Tliirdly, This solemn preparing for the sacrament is in begging a blessing upon the ordinance. Tlie sacrament is not like phy- sic, uliieh hath an inherent ojtcrative vir- tue : no : but the efticacv of the sacrament depends upon the co-operation of the Spirit, and a word of blessing. In the institution, Christ blessed the elements : " Jesus took biead and blessed it," in the text. The sa- crament will no farther do us good, than as it is blessed to us. We ought then, before we come, to ])ray for a blessing on tlie or- dinance, that the sacrament may be not only a sign to represent, but a seal to con- form, and an instrument to convey Christ and all his benefits to us. We are to pray that this great ordinance may be poison to our sins, and food to our gi'aces. That, as it was with Jonathan, when . he had tasted the honey-comb, his " eyes were enlighten- ed," 1 Sam. xiv. 27., so that by our receiv- ing this holy eucharist, our eyes may be so enlightened, as to 'discern the Lord's b«)dy.' Thus should we implore a blessing upon the ordinance, before we come. The sacra- ment is like a tree hung full of fruit; but none of this fruit will fall, unless, shaken by tlie hand of prayer.
2a, 'I hat the sacrament may be effectual to us, as there nmst be a due preparing for it, so
breasts, as the publican, God be merciful to us sinners. This is a right partaking of the ordinance ; it is part of our worthiness to see our unworthiness.
2, We rightly partake of the sacrament, when at the Lord's table we are filled with anhelations of soul and inflamed desires after Christ, and nothing can (quench our thirst but his blood, IVLit. v. C, " Blessed are they that thirst." They are blessed not only wlien they are filled, but while they
are thirsting.
3. A right participation of the supper is, when \v'e receive in faith. Without faith we get no good ; what is said of the word preached, It profiteth not, " not being mixed with faith," Ileb. iv. 2., is as true of the sacrament. Christ turned stones in- to bread; unbelief turns the bread into stones, that it doth not nourish. Then wo partake aright when we come in faith. Faith hath a twofold act, an adhering, and an applying : by the first act we go over to Christ, by the second act we bring Christ over to us, (ial. ii. 20. Tliis is the great grace we must set a-work, Acts x. Philo calls it, Jidrs occulafa, — faith is the eagle- eye that discerns the Lord's body ; faith causeth a virtual contact, it touched Christ. Christ said to Mary, " Touch me not," &c. John XX. 17. She wiis not to touch hira with the hands of her body; but he saith to us, " Touch me," touch me with the hand of your faith. Faith makes Christ present to the soul ; the believer hath a real presence in the sacrament. The body of the sun is in the firmament, but the liglit of the sun is in the eye ; Christ's essence is in heaven, but he is in a believer's heart by his light and influence, Ej)h. iii. H., " That Christ may dwell in your heart by faith." Faith is the palate which tastes Christ, 1 Pet. ii. 3. Faith makes a concoction ; it causeth the bread of life to nourish. Crede et manduccislOy Alc;. Faith causeth a co*-
sf«r.
of THE LORD'S SUPPER.
lition, it makes us one witli Christ, E|)li. i. 23. Other graces make us like Christ, faith makes us members of Clirist.
Fourthly, Then we partake aright of the Riicraincnt, when we receive in love.
1. Love to Clirist. Who can see Clirist pierced witli a crown of thorns, — sweating in his agony, — bleeding on tlie cross, — but liis heart must needs be endeared in h)vc to liim ? " How can we but love him who liath given his life a ransom for us?" Love is the spiced wine and juice of the pome- granate which we must give Christ, Cant, viii. 2. Our love to this superior and blessed Jesus must exceed our love to other things ; as the oil runs above the water. Though we cannot with Mary bring our costly ointment to anoint Christ's body, yet we do more than this, when we bring him our love, which is sweeter to him than all ointments and perfumes.