In conclusion,since we have now the true understanding and doctrine of the Sacrament,there is indeed need of some admonition and exhortation,that men may not let so great a treasure which is daily administered and distributed among Christians pass by unheeded,that is,that those who would be Christians make ready to receive this venerable Sacrament often.For we see that men seem weary and lazy with respect to it;and there is a great multitude of such as hear the Gospel,and,because the nonsense of the Pope has been abolished,and we are freed from his laws and coercion,go one,two,three years,or even longer without the Sacrament,as though they were such strong Christians that they have no need of it;and some allow themselves to be prevented and deterred by the pretense that we have taught that no one should approach it except those who feel hunger and thirst,which urge them to it.Some pretend that it is a matter of liberty and not necessary,and that it is sufficient to believe without it;and thus for the most part they go so far that they become quite brutish,and finally despise both the Sacrament and the Word of God.
Now,it is true,as we have said,that no one should by any means be coerced or compelled,lest we institute a new murdering of souls.
Nevertheless,it must be known that such people as deprive themselves of,and withdraw from,the Sacrament so long a time are not to be considered Christians.For Christ has not instituted it to be treated as a show,but has commanded His Christians to eat and drink it,and thereby remember Him.
And,indeed,those who are true Christians and esteem the Sacrament precious and holy will urge and impel themselves unto it.Yet that the ******-minded and the weak who also would like to be Christians be the more incited to consider the cause and need which ought to impel them,we will treat somewhat of this point.For as in other matters pertaining to faith,love,and patience,it is not enough to teach and instruct only,but there is need also of daily exhortation,so here also there is need of continuing to preach that men may not become weary and disgusted,since we know and feel how the devil always opposes this and every Christian exercise,and drives and deters therefrom as much as he can.
And we have,in the first place,the clear text in the very words of Christ:Do this in remembrance of Me.These are bidding and commanding words by which all who would be Christians are enjoined to partake of this Sacrament.Therefore,whoever would be a disciple of Christ,with whom He here speaks,must also consider and observe this,not from compulsion,as being forced by men,but in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ,and to please Him.However,if you say:But the words are added,As oft as ye do it;there He compels no one,but leaves it to our free choice,answer:That is true,yet it is not written that we should never do so.Yea,just because He speaks the words,As oft as ye do it,it is nevertheless implied that we should do it often;and it is added for the reason that He wishes to have the Sacrament free,not limited to special times,like the Passover of the Jews,which they were obliged to eat only once a year,and that just upon the fourteenth day of the first full moon in the evening,and which they must not vary a day.As if He would say by these words:I institute a Passover or Supper for you which you shall enjoy not only once a year,just upon this evening,but often,when and where you will,according to every one's opportunity and necessity,bound to no place or appointed time;although the Pope afterwards perverted it,and again made a Jewish feast of it.
Thus,you perceive,it is not left free in the sense that we may despise it.For that I call despising it if one allow so long a time to elapse and with nothing to hinder him yet never feels a desire for it.
If you wish such liberty,you may just as well have the liberty to be no Christian,and neither have to believe nor pray;for the one is just as much the command of Christ as the other.But if you wish to be a Christian,you must from time to time render satisfaction and obedience to this commandment.For this commandment ought ever to move you to examine yourself and to think:See,what sort of a Christian I am!If Iwere one,I would certainly have some little longing for that which my Lord has commanded [me]to do.
And,indeed,since we act such strangers to it,it is easily seen what sort of Christians we were under the Papacy,namely,that we went from mere compulsion and fear of human commandments,without inclination and love,and never regarded the commandment of Christ.But we neither force nor compel any one;nor need any one do it to serve or please us.
But this should induce and constrain you by itself,that He desires it and that it is pleasing to Him.You must not suffer men to coerce you unto faith or any good work.We are doing no more than to say and exhort you as to what you ought to do,not for our sake,but for your own sake.He invites and allures you;if you despise it,you must answer for it yourself.
Now,this is to be the first point,especially for those who are cold and indifferent,that they may reflect upon and rouse themselves.For this is certainly true,as I have found in my own experience,and as every one will find in his own case,that if a person thus withdraw from this Sacrament,he will daily become more and more callous and cold,and will at last disregard it altogether.To avoid this,we must,indeed,examine heart and conscience,and act like a person who desires to be right with God.Now,the more this is done,the more will the heart be warmed and enkindled,that it may not become entirely cold.
