University of Virginia Library

AN INVITATION TO THE Holy Communion.

WITH DIRECTIONS FOR THE Due Receiving it.

Hark, we are call'd; O friends, Away, away,
All things are ready, make no more delay.
Are all things ready, and shall only we,
For whom they are prepar'd, unready be?
We that forbidden Fruit did long to taste,
Shan't we, when call'd, to our Lord's table haste?
When food provided is which will restore
The blessedness our eating lost before?
Let us then hasten, and this Call obey;
'Tis with the Prince that we must dine to day,
Whose Sacred presence calls us to prepare
And fit our selves; Hast must not banish care.
Hither approach all fair and clean within
From the defiling love of every sin,
All bath'd in purest streams of hallowed tears,
Which help to wash our stains and drown our fears.
The Souls first dipt in this preparation flood,
Are fit for farther cleansing by Christ's blood.
Repentance is a second innocence,
Joyn'd with resolves for new obedience:
Draw nigh with faith and holy love adorn'd,
And deep humility, which, though it's scorn'd
By blinder mortals, is, in Gods own Eye,
The Souls true beauty, richest gallantry:
With ardent longings come, enflam'd to tast
The deepest sweets of this divine repast,
The grace and comfort here diffus'd abroad,
And on the well-prepared Soul bestow'd,
Beg him to fit you thus who did invite
You hither; for both meat and appetite
Do come from him: and by the hand that spread
Our Table, must our Souls be furnished.
And when in th' Wedding garment we are drest,
With humble boldness to this Sacred feast
Let us approach, this wondrous banquet, where
The Master of the Feast becomes our cheer.