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ON THE PREPARATION REQUISITE BEFORE THE LORD’S SUPPER
GOD is a holy and jealous God, and greatly to be feared: in all our approaches to him we should be filled with awe; but a want of reverence prevails among the generality of mankind; even real Christians manifest it sometimes, and that too even in the most sacred ordinances. St. Paul, reproving the Corinthians for their conduct at the Lord’s supper [Note: 1Co_11:20-22.], lays down an universal rule for communicants: “Let a man,” &c.
I. The duty of self-examination in general—
This is an important but much neglected duty: it is strongly recommended in the Scriptures—
[The Apostle expressly enjoins it to all [Note: 2Co_13:5.]. This injunction is remarkably strong and energetic [Note: In the words ä ï ê é ì Ü æ å ô å and ἀ ä ü ê é ì ï é , which latter is too harshly translated “reprobate,” there seems an allusion to the trying of metals by a touchstone: the repetition also of the injunction, and the expostulation that follows it, are expressive of the Apostle’s earnestness, and consequently of the importance of the duty enjoined.] — — —]
There is great reason for it: we cannot ascertain the state of our souls without it—
[It is evident that the generality of men deceive themselves. We also are liable to the same deception through pride and self-love; nor can we form a right conclusion without a strict investigation.]
A mistake respecting our state would be fatal—
[There is no repentance in the grave: as we die, so shall we continue for ever.]
The benefits to be derived from it are exceeding great—
[If our state be found good, we shall rejoice in the testimony of a good conscience: if it be bad, we shall be stirred up to flee from the wrath to come.]
We should therefore live in the habitual practice of this duty [Note: Psa_77:5.]. But self-examination is more especially needful on certain occasions—
II. The need of it before the Lord’s supper in particular—
This is intimated in the text; “Let a man examine himself, and so let him come.” And indeed there is peculiar reason for it at that time.
That ordinance is a season of remarkable solemnity—
[There we see Christ crucified, as it were, before our eyes: there we contemplate the most stupendous mysteries: there we commemorate the greatest of all mercies: there we are admitted to most familiar fellowship with God. And does it become us to engage lightly in such an ordinance?]
It is a season that calls for the exercise of all our powers—
[The understanding should be occupied in devoutest meditations: the affections should be engaged to the uttermost. And can we thus command our faculties without any preparation?]
The neglect of self-examination may rob us of all the benefit of the ordinance—
[Who can estimate the benefits we might receive if we came prepared? But who has not often communicated in vain? And has not our neglect been the true cause of this ]
We should therefore be peculiarly attentive to it at such a season.
To assist in the discharge of this duty we shall shew,
III. The subjects which we should then more especially inquire into—
We should examine ourselves respecting,
1. Our knowledge of the ordinance—
[To come without a proper discernment is dangerous [Note: ver. 27.]. We should inquire what we know of the nature and ends of the ordinance. On a distinct view of these our profiting much depends.]
2. The state of our souls before God—
[At the Lord’s table we receive “the children’s bread.” We should inquire therefore whether we be God’s children?]
3. The immediate frame of our souls—
[We ought to have all our graces in lively exercise [Note: Son_4:16.].]
Application—
[Begin this necessary work without delay — — — Yet set not about it in a legal manner or for self-righteous ends: do not trust in your preparation, or expect acceptance on account of it; but look to Christ as the only ground of your hope towards God: neither stay away from the table because you have not spent so much time in preparation as you could wish. Whether you have used more or less diligence you must go as the publican [Note: Luk_18:13.]. Be assured however that your profiting will for the most part be proportioned to your preparation.]