The Communicant's Companion
made capacious enough; so that though the table has been replenished with guests, yet still there is room.
2. There is a table ready spread in the word and ordinances, like the table in the temple on which the show-bread was placed, a loaf for every tribe.
The Scripture is written, the canon of it completed, and in it a full declaration made of God's good-will towards men.
3. There is a laver ready for us to wash in. As at the marriage-feast at Cana, there were six water-pots set for purification. Lest sense of pollutions contracted should deter us from the participation of these comforts, behold there is "a fountain opened," come and wash in it, that, being purged from an evil conscience by the blood of Jesus, you may, with humble confidence, compass God's altar.
4. There are servants ready to attend you, and those are the ministers, whose work it is to direct you to the table, and "to give every one their portion of meat in due season, rightly dividing the word of truth." They are not masters of the feast, but only stewards, and "your servants for Christ's sake."
5. There is much company already come; many have accepted the invitation, and have found a hearty welcome: why then should your place be empty? Let the communion of saints invite you into communion with Christ.
6. A blessing is ready to be craved. He is ready to bless the sacrifice. The great High Priest of our profession, ever living to intercede for us, and attending continually to this very thing, is ready to command a blessing upon our spiritual food.
7. The Master of the feast is ready to bid you welcome; as ready as the father of the prodigal was to receive his repenting, returning son, whom he