to will, or to do what is pleasing in his eyes ; having a great con- trariety in my heart to the way of salvation proposed in the gospel of Christ.
Minister.] ' And have you taken up strong resolutions, that, by the help of God, and the assistance of his blessed Spirit, you will endeavour to persevere in the faith and practice which you have now declared, to your life''s end ?'
Christian.] Sir, there is nothing that I more dread than apostatiz- ing, or relaxing in my duty and profession, and that I should have a backsliding heart from the Lord ; and I earnestly watch and pray against every symptom and degree thereof
Minister.] ' Do you think, that by your own strength and ability, you have power to preserve and continue in the faith and obedience of the gospel, against the many temptations and corruptions that as- sault us, and the lamentable miscarriages of those who seemed pillars in the house of God ?'
Christian.] I have no confidence in my own abihty, Sir, I assure you; but do wholly rely on the Rock that is higher than I; even upon him who hath promised, that he wWlpeifect a good work begun to the day of Christ. I rest upon him, who is the author and finisher of our faith; I beg his holy Spirit, to instruct, guide, assist, and comfort me. And I earnestly desire and purpose, (by the grace of God) to expect those aids, in a constant and universal attendance upon God in his ordinances, with an honest, humble, and believing heart.
Minister.] ' These are all plain evidences of the saving grace of God : which I beseech the Lord may always continue, and grow in your heart ; that so you may have a full assurance of his love, who hath dealt so graciously with you.'
Christia?t.] The Lord grant, that in the sense of his love to my soul, I may w^alk worthy of his grace. And now. Sir, by what has been said, do you think I may presume to feed on Jesus Christ at his table, and receive that blessed seal of my Redeemer's love ?
Minister.] ' You know I told you, that a man may be a true Christian, and yet may not be fit to partake of this holy ordinance : because he may believe unto salvation, and yet be so ignorant of this mystery, as not to be able to make a due application of it to his own soul.'
Christian.] Ah, Sir, I would willingly be informed, what is ne- cessary to be done by a sound believer, in order to the partaking of this blessed ordinance ?
Minister.] ^First, He must consider, that the elements and matter of this ordinance, are not common bread and wine after consecration, but set apart to a holy use, and so to be received with an holy under- standing and fear. And therefore the Corinthians v/ere blamed by the apostle, for their ignorance and irreverence, 1 Cor. xi. Again, that these elements, so blessed and set apart by Christ's appointment, do represent a crucified Redeemer ; and we are to partake of them
4G+ A TAMILIAR CONFEHENCE BETWEEN
ivith love, as a memorial of his death ; and with faith, as the seal of the promise, and the means appointed by God, to convey the bene- fits of Christ crucified to the soul.'
Christian.] Sir, these considerations raise up my desires to come to the Lord's table, which I hope to be a partaker of, with the same sentiments that you have now laid before me ; and that I shall feast mine eyes on that lovely object, which is so full of love ; and that my eye will so deeply affect my heart toward my holy Redeemer, that I may meet with my blessed Lord in all the ways of his appointment.
Minister.] ' Again ; you ought to set your soul upon self-exami- nation, that so you may be sensible of your wants and defects, and come to Christ for a supply of the graces of his holy Spirit ; that you may exercise faith, love, repentance, and all other graces, with such warmth and vigour, that Jesus Christ may delight in you, and you in him ; and there may be a mutual and joyful renewing of your covenant of love and obedience to your blessed Saviour.'
Christian.] Sir, we cannot suppose that there should be the actings and exercises ©f grace, where the habits are wanting, no more than there can be motion without life : but it is usually said, that the holy Sacrament is a quickening, cherishing, comforting, and confirming ordinance.
Minister.] ' No doubt but the worthy prepared receivers of this blessed banquet, have by a due participation found their love inflamed, their faith strengthened, their obedience confirmed, their humility increased ; so that they have appeared vile in their own sight, and have had an utter detestation of all sin, and an earnest expectation and desire after the glorious appearance of their blessed Lord and Redeemer.'
Christian.] Sir, since the benefits and blessings are so great, it makes me the more earnestly long to be a communicant in these sacred mysteries.
Minister.] * It is the duty of all Christ's ministers, to give the sacramental bread of life, and the cup of consolation, to those who hunger and thirst after Jesus Christ, and his righteousness, and king- dom. And now I have told you your duty, I shall be willing to declare to you the nature and the circumstances of this blessed or- dinance.'
Christian.] Sir, I must confess I am not so well instructed herein ; and if I may not be too troublesome, would be very glad to under- stand what this holy ordinance is, and why it is called a sacrament.
Minister.] ' It is a seal of the covenant of God in Christ, where- in, by certain outward signs, instituted by our Saviour, Christ and all his benefits are signified, conveyed, and sealed to the worthy re- ceiver. The word sacrament hath been anciently used, both to sig- nify baptism and the supper of the Lord ; and was taken up by the ancient fathers, from the oath by which the Roman soldiers were sworn to their duty, and were not admitted to be soldiers, until they
A MINISTER AND A DOUBTING FllIENl>. 465
had solemnly taken that oath or sacrament. It is called by several other names in scripture, namely, breaking of bread. Acts ii. 42. the Lord's table, 1 Cor. x. 21. the communion, 1 Cor. x. 16.'
Christian.] Pray, Sir, how many sacraments were instituted under the New Testament, and by whose authority were tliey appointed ?
Minister.] * There are only two, baptism, and the Lord's supper?, and they were ordained by the sole and immediate authority of Jesus Christ ; and tho^e other five which the Papists have added, and called by that name, as order, or ordaining of priests, penance, marriage, confirmation, and extreme unction, or anointing at the hour of death ; all these were neither immediately instituted by Christ, nor have the proper ends of a sacrament."*
Christian.] What are the elements to be used in the sacrament of the Lord's supper ?