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GIFT OF

COMMUNICANT^
SPIRITUAL COMPANION ;

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OR, AN > ; '^|V

wi

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EVANGELICAL PREPARATION

^ - '-it- . " % --^%^^. 4 ;--

TOR THE

LOR&s SUPPER.

IN WHICH ARE SHEWS 3^

- . " ' '-'s : ^

NATURE OF Tff& ORDINANCE, AND THE - 1
DISPOSITIONS REQUISITE FOR A PROFITA- - *$
8iE PARTICIPA TION THEREOF. 6 ^ J

... '-. WITH

MEDITATIONS AND HELPS FOR PRAYER^

SUITABLE TO THE SUBJECT..

BY THE REV. THOMAS HAWEIS, D.D

. * ;

Sector of Aldviinckle, Northamptonshire,

NEW-HAVEN, |P^

BY OLIVER STEELE & CO. ' " ?S^^

' : ' siii

r ii. v* ' '

PREFACE.

THE following Treatise upprijthe-
SACRAMENT, was drawn up at Ox-
ford. It was part of a course of Cat-
echetical Lectures on Sunday after-
noons. It pleased God, at the time
of delivery, .to bless them greatly to
the instruction and edification of thj!
people. I pray the spirit Grail grace,
that he would still accompany them
with his blessing. . -\. :..-'..;..-

Reader, thou wilt firicPfcferefe points
chiefly proposed in this^wwi^ ^ ^

.First. . . . To open the con^Qie^ice^ td >
a discovery of its guilt an^m^ijifj
its : great heed of Jesus, andi^mb-^ 1 ..
vation which is in him. This is tM^
leading point in our most holy Reli- t "
a soul unaw akene;d to a^ sense

IT. - PREFACE.

of sin, and unaffected with the views
of his own inbred corruption, arid de-
parture from God, can have no more
business at the .Lord's table, than a
man in health hath for a physician;

Secondly.. ..To explain the true
nature of the Lord's Supper, thejri-
tention of it, and the privileges there-
in conferred on the faithful. And
Here Jesus must iiTeed be the AlpKa
and Omega. The institution is his,
the things signified are his Body and
Blood, the blessings conferred ate
jj[U purchased by him, and freely be-
stowed on his covenant people. In
short, Christ is here peculiarly all
and in alt.

Thirdly.. ..To enforce that univer-
sal surrender of heart to the Re-
deemer which his,love to us so just-
ly demands ; that as we declare sol-
emnly this is our intention, to (demote

^ jg^eK' t / - , . ; "'. - ' ,, - ,.;,'.. .--'*:- ',j>y .'

'"y*nm our bodies, souls arid pirit|^
to be a living sacrifice, holy^ianli
acceptable to God, which is our

TREFACE.

""'

*4 reasonable service ; " we may show
the truth of our professions, by such
a conversation as becometh. godli-
ness ; not content with: the Itiiewarm
negligence of careless professors, but
showing the zealous diligence of ac-
tive disciples; not resting on the
ceremonious performance of an orr
dinance, but living every day in a
.course of communion with God. ,

The Prayers and Meditations
added as necessary means to
mote such, a daily walking-, witjil
God ; for as we live daily pension-^
rs on the divine grace, we must e^-
cry day ask our daily bread, and }n
the field of the word collect the liv-
ing manna. Certain it i% that a re-
a%Chrfstian can no more live with-
C)ut grayer and the word of : Gpd r than
a .living body can subsist without
,grpger nourishment; and they will
^p^most flourishing in their ' p souls?

Health, whose appetite for the c "

' ' . . ; " - . "' ' f

F " ; '' : ;^;v' i " -- ' AS-- ' >'^

VI. . PREFACE;

V . '

cere milk of the word is keenest, and
who pray without ceasing.

May the God of all grace accept
this mite cast into his Treasury, and
make it effectual to the advancement
of his own glory, and the salvation
of redeemed souls. ;

T.EL

ALDWINCKLE, :

October 1.0, 1764. ."*. ' ' {

COMMUNICANTS

SPIRITUAL COMPANION.

NO Ordinance -more peculiarly -.merits
the regard of all professors of the re-
ligion; of Jesus, .than that which seals to them *
the blessings, of the- covenant of. grace. The
decay of vital and spiritual religion is evi-
dent in nothing more than the general neg- :
lect of these holy mysteries.: and a revival
of it .can never be hoped for, till a serious
concern about eternity awakens the soul to

. ~ *' S * < ,,f ^5. \i*. -' . i - .;

inquire about the nature of the. gospel saL-
vation, and the nieans of gracejwhich lead .
to it :; to effect this, is the design ofthefol^
lq\^ing^pages. The careless prpfe^p^;^j%5 ;
here find, I trust, alarming : notices pf^^:;
danger, and . calls to consiHeraji^^^^^^^^i,
.nor ant, instruction j the fearful, ^cfliifepfe^^^::

8 'The Communicant**

\

their doubts; the sincere, assistance; the
strong) increasing lightp^pport and en-
couragement.

May the great Master of assemblies fix
the following truths deeply and abidingly ia
the heart of every one who reads them.

CHAP. L

Of the Nature of a Sacrament.

SACRAMENT is defined by the Church,
in our excellent though concise Cate-
chism, to be "the outward and visible sign,
" of an inward and spiritual grace, given
." unto us, ordained by Christ himself, as a
*1 means whereby we receive the same, and
" as a pledge to assure us thereof." In this
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, the Bread
and Wine are the outward signs, signifying
that Body andi blood of Christ which is re-
ceived into the heart by faith. The sign of
the Bread signifies Christ's broken Body,
^the Wine his Bloodshed for our sins ;;, and
the sign is mutual, for it represents als^our
dependence upon and esteem of him, whose

Spiritual Coiftfiahion. $

Body and Blood finder these signs we spir-
itually partake bf.

The original meaning of the word Sacra-
faeni, signifies the oath by which the Ro-
inan soldiers bound themselves to their ge*
neraL Thus it is our oath of allegiampei
wherein we swear fidelity to Jesus the Cap*
tain of our salvation ; as they swore that
they would never desert their colors in the
day of battle, we also herein solemnly en-
gage to maintain irreconcileable war against
all the enemies of Christ without and With-
in us, fighting manfully under his banner
against sin, the world arid the devil, and this
at the peril of our eternal damnation. So
that whenever we presume to come-^to
Christ's table, without this war against sin
maintained in our conversation^ we become
guilty of the Body and Blood of Christ ; we
incur the awful guilt of perjury ; and " eat
and drink our own damnation, not discern-;
ing the Lord's Body." ' ; _

This Sacrament hath in Scripture seve-
ral particular names, which are expressive
of the nature and design oftiti
5 ; IV The Lord's Supfier^it *

ir' the soul, as i
as|our Bodies

al^^Wine, so much;
j^sbul l^y the Bodyl
Christ; therein shown forth.

IO The Ggfamunicant's

-

banquet in the family of Christ, as supper
was among the ancients ; . and therefore
none of the children should be -absent, un-
less upon very urgent occasions, lest they
not only lose their food, but incur the dis-
pleasure of their Father for their neglect and
irregularities. And it is emphatically sty-
Jed the Lord's Sufifier^ forasmuch as it was
instituted by him at supper time, the same
night in which he was betrayed, and then a
constant memorial of it commanded by him |
and herein it is so highly distinguished from
all common food, whether you consider the
Master of the feast, the Lord of glory, or
the spiritual nourishment contained under
these consecrated elements.

2. It is called the Communion, of the Blood

of Christ. Tt Represents the intercourse

^tliere is between Christ the head, and the

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|laembers ot his body, called in the prayer
sifter the Communion, " the company of all
faithful people." He communicates to them
lierein his favor and grace, his blood and
righteousness ; and they communicate their
thanksgiving, acceptance, love and gratir
tude ; so: that no persons can at all partake
in it, $11 they have a Jiving union with him,
andKiare a part of his mystical body ; for
.tn'ert only 'the nourishment and support can"
i>e cpirimunicated to them; All who are;
mot thus united to Christ, are as branches.

Spiritual Companion. II

cut off and withered, and can receive no
more benefit by coming to the Lord's Ta-
ble, than a dead -body can from meat and
drink. It is also a communion with the
members themselves, as well as with their
head Jesus Christ, for toe being many, are
but tine body : and we eat of the same breaa,
and drink of the same cup, in token that we
derive our life from one common fountain ;
that we are all actuated by the same Spirit,
and have as near an interest in, and affection
for one another, as the members of the same
body have/ -for ive are the body of Christy
and members in particular. What a strange
absurdity then would it beffbr an uncharita-
ble soul, for one who i$nbt influenced by
brotherly love, to approac^^hrist's Table,
who would be there only asr^^rtified limb
cut off from all living comimWlcation witfi|;
the rest, and full of putrefaction ? ' "^

3. It is called the New Testament m.
Christ's Blood. Where a testament is, there
must of necessity, saith. St. Paul, be the death
of the' testator ; for a testament or 'will is.
in force after men are dead. In the
ment this Testament is opened :
of Christ, 'here emblematically;
bffjhisrheart, shows it is valid \
an|i all the legacies therein
be^i^lied for and paid down,^
of the will

12 The

it is sealed with blopd, as, x>n r the renovationf
of the old covenant on Sinai, Moses Crin-
kled the blood of calves and goats with^scar-
let wool, and hyssop on the book of the Law,
signifying thereby the sealing of the Cove-
nant ; so here God condescends by this con-
tinual sign to seal to us visibly, for the assist-
ance of our faith, all the blessings of the
Covenant of Grace in Christ Jesus. Assur-
ing us by such an ordinance of his own ap-
pointment, that this shall be, as the rainbow
in the clouds, the sure sign to us that no
deluge of wrath shall.ever again sweep away
those who come to him by Jesus Christ..
. The design then of the Lord's Supper
inay be partly seen from these names, and
is fully expressed in one of our answers' in
the Catechi|nilKit was ordained " for the
M continuailf^membrarice of the sacrifice of
.'" the death of Christ, and of the benefits,
; f c which we receive thereby." To both of
which points- 1 shall speak a little... : ;

1. It wa^ ordained " for the continual re-
<{ membrance '"of the sacrifice of the death of
" Christ." Here we are taught to look up-
on him as bleeding 'for us upon the accursed
tree.^ Here tlie ; JLamb of God, as jf he- had
beeri^ newly 1 slain, is in the ordinance^se.t
forth as crucified among us. Here the^rp-
ken Bread represents his mangled bodyytbrn
: |vith sCQurguigs and bujEfetings, pierced by

Spiritual Companion. IS

i

the .thorns, the nails and the spear. Here
we may see his agonies, remember his
mockery, reproach, insults, and all the com-
plicated miseries, which made his suffer-
ings the most afflictive that ever earth be-
held: Beholdandsee^ allye that pass, by, was
there any sorrow like unto his sorrow ! Here
also \ve see his blood gusliing as from his
side, when the soldier's spear entered his
heart, and forthwith came thereout blood
and water. This his bitter death we are to
remember ; and that it was a sacrifice for
our sins. As under the Law, the sinner laid
his hand upon the victim's head, in token of
transferring the guilt of all his sins upon
him ; so here we must especially remember,
that the transaction before us is sacrificial
and vicarious. That Christ gave himself an
offering for sin, made himself a curse for us y
as it is written, Cursed is every one who hang-
eth on a tree $ so that we are, to look itpon
him herein.;, as . " taking away sin by the sa-
f< 'crifice -of himself,'' and bearing the bur-
den of your and my iniquities in particular.
And in this sacrifice of tiie death of Christ,
many things are represented to us, as inclu-
ded in the transaction, and which we are
called.at the same time to remember. Such
asy ' /

1. The great -love of Christ towards us
dinners. Was ever love indeed like his 1

14 The Communicant's

well may it be called love which fiasseth knowl-
edge. Angels are lost in wonder, whilst
they look into the mystery of redeeming
'love ; and how then should we, to whom
this love is shown, be astonished whilst we
are called to partake of it ? He died not for
angels, but for men ; and when ? was it
when we were faithful, affectionate and obe-
dient, that we gained his heart to such an ex-
pensive manifestation of his love ? No ;
when we were enemies by wicked works, when
we were without strength or power to love
or obey him, even then in dite time did Christ
die for the ungodly : in us there was nothing
but misery, we were lost in sin, wilfully lost
by our disobedience, without power or incli-
nation to seek for any favor at God's hands ;
and he wanted not our services, his glory
would have been unsullied, if he had ^jiven
us up to the fruit of our folly, and left us to
our deserved ruin ; neither can he receive
any addition to his happiness by us, who is
in himself all-sufficient, and in his nature
infinitely happy, exalted above all blessing
and praise. Butyfreely moved by the mere
benignity of his heart, and out of pure com-
passion to us, Jesus offered to stand in our
stead ; and siace to save us he must be made
nian, his love stooped to every meanness of
our condition, to the form of a servant, to
the death of a slave. Love brought him

Sfiiritual Companion. IS

down from the throne of glory, love clothed
him with a body like our own, love urged
him on through all the painful steps of his
afflicted iife ; the waters of trouble were ne-
ver able to quench it, nor the floods of per-
secution to drown it. Love put the cup of
trembling into his hand, love bid him drink
the last drop of all its dregs j For having
loved his own, he loved them unto the end ; his
Jove abode till he cried, It is jiniahcd ; when,
having sealed with" blood the sure and well-
Bordered covenant, his soul was dismissed,
and he went to begin . his triumphs over
death, hell and the grave ; and when he. arose
again, love was his first expression, Go to
my brethren, and say, I ascend to my Father
and ijour Father. Love carried him to the
right hand of God, and there he is this mo-
ment showing forth the unchangeableness
of his affection, by ever living to make inter-
cession/or us, and pleading before the throne
ihe marks of love so deeply engraven in his
hands and in his side. And when can we
then be called so feelingly to remember this
Jove, as at an ordinance, where all its glory
is made to pass before us ?

2. We are here to call to mind the great
evil of sin. Never was it seen in such glar-
ing colors, as when it was written in a Sav r
iour's sweat, and tears and blood. Here sin
indeed appears exceedingly sinful. Its hor-

i$ The Communicant's

rid nature .and deep malignity are seen
throughout the whole transaction, beyond
what all the miseries which ever attended it
before could possibly lead us to conceive.
The cries of infants, the pains of sickness,
the groans of wretchedness, the. agonies of
the expiring, and all the awful horrors of
death, serve in some measure to tell us what
tm evil and bitter thing sin is, which could
have occasioned such dire effects ; and yet
one glance at the glass of the sufferings of
Jesus, will reflect the horrid image of sin,
in colors infinitely darker and deeper.
There we see it black indeed, when an in-
carnate God agonizes under its load, when
horror and darkness filled his soul .with in-
tolerable anguish, and pain tortured his body
till the sweat, as great drops of blood, fell
down to the ground. Was this for sin ?
yes, brethren, it was sin which made Jesus
"exceeding sorrowful even unto death ; it was
suv made him sore amazed and very 1iea~vy ;
it was sin which extorted from him that
piercing cry, My Gorf, my God, why hast thou
forsaken me? Behold and tremble then,
whilst you look upon this awful sight. Look
in, and let these sufferings cast a light upon
your vile hearts ; and lea'rn to lothe and ab-
hor yourselves and sin, whilst here you are
taught to see its inexpressibly abominable
nature.

Spiritual Companion. 17

-,, 3. Herein remember also the inexorable
justice of God.- Though love would par-
don, yet must it be in a way wherein justice
should be satisfied. Sin required an expia-
tion equivalent to its high demerit ; neither
earth nor heaven afforded any such ; I look-
ed .and- there was none to help. Justice de-
manded righteous judgment, such as had
t>een poured upon rebel angels cast down in-
to hell on their first transgression ; the thun-
derbolt of wrath was lifted up to smite us
.sinners to the lowest pit. Jesus steps be-
tween, and cries, Stay them from going down
go the pit) / have found a ransom ; receives
?the deadly shafts in his own body on the
ctree-, and manifests the justice of God more
gloriously than could have been done by the
^destruction of the whole human race. For
-who is this ? This is Jesus the Son of Godj
-the brightness of his glory.) the express image
t>f hiv person ; this is the Father's equal, the
.man that is his fellow ; this is the eternal
"Gocl, come to expiate his creatures* crimes.
^Satisfaction was demanded j he offers to pay,
to over-pay every demand. The price
-agreed, the judge executes his claim ; Awake
^ny miDord, lie cries, against the shepherd $ the
sword awoke to smite to the uttermost, and
take full vengeance for the sins of "a fallen
world.- It pleased the Lord to put him M

18 The Communicant 1 *

grief; he laid ufion him the iniquities of it*
ail; and what would have utterly crushed
us into hell, bruised to death, the only Son
Gocl. Behold the severity of God ; He ttpar-
ed not Ids own Son ; see herein what a flam-
ing sword justice holds, and how it is hon-
ored by such a sacrifice ; see *from hence
what a fearful thing it is to fall into the
hands of the living God^ : ^\d in this ordi-
nance learn to, tremble whilst you see noth-
ing but the Blood of God himself capable of
expiating your guilt, and satisfying the de-
mands of his own inexorable Law.

4. This sacrifice calls upon you to re-
member the conquest made by it. You, a
child of wrath, an heir of hell, a slave of Sa-
tan, here see your liberty proclaimed, your
tyrant destroyed, your misery done away.
A dying Jesus, on the accursed tree, con-
quers for you ; death, hell, and sin, fall be-
fore him. Strong in weakness, he triumph-
ed on the cross, spoiling the principalities and
powers of darkness^ and making a shew of
them openly. By death he destroyed him
that had the power of death, that is the de-vil ;
as a. sweet singer of Israel expresses it :

" And when I. bled and groan'd and died,

" I ruin'd Satan's throne ;
" High on my cross I hung, and spy 'd

" The monster tumbling down."

'Sjfiiritual Companion. 1'S

Thus he hath vanquished all our -enemies
for us, hath bound Satan from hurting us,
plucked out the sting of death, and sealed
up the bottomless pit. His death is our
life, .his fall our victory, his cross cur tri-
umph ; well then may we glory -in it, and
determine to, know nothing else but Jesus,
and him crucified* since hereby we become
more than conquerors, and are enabled dai-
ly to tread down Satan under our feet. And
In this ordinance, peculiarly designed v|<i
.strengthen our souls, this glorious victory
should never be forgotten, no less for the
tionor of Jesus, than the comfort to be de-
rived from it to our own souls.

5 . It should always remind us of his com-
ing again. It is as the pledge-of our friend
(put into our hands to remember him in his
absence, and to assure us he intends us ano-
ther visit. This is to be a continual re-
membrance, to show forth the JLord's death,
till he come. Though he is gone to heaven
-now, yet he hath promised us he will return
and take his humble followers home with
him ; / go, says he', to firepare a mansion far
you. When we see him present with us
in the symbols of Bread and Wine, we
should think how quickly we shall see the
sign of the Son of Man in the clouds; how
eoon we shall in our flesh see God, and with
our eyes behold him, even that very body

120 The Communicant's

which the 'nails tore, and the spear pierced ;
shall see him, but now brighter than the
-sun when it shineth in its strength, cominjj
in the clouds of heaven with power and great
glory, accompanied by hosts of heaven
which no man can number ; coming' to be
glorified in his saints, and to be admired of
.all that believe. And this will be a remem.
brance most comforting to those, who, by
the present ordinance sealing to them, all
tbe promises of God, are assured that when
Jie shall appear^ then shall they also appear
nvith him in glory.

- Such are the -views which are included
under the remembrance of the sacrifice of
the death of. Christ ; which leads,

2. To the consideration of the benefits
we receive thereby. These are gr.eat and
manifold. In general, Jesus Christ makes
over his whole self to every believer, and
therewith all the blessings of grace and glo-
ry, which, by his obedience unto death, he
.hath purchased for us. God, in giving u
'his Son, doth also with him freely give us all
things s and of these tiie following are the
most remarkable.

1. The pardon of sin. This is the first
and grand purchase of the sacrifice of Christ 5
his blood was shed for the remission of sins.
Sin made the great breach between God and

fynrilual Compamdn. 21

us ; its guilt condemned,- whilst its power
enslaved us ; we lay under a curse, which
\ve could neither remove nor endure : but
Christ, by his undertaking for us, hath o-
peiied to us a door, of hope, a way in which
God is righteous and just to forgive us our
*zs, and to cleanse us from ail unrighteous'
ness ; whilst he accepts our surety, arid ex-
acts from him the immense debts with
which we stood chargeable.

In the gospel the glad tidings of free sal-
vation are brought to us, and we are called
to embrace them ; and here, for the con*
iirmation of our faith, God condescends to
put his seal to his Covenant of Grace, ratify-
ing to us the purchased pardon, and assuring
to us thereby, that he will be merciful to our
unrighteoiisness, and will remember our sins
and iniquities no more ,- and we testify our
consent and hearty desire of its accomplish-
ment, by coming to receive the free gift of
God -in Jesus Christ, and casting our soute
tipon the promise. How high the gift!
liow great the benefit ! pardon o.f sin I _a free
pardon, without money and without price.;
a pardon for the chief of sinners, for. a world
^f sinners; 'though, dearly purchased by
Christ, freely given to us ; a pardon that
silences condemnation, removes fear, begets
boldness. Doffr the Law accuse ? we point
this sacrifice and say, There is my satis^

22 The Communicant's

faction. Doth conscience tremble? looking
to Jesus, how can we fear ? -Are we Weigh-
ed down with our guilt, peculiarly heavy,
bound as under an epbah of lead, or lying
under a burthen as/the sand of the sea; this
blood cleanseth from all sin, unbinds every
heavy burden, sets the prisoner free, sends
him forth from the pit of sin and death, to
partake in the glorious liberty wherewith
Christ hath made us free. Come then, ye
guilty sinners, whose black crimes cover
you with confusion ; come, ye leprous souls ,
who want to wash and be clean ; come, ye
burdened consciences, and lay down your
load at jthe foot of the cross of Jesus Christ.
He hath purchased all- your want, and in-
vites 1 ; you to come and take of the water of
life freely, to wash your crimson sins away
in the fountain of his blood, and to ue res-
tored to the full enjoyment of God's favor,
just as if you had never sinned. Here is a
pardon for you written in blood, and sealed
in blood, confirmed by the word and oath of
God, that by two immutable t kings , in which,
it is impossible for Oad to lie, we might have
a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge
to the hofie set before us.

2. Adoption of children is another benefit
of Christ's passion. We who were aliens
from the commonwealth of Israel, and stran-
gers to the promises, are brought nigh,

Spiritual Companion. 25

through the blood of Christ, and made fel-
Ipw-citizens with the saints, and of the house-
hold of God. His obedience to death not
only removes guilt, but confers favor upon
us. We are hereby reinstated in all the
forfeited rights of children, which, by our
fall we had lost, and receive the adoption of
sons, as well as are delivered from the curse
of the Law. In this ordinance God the Fa-
ther promises to be a father to all those
who come unto him by Jesus Christ ; that
he will give them a place in his family up-
on earth, and an inheritance among tfre joint
heirs with Christ in heaven. That he Will
take greater vcare of them than^tjjjf most
tender pafent,%nd love them wi|h ai\, ever-
lasting love. t|jlr* .gives them fhisc^^dge,
-,-s the father ga^-.the prodigal son thdtrin'g ;
whereby they are. -sealed to the day of re-
demption ; and withal sheds abroad in their
hearts his love, begetting theirs : because
we arfsons, God hath sent forth the spirit of
his Son into our hearts, whereby ive cry Jibba^
father. Thus the children, coming to their
Father at the Table whefre their elder broth-
er hath provided a feast of love for them,
receive increase in every filial temper and
disposi'.ion, and grow up into him in all
things, who is their head, even Christ. -
Mere then behold the precious purchase of

The Communicant's

a Saviour's blood ; that we, the heirs of
wrath, and children of darkness ; that we r

x dust of the earth, vile as men, abominable"
as sinners, that we, aliens and enemies in
ur minds by wicked works, should be bro't
nigh, not merely permitted, as the prodigal
asked, to be put among the hired servants,
but robed in the Saviour's righteousness,:
placed among his children, seated at his ta-
ble, blessed with his favor, partakers of th- ,

, provisions of his house below, and looking
for an inheritance, incorruptible and undented?
which fadeth not away, reserved for us in
heaven. Well may we cry out with aston-
ishment, .Behold^ what manner of love is thiy
which the father hath bestowed ufionus} tha$
we stjjjjjld 'be called the sons of God I

3. Another benefit is the consolation and
joy which are herein dispensed. To rejoice
in Christ Jesus, to have peace with God,
through faith, to be filled with comfort and
joy of the Holy Ghost, in the present .ear-
nest and sure prospects of glory to come, is
In a peculiar measure the case in this ordi-
nance, where all things visibly tend to beget
confidence in God, Here we often get 'Pis*
gah views of the promised land; here th&
Jnourning saint finds joy, the wearyyrest j
the dejected, encouragement ; the strong;, in-
creasing confidence ; here the spirit of faith "
applies the atonement, and the- sense of re ~

Sjtiriiuat Cbmffanian.

sonciliatibn often fills our souls with joy un-
speakable and full of glory, and Christ in-
tends liis people should comfort themselves,
should abound in all spiritual joy, and come-
as to a feast where gladness is sown* for the
upright in heart. Here we should/dry our
tears ; at least if they fall, they should be"
tears of joy ; we should put on the garment
of praise for the spirit of> heaviness, and not-,
sit m'ournfully before the Lord of hosts, nor
cloud the joy of the" festivity, with sorrow on^
eur brow, unless such a sorrow as St. Paul
mentions, As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.
Whilst though mourning for our sins, we
Believe the greatness of the gift herein be-
stowed on us ; and the spirit witnesses with
our spirit to the work he hath wrought in
tis, and gives us a present taste of our in-
heritance, before we are actually put in pos^-
session of the purchased glory in heaven.

What a delightful ordinance 1 How many
thousands of real Christians have experienc^-
ed the comforts of it, and daily continue to>
do so ? Real Christians ! I say ; not mere
ceremonial visitors ; they feel, taste, and;
handle nothing of the word of life ; the bread
and wine are to them barren elements, dry
breasts which afford no consolation ; butther
soul vitally united to Christ can say, I sat
under his shadow with - great . delight. He
brought me to his danqueting.-kouse) and. hit'

O

26 The Communicant's

banner over me was love. He tastes the joy
therein dispensed, and goes away rejoicing
because he hath seen the Lord.

4. In this ordinance also there is a free
distribution according to every man's ne-
cessities of strength and power from Jesus
Christ, for all the work a Christian is called
to ; it is one instituted means of conveying:
to believers the supplies of the Spirit for
their wilderness state, both to subdue their
corruptions; and strengthen their graces.
Here we draw water out of the wells of sal-
vation, and, like Elijah travelling to the
mount of Horeb, receive from time to time
our provision, in the refreshment of which
we may hold on our way, and wax stronger
and stronger till we come to the heavenly
Horeb, the mount Zion, the Jerusalem
which is above. If our corruptions are
strong, here is grace to mortify them ; here
we are taught and do receive ^humility to
supplant pride, heavenly mindedness instead
of worldliness, and purity instead of pol-
'lution. The example before u^s, as well
as the grace ministered, powerfully calls
upon us to learn of him to be meek and
lowly of heart ; not to be of the world,
even as he was not of the world ; to
walk in holiness, as he also walked. Are
pur graces all feeble and weak? where
shall we blow the smoking flax into a flam

Spiritual Companion. 27

if not here, where every thing conspires to
-confirm our faith, to enliven our hopes, to
kindle our warmest affections, to enlarge our
charity, to inspire our zeal, to teach us
meekness, to quicken our languor, to en-
courage our perseverance, to excite our
-thankfulness j in short, to work in us every
divine temper and disposition ? This bles-
sed ordinance is designed to strengthen us
mightily in the inner man, to support us
under all discouragements without, and fears
within, that we might go on from strength
to strength, from grace to grace, till we
come to the blessed place where we shall
go from glory to glory.

Here then are great and glorious privi-
leges obtained by the precious Blood of .the
Son of God, and we are called upon to come
and partake in all of them ; and what excuse
can we make ? Do not we want a pardon ?
Is adoption a despicable blessing ? Is spirit-
ual joy an insipid pleasure? or the gift of
God's Spirit an unnecessary assistance ?
Why then do so many slight the ordinance
of the Lord, and neglect this great salvation ? *
Do.you disclaim any relation to Jesus Christ,
and renounce his religion, that you decline
making this .profession, and have no Desires
after the' benefits of his death and passion ?
Surely they who never think of remember-
ing the Lord's death till he come, will be

'The GommuriicanPjk.

most unprepared to -meet him on a dying
i>ed, or in a day of judgment. I beseech-
'you to consider this, you that forget God,
lest, by your slight of him, he be provoked
^o give you up to your own inventions, and
you die in your sins, neither sprinkled with
his Blood, norxlothed with his righteous-
ness, nor partakers of his Spirit : Be assur-
ed they who forge*t Christ now,* will be dis-
owned by ..him in the day of his appearing
*and glory. -

CHAP. II,

Invitation to the Communion.

HEN in the parable the table for the
marriage feast was spread, the oxen

and fatlings killed,the servants in waiting, the-
royal bridegroom seated, a message was

sent to hasten the guests, Come now, for all
-things are ready. With this message, breth-
fen, am I sent to every one of you, beseeeh-
>ing and intreating you for Christ's sake,
-that ye would be reconciled to God, and as
.a token thereof to come unto the marriage^'
supper of. the Lamb. JBut as tlieir message,

'Companion. -*S9

6ld -was rejected,, so -too frequently "is
-ours. The most of you agree with one
consent to excuse yourselves ; the farms and
the merchandize, the- cares and,pleasures oef
this life so engross- your time, that you have
^neither inclination nor leisure/to attend the
call ; and of those who do come, 'how many
-forget the .wedding garment, and thrust
themselves in unwelcome- guests, who, af-
vier having eaten and drank in Christ's pre*
sence, will be bound hand and foot, and cast
into outer darkness,' *where4s. weeping and
wailing and gnashing of teeth. To the pn.e
^and the other of these, I will address 'the fol-
lowing .words, before I enter upon the con-
sideration of the temper necessary for the
profitable partaking of the Lord's Supper*
.And here I intend to show you,

I. The .great danger of neglecting this

ordinance.
ill. The great guilt of coming to ; it un-

worthily.

T. The great danger of neglecting this
-ordinance. And this will appear,

1 . If we consider it as a breach of the exr
t^press commandment of Jesus Christ. It
>was among his last words the night before
lie was betrayed, that his disciples should
vfo. this in remembrance of -Mm. The words
-6f a friend are -always dear^ but his dying
especially apt to dwell upon

. c.2

30 The Communicant'*

and to neglect his last commands would be
then a sure mark of having no friendship
for him. Now this is evidently the case
with those who wait not upon the Lord at
his Table to remember his death till he
come. They confess that they have no
friendship for him, by their disobedience to
the things which he hath commanded them.
They live in the avowed neglect of a posi-
tive precept, and thereby bring down upon
themselves the reward of transgressors,
who have despised his counsels. And that
3^m may see it is no small offence this> I
wish you to observe the heavy wrath of God
denounced against those who neglected to
'Celebrate the Passover (to which our Com-
jn union answers, representing to us a deliv-
erance from sin and hell, infinitely greater
than that from Egyptian bondage) that soul
was to be cut off from his fi.eop.le, Now if
they who despised Moses' law died without
mercy ', of how much sorer fmnishment suji-
fiose yC) shall we be thought worthy, if we
neglect no great ' sal-vatior^^... Careless sin-:
ners, who turn their bae^" on the Lord's
table, think little of the guilt this adds to
their state, and how severely every such
neglected opportunity will be answered for,
when this Jesus shall come to execute judg-
ment on all the despisers of his name .and
-ordinances, . -

Spiritual Companion. 31

2. The great danger of neglect herein is
evident, in that by so doing; we continue
dead in trespasses and sins. Except^ says
Christ himseliy ye eat the flesh of the Son of
man, and drink his blosd* ye have no life in
you.- Whoso eateth my jlesh, and drinketh
my bloody hath eternal life, and I will raise-
hint ufi at the last day. Now though this
primarily refers to the reception of the gos-
pel, and doth not exclude those from eter-
nal life, who, having received the gospel,
are waiting upon God, with a purpose of
heart of soon devoting their souls to him in
this solemn ordinance ; it evidently excludes
all those who have neither received Christ
into their hearts by faith, nor desire to be ...
partakers of the seals of his covenant ; it is,
not possible for such to have any spiritual
life in them ; they are dead in trespasses
and sins ; and they declare hereby their
abiding indisposition for, and disinclination
to all the e,xercises of a spiritual life. The
soul whom Christ hath quickened, delights
to be maintaining daily communion with
him, to* 1 wait in his house and at his table,
whenever he hath opportunity; but you have
ho such desires, no such disposition, because
you, have chosen death rather than life, and
are daily pursuing a course, the end of which
Xnustbe'everlasting destruction. Ask your-
self this plain question, Why do not I come

^Communicants

to the Communion ? And what
swer, but that, I am living in the pursuit of
iniquities, which I have no inclination to
forsake; and what is this but a plain ac~-
Itnowledgme^it of the dreadful misery in
which you are lying every day, liable to the
wrath of God, and assuredly ready to receive
at, if you die as you live, without a new
birth, from the death of sin unto the life of
^righteousness.

3. The danger of neglecting the Lord**
Table is evident, as it includes the renun-
elation of our covenant with God. There
are but two sorts of people in the world,
Believers and Unbelievers ; those who are
-within the covenant, and those who are out
vbfit. When we were infants, the charita-
ble act done for us in Baptism, and the con-
*Ktional engagement then' entered into, can
profit us nothing, unless we are putting in
*>ur own claim*to the blessings then promis-
ed ; and by partaking "in the other sacra-
*nent, when we are .come to 'the years of
discretion* declare we thankfully embrace
^the covenant of grace, and -receive the signs
and seals thereof, in token both of our de-
pendence upon Christ, and renewed dedi:-
*cation to him ; where this is .not clone, w6
deny in fact our baptismal . en gagement:s,
break the covenant we have entered into
. declare our disavowal of all the ip

^Spiritual '-Companion. . ; S3

then made,for us. Hence-. we can
nothing under it, and are left, though .we
tfnay be professing members of Christ out-
wardly, aliens from the commonwealth of Is*
-raely and strangers to the promises ; without
*Christ) without God^ without the covenant,
and consequently without Jiope, without
grace, and without heaven.

4. The great danger of neglecting; it is
* evident from the great wrath and, indigna-
tion God hath revealed against the despi-
ses of his covenant. It-is said, an Romans
/i. 18. That the wrath of God is revealed
from heaven . against all ungodliness and un-
righteousness of men^ who hold the truth in
unrighteousness. Here then>you may rea$
your own condemnation. Who of you, that
4s come to years of discretion, doth .not
know the great duty lying upon you to re-
member the death of Christ? Do not you.
condemn others "that live -in; neglect of the
Lord's Supper; and what /is this but coi>
demning yourself? You have ..excuses, . I
know, but I warn you -there will, none of
them be taken-in thjs day of judgment; and
your own consciences will tell you : so,:- if
you will but give them time to speak. You
know your breaking the commands* of God
is what nothing. can excuse, and therefore
you may be fully assured that the wrath of
.upon you. O lhat from .

34 The Communicant's

these considerations I knew how to reach
your hearts with ^uch an awful, such a ten-
der expostulation, as might at once alarm
and constrain you ; and what urgent cause
have I to speak, whilst I see the dreadful
neglect of many of you who never come,
and of others who come so seldom, that the
same condemnation lieth at their door.
Are all such flagrant transgressors? are all
such dead in trespasses and sins ? are all
such out of the church of God ? are all such
under the wrath of God ? In what a fearful
state then, brethren, are most of you living?
in what an ungrateful state, where you make
Christ's blood to be shed in vain, for you ?
have you no sensibility of the amazing love
of Jesus, of him who lived, who bled, who
groaned, who wept, who suffered, who died
for you ? hath he undergone so many things
for you in vain ? and surely it is as yet in
vain : for do not you slight-all his mercies,
despise his salvation, count the blood of the
covenant an unholy thing, and do despite
to the Spirit of grace, whilst you quench 'all
his strivings ? But if love will not move,
at least let fear dismay you : consider what
it is to Be din outcast of heaven, to be a stran-
ger to God's covenant, to be an enemy to
Christ, to be marked out for the divine^ven-
geancel" to be without a Saviour in the day
of judgment, to be .exposed to the storms of

r

Spiritual Comfiamon. 35

eternal wrath, t6* be banished from God's
presence, to be cast into hell, and have your
portion with unbelievers ; yet all this, fear-
ful and tremendous as it is, lieth against
your soul. Thou, even thou, art the man.
Not having communion with Christ, you
are as a branch dried up and withered, which
men gather and cast into the fire, and they
are burned. 1 beseech you, brethren, by
the mercies of God, to consider these aw-
ful truths, and begin to examine your souls,
lest, with the thousands that have gone be-
fore you, you should perish after the same
example of unbelief.

But I mean not herein, that with all your
sins and carelessness about you, you should
approach the sacred place where Christ
spreads his table. No There is a serious
inquiry necessary before you presume to
eat of that bread and drink of that cup, which
too many rashly and unadvisedly thrust
themselves to partake of, who have no dis-
cernment of the Lord's body. This there-
fore, .*:.: .
... II.- I address to you who come not, and
all others who come with an undue clisposi-
tion,;that they consider the aggravated guilt
of !<f eating and drinking their own damna-
*f tionj 'not discerning the Lord's Body." &
fearful and a common case. To discern the!
Lord*?' Body, seems to- be :a phrase taken

TKc Communicant's

from the use of the senses in bodily objects ;;
as the eye- discerns a prospect, the palate
discerns its food; and the hand discerns what
it handles ; such spiritual discernment must
the soul^ have of Jesus Christ in this ordi-
nance, it must see him by the eye of. faith*/.
it must verily and indeed receive him as
actually to nourish the soul, as the Bread
and Wine to strengthen and refresh the.
body ; it must s&handle the word of life, as-
to apply the blood of Christ, and his saving-
Benefits. All which necessarily presuppo*
ses a new life, a living principle implanted^-
In the soul, a resurrection from the death
of;sin, and a desire of growth in grace
concerning whitirl shall speak more par-
ticularly in the next chapter, only from
hence it may be easily apprehended;

1; Who they are that,*" not discerning.
the Lord's Body,""eat and drink unworthily.

2* What is meant by " eating and -drink-
ing their own^damnation."" w

1. Who they are that doynot discern the-
Lord's Body, and eatr and drink unworthily.-
And here I 'beg your serious attention ; the
matter is deeply interesting to you. I sup--
pose our eternal salvation is in nothing more
nearly concerned, than in a right approach
to the Lord's Table ;- and therefore the fol*
lowing persons cannot possibly have
sail-to appear there.

Spiritual Companion. 8?

(1.) Such as are without the knowledge
qf Christ, the nature of his 'salvation, their
own wants, or the benefits they are to ex-
pect. As our food does not profit us when
we have no appetite or digestion ; so where
knowledge is wanting, the Sacrament is
mere Bread and Wine, and can in no wise
minister to the soul strength or refresh-
ment. Indeed, how is it possible they
should remember Christ to any saving pur-
pose, who are unacquainted with his nature
as God and Man in mysterious union; with
his offices, as a Prophet to teach, a Priest
to atone and intercede for, a King to protect
and rule over and in his people ; and who
have not so learned Christ out of the Scrip-
tures, as to know why lie saves, or how he
saves ?- Here ignorance is atotal bar; it is
the darkness which cannot comprehend
him. And the case is the same where "the
nature of his station is mistaken ; when
any come to the Lord's table, without see-
ing the. entire freedom of the salvation;
when they bring their works and good life
to make them accepted, instead of laying
down their sins at the foot of his cross;;
when they lean, either in whole or inlpart
upon their own righteousness', instead^
seeing him to be their alone righteousness
before God ; when they think the doing the:
'- .- :.. D ;-/-' :

58 The Communicant's

duty is to save them, instead of renouncing-
that, as well as every thing else, to plea<2>
only Christ's merit before Godj then- spirit-
ual discernment must needs be wanting.-
Again, when there is no knowledge of our
own sinfulness, when we are ignorant of the.
miseries of our state by nature, and feel nor
burden under its present corruption ; when
we have no.sense of the perverseness of our*
hearts, and the guiltiness of our .lives; when
we have never felt the desert of sin in the
consciousness we have provoked God to
east us into hell ; what should such do at a
table, where a Saviour only stands for sin-
ners' sakes ? Or, in fine,, if there be no
knowledge nor expectation of the benefits
procured by Christ, no desire of pardon,
adoption, grace, or consolation, it is impos-
sible we would have spiritual discernment,
which consists in the apprehension and ap-
plication of these to the souL How stands
your .knowledge then ? what know you of
Christ ? what of his salvation.?- what of your
sins ? what of the benefits -you are to expect?
Are these dark and unknown? is your un-
derstanding blind and ignorant ? then you
are certainly unfit to come to his table, and
are, in the nature of things) excluded from,
all the blessings of the communion; for the
sacraments do not of themselves work ne-
cessarily, but only according to our discern?*

Spiritual Companion. S9

raent, according to the exercise ofvOur spir-
itual senses.

(2.) Those are evidently excluded from
the Lord's table, who live in any known sin,
or the allowed and habitual neglect of*any
-known duty. It were a horrid insult on the
blessed Jesus, to come with a ; conscience
still defiled, or with hands still unwashen
from our iniquities, to touch his sacred sa-
cramental Body ; and therefore jail who live
an the open .breach of his commandments,
should be utterly cast out. And it .were
much to ,be wished the ancient discipline
were restored, and all scandalous sinners
cut off visibly, as they are spiritually, from
the. communion of Christ. Our churcti ad-
dresses, in her exhortation, a most solemn
admonition by name to all such : " There-
" fore if any of you.be a blasphemer of God,
< (profane in any measure in your-ccpyier-
" sation) an hinderer or slanderer iop^his
*" word, an adulterer, or be in malice, /eiS$J7,
"or any. other grievous crime, (such as
" drunkenness, or. sabbath-breaking, and the
"like) repent, or come not, lest the devil
" enter into you, as .he did into Judas, and
"fill you full of all iniquities." A wise ad-
monition indeed ! for what communion hat ft
.tight with darkness, or Christ with Belial?.
.And how can it ever be supposed that Gotl
should have respect to any -offering,

40 The Communicant's

lie sees our hearts going, a whoring from
him, after the abominable thing which he
liates ? If you can see in your soul that there
is one allowed sin, which. you are unwilling
to part with, and for which your conscience
condemns you, be assured that God is great-
er than your heart, and must much more
condemn you. Whilst this is kept back,
you can have no part nor lot in the matter.
The mists of sin will hinder you from dis-
cerning Christ, and your very appearance
among his people will be but profane mock-
ery. And yet how -many dare come, whose
conversations testify against them that they
are yet. unwashen from their iniquities?--
How many, who live habitually in pride and
plassion, -.pretend to drink into a meek and
Jiumble Jesus ? How many, whose super-
ificial inquiries into their hearts show they
are Afraid to go deeply to work/|v .-How ma-
Siy iff the interval of the seasdffs let loose
the reins to worldliness and. gratification ?
'And some I have heard of, horrid to think
5t I who %uppose the mere act of communi-
cating is the cancelling of the past offences,
and a licence to sin again Surely such
must be in the gall of bitterness^ and bond of
iniquity. The cup of blessing is to them i*
cup of trembling, and the bread of life a sa-
vor of death unto death. And the like may
be said of those who live in the .neglect of

Spiritual Companion. 41

any known duty, such as f private prayer,
prayer in their families, reading the scrip-
tures, mutual exhortation, and all other helps
appointed for our increase in grace ; to neg-
lect these, except once a month, or 'once a
quarter, for a dull week it may be, by -way
of formal preparation for the Sacrament,
"whilst all the interval hath been spent in
forgetfulhess of God, and disregard of his
service, or in some course of vanity, cafe,
or indulgence : ; this, I say, is a direct proof
of unsuitableness' for the ordinance ; such
an one can never discern the Lord's Body.

(3.) They are excluded from any spirit*
ual partaking of the" Lord's Supper, whcr
come merely to qualify themselves for an
office ; the impiety andprofaneness of which
is indeed past the power of words to express.
What i can worms of the earth dare trifle
with the Blood of the Son of God I and,
merely to serve- their own secular concerns,'
pollute the altar of the Lord ?/ Can any-
thing be so .horridly insolent as to come ev-
idently with this thought: "Lord, I am not
come here 1 with any view to thy glory; I
am not come here as an undone sinner^
penitent and believing, to receive the pardon
of riiy sins ; I am not come to remember
thy deaths ; nor expecting any benefits from
it f or at least these are not my chief aim.
' '

42

I am come only to qualify myself for an
! fice, a mere temporal business ; and were
i it not for this I should gladly stay away.*'
What a language this I VlThat spots are
these at our feasts ? What , a hardness and
stupidity of conscience is such communicat-
ing disposed iq beget ? This is making the
Blood of the Covenant common Indeed. I
tremble for the consequences,; knowing ve-
ry* well, that though we may .be deceived,
God will not be mocked. To have eaten
and drank in his presence thus, will doubt-
less send us away at the last day, with a JDe-
part from me, I never knew you. And they
who now thus drink of the. cup of the llorcl,
will be found among those who shall then
drink of the wine of the torath of Qod) which
is poured out without mixture into the cup, of
his indignation. .

(4.) They partake unworthily who only
come at particular seasons, and, instead of
having an habitual fitness, make all the work
of the communion to consist in a week's
preparation ; as if -the Lord's Supper was a
mere slavish <Juty, and a week's .cleansing
was all that is necessary to approach it.-r-
These mistake the very, nature of. the ordi-
nance, and put their one.week's preparation
instead of all those tempers and; disposi-
tions which are required to bj3 abidingly in
For it is not cleansing the

Spiritual Cotttfiahicm'.

side dfthe cup and p'latter, it is not 'the
staining from gross sin, it is not saying so
many prayers extraordinary, or not going -
into company, or being strictly regular for
one week, that can show us to be faithful
people. This is the strangest farce of "de-
votion that can be conceived, and can nei-
ther be pleasing in the eyes -of an heart-
searching *God, nor at all ans\ver-the end-
designed of preparing us for , a suitable ap-
proach to the Lord's Table. The work to:
be done is heart-work ; not of the lip aii'd-
Jkriee ; and the ; pro,paration is the inward
trimming of our graces- not the outward
form of a round of extraordinary .duties. *
None are meet to approach the Lord's Ta-:
^ble who are Jidt every day maintaining spir-
itual communion- with Christ, and always
ready for his table whenever .a call invites v
them thither* There must be a .daily sa-
cramental .vowing 'fidelity to him, and an
exercise of faith in his death and the bene- -
fits of it, wherever Christ .hath real com-
munion with 1 the soul, flence you may see
the absurdity^ of putting on religion, only as,
our best clothes, once.aanonth, or a quaiv
tef/'j? and that such persons as -these, instead
of bei5g r the rViends of"GHrist, are no. better ,
than ceremonious visitors, whose room.
would be i more welcome than ( their compa- .
Christ, whose eyes are as a flame 4f t ;

The Communicant's

fire, and who searcheth the heart and the
reins, sees nothing but spiritual ignorance
iinder the mask of devotion, and no inward
sense exercised to discern him, consequent-
ly not the least meetness for an approach
to his Table ; needs must he address such
jwrith how earnest thou in hither?

(5.) To conclude: None can partake
profitably who have not found acceptance
with God, through the righeousness of the
Saviour, and in consequence experience the
rmighty power of his grace on their souls.
3By the mighty power of his grace I mean
that virtue derived -from Christ, whereby a
dead sinner is quickened to spiritual life,
and endued with spiritual sensibility. If in
this ordinance the exercise of repentance,
faith, charity, thankfulness, humility, and
of all the other graces, is necessarily re-
iquired-in order to" a discerning the Lord's
3Bocly, then it is evident that they who are
vithout these can never partake spiritually.
Now we are all destitute of these, till the
Spirit of God, making the gospel of Jesus
effectual to us, enlightens our minds to see
the fulness which is in Christ, and inspires
these' holy dispositions into > our^soials* We
cannot repent and Believe, lanct ^^JBtndie
thankful, or humble, when- wje*^wil^ or by
our own power, in our natural state ; we
might as soon think of pludkinjj the

Spiritual Companion* 45

from the firmament, as of exercising one of
these graces. They are all the work of
God, the parts of the divine nature commu-
nicated to the children who are begotten,
not after the will of thejlesh^ nor of man, but
of 'God. Therefore if 'you do not know
any 'such change wrought in you, any such
new creation, any mighty working, like un-
to that which raised up Jesus. from the dead j
if you have not an experimental sense of
the quickening influence of the Spirit of
God upon your soul; and have not begun to
see that you have passed from death unto
life, from darkness unto light, from the
power of Satan unto God, it is plain yoii
cannot possibly partake discerningly, in this
ordinance. Should you give ever so much
meat and drink to a dead man, it would nei-
ther bring him to life, nor nourish the car-
case. The case is the same ; if there be no
spiritual life in the soul, there can be no
strengthening and refreshing by the Body
and Blood of Christ. *

2. These persons therefore, one and ano- .
ther, must needs be excluded from all theX
saving be.nefits of Christ's death and passion ;
and if thus careless, ignorant, sinful and un
co'nverteili they approach the Lord's T.able,

"*", _ "T" :'; ^ '-;--" */ ' " "-"* * " * i

they muifipoHbeds eat and drink their -own
damnation 1 . A fearful word indeed !~
enough to make the ears of every- ope

''-'' ** ' '. '*'.' '

46 The Communicants

heareth it to tingle ; and which our church
well explains thus" We kindle God's
wrath against us, we provoke him to .plague
us with divers diseases, and sundry kinds of
death ; judge therefore yourselves, breth-
ren, that ye be not judged of the Lord." >
Here you see that present judgments, and
the wrath to comgjjrare the wages of such,
as by a rash, unadvised, and unsuitable apr
proach to the Lord's Table, are guilty of the
Body and blood of Christ our Saviour. And
shall we provoke God*s wrath against us I
are we stronger than .he ? Forgive my ten-
der concern for you I. am not speaking
these things to grieve or disturb you, but as
beloved children I warn you. You must be
freely dealt with ; you will not forgive me
else, at the day of judgment, if I should now
be unfaithful to your souls; I press, I in-
vite you, yea, I command you in the name
of Jesus Christ, not to slight his Table, as
you do. But then judge yourselves wheth-*
er ye are in the faith, for $ ye ar,e amongst
those I have described, you cannot be wel-
come guests ; if you live in ignorance or sin,
if you respect merely a temporal conven-
ience, if you nake.,it a matter of form, and
have not a living principle of grace in your
souls, abstain at present, as^|Si|i^6uld not
imbrue your hands in Christ's ^opd, and
.crucify him afresh. .Yet -abstain not altp-

- ' ' .-' *j.''

Spiritual Companion. ' 4?

gether. As you value your everlasting sal-
vation, do not lie down in this state, but
hear the present call of Jesus ; look to his
sacrifice that still bleeds for you ; call upon
him whilst yet he- is near, to prepare your
heart according to -the preparation of the
sanctuary. Let your past forgetfulness,
neglect and dishonor of him, lie deep upon
your minds, and be among .those things
\vhich especially humble you before him.
And then arise, as perishing sinners, to lay
yourselves at the foot of his cross, to look
to him whom you have pierced, till faith in.
his Blood produces love in your souls to-
ward him, and a willing heart leads you to
his Table, to present yourselves a living sa-
crifice unto him. Then shall the ordinance
be as much to his glory, as your comfort
and you shall find, by blessed experience,
that you do not only come, but are welcome.

CHAP. HI.

Self-Examination^ a necessary ~~<utyi ^ beforf
we. come, to the J^ord^si^ufip^

'':' -Sjsa^' : ; .- . ' -. ' '<.'-:---' '.'- ';'- '

' '^^'^->

S tBlH^^^ag in the blessed^Tdmance
rd^Supper, depends 'Chieflv;
upon the dtspjsitiioii of mind, in which we

48 ,-Tke Communicant's

approach it, at will become all, as St. Paul
advises, who would come with spiritual dis-
cernment, and return with a blessing, seri-
ously to examine themselves before they
presume to eat of that bread^ and drink oj
that cu/i. To comfort the afflicted, encour-
age the doubting, and to help the sincere
in this behalf, will be the design of the pfe-
sent chapter* as well as to quicken every
soul to the too neglected work of commun-
ing .with his own heart. Our Church Cate-
chism will supply us with the four princi-
pal and essential points of inquiry ; which,
if we understand thoroughly, and answer
faithfully, we may come to the knowledge
of our state, respecting God, and conse-
quently our fitness-or unfitnessfor the Lord's
Supper. And these are,

I. Whether we " repent truly of our for-
<< mer sins, stedfastly purposing to lead

; " a new life."

II. Whether we (t have a lively faith in
" God's mercy through Christ."-

III. Whether we << have a thankful re-
" membrance of his death."

IV. Whether "we are in charity with
" ail men." , ~. ( ^^"' ':- ' -

Points, each of which desi||||a larger
treatment than this short ^xel&l^e^&ahtl yet
you may come to some

Spiritual Companion. 49

about them, if you will attend to what is
now to be set before you.

I. Then, to examine whether you " re-
pent truly of youj; former sins, stedfastly
purposing to lead a nW life," you mijst un-
derstand what is meant by evangelical re-
pentance and newness of life. I shall des-
cribe them as including,

'1 . A sorrow for Sin.

2.^ Hatred of Sin.

3. Forsaking of Sin.

4. An evident change wrought upon your
heart and life.

1 . Evangelical repentance ^includes soT-
row for sin. They who soiv''in tears shall
reap in joy. And, when have we so much
cause to be exercising sorrow for our sins,
and to mourn, as when we are coming to
look upon him whom we have pierced ? here
the foundation of repentance must be laid,
we must lay to heart the great dishonor we
have done to God by our sins, how many
and great they have been, how vile our na-
ture and hearts are, as well as how perverse
our ways have been. We must reflect up-
on the ingratitude of sin, and how everj
act, eye;rpthought of it, has added-a pang
to ithe ^l^ir^^agony. We must consider
it asth|lf||iafig of the Spirit, the; defile-
ment ib^^i^^temple our bodies, and the.

''"'""' '

50 The Communicant^

abominable thing which he hateth. We
should ' reflect on .the wages of sin, even
death eternal, and that of but one sin; how
deeply then are we in arrear to the divine
justice, when heart and life have been noth-
ing but sin ? Thus its evil nature and. heavy
rguilt should both conspire to beget in us the
deepest sorrow and remorse that ever we
should dare transgress against the Majesty
of heaven and the Father of Mercy ; that
ever we should be ungrateful to a dying
Jesus ; that ever we should provoke the pa-
tient Spirit ; that ever we should madly tii-
fle with our souls, and plunge them into
such aw&l condemnation. But have such
thoughreever been harbored in your hearts ?
Are you now desiring to mourn for your
iniquities ; and do they, in these views,
'dwell upon your hearts as a sore burden,
,too heavy for you to bear ? Are you sore
smitten on the grievous remembrance, and
ready, like the Prophet, to wish for a head
.of waters, and eyes, like a fountain of tears,
to run down day and night, for iniquities
which a sea of your own tears would never
.wash away ? Do .you know any such sor-
row, and is the grief for your sins the bit-
terest cup you have ever drank-pf ?;Thisisa

A .. -jtvVivV" .'"' " ~ - ' "

. gracious disposition ; for tmig3jj$dty sorrow
tvorketh repentance unto .salycftJMny never to
be repented ofi : L:

Spiritual "Companion. 51

- 2. Repentance implies an abhorrence of sin
and ourselves. Behold, says Job, lam vile,
there/ore I refient and abhor myself in dust and
'ashes. It is impossible, where a true sense of
sin is upon the heart, this should be wanting;
the heart then rises up with indignation,
with revenge against itself, as St. Paul ex-
presses it, and cannot bear the view of the
past without self-loathing. To think how
vilely we have acted, how insolently we Have
returned all God's kindness with abuse, how
we have turned all his blessings into a curse,
how we have slighted the love of Christ, how
we have resisted the Holy Ghost in his word,
in his providences, in all the methods of grace
he hath used with us ; in short, how we have
sold ourselves, as it were, to work wicked*-
ness ; and now to think of returning to the
bosom of our God thus polluted and defiled,
what vile wretches must we be in our owi*
eyes ! and to see ourselves such, is absolute-
ly necessary before we can return. Then,
saith the Lord, they shall return^ and remem-
ber their own evil ways, and their doings
which were not goody and shall lothe them-
selves for all their iniquities and for all their
abominations. Are you conscious of any
such self-abhorrence ? can you adopt the
languag^ aof Job's self-loathing, and in thex
view of your sins find the inward risings
disgust .and displeasure againjst

._- "*.v '

52 The Comtnunicanfs

them"? do you appear in your own eyes.a
monster of ingratitude, and feel your heart
detesting sin, which hath made you so, more
than you detest the vilest objects in nature ? at
least is it your desire to hate it more than
you do ? This is the work of true repent-
ance. ,

?. Repentance implies a forsaking of sin.
We cannot indeed but forsake it, if we have
groaned under its burden, and felt its odious
ingratitude. How shall we think of continu-
ing a moment longer in a state so displeasing
to God, so grievous to ourselves ? Here
the sword of the Spirit is lifted up against
every darling idol. Repenting, we renounce
our covenant with sin, and our allegiance to
Satan> and burst his bands, and break, his
cords off from us. No known sin can be
any~longer habitually indulged ; not only the
outward sins, whose open nature was more
flagrantly rebellious, such as profaneneness,
passion, lewdness, drunkenness, lying, sab-
bath-breaking, covetousness, and the like ;
'but the more secret heart-sins will be re-
nounced; vain thoughts, and vile affections^
as well as actions, must be forsaken ; no lit-
tle sins any longer plead the privilege of
custom or necessity. If we are sincere in our
repentance, without pitymgKi&r sparing^ our
will search eyeryprne^ of our heart ;

traitor, .we shall-

"Spiritual Companion. 53

bring him forth and slay him before the
Lord; and our darling sin will meet with
the severest treatment ; that we shall lay
most violent hands upon, whilst repentance
cries, Down with itydown with it, e-ven to the
ground; a right eye, a right hand, any thing,
however near and dear to us, away it goes.
Repentance makes thorough work. It is
not, a partial reformation, this is in many
\vhere true repentance hath never wreught
its effectual work ; and thousands have been
\indone by the mistake, whilst conscience
hath made them part from some sins, and
be more restrained and decent than before ;
but they have still dealt deceitfully with the
Lord, their hearts have not been whole with
him, and so they have gone no farther -than
Ahab's humiliation, or Herod's doing many
things at John's preaching to him repent-
ance ; of whom the one still continued idol-
atrous, and the other kept his brother Phil-
ip's wife. A person may be very nigh the
kingdom of God, and yet never enter it ; be
almost, without being altogether a Christian ;
look therefore to your hearts herein, there
is no deceiving God : and what a crying sin
would it be to come to Christ's Table with-
out a purpose of forsaking whatever is- disr
pleasing to him ? Do you repent ? .is>it ev-
ident from your conduct ? Doth riotl- your
heart condemn- you for any reserve. ^i

E2 ' ''

54 , The Communicant's

Can you appeal to God for your sincerity,
that you desire to indulge yourself in noth-
ing, you know or suspect to be sinful ?. Par-
ticularly, do you heartily resist and seek to
mortify the sin "which most easily besets
you ? And is your repentance for it proved
to be real from this, that your sorrow for it
is not only your heaviest grief, but that your
heart is set most steadily against it, and fol-
lows it close, desiring to destroy it root and
branch ; lest it should make you false to
your vows, and like the worm at Jonah's
gourd, make your fair blossoms of repent-
ance wither, and bring forth no fruit ? This
will be comfortable, if, in the presence of
God, you can claim the proof of such a sin-
cere, universal renunciation of sin. It will
be then indeed a repentance never to be re-
pented of.

4. Repentance implies a change of mind ;
this is the exact meaning of the Greek word
metanoia : for every real penitent is brought
out of a state of nature into a state of grace ;
and all his aims, apprehensions, views, and
principles of action, are as different as you .
can suppose those of any two different per-
sons ever to have been, so that he is well said
in scripture to be born again ; old things arc
passed away., and all things are become new ;
he is brought out of darkness into marvellous
. he walks not after the fashion of the

Spiritual Companion, SB

world, but after Christ; he looks not as before
to the things that are seen and are temporal,
but to the things that are not seen and are eter-
nal ; in short, he is changed into another
man, a new man, created after Christ Jesus
in righteousness and true holiness. Here then
is a wide field for inquiry, and most essen-
tial to our profitable partaking at the Lord's
Table, since none but those who have be-
gun to lead a new life, can receive any ben-
efit from, attending on the ordinance. You
must therefore herein closely examine your-
selves. What do you know of this inward
change ? Is your understanding changed ?
Whereas you 'were blind, do you now see ?
you were once darkness, are you now light in
the Lord ? Have you a sight of yourself,
of God, of Christ, of all the things of the
Spirit, different from what you had before,
so that your judgment is altered ? Do you
BOW discover the misery of your /state by,
nature, the vanity of earth and time, the
bondage of corruption, the great need of
salvation, the unspeakable patience of God,
the amazing love of Christ, the greatness
of the invisible realities, and the importance
of only making one thirtg needful, even the
securing an interest in the^kingdom of God
and his righteousness ? -Is your w*# also al-
tered in its choice ? Have you begun to
choose Christ for a portion, instead of the

56 The Communicant''*

world ? do you prefer his service to the ser-
vice of sin ? and, instead of the pursuits of
this world, the pleasures of sense and the

, vanities of time ; rejecting these, are you
embracing the ways of peace, and the paths
of holiness, which lead through faith to glo-
ry ? And are your affections changed ? Do
you love what you hated, and hate what you
loved ? Is Christ now the object of your
affection, more than ever your favorite sin.
hath been ? at least is it your desire and
prayer f that he may be so ? Is it your delight
to be found engaged in the exercises of de-
votion ? or do you chide your sluggish heart
when it goes heavily to the blessed work?
Are you become more 1 aftftid of offending
God, than the wholespbrld beside ? and are
your hop.es chiefly "fj^jft on the promises of

^ his wi>$d ? -an^the expectations he bid| you
look -to in eternity, instead of this present
evil world f ^ Is it your joy to see his inter-
est flourish in the world ? and is it a more
sincere satisfaction to you to help to turn
one sinner from the evil of his ways, than
to partake in the greatest worldly advanta-
ges ? In short, is it now become in a meas-
ure your meat and drink to do the will of
God, and is that which you before loathed,
namely, the denial of your own vile heart,
and the keeping God's commandments now,
become the constant desire of your soul,

Spiritual Companion. 5?

and the thing that you long for ? And doth
your .whole conversation witness , to this
change, and prove that you are indeed pas-
sed from death into life ? that you walk no
more as .other unconverted men, in the -van-
ity of their minds, alienated from the life of
God through the ignorance that is in them^
because of the blindness of their heart, but,
as a child of light, reprove the works of
darkness, and testify against the world that
its deeds are evil? And do you purpose to
hold on thus doing, walking daily more cir-
cumspectly, redeeming the time, and sted-
fastly pursuing this course of newness of
life which .God's holy .word prescribes to
you, whatever docilities may befal .you,
and whatever^more Khan you yet see may
be your portion, whether of reproach, loss,
or persecution, for your fidelity in Christ's
service;? This is that evangelical repent-
ance you are called to. This must be the
matter of your examination* If you can
*ee no such change, if you are as you ever
iised to be, and never knew any time in your"
life when you were convinced by the Spirit
of sis, ted to him who giveth repentance,
^converted unto. God and born again, (a
change in its effects as evident' and clear, as
to riseifrom the dead, or be^een a dry .tre^j;
iie full of leaves, blossqtos, and frui;0
:.I say, you have not ye^tins ^

58 The Communicants

of life, you are still in a natural state, and
ought not to think of approaching the Lord's
Table, till matters are altered with you, and
till the great change is begun, and is mani-
festing itself in your heart and life.

II. You must examine yourself whether
you have " a lively faith in God's mercies
through Christ." Observe, a lively faith,
not a dead faith, not a mere speculative as-
sent of the head to the truth of religion, but
a quickening, powerful principle in the
heart, a faith energetic, that worketh in us
mightily. And this lively faith shows itself
in the following ways : ;

1. In directing us to Christ, as our alone
propitiation. It brings us, burdened as we
are with our sins, to the foot of the cross ;
and there bidding us lay them down, points
to the Blood shed for us, and pleads that pro-
pitiation with which God is well pleased.-
In this way, and this only, we must look for
salvation before God ; renouncing our own
righteousness, emptied of all self-sufficiency,
confessing our guilt, and only resting on
him, who is our atonement and our right-
eousness before God. Into Christfs hands,
as our advocate, we commit our cause, that
he may plead it effectually before the throne
of God ; and tfcis with such satisfiedness in
the availableness of his intercession as. give*
us confidence towards God, and sueha per-

Spiritual Companion. 59

,t

suasion of Christ's love, as that we can cheer-
fully and contentedly leave our salvation in
his hands, assured that he is more willing to
help us, than we to desire it ; yea, that he
was pleading with his Father for us before
we began to look to him. This is the lively
faith which embraces the promises afar off,
and enables us to say, In the Lord have,!
righteousness : through his Blood have I the
forgiveness of sins, according to the riches
of God's grace. The strength and confi-
dence of our faith maybe different in degree,
but in all Christ's people it must be the same
in nature. Some poor mourning, soul, dis-
couraged with doubts, though deeply re-
nouncing all hope in himself, can only feebly
cast his soul upon promises which he holds
as it were with a trembling hand ; yet this
is that good hope through grace, which,
though far removed from the full assurance
of faith, is the sound evidence of a believing
soul, and exercise and experience will con-
firm it. Others can by the Spirit, with hum-
ble confidence claim the salvation, rest satis-
fied in the sure and certain covenant, and re-
joice in that perfect Ip-oetvhich casteth out fear ',
persuaded that Christ hath lo-ued them, and
given himself for them. Inquire then, do
you possess -any measure of this temper ?
Haye you a lively faith ? Do you come with
the .empty hand and a beggar's heart, to re-

The Communicant's

eeive a free salvation ; renouncing your
righteousness, .and disclaiming your duties
as heartily as your sins in the matter of ac-
ceptance with God ? Do you see enough in
Christ to convince you he is able to save
aucli a sinner as you, vile and sinful as you
ar.elj That '"fits' btood ckariseth from all sin y
||i|tpat his righteousness imputed to you,
^^Finake you pleasing in the eyes- of the
God of purity ? And are you satisfied in his
willingness to save you, from all the free
declarations he hath made, and all the migh-
ty and gracious instances of that willingness
and ability he hath given you ? Do these (his-
power and willingness to save) beget in your
mind a determined affiance in him, so that
you can say, Here shall be my rest for ever ;
'this is all my salvation and all my desire ; then
you have the discerning eye that sees Christ
at his Table ; the discerning taste that feeds
upon him, the discerning ear that hears his
voice, the discerning hand that receives but
of his fulness, that wraps the robe of right-
eousness around you, and makes you com-
plete in him. / x

2. A lively faith lays hold of the%trength
of Christ, as well as his atonement and right-
eousness. Unable to do any thing of him-
self, the believer, coming to him, can do all
things through Christ strengthening him.
Faith bring us to him as the' repairer of th

Spiritual Companion. 6 i

breach, as the healer of the deadly wound
which sin hath given us, and which made us
insufficient to think or do any thing pleasing
to God. A lively faith seeks grace as well
as pardon, and assures us it is to be had in
Christ. It tells us, that though without him
we can do nothing, yet in him, when we are
weak, we shall be made strong, strong- in the
Lord, and in the power of his might y hetfee^
in the Communion, the believer applies to
him, and rests all the wants and necessities
of his soul upon Jesus the Saviour. To en-
ter into the covenant, to abide in it, faith
takes the grace of Christ, makes him the
surety to undertake for us ; while we despair
of our o\vn power and might, and draw from
him all our sufficiency. And, satisfied that
his power and might shall be exercised for
us, we rejoice in this confidence, that mighty
as our enemies are, and weak and helpless
as we are, yet that we shall be more than con-
querors through him that hath loved us. Are
you going to Christ with such application for
strength, and from him do you find strength
communicated to you ? Do you see that
without this grace you can do nothing ? Do
you sincerely renounce all hope in yourself^,
and make him your rock, his everlasting
arms your support, his grace the ground.of
all 'your confidence ? This is to believe;; ; " tC; t<i .
44 have a lively sense of God's jnerc'y ; in
" - , I?

62 The Communicant's

" Christ ;" for hereby this mercy comes
home to our souls, we live upon it and by it ;
faith in Christ enabling us continually to
apprehend it, so as to bring peace and par-
don, and from it to derive strength and pow-
er against sin.

III. We must inquire into our thankful-
ness in " the remembrance of Christ's
" death," and the great and precious privile-
ges purchased by his blood-shedding for us.
If we are really sensible of our fallen state,
and have faith in the transaction here repre-
sented to us, it is not possible but our hearts
should indeed be filled with gratitude and
thankfulness to him who hath thus loved us,
and given himself fur us. And in proportion
as we gain a clearer understanding of our
own misery, and the condescension and love
of Jesus Christ, our hearts will be more af-
fected, and we shall come overflowing with
praises to him, who hath died for us, and
rose again. This thankfulness hath a thou-
sand different points of view, from whence
it takes occasion to admire and adore the
grace of the Redeemer. Its most lively ex-
ercise arises from himself, and next to that
from all the blessings given in and with him.
We are filled with thankfulness that we have
ever heard the sound of his name in our ears,
or tasted the power of his grace in pur
hearts j that we have been made already par-

Spiritual Companion. 63

takers of so many blessings, and have so
many greater ones in store ; that not only
the end is so great and glorious, but that in
the way we have so many delightful seasons
of refreshment, where we may find rest un-
to our souls. Christ living, dying, rising,
ascending, sitting at the right hand of God,
each of these affords new matter for thank-
fulness. This must be expressed by our
lips, in hearty, humble acknowledgments
of his love and kindness towards us ; and
not by our lips only, " but in our lives, by
*' giving up ourselves to his service, and by
" walking before him in holiness and right-
", eousness all our days.' 5 Have you any ex-
perience of such thankfulness in your heart ?
Do not you see when any person does you a
great and unexpected favor, in any temporal
things, how your heart rises towards them,
and labors for expressions to testify the grat?
itude you feel ? and how careful you are tq
please so generous a benefactor, if he is ma-
king you daily to partake of his bounty and
munificence ? Now if these trifles so affect
you, and to be ungrateful and unthankful to
man is looked upon as brutish and sava'ge,
how should these great things, that in Christ
are given you, dwell ' upon your hearts ?
How should you be impressed and influen-
ced by them ? Are you so ? Is your heart
rising up in the remembrance of that great-

The Communicants

est of all gifts, God's own Son, with thanks
too big for utterance ? Are you praising him
with joyful lips.? or mourning at least over
the coldness of your heart that loves and
praises him no more ? Doth your life testi-
fy the gratitude of your heart, by your care-
fulness to conform to his will and pleasure ;
never to offend him, or grieving if you do;
in every thing desiring to show yourself no
longer as your own, but his,. who hath pur-
chased you at so dear a price as his own
blood, and called you to sliow forth his
praise, by yielding yourselves to him as
alive from the dead, and your members in-
struments of righteousness unto holiness ? at
least, is this your daily study, desire and
prayer, that you may be enabled more and"
more to serve and please him^ This is to
T je thankful, this is the proof that we have
not received the grace of God in vain.

IV. We must examine whether "we are
" in charity with all men." The religion
of Jesus Christ is a, religion of universal
love ; and especially it is needful that when
we come to remember him who died for his
enemies, we should partake in the like tem-
per of charity. And herein you Should ex-
amine yourselves.

- Jfirsi, Negatively. You'must not enter-
.tain any hatred or malice against any of your
brethren. The hands that are to be lifted

Sfuritual 'Companion. 6S

and the hearts to be brought to Christ's
Table, must be -without malicious wrath) as
well as doubting. If therefore any soul of
you is living in anger,implacable and unmer-
ciful, proud and resentful, unwilling "tajask
forgiveness, 'or hard to grant it ; if thefe'be
one person breathing, whose offences ybfi
<do riot from your heart give up.alldesire* aiid
thoughts of revenging 4 if you are not rea-
dy on the first evidence of repentance to
forgive ; and if you do not compassionate
their perverseness, where you may not be
permitted farther to show the -exercise of
love, you may be assured .you can have no
portion nor lot in the matter ; your temper
utterly excludes you ; it can never be a feast
b'f love to a revengeful spirit : and though
you may pretend forgiveness, and seem rec-
onciled, yet if the venom of malice rankle
in your.; heart, and you want there the-true
spirit of charity, you .are but as sounding
brass and a tinkling cymbal ; you cannot eat
of the Lord's Body, nor have communion at
his feastj nor partake of his benefits. Not
that this merely is sufficient. I only mention
it to show the .glaring impiety of many who
<Jare come with hearts full of .uncharitable-
ness, that probably the week :before had
foeefi vending their undue anger, resentment
arid ^vi'ath, against those who have offended
them, and 'have not mourned over and car-

66 The Communicant- s

ried these hateful tempers to Jesus to sub-
due them. What a horrid profanation for
for such to pretend to a communion of saints,
or to belong to that body, where every part,
hath the most tender care for its fellpw-r
members ? These surely are under wrath.
These must repent and have their hearts
changed, or wrath will shortly come upon
them $o the uttermost.

Secondly, Positively. We must be found
in the exercise of charity ; that is, we must
have a tender feeling for the bodies and souls
t>f men, whether Believers or Unbelievers ;
and this expressed in all proper acts of kind? .
ness and love towards them> according . to.
their several states.

1. To Unbelievers, those that are not, in
a state of reconciliation with God ; who,
tho'ugh they may be professorsin the Church,
evidence in their lives the unrenewecl.state,
of their hearts ; these we must pity aniclpray
for, must never be provoked to hatred with
their wickedness, must bear with their op-
position, abuse or reviling, must labor to re-
turn them good for evil, and blessing for
cursing '; must be ready to show, our affec-
tion, by helping their bodies in any time of
want, and readily ministering to their neces-
sities out of our abundance ; and especially,
desiring to help their souls, to seize any con-
venient occasion of conversing with them 9% ;

Spiritual Companion. 67

their state, to apprize them of their dan-
ger, to improve any impressions which
God's grace or providence may have made ;
and labor in every way to pluck such brands
from the burning, whether by undeceiving
them if they rest on a form of godliness, or
warning them if careless and utterly negli-?
gent Are you showing forth any suchex^
ercise of love .? Have you ever thus tender-
ly rebuked sin upon your brother ? Have
you pitied the misery of sinners ? Have
you borne with meekness and long suffering
their provocations ? Are you gentle towards
all men, not easily provoked ; ready to pass
by a transgression ; and never avenging your-
self, by withholding assistance from, your
greatest enemy in his necessities ? Are you
.ready to every good word and work for him,
heaping coals of fire upon his head, to melt
him do\irn if possible to a sense of his in-
gratitude'? Or whatever reluctance, to it
you find, in your remaining corrupt nature,
is it your burden, and resolutely opposed ?
Caii you pray affectionately for your bitter-
est enemy, and long for his conversion, that
God may pardon him, iafc you are willing to
do ? This is a small, very small part of the
exercise of tliis extensive grace ; but I fear
enough to condemn us, who are ready to
kindle at every affront, 'to be impatient
under provocation; to want compassion, to be

68 The- Communicants ' t

*

destitute of those bowejs bf : mercies '
were in Jesus Christ, to forget how much
God for; Christ's sake hath forgiven us; Yet
to this we must seek to come, after this we
mu'st press, or we can never come to Christ's
Table acceptably, for he cannot bear to be
approached by any heart,' where love un-
feigned hath not wrought this powerful
work. ' /', ^' : ". -.

2; We must show our love especially to
Believers. To those who are of the same
body, whose conversation testifies the truth
of the grace which is in them; over these
we must delight, with these especially asso-
ciate, at Christ's Table, or elsewhere ; their
bodies must be dear to us; whilst we do
good to/all, we must particularly regard the
household of faith . But 'their souls , espe-
cially we must watch for, mutually jealous
over, and caring for each other, bearing with
each other's infirmities, desiring each oth-
er's growth in grace, contributing to it by
conversation, by example, by prayer, and
every other means incur power ; exhorting
and admonishing one another, praying for
and with each othe'r, r as brethren of the
same family,' as children of the; same Father,
as partakers *bf the same table/ as hoping
for the same inheritance ; we must love as
brethren. A love which hath been declared
by many to be equal, I might say, to exceed

. ^Spiritual Companion. 6:9

that which nature implants in the dearest
relations of life. The true Believer can
say* as Jesus Christ .did of those who told
him of his mother and his brethrefi, He that
heareth Chrisfs ivord^ and doth if, the same
is my brother^ iny sister and mot her. Haveyou
such affection towardsthe children of God.?
Do you delight in those who love God, and
keep his commandments ? Are you seek-
ing to approve yourself in every labor of
love towards them, and receiving with thank-
fulness their labors of love towards you.?
Have you the same regard for their welfare,
that your body hath for the several members
of it ? and do you feel for them and with
them in their trials, and alleviate their bur-
dens by partaking of them ? I have not
space to enlarge the inquiry ; but these may
serve as short hints for your instruction,
from whence you may draw a conclusion
concerning your state and temper, how far
you are really found in the exercise of these
dispositions.

Blessed are they who have obtained any
measure of. these graces ; blessed are they
who are seeking after them. The sincere
desire after an increase of grace, is true
grace, and shall have a growing accomplish-,
ment, "~ Judge there/ore yourselves, breth-
" ren, that ye be not judged of the Lord, re- r
pent, you .truly for your sins past,j hayei

70 The Communicant**

" lively and steadfast faith in Christ our
"Saviour ; be thankful .; amend your lives,
<{ and be in perfect charity with all men ;"
and this not superficially, but from the heart,
in simplicity and godly sincerity, and " so
" shall ye be meet partakers of those holy
*< mysteries/'

CHAP. IV.

Considerations proper at the Time of the Cc_t~
.ebration of the Lord's Supper.

HAVING in the last chapter set before
you what was necessary to be examin-
ed into, in order to come to a right judg-
ment of our state, and to approach with suit-
able dispositions the Table of our Lord, I
come now particularly to enter into the con-
sideration of that frame of spirit which we
should be in at the solemnity itself. Having
the general requisites for the feast, there is
also required a particular exercise of these
graces, like trimming our lamps to go forth
to meet the bridegroom. For this end,
when we are purposing to renew our ap-
proach to the Lord's Table, it will be useful

Spiritual Comfianion. 7 1

at some season of leisure to inquire partic-
ularly how we stand, what progress we make
in each of the aforementioned tempers, and
that We spend some time in meditation and
prayer with a view to the ordinance.. Not
that I mean to tie down any believer to a
regular form which he may not omit, or
drive him from the Table because the ordi-
nance was unexpected, or some peculiar
calls prevented him from particular previous
exercises of retirement, examination, med-
itation and prayer : no ; .though it were de-
sirable to be thus employed before, and in,
general such preparation will greatly con-
duce to the enlivening our hearts, and be a
means of leading us in a more sacramental
frame to the Table, yet he that hath the
Lord Jesus formed in him, is alwaya called
upon to come and receive the tokens of his
love.

At the celebration of the feast itself, the
following 'observations will deserve our at-
tention ; and, I trust, minister to oar edifi-
cation.

I. How we should improve the time be-
fore we come to the Lord's Table. .

II. How to demean dfurselves at the Table.

III. The. use we should make of what
time remains when we return from the

Table. : .

1*2. The Communicants

x

I. At the celebration of the Lord's Sup-
per, we should approach the Table with a
frame of mind suited to the particular occa-
sion. As, *^-

1 . With a deep sense of tmr own unwor-
thmess- The service ended, when commu-
nicating begins,some short time for recollec-
tion is afforded us ; our first thoughts then
should aiways-be of the great condescension
ef Christ, that suffers such rebellious, such
sinful dust and ashes as we are, to approach
Ms Table : the deeper sense we have of our
vileness, the more shall we admire the grace
of a dying Saviour; aiid we can never
enough" abase ourselves, the lowest we can
think of ourselves will be less than the truth
f our state. If the holy Patriarch could
say, he was less than the least of all God's
mercies, what may we I Indeed the confes-
sion put into our mouths, that rt we are not
" worthy of so much as the crumbs that fall
" from Christ's Table/' should now be deep
upon our hearts in some such thoughts as
these, " What am I, Lord God, that I should
" approach thy Table ? What am I, who am
c unworthy to be put among the dogs of the
" flock, that I should be fed with children's
" bread ? What am I,, that I should see the
" King at his Table, who have so dishonored
" him as I have done ? -What am I, that I
" should come to claim such inexpressible

Spiritual Companion. T3

** privileges ? I, who deserve -nothing but
"death, nothing but hell?" As Mephibo-
sheth said to David, What am 7, that the
king should fyok upon such a dead dog as. I
.am? God, to use the language of the Psalm-
ist, loves to take us from the dunghill^ before
he sets us among the princes. He that huin-
bleth himself shall be exalted. - -

2. We should draw near with reverence
and godly fear, remembering with whom we
are transacting, even with the God of glory^
before whom ten thousand times ten thou-
sand burning seraphs minister, . and whom
angejs adore ; - remembering what an awful
work we are calling to mind, even that scene
which the earth trembled, and the sun grew
dark to behold ; remembering how great an
affair is now in hand, no less than the seal-
ing"to us the eternal redemption of our v
souls; these views will show us, that the
frame of our minds cannot be enough seri-
ous and reverential. If God is ahvays to be
feared in the assembly of his saints^ and to be
had in reverence of all that are round about
him^ when ought our exercise of this tem-
per to be so deep and solemn, as in this most
holy and sacred assembly ? If the angels
themselves approaching his throne, are rep-
resented as veiling their faces with their
"Wings, hoy ought awe to spread its silent!

Qt - .. ^

.The. Communicant? s

dread upon our souls, and our countenance
to receive the sacred impression, when we
are approaching: his Table ? Dare we rush
into the presence of an earthly monarch
without veneration and respect ? and shall
we not be much more careful how we draw
near to him,, whose throne is in. the heavens,
and whose kingdom ruleth over all ?- That
great Jehovali, that eternal God, who hum-
bleth himself when he beholds the things
in heaven ; and how much more when he
stoops to -treat and commune with poor dy-
ing sinful worms of the earth ?

3; We should approach without distrac-
tion. The sense o God should banish ev-
ery other thought^ We should leave the
world behind us, and for the time seek to;
disengage ourselves from every eare or con-
cern about it ; lifting up our hearts to him-
to restrain our wandering, and fixted on the
point before us, as much as may be, Avithout
diverting from it, to the right hand : or the
left. And in order hereto, it will be profit-;
able to keep our eyes from looking round
us, to have so settled our worldly affairs be-
fore as to prevent their intrusion, and to keep
our thoughts recollected that we may feel
urselves standing as it were naked and open;
before him with whom we have to do, see-
ing him that is invisible j the tempers of

Comfiariwn. FS

minds calm and serene, and all our thoughts
fixed, sedate and attentive.
-.'. .4. We should come with cheerful conffe
dence. in God, as our reconciled Father- in
Christ. As we are >not going to hear our
condemnation, -but to receive our renewed
acquittance and assurance -of 'favor, we
should approachin the character of children,
should possess the confidence of children,
with gladness and singleness of-heart, com-?
ing to the Table where our Father. gives the
testimony of his" regard -to rus. To come
with slavish -trembling and confusion to a
feast of love, is utterly unseemly ; and
shows, either>that -we ar-e unacquainted with
the nature of the ordinance, or have not
that faith which embraces the promises, and
realizes the sign. ; We must remember we
are approaching a Table which love, eternal
love, hath spread for sinners. That we
have such a powerful Advocate for us enter-
ed=into the heavens ; that we may come bold-
ly to the -throne^of grace, and not fear a dis-
appointment. And -that therefore in the
strength of all this, we may without pre-
sumption, if we are really children of God,
draw near with a true heartdn full assurance
of faiths This disposition -is as honorable
to Gody. - as com fortable to ^ ourselves, and;
most needful now to be exercised when ei&.
trerjr 50.U1 : should rejoice and.be

The Communicants

glad, and triumph in the God of his salva-?
tion. When people come tp the commun-
ion, as. criminals to the bar, : it plainly shovys
they are still under the Law, and are in bon-
dage unto fear; that they have been resting
on their own preparation, and their own woi>
thiness, as though they must be in such a
measure good, and they were afraid they
had not arrived at the measure- they, propo-
sed to. themselves ; thus, making faith void
and the promise of none effect. But belie-
ving Souls, (unless ./or a season, if need be t
they be in heaviness through manifold tempt-
ations) will be: cheerful ones ; they become
limnble, yet confident ; serious, yet cheer-
ful. ,

5. We should draw near with hun-
ger and thirst after, righteousness. Just
as at our meals appetite'makes the feast,, so
it is here ; He Jilleth the hungry with good
things, and sendeth the rich empty atuay.~
Such earnest cravings then as your body-
hath after food, such your soul should have
after Christ, and his righteousness, that you
may be found in him. .Consider what; yoju
would feel if you travelled through a barren
and dry land, would you not say, Hungry
and thirsty your soul fainted ? Wcwild not
you cry, Water, water, to <cool the .liuir.ning;
tongue ? would not you dvink deep into ihe'
sjtream, when -from the rock the river issued.

Spiritual Companion.

Ibrth at your cry, and refreshed your parch-
ed throat ? "This world is that barren land,
your soul that parched traveller, Christ the
living rock, the ordinances the pools of wa-
ter, to which if any man thirst, let him
come and drink, yea, come and take of the
water of life freely, See then that your
hunger and thirst be felt ; see that you rel-
ish and find such expressions as these,
agreeable to your frame and temper : As the
hart faanteih after the water-brooks, so long*
eth my soul after thee, God. My soul if
nthirstfor God, even for the living God;
when shall I co?ne to appear in the presence of
God ! Then you will find your heart drawn
up to greater nearness to God ; your affec-
tions will be more united to him ; and, as
the refreshments of food, to a hungry man^
this feast will be a feast of fat things, of fat
things full of marrow, of wine on the lees well
refined. ; ; !

6.5'We sjiould coine with enlivened ex-
pectations pf receiving according to the ; ne-
jsessities o oiir souls. Having before ex-
amined ;our :State in .ortfer to Discover what
.mdst stood in need ,of, -what cor-
; called forriinprtification, wfeat try-
cif (3unJStance$ have inost le^dangered us ,
|ii5t lo,ok:Upon : ou;rselves .a[s sure to
aqe ;angl Jstrefn^th- ; pr;opor,tione=4 to
wau God, who calls upon us, isths
G 2 . v

?& -The Communicant 9 ^

Lord of all grace^ and he gives, like a King,'
liberally to every one that askethj and this
too usually exceeding abundantly above all ivy
can ask or think; all that Christ has purcha-
sed, and that is no less than all the blessings
of time and eternity, we may put in our re-
quest for; and, instead of -being thought
Unreasonable in our desires, the more "en-
larged they are, the more pleasing will they
be to God. We cannot expect to receive so
much as he is willing to- give ; full measure
heaped up and- running over, will he pour
into the bosom of those who ^come to him
with enlivened aith, and big with expecta-
tion of receiving, not for our deserts indeed,
but for- his righteousness* sake.

7. We should approach with fervent char-
ity. This is commanded us above all things,
and most needful when we are celebrating
together this -visible .Communion of Saints ;
where we join intone body, to eat the same
bread, and driiik the -same cup. Before
you come here, you will have taken care to
purge out the old leaven of ^ malice - and
wickedness, that, as -fhe elect of God, i you
might put on bowels of mercies, kindness,
long-suffering, and, with a v peculiar 'affec-
tion, love the brethren : : here- this Ibvfe'WiH
have a lively 'exercise on the- bbjectYbefoi?
IT you will find -your -heart

Spiritual Companion,

%i prayev over them,' thankful for them, de-
lighting in them, regarding them as dear
Unto you as your own soul, at least desiring
to be so affected, and chiding your heart for
the deadness which at any time you experi-
ence. Then, whilst the Minister of th
ILorct is praying over them, that "the Body
and Blood of Christ would keep their bodies
and souls unto everlasting life," you will be
wrestling in prayer together for them, that
they may not -go away without a blessing ;
according to the promise,- that tahere two or
three are agreed together concerning any thing
they should usk-tin Glirist* s name y -it- should be
given them

8. ;We shouW approach with a lively sense
of the transaction itself. Christ, -crucified
! before- our eyes^ shotild pierce our : hearts
with shame ^for our sins. His love should
awaken our most lively affections ; his un-
speakable gift tiraw out our warmest grati-
tude ; and all our souls, melted -into self-
loathing, 'humble joy, and holy ^delight,
Ishpuld testify how highly we esteem; this
?most solemn > ! - ordinance. : ^Bhese viewis
'dwelling upon o : ur mind^i will greatly con-
tribute to render our devotions -before we
i^ommuhicate, fervent,'<humble and joyous^
;(and^suvely our iiearts> must 'be hard- indeed,

ou^iknees there^befbre' the
not?sbme gracious'relentirigs,

The Communicants

Jightful enlargements of soul towards Jesus"
Christ) nor is a lively, sensible experience
of these things, at any time more desirable
or more proper than now, considering where
we are, what we remember, and how we
are interested in it, .

These are the things which will show our
frame of spirit to be sacramental. Not that
I would mean to say, that though we should
eome short in one or other of all, these, we
should therefore ,be unfit for the ordinance ;
no : but we should labor after these, be hum-
bled for our great defectiyeness and low ad-
vancements, whilst the higher measures we
attain of these things, the more comforta-
ble will the communion be, as well as more
profitable. / ;

II, Having thus improved the short time
before the Lord's Supper, when we come to
the Table, we must mind the grand busi-
ness we have to do there, which is to re-
ceive Christ's pledge, in token .that he hath
received us, ai}d to gmake a solemn surren^
.diet of our souls tQ,hitn-;vso:-JLhat ..henceforth'-
our Maker is ouriiuj(banii,t and we are no Ion?
ger our own but his* . Whilst the Minister
then is about to put the? elements in.tp/owr
hands and to make his pray eroverus,thi'surr
render, should be madein tb>followi^w,ay :^

^i).ELi-BERA l TEii-]jkv Having ciounted; ttte
.on one hand wessee a

Spiritual Comfianiow. 81

sufficient Saviour, who hath all grace to par-
don, and ail power to renew, promising us to
undertake for us, to bless, preserve and com-
fort us; yet withal, , we being corrupt and
fallen creatures, this cannot be done without
a course of self-denial and mortification of
our members upon earth, though to encour-
age us to it, this be most intimately connec-
ted with eternal glory. On the other hand,
we see the indulgenqes of flesh and sense.,
the pleasures of sin for a season, but withal
the curse of God in time and in eternity;
\ve are therefore through grace fully dispo-
sed to renounce the one, and choose the oth-
er. This cannot be done too clearly and
coolly. Before at qur devotions, we cannot
be too lively, and fervent in spirit, here we
cannot be too deliberate; Choosing Christ
as our best portion, whatever mortification
and self-denial, whatever reproach, whatev-
er difficul lies^may attend his service, that ,so.
wfe.,may not in a fit of devotion swear -we
will go with him to firison and to death ; an$
then -by anfd by , when corruptions strive, and,
Satan temptSjor tribulation comes,be offend-
ed, ^and >go back from our .engagements ;
but isplsimply and steadily r set our hands to
the plough, as never to look back, but be
faitliful unto death, that ive may receive the

82 The Communicant's

2. HUMBLY. We may not be 'Confident,
but in the ord, and the f lower of 'his might.
We are promising things, the least of which
is; above our strength. God must.wo?*m
zts to rfo, as he hath wrought in us to will.;
and it is with this view we must surrender
up ourselves to him, humbly sensible that
we are not in any wise sufficient of ourselves^
but we commit our souls into his 'hands, as a
faithful Creator.

The sense of our own nothingness should
especially lie upon our hearts, when we are
admitted^ to this awful covenant, and receive
the seals df it into our hands. 'All is from
the Lord; he alone that hath begun his
work in us can perfect -the same, and enable
us to abide faithful to the vows which are
upon us. /

3. CHEERFULLY. We are a willing peo-
ple ; We give up our souls to Christ, and all
we have, and are to be forever his-; <not so
mueh because we are bound to do it, as be-
cause* we delight to do it. We are a .free-
cwill offering-; drawn, not driven, hearty, not
reserved ; love fixes our choice,and Christ is
to us all in all. 'We wish we had a thou-
sand hearts to give him we would not hesi-
tate to part with any thing he calls for, we
would delight in that which he commands k
Witll a willing mind, we take his easy-y<oke

light burden, and are pleased with every .

Spiritual Cojnfianibn. 83

Opportunity of renewing our bonds, that we
may thereby be united closer to the Lord
our head.

4. SINCERELY. This indeed is the life
of the whole. A double heart, a reserved
surrrender, is an abomination before God.
If our eye pities, or our heart spares one
evil temper, one sin ; if we should dissemble
-with our lifts, and flatter him with our tongue^
woe unto us ; he that seeth our thoughts afar
off, would condemn us even on our knees at
the Table. Though we should deceive
ourselves by our hypocrisy, God cannot be
mocked. We must be sincere before him,
our naked souls should be exposed to his
view, and an honest appeal to our hearts,
that God himself knows we; desire to make-
no reserve. See to this, that you make no
partial surrender ; God must have all our
hearts, or none ; if we divide them, by fixing
one .part on the world, if we would plead for
ever so little of its sinful indulgences, if we
want to reconcile the services of God and
mammon, allowing part of our affections to
the pleasures, vanities, interests, or gain of
this present evil world, and think God will
be satisfied with the remainder, we are ut-
terly mistaken. The true surrender is. tor
give up all, and to take Christ as Lord of all,
^our Eihg to reign. over us, as well as our
"propitiation arid atonement. This i

84 The

ity, much' talked of, little known. See that.
it be your own case ; without it the strong-
esfrpromises, the greatest outward reforma-
tion, tlie most lively pangs of devotion, a tor-
rent of lears, or the most solemn remorse^
will but deceive you. Coolly, humbly,
cheerfully and wholly, without partiality and
without hypocHsy, desire to give up your
soul to Christ ; that so you may be able to
adopt the words of an excellent Christian^
and testify as he did :

<c But if I might make some reserve,
"And duty did not pall ;

" I love my Lord with such a love,
That I would give him all."

It. will be a blessed ordinance indeed, if
you eah see such to be the frame of your
heart at Christ's Table, and seal it by the
solemn pledges -of the\;Body and Blood of
Christ, which are ~p$tinto\ your hands.
Here then you will see at the first View the
absurdity" and ignorance it betrays, to be
coming up to the Lord's Table reading
some book of devotion, and in a formal dull
way to be supplying the want of spirituality.
by such a lifeless repetition- of a number of
words. - t Surely if yoMepme to give irp your
heart to Christ, if you.' feel the obligations
Jyiiig upon you to do sp|you
to read it out of a
on your heart, not

- Sftiritual Comjianion. 8a

should be looking'to the dear Saviour, whom
you are remembering, and calling forth this
heartiness, simplicity, and sincerity of ygvjfr
with which you choose the Lord for yoi$r
portion. :; -

Thus you iriay know how to behave at
the Lord's Table. And then,

III. When you depart From thence, I sup-
pose the following things will be a proper
exercise for you.

^1 . You shoul.d retire to your place, and

there begin with an Amen to all that hath

-passed; renewing before God the solemn

renunciation of sm, and choice of Christ;

. f ..'= *. .i.-- . ' ' . . - *

which you have made, and the Jiearty pur-
pose you have of abiding by it. You should
there offer again yx>ur earnest^supplications,
for grace. tJN be -faithful, arid thaF you may
really be enabled to recejye the Lord Jesus,
as a master to serve, a^s well as a portion to
etijoy ; that so this : Gbd maiy be yp^ God
for ever arid ever, and you may be his even
unto death. ^ '

2. You^should depart with admiration of
the condescension and grace you have expe-
rienced. That evef the God of glory
should stoop to loofe upon you ; that ever
Jesus Christ should admit y o'ii to his Table ;
-that ever, the Holy Ghost should majke your
'heartjhis dwelling ; 'that ever such great and

J '"**- '\f '' v f T*

- ->"..- . H .- /

-t6 The Communicant**

precious promises should be Kiade to you ; ;
that ever you should be permitted to receive
the^eals- of the covenant, established with
the high and holy' One that inhabheth eter-
nity ; that ever he 'should institute such an
ordinance, to confirm your faith in his pur-
poses of mercy towards you. How aston-
ishing is all this, enough almost to surpass
belief, did not God himself assurers that all
this is his will concerning us ! Yet still be
more amazed, when you consider what you
are, a creature in the lowest rank of rational
beings, a poor worm whose breath" is in his
nostrils, a dying man, spiling from the dust,
and returning to- the dust again ; and more
than all, a sinful,, a corrupted creature by na-
ture, by practice become the abomination of
that Gpd,^who is of purer eyes than to be-
hold iniquity ; but .now pardoned, adopted,
counted righteous, sanctified, exalted to the
most amazing privileges, even to be tire
heir /of God, and joint-heir with Christ.
Hear, O heavens, and be astonished, O
earth 1 Admir.e, ye angels that surround his
throne, whilst, ye minister to us below !-
What tongue can te/1 the wonders of re-
deeming grace I who can help breaking
forth in astonishment, What manner of love
is this 1. whilst overwhelmed with wonder
too big for utterance, in silence we believe,
and adore! Sush sensibility will

Spiritual Companion. 8 : f

Show a right apprehension of- the greatness
of the grace bestowed on us. And,

3. We should be filled wffn thankfulness.
.Such a frame is the consequence of 'the for-
mer : admiriqg the grace our hearts cry out,
What reward shall I give unto the Lord for
his benefits bestowed upon me ? Praise the
O my soul, and all that is within me
praise his holy name y praise the Lord, O my
soul), and forget not all his* benefits. I will
praise him with joyful lips^ yea, as long- as I
have any being^ will I sing praises to my God.
These are .theJ^ut-breathings of the soul
who hath tasted 'that the Lord is gracious;
not the formal thanks of pharisaical ceremo-
ny, but the inward, deep, heartfelt expres-
sions of a soul, that labors to tell the Lord
Jesus how deeply he admires the grace in
which he hath partaken ; and a blessed frame
this is. The comfort of it to the soul is as
great as the honor done to God ^thereby. ; ''
forivhosoofferelh me praise^ saith tie, he glo-

. 4. We should depart with a sense of our
great imperfection in all our services. This
is needfulj lest if we have received much
. epiritual consolation, we should be exalted
above- measure ; and truly cause enough
tfhere; is for it, seeing in our best attendan-
ces upon God, there is much lacking, and
:we have done all may justly say, -w.e

The Communicant*

are unprofitable servants. And who that!
knows his own heart, will not have cause to
jnourn over so-me unbelief, some coldness,
some deadness, some wandering, some in-
dteposition, some want of a lively exercise
of grace, some undue affections ? This all
xhust be laid to our corruptions, whilst all
that is good in us, should be ascribed to
God's free grace, and the praise given to
him to whom alone praise is due. Our very
communicatings indeed*would be our con-
fusion and condemnation, yea, even of the
>hest of us, if- we hatl hot one in heaven to
bear the'iniquity of our holy things, and to
pardon the imperfection o'f our services^ as
well as the guilt of our sins ; and therefore
always to be clothed with humility ; and to
.stand before God in the perfect righteous-
ness of Christ, is the way to be always ac-
cepted of God.

' .5. We should rejoice in Christ Jesus, anct
in these 'fresh testimonies of his love tow-
ards us. To be abased for what we see-
amiss in ourselves* and yet happy -in Christ
Jesus, explains .that strange, but blessed
paradox oT St. Paul, though Sorrowful, yet
always rejoicing. Indeed our sorrows are a
part of our joy ; and that we can feel orl
mourn over our imperfections, is no slight
.testimony of Christ's love towards us-: and
shall we rejoice, if riot now, when we

Spiritual Companion.

- 1

:liave seen the Lord, have found a welcome,
and received refreshment at his Table ; have
joined ourselves to him in bonds of an ever-
lasting covenant, haying espoused our souls
to him in truth and in righteousness, and
. put on the seal of our adoption, the ring of
our contract, and enjoyed spiritual commun-
ion with him, and obtained new supplies of
grace frorrf him I Surely may we say, I
will rejoice and be glad in thee^ I will remem-
ber thy love more than wine. I will make
mention of the loving kindnesses of the JLord,
and the praises of the JLord, according to all
he great goodness that the Lord hath bestow-
ed ufion me. HajJpy, holy joy 1 how differ-
ent from the mirth of vanity, which makes
the heart sad ! how different from the short-
lived joys of this world, which are but as
the suddenly expiring blaze of thorns. This
is the foretaste of eternal bliss, a drop of
those everlasting pleasures out of the ocean,
from which we shall shortly be replenished
at God's right hand- for evermore.

6. We should depart with fresh courage
to fight the Lord's battles against the world,
the flesh, and the devil. It was said of the
primitive Christians when they met for
these holy purposes, that " they went in as
.lambs, but came out as lions/' So should
said of u,s. Receiving strength from

ii":~,,-^ : i H? : . .

'90 The Communicant'*

*

the Lord, we should depart with full pur-
pose of heart to cleave unto and labor for
the Lord ; to show forth" all holy zeal and
boldness, and never to be ashamed of our -
profession, or act unsuitably to it. This
ordinance should mightily confirm, strength-
en and stablish us : so that our souls^ mani-
festly refreshed by it, may be pressing for-
wards, amidst surrounding enemies, with
renewed vigor, towards the mark -tfor the
prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus.

7. Lastly, We should depart with increas-
ing desires after the kingdom of heaven.
If in these lower courts, the glimpse of glo-
ry be so delightful, what must the full blaze
of that beatific vision be, when we shall no
longer through the dark glass of faith, but
face to face, behold Jesus as he is ? When
we shall see him with our mortal eye en-
throned, to bless and glorify his people ;
and find all our souls infinitely more happy
in the intimate union to$ snd communion
with him, than now it is possible for us- to
conceive. Here our joys are at best imper-
fect, and some tears of sorrow for what re-
mains of darkness and sin, still steal down
our cheeks ; but there every tear shall be
wiped from our eyes, there imperfection
will be no more, we shall be like him, as he
is, fierfect as our Father which is in heaven is
perfect. Hath our faith then entered into

:m--

"Spiritual Companion.

tTat within the veil? have we seen Jesus
sitting on the right hand of God, how can
we but desire to depart and be with Christ,
which is far better ? How can we %ut long
for the wings of, a dove, that we may fly
away, anid be at rest hi this dear Saviour's
bosom ? Is faith at present so comfortable'?
Is hope only -so pleasing ? what must it then
be when faith is lost in sight, and hope in
'enjoyment ? See then that your souls pant
fiigh for glory, and that you go away from
&his Table with such a heavenly mind, as
isoth brings down a taste of heaven below,
,and sharpens the desire after the full enjoy-
araent of everlasting orest. This will be a
profitable use-of >the ordinance. I can pray
Ibr nothing more conducive to your eternal
-salvation, than that such may be .abidingly
and increasingly the holy frame .of your
mind. Then you will know the blessing of
-discerning the Lord's Body ;" and find, by
delightful experience, that the Body and
Blood of Christ, thus received, will keejj
5rour body and soul unto everlasting life.

The Communicant* 9

^ CHAP. V. .

Directions, for the Communicant's daily Walk
with God after receiving the Lord's

HAVING hitherto led you on from the
'nature of the ordinance to the dispo-
sitions necessary for par taking of it, and the
frame wherein- we should, apprc^ch the
Lord's Table, I would conclude the whole
with some considerations of what sort our
after consideration should be, and by what
means we may be enabled so to walk, as be-
comes our profession . This being the great
end of the ordinance, that its influence may
abide, with us, and that it be not looked up-
on as a ceremonious visit, which we may
forget till the time returns again. And
here I solemnly admonish all you, who have
partaken in these holy mysteries, to take
heed to yourselves^ lest you lose the things
you ha-ve wrought \. Remember Judas, who
ho sooner received the sop, but Satan enter-
ed into him ; and, though he so often had
eat and drank at Christ's Table, was a son
of perdition, and betrayed liis niastiBjp..-
And therefore if, as we have engaged*
would take Christ for our master, .and^
as his faithful and covenant servafcts^

'Spiritual Companion.

*at)ier brethren and friends, then .must we 4l
show forth the following conversation.

1. We should go forth into the world
professing his name. We must not be asha-j
nied of Christ, nor his cause ; we should"
speak for Jiis honor, and glory in. his,erossj
Profession now becomes peculiarly deiri
ed from us as Communicants ; and whilst
in these evil clays, vital Christianity and re-
al religion is .branded with every opprobri- ^
x>us name that an ungodly world, who know
not the truth, =canjnvent ; "we must heartily
welcome these reproaches, and walkitsto as
to deserve them ; not silent, hiding our
heads, sealing up our lips, and leaving the
world to their own ways, but by an open de-*
claration, at every proper season Jbearing tes-
timony against them, that their works .are
evil ; boldly, rebuking vice by word as we,ll .*
as practice ; having no fellowship with the
unfruitful works of darkness^ but separating
ourselves from all intimate society with ev-
ery brother who walketh disqrderly, whose ..
conversation agrees,not with l&e .simplicity v
of the gospel. This will make us singular,
it is true ; we shall be unlike the world, and
displease the world ; but wherefore did
meet at Christ's Table, but to make
solemn declaration to him, that we are not of
it fie' world} even as he is not of the world ?
fir shall we dare be so unfaithful, as t

4 The Communicant's

go forth and mix again familiarly, and as be-
;som friends, with those who are enemies to
the cross of Christ, who glory in their shame,
who mind earthly things ? To take up our
ross, and follow Christ, was our sacra-
ental vow. But how unfaithfully have
any of you hitherto performed it ? How
Utterly strangers are you this day to any re-
proach or shame for Christ's sake I.. Where
is your cross that you have borne in the
world ? Alas i you go from. the Lord's Ta-
ble and return again to the world just as be-
fore, 'lost in its cares, pleasures and vanities ;
and how then should the world possibly have
any quarrel with you ? Ye are of the world,
and' therefore the world lo-ves its own. You
never by your professions disturb the slum-
bers or security of the unawakened souls
around you ; the form of a ceremonious du-
ty will -reprove nobody, unless there be af-
terwards something more of profession, than
this mere act of communicating. But be
sincere, and then you cannot escape ; go
into the world, speak as a Christian," profess
your views, live for Christ, and then the
"world ^nd you will have no longer fellow-
ship ; for if you are thus chosen out of the
; -world, the world cannot but hate you. Let
this, brethren, comfort you who bear forth
Christ's name in the world, as well as at his
ITable ; the cross is an honorable badgj||te

v^ Spiritual Companion. 95

.-.'*

be reproached for righteousness' sake is hap-
piness. The remembrance of our surren-
der to Christ, will make us count all things
light and easy ; and suffering as a Christian,
we need not be ashamed ; we know in whom
we have believed ; we know under whose-
banners we have taken the Sacrament to
fight ; and God forbid we should quit our
colors for shame, reproach, evil report, dis-
honor or reviling, yea, though we were cal- ,
led for his sake to prison or to death.

2. We must practice as we profess. Go-
ing forth to give up our whole bodies, souls
and spirits to Christ, and to walk worthy the
high vocation wherewith we are called, we
should carry away with us impressed upon
our hearts the vows we have made, that so
whenever sin would tempt us, we may have
this answer to make, How, shall I do this
wicked tiling^ and sin against God, who have
but lately so solemnly given up myself to
him ? If Christ hath been pleased to take us
for his own, shall we rob him of the pur-
chase of his blood, and dishonor him who
hath so highly exalted us v ?>surely this would
be as ungrateful as guilty. ^Che eyes of the
world ,will be upon us, and they are
and quick; if they see pur conver
be nothing different from their own,
will say, What do ye more than otlters ? 'yjjt-

advantage will this give to the adve^|s^gj

'<5 Tfie Communicant*;*-' --. *

series- of 'the Lord to blaspheme? -These r
" say they, are your Communicants ; here
"they are all devotion, but go home with
"them from church, and you see them as
" passionate and proud, as covetous and
"worldly, as vain and trifling, as false and
"deceitful, as any of their neighbors.*^ -
And if this . Jae the case with any of youj
brethren, what a curse will it bring upon
you ? what a disgrace will it be to your pro-
fession 1 and how will religion be wounded,,
even in the house of its Mends, by your un-
becoming conversation? May not the adver*-
saries of the Lord then be hardened in their
sins, and confirmed in their prejudices,.-
whilst they see, under the outward cloak of
profession, that rank hypocrisy lurks with-
in ; and saving outward appearance, that,
you are neither more humble, more holy r
more mortified, more heavenly-minded than,
themselves ? Surely it were tetter for such
an one, unless mercy restore him, that q
millstone were hanged about his neckband tha(
he were cast into the, midst of the sea, than/
that ever he approached the Tfable-of the;
Lord. But if you would not have this heavy
31t lying upon our souls, then you must
adorn the ddctrins, of God yoUr Sqp-
~n all things j by such an unblameable
uct, that they who seek occasion against
may be disappointed,, and. find no;eyU

Spiritual Companion. -.

thing justly to say of you. Your lives
should be as the light of the morning, which
shineth more and more unto the perfect day,
and your works such as may glorify your
Father which- is in heaven. Then, if men
speak evil - of your good conversation in
Christ, these adversaries of the Lord shall
be found liars ; and all who will inquire even
here, will detect their malice ; arid in the
great flay of the Lord, they shall be covered
with confusion, and receive the reward of
lying lifts and a deceitful tongue, in the lake
which burneth with fire and brimstone^ wliick
is the second death.

3. We must go forth particularly to ex-
ercise the duties of our respective stations
and relations in life. Herein especially the
power of religion is shown forth ; a passion-
ate master, a fretful mistress, a haughty hus-
band, a self- willed wife, a cruel father^ an
undutiful son, a' slothful servant, or a false
friend, none of these can possibly have any
pretension's to real Christianity. To sup-
pose it possible, would be supposing a con-;
tradiction possible., that light arid darknesj
Christ and Belial could agree. Partict
watchfulness will be needful. In every jfi
ily lies |fae great&st proof of the sincerity
the .members of It; tlfe will prove the"
fidelity to Christ by their love- one towards!

; '' ' ' '- '

98 The Communicant's

another, shown in the conscientious dis-
charge of their several relations ; the mas-
ter ruling with gentleness, the servant la-
boring with cheerfulness and fidelity; the
husband kind and tender, the wife meek and
obedient j the father mixing parental affec-
tion with correction, the son manifesting fil-
ial love with dutiful submission, and so in
every other case. This will make our hou-
ses temples ; and the charity, forbearance,
patience and submission, shown one to an-
other in such families, will be the most con-
vincing proof that Christ really dwells under
that roof : and such it is required of Com-
municants to be : and towards those who are
without, the same spirit must show itself. .

,(1.) In the uprightness of all : our deal-
ings, in our intercourse with the world : We
jghall not go beyond, or defraud our brother in
any matter ; but rendering to every man their
dues, shall owe no man any thing. We shall do
our work as under the bonds of the covenant,
not ivith eye service, as men fileasers, but as
the servants of the Lord, doing- -the will of
God from the heart. We shall deal with'each
er.in the simplicity which is in Christ,
luncing every hidden work of dishonesty,
abhorring the appearances of fraud and

justice. And thus walking under an high-
principle than the world is ever acquaint-
ed with, even under; the eye, and as in the

Spiritual Companion, 9

presence of a heart-searching God, shall
convince even those we cannot convert, that
there is a power in the religion of Jesus
Christ to do that which nothing upon earth
.can do besides.

(2.) We must show it in the meekness of
our conversations. The power of religion
is glorious, when it tames the impetuosity
of our passions, softens our severity into
mildness, and puts a bridle both on our
hearts and tongues. Coming from the ta-
ble of a meek and lowly Jesus, we must
needs learn of him to be meek and lowly of
heart, if we would find rest to unto our souls.
It is strange hypocrisy to come with pre-
tence of seeking the wisdom that is from
above, which is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, easy to be entreated, and going home
to disturb all around us by our passions and
perverseness ; instead of gentleness, to be
a lion in our house, and frantic among our
servants ; instead of easiness to be intreat-
ed, implacable and unmertiful ; this is not
to partake of the Table of the Lord, but the
table 6 devils, for these are the dispositions

- of Satan. Let this thing, brethren,. be e- :-..r
riously attended to, let it appear what Chiistf '
at his Table hath done for you, by the chaHgl^ -' rr :

^wrought in your temper, by the mildness|f
sweetness, compassion, forbearance and gen-"
tleness of your conversation.

* ' * - ;./;'; - - ' . "

-100 The Communicant**

(3.) Be temperate in all things. In the
toorldy that its anxious cares and concerns
do not engage you immoderately. In your
body^ that you deny its cravings, making no
provision for the flesh, by sloth, drunken-
ness, gluttony or pleasure, to fulfil the fasts
thereof: They that are Christ's, have both
crucified the world and the Jlesh with its af-
fections and lusts. A worldly covetous Com-
municant, a drunken intemperate Commu-
nicant, a lewd ' and carnal Communicant,
what can be sq monstrous a thing ? Can we
receive the body of Christ in one hand,
whilst we grasp the world in the other ? Can
the same eyes that have looked upon a cru-
cified Saviour, indulge wantonness or be;
greedy of gain ? Can these hearts that have
been made the temples of the Holy Ghost,
erect the altar of Mammon there, or enter-
tain those vile affections which must defile
the sacred ' place ? Let it appear then that
you are now no longer debtors to the flesh,
to live after the flesh ; that the world is cru-
cified unto you, and you unto the world ; that
you have higher enjoyments than flesh- OP
sense, and^nobler prospects than earth can,
give you ; and this may well make you, dead
tp the love of worldly things, and temperate
In the use of them.

(4.) Show forth your love to y