The sermon is split into three parts: Part I [leaves 1 (recto) – 16 (recto)]; Part II (leaves 16 (verso) – 23 (recto)]; and Part III [leaves 23 (verso) – 36 (verso)]. It opens by stating that ‘[t]hese Words though few in number, but yet ye necessary Form of ye Consecration of ye Sacrament, have been ye Foundation of innumerable Controversies in Religion & many Volumes written with earnest & contentious Zeal. Especially since ye Begining of ye Reformation; when a great Part of Christendom was eas’d from ye Roman yoke […]’ (verso of first leaf). The sermon sets out to clarify ‘ye right Interpretation of these Words’ and to consider ‘ye great Benefits resulting from them’ (verso of second leaf). The second part concerns the ‘Actions […] implied on our Saviours part’; namely, the taking of the cup, his thanksgiving, and his injunction that the disciples drink of the cup. The third part focuses exclusively upon Matthew 26:28.
Hannah Yip
Taking into account the subject matter, this sermon has been classified by the present cataloguer as a 'Preparation to communion' sermon. Although it is likely that this sermon was preached at Tewkesbury for the later dates, this is not certain.