observation of God's Mercies and Judgments, and meditation upon the same.
Q. How differ these?
A. The principal are public, and performed by God's Ministers: the other are daily to be practiced by our selves in private.
Chap. 4.
Of the Nature of a Sacrament in General.
Question. IS not the Preaching of the Word sufficient for Faith?
A. No▪ the Sacraments must also be received as Couenants after they be made must be sealed.
Q. What are the Sacraments in their general nature?
Q. What be they in regard of God?
A. Tokens of his love, pledges of his favor▪ and seals of his Covenant.
Chap. 5.
Of the Sacraments of the Old Testament, and to whom it belongs to ordain a Sacrament.
Q. Why may God alone ordain Sacraments?
A. Because they be Seals of his Couenants, tokens of his love, and parts of his worship.
Q. How many be the Sacraments of the New Testament?
A. As many as were the ordinary Sacrament of the old; namely two,
Q. Which were the ordinary Sacraments of the Old Testament?
A. Circumcision, and the Passover.
Q. How did they differ?
A. Thus: the extraordinary were such as God ordained upon some special occasion, & were to last but for that time as the Manna, the Rock, the Cloud, &c.
Q▪ And what then were the ordinary?
A. Such as were always in force, from the time of their ordination till Christ's coming.
Chap. 6.
Of the Sacraments of the New Testament, and a comparison with them of the Old.
Question. WHat be the Sacraments of the New Testament?
A. These two: Baptism, and the Lord's Supper.
Q. What say you then to Confirmation and marriage, and the rest of the five Sacraments of the Roman Church?
A. They are some of them God's holy ordinances, and some of them may be holy signs, but they were never ordained by Christ for Sacraments, nor ever so used in the ancient Church.
Q. How do these answer to those of the Old Testament?
A. Thus our Baptism answers to Circumcision, and the Lord's Supper succeeds in the room of the Passe over.
Chap. 7.
Of the essential parts of a Sacrament.
Question. WHat be the essential parts of every Sacrament?
A. Two: one outward and visible, the other inward and invisible represented thereby.
Q. What outward things be there in every Sacrament?
A. These, 1. A visible Minister, a Man called thereunto of God.
2. Some visible Elements ordained of God.
3. Some outward actions appointed by God.
Q And what spiritual and invisible?
A These: 1. The invisible God represented by the Minister.
2. Some holy grace or blessing represented by the Element.
3. Some gracious works of God represented by the external actions of the Minister.
Q What circumstances or Ceremonies are required in the Sacraments?
A. Such as the Church shall appoint by lawful authority.
Chap. 8.
Of the Nature and use of Baptism.
Q. What is the Sacrament of Baptism?
A. In it own general nature, it is a washing of the body in the name of the Lord.
Q. And what is it in regard of God?
A. A badge or cognizance which God sets upon such as he takes to be his servants.
Q. And what is it in regard of Christ?
A. An application of the virtue of his blood-shedding, to cleanse the Soul from the guilt of Original sin.
Q. And what is Baptism in respect of our selves?
A. The Sacrament of our entrance, or Admission into the Covenant and Church of God.
Q. When may Baptism be administered?
A. At any time if there be cause: but ordinarily when the Congregation is assembled to worship God.
Chap. 9.
Of the outward and inward things in Baptism.
Question. WHat is the outward and visible Element in Baptism?
A. Water: and nothing but water.
Q. Why is not better liquor to be used, as milk or blood?
A. Because washing is the effect of this Sacrament, and those may be better for feeding, but not for washing.
Q. What is the spiritual action in Baptism?
A. The cleansing or purging of the Soul by the blood of Christ.
Q Who is the outward Minister of this Sacrament?
A. He that is also a Minister of the Word, for these 2 must both go together.
Q. Who is the Minister of the inward Baptism?
A. The Lord Jesus, who hath washed us from our sins in his blood.
Chap. 10.
Of the difference betwixt Baptism, and the Lord's Supper.
Question. WHat difference is there betwixt Baptism and the Lord's Supper?
A. 1. Baptism is the Sacrament of our new birth: and the Lord's Supper of our spiritual growth.
2. Baptism is the Sacrament of our Admission, the Lord's Supper of our Confirmation in the state of Grace.
Q. What other difference is there?
A. This: Baptism must ever be first, and the Lord's Supper must come after.
Q. What reason is there for that?
A. It is necessary that one be first borne, afore he be fed.
Q. Is there any other difference?
A. Yes: Baptism sufficeth to be once administered. But the Lord's Supper is often requisite.
Q. What reason may be thereof?
A. Because, it sufficeth to be once borne, but being borne, it is necessary to be often fed.
Q. Is there no other difference?
A. Yes, Children may be Baptized, but may not Communicate: as a Child may be borne, but is not fit for all food.
Chap. 11.
Who are to be Baptized.
Q. How is Baptism to be desired?
A. They that be of years must profess their own faith, and desire it themselves. Infants of Believes do it by their Parents, or witnesses & undertakers.
Q. May all challenge Baptism that be thus made capable?
A. Yes, assuredly, for it is the spiritual birth-right to all Believes.
Q. May not Turks nor Jews nor Heathen be Baptized?
A. No, because they believe not in Christ. but when they do they may.
Q But may the Children of Papists be Baptized?
A. Yes▪ because they profess Christ Jesus according to the Apostles Creed, though they do by other doctrine and practices adulterate and corrupt it.
Chap. 12.
That Children may be Baptized.
Question. BUt may Infants be Baptized?
A. Yes, the Infants of believing Parents.
Q. How may that be seeing they have no Faith.
A. That is more then we know, for God may work Faith in their Souls immediately.
Q. But if they have Faith, yet they cannot profess it.
Q But how can Children enter into a Covenant with God?
A. Very well: for a man may covenant for himself and his Children, and that act of the Parents is y e Children's act.
Q. But how is it proved that the Infant of the believing Parents may be Baptized?
A. By many Arguments:
1 By God's own practice, who commanded children to be Circumcised at eight days old, in the Old Testament.
2 By the tenor of his Covenant which runs thus; I will be thy God, and the God of thy seed.
3 By the practice of Christ, who took them up in his arms and blessed them; now if they be capable of Christ's blessings, they are capable of Baptism.
4 By the practice of God's Church, in the purest and best times.
Chap. 13.
Of the Names and Nature of the Lord's Supper.
Question. WHat is the second Sacrament of the New Testament?
A. The Eucharist, or Communion, of the Lord's Supper.
Q. What is that?
A. The Sacrament of our Confirmation or Celebration in God's Church, by which our Souls are daily fed up in the hope of Heaven, and assurance of God's love to us in Christ.
Q. Why is it called the Lord's Supper?
A. Because Christ ordained it, and began it at his last Supper.
Q. And why is it called the Communion?
A. Because not one alone receives it, as in Baptism, but always many together do Communicate.
Q. But why is it called the Eucharist, or Thanks-giving?
A. Because, as always, so now especially we have cause to offer up our best thanks to God for our Redemption by Christ,
Chap. 14.
Of the outward Elements in the Lord's Supper.
Q. Are there no other?
A. Christ ordained neither more nor fewer, whatsoever the Roman Church saith.
Q. Where is the Institution of this Sacrament?
A. In three of the Gospels, and it is repeated by Saint Paul, after Christ's ascension.
Q. What is the inward, invisible and spiritual blessing?
A. Christ Jesus his Body and Blood, with all the merits of the same.
Q. What Bread is fittest in the Sacrament?
A. The best and purest feeding bread.
Q. And what Wine?
A. That which is most cherishing and comfortable, and doth most nearly resemble blood.
Q Are we tied to any fashion or kind of Bread?
A. Such as the Church shall appoint.
Q. Ought there to be Water mingled with the Wine?
A. No: Christ appointed no such thing.
Q. But may it be done at all?
A. Yes, in case of necessity, as:
- 1. When there is want of wine.
- 2. When some be so weak, they cannot endure Wine.
Chap. 15.
Of the Bread, and how it resembleth Christ's Body.
Question. WHy did the Lord appoint Bread, and Wine, rather then any other things?
A. For two causes; namely, their generality, and significancie above other Creatures that are eaten and drunk.
Q. How appears this generality?
A. Thus: of all Creatures that men eat or drink, these are most generally known, most universally used, and most easily come by.
Q But what is their significancie?
A. This: that these two creatures do most plainly signify, and most lively resemble the body and blood of Christ, of any Creatures in the world.
Q. How doth the Bread resemble Christ his Body and sufferings.
A. Most lively: in many particulars: and therefore he is called the Bread that came down from heaven.
Q Shew the first resemblance?
A. Bread relisheth all other meats, so Christ gives the true savor and relish to all other blessings.
Q Declare the second?
A. No meat is wholesome to the Body, without Bread: no more is any blessing to the Soul, without Christ.
Q. Add the third?
A. Most meats hurt the Body eaten without Bread, and the more outward blessings without Christ, the more hurtful to the Soul.
Q. What is the next resemblance?
A. Bread and wine alone feeds the Body, if one have no other meat.
So Christ alone gives feeding and contentment to the Soul, if a man had nothing else.
Q. What proportion is there else betwixt Bread, and the holy Body of Christ?
A. This Bread strengthens the heart, other meats feeds other humors, but Bread is the strength of Nature.
So other blessings serve for other uses but Christ is the strength of the Soul.
Chap. 16.
Of Wine, and how it resembleth the Blood of Christ.
Question. HOw doth the Wine resemble the Blood of Christ?
A. First, in name and color, being therefore called the blood of the grape:
Q. And is not that all?
A. No, it is also like in nature and opperation, for first, Wine is not Wine till it be pressed out of the grape
So Christ's blood is not effectual, but being pressed out of his blessed body.
Q. Show the next resemblance?
A. Wine is fit drink for the sorrowful and heavy hearted man-
So Christ's blood is sweetest to the sorrowful Soul, and humbled heart.
Q. Is there any other resemblance?
A. Yes. Wine cherisheth the heart of man.
So the Spiritual Wine, the blood of Christ comforts the distressed conscience.
Chap. 17.
Of the outward actions in the Lord's Supper.
Question. WHat be the outward actions to be performed in the Lord's Supper?
A. They be of two sorts: some to be done by the Minister, some by the Receiver.
Q. What is the Minister to do?
A. Four things.
Q. And what belongs to the Receiver?
A. Two things.
Q. And is not the Minister to hold it up, to be seen and worshipped of the people.
A. No, Christ commanded no such thing, but it came in together with Idolatry.
Q. But is not the people to worship it when it is consecrated?
Q. But it is not Bread but God?
A. Nay, if it were God it might not be eaten with the Mouth.
Q. But may not the people keep part of it, and carry it home?
A. No, it is impiety, and superstition: and Christ commanded no more, but to take and eat.
Chap. 18.
Of the inward actions in the Lord's Supper.
Question. WHat be the spiritual and inward actions in the Sacrament?
A. Answerable to the outward: some belong to the Giver, some to the Receiver.
Q. What are the actions he doth?
A. Four: Answerable to the four outward things done by the Minister.
1 He destinates Christ to be our Savior, represented by the Ministers taking of bread and wine.
2 He sanctifies Christ's humanity, and furnisheth it with holiness: shadowed by the Ministers blessing of the Eliments.
3 He gives his Son to die, and to be broken for us, lively resembled in breaking the Bread and pouring out the Wine.
4 He offers that crucified Son, to every believing soul, as is most comfortably represented unto us in the Ministers giving of the broken bread to each Communicant.
Chap. 19.
What Preparation is requisite in regard of God.
Question. WHo receive benefit by this Sacrament?
A. The worthy Receiver: Many receive it, but none else receive benefit by it.
Q. Who is the worthy Receiver hereof?
A. He that believing in Christ, doth rightly prepare himself thereunto.
Q. What is requisite to a right preparation?
A. Two sorts of things:
- 1 Some betwixt God and our selves.
- 2 Some betwixt our neighbors and us.
Q. What is required in regard of God?
A. Seven things:
- 1. A competent measure of knowledge of the principles of Religion.
- 2. A serious examination of our hearts and lives, to know our corruptions and sins.
- 3. True confession of them all to God and to man also where we find need.
- 4 A cleansing of our hearts by renewing of our repentance.
- 5 A trimming of our souls by holy resolutions, and love of virtue.
- 6 A raising up of our hearts to a meditation of God's mercies to us in Christ.
- 7 A resolution to become new creatures, and to practice new obedience every day more and more.
Chap. 20.
What preperation is requisite in regard of our Brethren.
Question. WHat preparation is fit in respect of our Neighbors?
A. To be in Christian love and charity with all men: and at peace also if it be possible.
Q. How can we love evil men?
A. We must love good men in God, and evil men for God: yea though they be our cruel enemies.
Q▪ What shall they do that have Law saite • ?
A. Either presently end them, or learn to go to Law without breach of Charity.
Q. How may one do so?
A. Thus:
Chap. 21.
Of the Circumstanes of this Sacrament.
Question. WHether is it necessary to receive fasting?
A. It is convenient, not necessary.
Q. How appears that?
A. Thus:
Q. Must we follow Christ in all things toucbing this Sacrament?
A. For matter of substance we must, but for circumstances not so.
Q. What be the substantial matters in this Sacrament?
A. Four: 2. Persons, and 2. things.
Q What be the Persons?
A, A Minister qualified to give it, and a worthy Receiver to take it.
Q▪ What be the the things?
A. The Elements, and the actions to be done about those Elements.
These may not be altered.
Q. But why are we not tied also to follow Christ, in the circumstances of time, place, gesture, number, sex, unleavened Bread, &c.
A. Because Christ was tied to the Circumstances of the Passe-over, so are not we.
Q. Why was Christ bound to keep the Passe over?
A. Because he was a Jew borne, and came to fulfill all righteousness.
Q. But the Passe-over was a Ceremony?
A. True: but the Ceremonicall Law was in source until Christ died.
Chap 22.
That kneeling is not only lawful but conuement and commendable.
Question. WHo then is to appoint the Circumstances for this Sacrament?
A. The Church hath power to do it.
Q What time hath the Church appointed as best?
A. The morning, because we are then fittest for any great or good action.
Q And what gesture is best and fittest?
A. The gesture of most Humility; namely, kneeling.
Q▪ Why is kneeling the best beseeming gesture?
A Because we then show the Lord's death, who died by our means, and for our fault: therefore we may not show that death, but with all humility.
Q. But is it not Idolatry to kneel to the Bread?
A. We kneel to no Bread, but only to God, to whom also we then pray.
Q. But did not the Pope bring in kneeling, together with Transubstantiation?
A. No, it was used by devout and holy Christians long before: as may appear in the end of this Book.
Q. But is it not a Feast, and therefore more fit to sit then kneel?
A. First, the Scripture calls it not a Feast, but a commemoration of the Lord's death.
Secondly, if it be a Feast, its like a Funeral feast where is cause of Sorrow as well as Joy.
Thirdly, the conclusion certainly is a Feast, but not the breaking, giving, and taking: That is a showing of the Lord's death, and therefore it is to be done kneeling: But that done, then it is a Communion and Love-feast, and then we may either sit and sing, or stand and praise GOD.
Q. But why should we alter the gesture that Christ used?
A. It is not certain Christ gave it them sitting, the Text saith not so.
Again, Saint Paul repeating all he received of Christ, saith not a word of any gesture.
Third, If it were certain, yet the Church upon good cause might as well alter it, as the Bread, time, place &c.
Q. What is to be thought of them that willfully refuse to kneel?
A. They are like rebellious, and proud children, that will take upon them to over-rule their Mother.
Chap▪ 23.
What a Christian ought to do after he hath Receiued.
Question. WHat is to be done, when we have Receiued?
A. In the Church we are to give God thanks, with the Congregation, and to offer up our Aimes for the poor.
Q Who are to give alms when they receive?
A. All that come to take part in Christ, Wives, women, and servants, are all to give something to Christ's poor members, seeing he gives himself to all without difference.
Q. How and what is everyone to give?
A. According to the necessities of the poor, and as God hath blessed thee that Moneth, or since thou didst last receive.