Let us notice, lastly, who were the communicanis at the first appointment of the Lord's Supper, They were not all holy. They were not aU believers. St. Luke in- forms us that the traitor, Judas Iscariot, was one of them. The words of our Lord admit of no other fair interpretation. "Behold," He says, "the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table."
The lesson of these words is deeply important. They show us that we must not regard aU communicants as true believers and sincere servants of Christ. The evil and good will be found side by side even at the Lord's Supper. No discipline can possibly prevent it. — ^They show us furthermore that it is foolish to stay away from the Lord's Supper because some communicants are un- converted, or to leave a church because some of its members are unsound. The wheat and the tares will grow together until the harvest. Our Lord Himself tolerated a Judas at the first communion that ever took place. The servant of God must not pretend to be more exclusive than his Master. Let him see to his own heart, and leave others to answer for themselves to God.
And now, if we are not communicants, let us ask our- selves, as we leave this passage, "Why are we not ? What satisfactory reason can we possibly give for neglecting a plain command of Christ ? " May we never rest, till we have looked this inquiry in the face ! If we are commu- nicants, let us take heed that we receive the sacrament -worthily. " The sacraments have a wholesome effect and operation in those only who worthily receive them." Let us often enquire whether we repent, and believe, and strive to live holy lives. So living, we need not be afraid