The Communicant's Companion
makes to them. We must not do as Pilate did, when he asked our Savior, What is truth? but would not stay for an answer. No, we must take pains to find out what has been amiss, and herein must accomplish a diligent search.
And, as far as we find ourselves not guilty, we must own our obligations to the grace of God, and return thanks for that grace, and let the testimony of conscience for us be our rejoicing. "If our hearts condemn us not, then we have confidence towards God."
As far as we find ourselves guilty, we must be humbled before God for it, mourn and be in bitterness at the remembrance of it, cry earnestly to God for pardon of it, and be particular in our resolutions, by God's grace, to sin no more. Pray as Job is taught— "That which I see not teach thou me;" and promise as it follows there—" Wherein I have done iniquity, I will do no more."
III. Inquire, What am I doing?—When we have considered what our way has been, it is time to consider what it is. "Ponder the path of thy feet."
1. What am I doing in the general course of my conversation? Am I doing any thing for God, for my soul, for eternity; any thing for the service of my generation; or am I not standing all the day idle? It is the law of God's house, as well as of ours, "He that will not labor, let him not eat."
If I find that, according as my capacity and opportunity is, through the grace of Christ, I am going on in the way of God's commandments, this ordinance will be comforting and quickening to me; but if I give way to spiritual sloth and slumber, and do not mind my business, let this shame me out of it, and humble me for it: How unworthy am I to eat my master's bread, while I take no care to do my master's work!
2. What am I doing in this approach to the ordinance of the Lord's
Supper?—I know what is to be done, but am I doing it? Do I apply myself