CHAPTER XVIII. THAT A MAN SHOULD NOT BE A CURIOUS SEARCHER INTO THE HOLY SACRAMENT, BUT AN HUMBLE FOLLOWER OF CHRIST, SUBMITTING HIS SENSE TO DIVINE FAITH. HOU oughtest to beware of curious and unprofitable searching into this most profound sacrament, if thou wilt not be plunged into the depths of doubt. He that is a searcher of My majesty shall be overpowered by My glory. God is able to work more than man can understand. A dutiful and humble enquiry after the truth is allowable, provided we be always ready to be taught, and study to walk in the sound doctrine of the church of our fathers. 2. It is a blessed simplicity when a man leaves the difficult ways of questions and disputings, and goes forward in the plain and firm path of God's commandments. Many have lost devotion, whilst they sought to search into things too high. Faith is required at thy hands, and a sincere life; not enquiry into the deep mysteries of God. If thou dost not understand things that are beneath thee how shalt thou comprehend those which are above thee? Submit thyself unto God, and humble thy sense to faith, and the light of knowledge shall be given thee, in such degree as shall be profitable and necessary for thee. 3. Some are grievously tempted about faith and this holy sacrament; but this is not to be imputed to themselves, but rather to the enemy. Be not thou anxious herein; do not dispute with thine own thoughts, nor give any answer to doubts suggested by the devil; but trust the words of God, trust His Saints and Prophets, and the enemy will flee from thee. It is profitable to the servant of God to endure such things. For the devil tempteth not unbelievers and sinners; but faithful and devout persons he tempteth and disquieteth. 4. Go forward therefore with simple and undoubting faith, and with the reverence of a supplicant draw thou near to the holy sacrament; and whatsoever thou art not able to understand, commit to Almighty God. God deceiveth thee not: he is deceived that trusteth too much to himself. God walketh with the simple, revealeth Himself to the humble, giveth understanding to the little ones, openeth the sense to pure minds, and hideth grace from the proud. Human reason may be deceived, true faith cannot be deceived. 5. All reason and natural search ought to follow Faith, not to go before it, nor to break in upon it. For Faith and Love do here specially take the lead, and work in hidden ways, in this most holy sacrament. God, who is eternal, incomprehensible, and of infinite power, doeth things great and unsearchable in Heayen and in earth, and there is no tracing out His marvellous works. If the works of God were such that they might be easily comprehended by human reason, they could not justly be called marvellous or unspeakable. The End. SUTTABY'S SERIES OF MANUALS Devotional and Meditative. BEAUTIFULLY PRINTED, WITH RED BORDERS. THE CHRISTIAN YEAR. Thoughts in Verse for Sundays and Holydays. By the late Rev. JOHN Keble. THE IMITATION OF CHRIST. Four Books. A New Edition. THE GOLDEN TREASURY. BY BOGATZKY. EUCHARISTICA. 4 Meditations and Prayers on the Holy Communion. With Preface by the late Bishop WILBERFORCE. (In this edition Prayers for the Holy Communion, and a Litany upon the Life and Death of Our Saviour, by BISHOP ANDREWES, are appended.) 5 THE HEART'S EASE; or, A Remedy against all Troubles. By SYMON PATRICK, sometime Bishop of Ely. 6 THE LORD'S SUPPER. Instruction and Preparation. BY THOMAS WILSON, sometime Bishop of Sodor and Man. 7 DIVINE BREATHINGS; or, a Pious Soul Thirsting after Christ. A reprint of the 15th Edition, with additions. 8 PRIVATE DEVOTIONS. By LANCELOT ANDrewes, sometime Bishop of Winchester. These Works may be obtained of all the leading Booksellers, in the following bindings: French Limp, Persian Calf Limp, German Calf Limp, Morocco Limp, Russia Limp, Russia Circuit. Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4 in the above list may also be had, without London: SUTTABY & CO. On Suttaby's Red Line 32mo Editions. (See list on previous page.) Bookseller." Certain to become favourite editions." Church Review.-" Admirably suited for presents." tion." Leamington Courier.-" These manuals are admirable.” Christian World.-" To Messrs Suttaby & Co. must be given credit for these exceedingly beautiful books." The Queen.-" Beautifully printed." Nottingham Guardian.-" Beautifully printed, binding appropriate and pleasing." The Rock.-" A very beautiful series; from the exquisite manner in which they are produced they cannot fail to be acceptable." Yorkshire Gazette. "This pleasing series." Brighton Gazette.-" Messrs Suttaby are well known fo the elegance and finish imparted to their works." Surrey Advertiser. popular." "Editions which will be very Worcester Journal.—“ These volumes are charming and wonderfully artistic." Manchester Courier.-" Ought to be welcome in every English home." Literary Churchman.—“It would be difficult to imagine anything more tastefully got up, attractively printed, and elegantly bound.” |