ticipation hereof, we are really incorporated into Christ; we dwell in Christ, and Christ in us; we are made one with Christ, and Christ with us: in regard of which invaluable privilege, as well as the great dangers which threaten unworthy addresses hereunto, now especially we should enter into, and heed ourselves, being careful to perform all devotional acts of worship and piety which may conduce to a good acceptable celebration of so Divine a mystery; St. Paul hath comprehended them all under this one word and duty of examination (1 Cor. xi. 28), which includes more than we can readily conceive: I shall not insist upon those Graces of Faith, Repentance and Charity, about which it should be chiefly conversant; but do immediately proceed to those preparatory acts of devotion which should be exercised in order to a due reception of this blessed Sacrament. I begin then, as you should in this, and in all other duties of religion, IN THE NAME OF GOD; and exhort, that having received notice from God's Priest of a Communion to be celebrated the next Sunday, you forthwith set yourself to this great work, of fitting yourself for a right participation thereof. Whatever you do, let this be ever and anon uppermost in your thoughts that whole week, reflecting on your spiritual estate, and especially on that time which God hath lent you from your last reception; what graces you have improved, what duties you have omitted, what sius committed; out of a hearty resentment of which, breathe forth sometimes these, or the like pious ejaculations ; I HAVE sinned ; what shall I do unto Thee, O Thou preserver of man! Lord, I am not worthy to come under Thy roof; but speak the word only, and Thy servant shall be healed. Adding these two Collects to your private devotions, both at morning and evening that whole week. ALMIGHTY GOD, who of Thy tender mercy didst give Thine only Son Jesus Christ, to suffer death upon the Cross for our redemption, and didst institute, and in Thy Holy Gospel command us to continue a perpetual memory of that His precious death, until His coming again: hear me, most merciful Saviour, I most humbly beseech Thee, and make my groanings, my desires after this Holy Sacrament, answerable to my needs of it. But, O Lord, how shall such a wretch as I dare to approach Thy holy Table? How shall I presume to take the children's Bread, who am as a vile dog in Thy sight? I have often trampled those precious things under foot, either carelessly neglecting, or unworthily receiving those holy Mysteries; O Lord, my horrible guiltiness makes me tremble to come, and yet makes me not dare to stay away; for where shall this polluted soul be washed but in this fountain opened for sin and for uncleanness? Hither then I come; and Thou hast promised, that him that cometh to Thee Thou wilt in no wise cast out. Grant me, therefore, gracious Lord, so to eat the Flesh of Thy dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink His Blood, that my sinful body may be made clean by His Body, and my soul washed through His most precious Blood. Amen. I WILL not presume to come to Thy Table, O merciful Lord, trusting in mine own righteousness, but in Thy manifold and great mercies, declared unto mankind in our Lord Jesus Christ; for whose sake, give me, I pray Thee, such a preparation of soul as may qualify me for a worthy approach thereunto : to this end, make me heartily sensible of my sins and unworthiness; raise up my dull and earthy mind from groveling here below, and inspire it with a holy zeal to seek those things that are above: let that infinite love of Christ in dying for so wretched a sinner inflame my soul, and kindle in me that sacred fire of love to Him again, and to all those whom He hath given me command and example to love, enemies as well as friends, and that for His sake: clothe me, O Lord, in the wedding garment; and make me, though of myself a most unworthy, yet by Thy mercy, an acceptable guest at Thy table, that I may not eat or drink my own damnation, but salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Having recommended yourself unto God with these or the like Collects, in your private retirements, I do earnestly exhort you to frequent the public prayers of the Church; (nothing but a charitable, or some very urgent occasion can, this week, or, indeed, should at any time excuse you;) and to attend them with all possible devotion watch yourself now especially, your thoughts, words and actions, that they be not wicked nor vain; or, if at any time they should, that you forthwith recal and check yourself, saying or thinking thus, Lord have mercy upon me! Lord have mercy upon me! I SAID, I will take heed to my ways, that I offend not with my tongue. O God, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright; grant to me such strength and protection as may support me in all dangers, and carry me through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |