being an excuse, that it is rather an aggravation of their crime. If any man say, I am a grievous sinner, and therefore am afraid to come, why do ye not repent and amend?-when ye should return to God, will ye excuse yourselves, and say, I am not ready?-consider earnestly how little such feigned excuses will avail before God. SO The terms of the invitation liberal and easy, the motives to accept them so persuasive and powerful, the end so advantageous and honourable to ourselves, and the only reasons to be urged for a refusal so poor and inconsiderate, that they who reject the love of God, and refuse the benefits of the death of Christ, renewed in this Holy Sacrament, must subscribe even to their own condemnation. But criminal as it is, and highly offensive to the Majesty of Heaven, to abstain from the Lord's table, it is still a greater sin, and attended with much more danger to approach it unworthily. Many are apt to suppose, that notwithstanding all their endeavours, they cannot sufficiently qualify themselves to be accepted as meet guests at the Supper of the Lord. This is the apprehension of a weak mind, occasioned by indulging those fears and scruples which are void of all reason, and founded rather upon a want of faith, than a proper trust in the mercy and justice of God; for we are well assured, that the same preparation and temper of mind, the same contrite and humble spirit is necessary to offer up our prayers at any time as is required to receive this holy communion worthily; consequently, he that thinks himself prepared for the one, need be under no apprehension of not being qualified for the other; and least we should err in this respect, it is particularly enforced in the course of the service, that the necessary preparation consists in repenting truly of our sins, and in intending to lead a new life, following the commandments of God. This is the wedding garment, with which it is in every one's power to furnish himself, and is so easily obtained, that it would be the greatest indignity to the master of the feast to appear without it. To conclude; lest we should incur the vengeance so justly denounced against those who were bidden and refused to come, let us resolve to obey the invitation, and prepare ourselves to partake of that supper which is shortly to be administered. If we have an unfeigned sorrow for our past offences, earnest belief and expectation of God's mercy through Christ, and a stedfast resolution of obedience, we may draw near with faith, and receive this Holy Sacrament with comfort; not doubting of being graciously accepted by him who came on |