The Communicant's Companion
suppress them; for, "What have we that we have not received? And if we have received it, why then do we boast?"
2. Let us therefore fix; and let our hearts be established with the grace here received. What we have done in this ordinance, we must go away firmly resolved to abide by all our days. I am now fixed immovably for Christ and holiness, against sin and Satan. The matter is settled, never to be called in question again, "I will serve the Lord." The bargain is struck, the knot is tied, the debate is come up to a final resolve; and here I fix, as one steadfastly resolved, with purpose of heart to cleave unto the Lord. No room is left to parley with a temptation; I am a Christian, a confirmed
Christian, and, by the grace of God, a Christian I will live and die; and therefore," get thee behind me, Satan, thou art an offence unto me." My resolutions, in which before I wavered and was unsteady, are now come to a head, and are as a nail in a sure place; I am now at a point, "I have opened my mouth unto the Lord, and I cannot go back;" and therefore, by the grace of God, I am determined to go forward, and not so much as look back, or wish for a discharge from those engagements. "I have chosen the way of truth, and therefore in thy strength, Lord, I will stick to thy testimonies."
Now my foot stands in an even place, well shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
I am now like a strong man refreshed with wine, resolved to resist the devil, that he may flee from me, and never yield to him.
VI. We should come from this ordinance praying; lifting up our hearts to God in ejaculatory petitions; and retiring, as soon as may be, for solemn prayer.—Not only before, and in the duty, but after it, we have occasion to offer up our desires to God, and bring in strength and grace from him.