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ken of as having life it always means grace. Such only can have communion with Christ, for it is to such he promises to manifest himself. Were this ordinance to be administered to sinners for their conversion, the church ought neither to enquire into their knowledge nor their character; nor whether they are saints or not; because it would be the very design of the ordinance to make them saints, and to reform them. The most abandoned profligate is warranted to attend the preaching of the gospel, in order to his conversion, so might he also participate of the Lord's supper, for the same end. On such a supposition, Paul enjoined an unnecessary work on the Corinthians, when he charged them to examine themselves. But he considered the Lord's supper as the children's bread, holy, and what ought not to be given to dogs.

5. BELIEVERS, by a proper attention to Christ, will find in him an all-sufficiency adequate to every possible case of their souls. Without this he could not complete their salvation. They often find themselves in circumstances peculiarly distressing; they apprehend great danger from enemies; they feel extensive spiritual wants; their work appears far to exceed their ability to execute it; painful spiritual diseases prey upon and waste their souls; they walk in darkness, being denied the light of God's countenance; they are assaulted with strong temptations, and their peace is greatly marred. Whatever be their condition they have no ground of fear or dejection, because he is both able and willing to furnish them with whatever they need. If their enemies are powerful, they are in his hand. If they need strength for their work, they have his promise; " I will strengthen them in the Lord; and they shall walk up and down in his name:" and while he thus strengthens

them, they shall be able to do all things. He also heals all their diseases, and restores health to their souls. If they walk in darkness, God hath given him to be a light to lighten the Gentiles, to give light to them who sit in darkness, and to guide their feet into the way of peace. If they are assaulted with strong temptations, he is able to succour them, having been "in all points tempted as they are." Whatever, therefore, you find that you want, for any purpose, apply to him for it, and you shalt not be denied: "For they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing." Urge the accomplishment of his own word, and he will do as he has said.

My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Let not Jesus have reason to complain, "Hitherto have ye asked me nothing."

6. THERE is a peculiar connection in divine ordinances, and an order to be attended to in observing them. One duty fits and prepares for another. Prayer is a good preparatory to all other duties, as it is an application to God, the source of all good, for aid and direction in all duty. And to attempt to discharge any religious duty without previous prayer indicates too much self-sufficiency. Initiatory prayer to obtain the divine presence in duty, becomes us as much as concluding by prayer for a blessing upon it. In order to a suitable participation of the Lord's supper, self-examination must be attended to: an enquiry into the state of the soul, with respect to its discernment of Christ, its love to him, faith in him, and holy desires to enjoy him; also with respect to its exercise about sin, ought to be carefully made; because if those preparatives, which are suitable to the ordinance, are awanting, unworthy communicating is unavoidable. The injunction, "Let a

man examine himself," though addressed to the Corinthians, and extremely necessary in their case, was certainly never intended to be restricted to them. If unworthy communicating had been to cease with them, and no person after ever to be in danger of it, the injunction might have been restricted. When the Apostle treats of their condition only he addresses them imme diately in the second person, "Ye:" But when he extends his views to all, he speaks indefinitely, in the He," as in ver. 27, 28, 29. He does

third person,

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not say, • If "For if ye eat," &c. but, "Whosoever shall eat-Let a man examine himself For he that eateth." Having thus expressed these things indefinitely, he again addresses the Corinthians, ver. 30. on their own case, as chastened by God for their sin. It is no objection to this extended application of these directions, That Jesus himself, at the institution of this ordinance, did not enjoin any preparatory exercises. He left many things to be supplied by his Apostles, especially directions for regu lating the religious exercises of his church, as is evident from all the Epistles. These instructions were delivered as occasion required, as the institution of the office of the deacon, Acts yi. directions for excommunication. 1 Cor. v. It was so here. The Corinthians had profaned the Lord's supper, from carnal conceptions of its nature and design. This rendered particular directions necessary, not only to them, but to prevent, in all time coming, unworthy communicating. These directions were, therefore, written for our instruction, and we ought to act upon them, so as to prevent sin and judgment.

ye eat," &c. "Examine yourselves," &c.

7. THIS subject may be improved for obviating some difficulties which may occur to believers when about to celebrate the Lord's supper.

It is not improbable there may be some in this au dience, who do not find in themselves that extensive and clear discernment of the Lord's body, of which we have been treating, yet think they have a desire to eat the new testament Passover, and so are at a loss concerning immediate duty. In describing that discernment of a crucified Saviour which is necessary to worthy communicating, it was not our design to fix a standard for the degree or measure of that discernment. This is not done by Christ himself. Nor is it so much the extent as the reality of this discernment that is required. It is true, indeed, that, where any soul is able to take extensive views of the Saviour, especially his death, and to exercise corresponding affections, the path of duty will be clearer and more comfortable; yet inferior ineasures of these attainments are no sufficient reason to make any one apprehensive of unworthy communicating. The attainments of believers are very various. Some are old men, and others young men, while some are only babes. Some have acquired extensive experi ence in divine things; others have attained to great strength of faith and warmth of affections, while others are only weak in faith, and have but little knowledge and experience. Every one has his talents, and his grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ, and every one will meet with a cordial reception, if he has not hid his Lord's money. Many have much speculative knowledge, yet would be unworthy guests at the Lord's table; while those who have much less would be highly acceptable. Beware, then, of thinking that you must have such measures of knowledge; or that you must have such a vigorous faith, and such lively impressions of Christ's beauty, excellence and love as to dispel all fears, silence all doubtings and work.

ings of unbelief, and render your souls calm and tranquil. This is the attainment of only a very few; and were this to be made the rule of worthy communicating, we fear the sacred board would stand almost empty. Children have neither the strength nor experience of adults, yet they have vivacity and active desires. So is it with believers. Some are new born babes, desiring the sincere milk of the word, that they may grow thereby. Do you see so much of yourselves as to humble you; so much of your spiritual wants as to lead you to self-denial? Have you such discoveries of Christ as to see in him all that you want, to attract your esteem of him, and to render you dissatisfied without him? If so you have no cause to fear that he will not approve of you at his table. Thither he is inviting you, to discover more of his worth, and experience more of his love.

AGAIN, some complain of much agitation and distraction in their souls. They would have their minds. steadily fixed upon Jesus, to contemplate his divine excellence and fulness, and to obtain a farther acquaintance with him; but some other objects present themselves to their imaginations and divert their attention from Christ. In this peculiar case I ask whether this discomposure and distraction do not proceed from your former indifference, in allowing your minds to be drawn off by every object that offered. A habit of this kind will soon get possession of the mind, in religious things, unless the greatest diligence is used to prevent it. If, then, this is only the continuance of your usual state of mind contracted by indifference, it would be very unsafe to approach to the Lord's table. Though this state of mind may, at present, when you would observe this ordinance, discompose you a little, yet

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