The Communicant's Companion (continued)
hope, that though I have not yet attained, neither am already perfect, yet there is a good work begun in me, which shall be performed unto the day of Christ.
Thus we must examine our spiritual state; and, that the trial may come to an issue, we must earnestly pray to God to discover us to ourselves, and must be willing to know the truth of our case: and the result must be this:—
1. If we find cause to fear that our spiritual state is bad, and that we are yet unsanctified and unregenerate, we must give all diligence to get the matter mended. If our state be not good, yet, thanks be to God, it may be made good: "There is hope in Israel concerning this thing." Rest not, therefore, in thy former faint purposes and feeble efforts; but consider more seriously than ever the concerns of thy soul. Pray more seriously than ever for the sanctifying grace of God; put forth thyself more vigorously than ever to improve that grace; resolve more firmly than ever to live a holy life, and depend more closely than ever upon the merit and strength of Jesus
Christ, and I hope thou wilt soon experience a blessed change.
2. If we find cause to hope that our spiritual state is good, we must take the comfort of it, and give God the praise, and not hearken to the tempter when he would disturb our peace, and hinder our progress, by calling it in question. Though we must always abase ourselves, and be jealous over ourselves, yet we must not derogate from the honor of God's grace, nor deny its work in us. God keep us all, both from deceiving ourselves with groundless hopes, and from disquieting ourselves with groundless fears.
II. Inquire, What have I done?—We come to the ordinance of the Lord's
Supper, to receive the remission of our sins, according to the tenor of the new covenant. Now, one thing required of us, in order to peace and pardon, is, that we confess our sins. If we do that, "God is faithful and just to