The Communicant's Companion (continued)
therefore need to be very particular and strict in examining them, and to give them that charge which Joshua gave to Achan, when he had him under examination: "Give glory unto the God of Israel, and make a confession unto him; tell me now what thou hast done, hide it not from me."
3. We must examine ourselves, as a copy is examined by the original to find out the errata, that they may be corrected. As Christians, we profess to be "the epistles of Christ," to have his law and love transcribed into our hearts and lives; but we are concerned to inquire, whether it be a true copy, by comparing ourselves with the gospel of Christ, whether our affections and conversation be conformable to it, and such as become it. How far do I agree with it, and where are the disagreements? What mistakes are there?
What blots and what omissions? That what has been amiss may be pardoned, and what is amiss may be rectified. In this examination faith must read the original, and then let conscience read the copy, and be sure that it read true, because there will shortly be a review.
4. We must examine ourselves, as a candidate is examined that stands for preferment. Inquiry is made into his fitness for the preferment he stands for; we are candidates for heaven, the highest preferment, to be to our God kings and priests. We stand for a place at the wedding-feast: Have we on the wedding-garment? Are we made meet for the inheritance? What knowledge have we? What grace? Are we skilled in the mystery we make profession of? What improvement have we made in the school of Christ? What proficiency in divine learning? What testimonials have we to produce? Can we show the seal of the Spirit of promise? If not, we shall not be welcome.
5. We must examine ourselves, as a wife is examined of her consent to the levying of a fine for the confirming of a covenant. It is a common usage of the law. A covenant is to be ratified between God and our souls in the Lord's