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 PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY 
 
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 PRESENTED BY 
 
 Mrs. Winthro-o W. Aldrich 
 
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 TO A 
 
 YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 BY 
 
 JAMES w. Alexander, d.d. 
 
 NEW YORK: 
 ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH & COMPANY, 
 
 900 BROADWAY, COR. 20th STREET. 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1854, 
 
 BY ANSON D. P. RANDOLPH, 
 
 m the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, 
 for the Southeran District of New-Tork. 
 
P R E F A C E, 
 
 This little hook has its origin in a desire to fur- 
 nish candidates for church-communion^ and young 
 disciples who have already taken the first step, with 
 advices somewhat more full than can, in ordinary 
 eases, be given orally to individuals by their pastor. 
 It is not a treatise on the Lord^s Supper, and is not 
 intended to rival or supersede larger works on this 
 iubJecL Among these, the preference may safely' 
 be given to the Communicant^ s Companion, by the 
 Rev. Matthew Henry. 
 
 TJie latter portion of this manual is taken up 
 with a series of brief counsels, not limited to the 
 sacrament, but concerning the whole beginnings of 
 a Christian walk. The performance, small and 
 'plain as it is, may be found useful to simple- 
 minded professors of some standing in the Church, 
 especially such as have been destitute of careful 
 instruction* 
 
IV PKEFACE 
 
 The mode of direct address which ^at 6een em- 
 ployed may seem curt and magisterial ; the writer 
 has, however, adopted it advisedly, as securing three 
 great qualities in a compendium, to wit, clearness, 
 brevity, and point. Tlie passages of Scripture 
 which are cited in the margin have been gathered 
 with some care ; the young reader will be a gainer 
 by seeking them out, and even by committing them 
 to memory. 
 
 After these explanations, the effort is humbly 
 dedicated to God, with an earnest prayer that it 
 may be made a blessing to the young and if/norant. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 L TLe Design ..... 
 
 . 9 
 
 JX Profession of Faith . 
 
 10 
 
 TIT. On whom Obligatory ? . 
 
 . 11 
 
 FT". Duty arising from Baptism 
 
 12 
 
 Y. Nature of the Sacrament 
 
 . 13 
 
 YI. The Doctrine of the Sacrament . 
 
 16 
 
 YII. Benefits to be Expected 
 
 . 16 
 
 Till. Admission to full Communion . 
 
 It 
 
 IX. Improper Motives .... 
 
 . 19 
 
 X. Why Should I Partake? . 
 
 19 
 
 XI. Causes of Fear 
 
 . 20 
 
 XIL Warning ... • . 
 
 22 
 
 XIII. May Doubting Souls Come ? . 
 
 23 
 
 XIY. Insufficient Reasons for Dehy . 
 
 24 
 
 XY. Imperfect Yiews of the Ordinance . 
 
 . 26 
 
 XYI. Encouragements . . . . 
 
 27 
 
 XYII. Need of Self-Knowledge 
 
 . 28 
 
 XYIII. Self-Examination . . . . 
 
 29 
 
 XIX Questions before the Communion . 
 
 . 30 
 
 XX. Difficulty of the Work 
 
 36 
 
 XXI. Solemnity of the Juncture 
 
 . 38 
 
 XXII. Undue Fears 
 
 39 
 
 XXIII. Preparation 
 
 . 40 
 
 XXTY. Church-Preparation . . • 
 
 42 
 
 XXV. First Communion ... 
 
 43 
 
 XXYI. Simple Yiews .... 
 
 44 
 
VI 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 pAoa 
 
 XXVII. Pielimmary Services , . i 45 
 
 XXVIII. Feelings Suited to the Ordinance 4:7 
 
 XXIX Christ Present ... 49 
 
 XXX The Administration .... 50 
 
 XXXI. The Act of Partaking ... 51 
 
 XXXII. Thoughts of Self and Sin . . . 53 
 
 XXXIIL Thoughts of Christ ... 54 
 
 XXXIV. Thoughts of Brethren ... 55 
 
 XXXV. Cautions after Communion . . 56 
 
 XXXVI. Disappointed Hopes .... 57 
 
 XXXVII. Thankful Review 59 
 
 XXXVIII. General Retrospect , . i . 60 
 XXXIX. Going down to the Worid ... 61 
 
 XL. Courage 62 
 
 XLI. Interval between Communions , ,63 
 
 XLII. Benefit of Frequent Communion . 64 
 
 XLI II. Subsequent Communions . . .65 
 
 XLIV. Review of Numerous Sacraments . 6ff 
 
 XLV. Reasons why some refrain from Partaking 6T 
 
 XLVL Seek the Sacramental Edification of Others 70 
 
 XLVII. The Career before You . • . .71 
 
 XLVIIL Importance of Beginning Aright . 73 
 
 XLIX. The Post of the Young Christian . . 7i 
 
 L. Blessedness of Youthful Profession . 75 
 
 LI. Principle of the Christian "Walk . 76 
 
 LIL Means of Self-Culture ... 77 
 
 LIIL Doctrinal Instruction . . .79 
 
 LIV. Meditation .... 80 
 
 LV. Prayer .81 
 
 LVI. DaUy Walk 83 
 
 LVIL The Lord's Day ... 84 
 
 LVIIL Outward Conduct . . 86 
 
CONTENTS, 
 
 VU 
 
 
 Page 
 
 MX The Family .... 
 
 . 86 
 
 LX Pashion and Amusement . 
 
 87 
 
 LXL Diligence . . . » 
 
 89 
 
 LXII. Humility . . 
 
 90 
 
 LXIII. Duties to the Church 
 
 . 91 
 
 LXIV. Brotherly Love . 
 
 92 
 
 LXV. Christian Acquaintance . 
 
 . 93 
 
 LXVI. Intimate Friends . 
 
 94 
 
 LXYIL Active Fellowship 
 
 . 95 
 
 LXVIII. Aid to the Gospel 
 
 95 
 
 LXIX. Attendance on "Worship . 
 
 . 96 
 
 LXX. Weekly Meetings 
 
 98 
 
 LXXL Love of Souls .... 
 
 . 99 
 
 LXXIL Sunday-Schools . 
 
 100 
 
 LXXIII. Charities 
 
 . 101 
 
 LXXIY. Edification of Brethren 
 
 10? 
 
 LXXV. Scandals 
 
 . 10? 
 
 LXXVT. Peace-Makmg . 
 
 104 
 
 LXX VII. Reproof 
 
 . lOf 
 
 LXXVIII. Duties to the World . 
 
 10(» 
 
 LXXIX. Modesty in Labours . 
 
 . 10» 
 
 LXXX. Seeking Opportunities . 
 
 . 10» 
 
 LXXXL The Spread of the Truth . 
 
 . 109 
 
 LXXXIL Liberality .... 
 
 . 110 
 
 LXXXIII. Systematic Beneficence . 
 
 . 110 
 
 LXXXIV. Personal Beneficenco . 
 
 . Ill 
 
 LXXXV. Coaolusiou 
 
 . 112 
 
THE 
 
 YODNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 ■•♦»■ 
 
 I. 
 
 You have now taken the first solemn step 
 which is to separate you from, the world. 
 You have avowed your purpose to follow 
 Christ, and have begun to entertain the ques- 
 tion, whether you shall not enroll yourself 
 among his people. In these circumstances, 
 if rightly affected, you are conscious of an 
 unusual solicitude, a tender fear of doing 
 wrong, and an earnest desire to be instructed. 
 It is to furnish you with some plain direc- 
 tions, as to the professing of religion and ita 
 consequent obligations, that the following 
 paragraphs are offered to your devout con- 
 eideration. 
 
10 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 n. 
 
 The profession of religion, though, com- 
 monly associated with a first partaki-iig of 
 the Lord's Supper, is distinguishable from it. 
 In cases where the subject comes from be- 
 yond the pale of the Church, he is bap- 
 tized ; and the profession of his new faith 
 connects itself with his baptism. And we 
 may conceive of cases, for instance on a 
 dying bed, where the administration of the 
 Lord's Supper may be impossible, but where 
 there is still an avowal of attachment to 
 Christ. But since for the most part in 
 Christian lands, those who become subjects 
 of saving experience are such as have been 
 already baptized, the first open acknowledg- 
 ment of religious obligations is their ap- 
 proach to the Lord's Table. Hence this is 
 commonly spoken of as their profession of 
 faith, or, less correctly, as joining the Church. 
 
ON WHOM OBLIGATORY? 11 
 
 m. 
 
 The <iiitj of confessing Christ before men 
 is incumbent on every one who hears the 
 Gospel. It is spoken of in Scripture in 
 immediate connection with saving faith. 
 ** If thou shalt confess with thj mouth the 
 Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart 
 tha^ G-od hath raised him from the dead, thou 
 sb^ll; be saved."* In like manner, the duty 
 of commemorating the death of Christ at his 
 table is binding on all who have been made 
 acquainted with his gracious work. Impeni- 
 tence and unbfelief, while they disqualify for 
 right performance, afford no excuse for ne- 
 glect. It is the sin and not the apology of 
 the sinner, that he has no faith to profess 
 and no love to testify. 
 
 * Rom. 10 : 0. 
 
12 THE YOUNG COMMUNIOAJ^. 
 
 IV. 
 
 All baptized persons are members of the 
 Church. Their duty, therefore, to acknow- 
 ledge Christ before the world rests on yet 
 clearer grounds. It is true, we do not 
 ascribe a regenerating grace to their bap- 
 tism ; but we must not go to the other ex- 
 treme of making this precious ordinance a 
 nullity. Those who have been baptized 
 stand in a relation to the Church different 
 from that of the world at large. They have 
 been designated as disciples or learners, and, 
 where the parental obligations have been' 
 discharged, have been trained in religiou3 
 knowledge. Such children of the Church 
 should often consider the privileges and 
 benefits sealed by this ordinance. They 
 should be humbled for their sins, and for 
 falling short of, and walking contrary to, the 
 
NATUEE OF THE SACRAMENT. 13 
 
 grace of baptism and its engagements. They 
 Bhoiild feel bound to the faith and practice 
 signified by their symbolical separation from 
 the world. Children born within the pale of 
 the visible Church, and dedicated to God in 
 baptism, are to be taught to read, and repeat 
 the Catechism, the Lord's Prayer, and the 
 Apostles' Creed, to abhor sin, to fear God, to 
 pray, and to obey the Lord Jesus. And when 
 they arrive at years of discretion, it behooves 
 every one of them to consider the duty of 
 ratifying the vows made in their name, by a 
 personal avowal of allegiance to Christ. The 
 case of such is therefore widely different from 
 that of the world without. 
 
 V. 
 
 ^ditm 0f tilt Smmtnl 
 
 The Lord's Supper was instituted by our 
 
 blessed Saviour, on the night before he was 
 
 betrayed ; and you will do well to read with 
 2 
 
14 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 care the record of the institution.* It is a 
 sacrament, that is, a holj ordinance, which 
 signifies, seals, and exhibits to such as are 
 within the covenant of grace the benefits of 
 his mediation. There is an outward sign, 
 and there is also a spiritual grace signified. 
 The outward sign is bread and wine, given 
 and received, according to Christ's appoint- 
 ment. The inward grace is the communica- 
 tion, by the Holy Spirit, according to his 
 sovereign pleasure, of such faith, comfort, 
 and spiritual nourishment as agree with the 
 reception of Christ as slain for our sins. This 
 yisible and palpable action shows forth his 
 death, and believers engage in this, as obey- 
 ing his dying injunction, " This do in remem- 
 brance of me."f 
 
 » Matt 26 : 17-35. Mark 14 : 12-26. Luko 22 7-3a 
 1 Got, 11 23-SJ4. \ Luke 22 : 19. 
 
THE DOCTRINE OF THE SACRAMENT. 16 
 
 VI 
 
 The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper ex- 
 hibits, in palpable action, a great doctrine, 
 which is otherwise conveyed in words. Un- 
 less you apprehend this, you must fail of 
 deriving spiritual nourishment by feeding 
 on the Lord's body and blood. This doc- 
 trine is the Atonement. It should be 
 graven on the tablets of the mind and hearfc. 
 Deeply ponder, then, on the truths following: 
 The eternal Son of God, coequal with the 
 Father, did, when the fulness of time was 
 come, take upon him our human nature, with 
 all its infirmities, yet without sin. The 
 Word was made flesh, and the two natures 
 were inseparably joined together in one 
 Person, who is Christ the Mediator. The 
 Lord Jesus was made under the law, and 
 perfectly fulfilled it, obeying the precept and 
 exhausting the penalty. In his humiliation 
 
16 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 he suffered most grievous auguisli of soul and 
 most painful agonies of body ; lie was cruci- 
 fied, died, and was laid in tlie tomb. Bj bis 
 perfect sacrifice of himself, he fully satisfied 
 Divine justice, and purchased reconciliation 
 and eternal glory for all those whom the 
 Father hath given him. The entire benefits 
 of this redemption are ofiered to you in the 
 Gospel, and more summarily and vividly in 
 this sacrament, and your title to them be- 
 comes sure when you believe on the Lord 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 VII. 
 
 You are therefore called to this memorial 
 by love to Christ, and a consequent desire 
 to obey his affecting command. If you find 
 grace to partake in a right spirit, you will 
 derive special benefits. You will, in the 
 exercise of faith upon the Kedeemer, here 
 strikingly represented, feed upon his body 
 
ADMISSION TO FCJLL COMMUNION-. 17 
 
 and blood, not in any gross sense, but as 
 receiving and applying to yourself Christ 
 crucified and all the benefits of his death. 
 This sacrament thus becomes one of the 
 means of salvation, not from any power in 
 itself, but by the operation of the Holy 
 Ghost and the blessing of Christ. The ap- 
 proach which you contemplate is, then, one 
 of the most solemn acts of your life, and ia 
 not to be attempted without much reflection, 
 inquiry, and prayer. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Jitaissi^n to Ml Commttm^n, 
 
 As the Lord's Supper represents the great 
 
 object of saving faith, it is impossible for one 
 
 who has no faith to partake of it in a due or 
 
 acceptable manner. This is a matter for 
 
 your own inquiry. Christ's ministers and 
 
 other church-officers cannot read the heart. 
 
 They must be governed by evidences from 
 2* 
 
18 THE YOUNG COMMlNICAI^r. 
 
 your declarations and conduct. Tliey may 
 judge of your knowledge and life, and may 
 credit the amount of your inward experience, 
 but they cannot pronounce you to be regen- 
 erate ; ana by admitting you to sealing ordi- 
 nances, they do not so pronounce. Their 
 warrant for so admitting you, is not the cer- 
 tainty of 3^our conversion, which they can- 
 not know, but only your credible profession 
 of faith in Christ. Of this credibility they 
 must judge from your words and actions. 
 And you should be solemnly warned against 
 the disastrous error, ot taking your admission 
 to the communion as any part of the evi 
 dence that you are really a child of God. 
 That evidence is to be derived from a careful 
 comparison of heart and life with the marks 
 of grace laid down in the Scriptures. 
 
WHY SHOULD I PARTAKE ? 19 
 
 IX. 
 
 You draw near to this sacrament on 
 false grounds, if you believe tLat it is sav- 
 ing in itself; if you expect beneiit from 
 mere outward participation ; if you seek to 
 declare yourself better tlian others; if you 
 would gain a reputation of goodness among 
 men ; or if you use it as a means of further 
 ing any worldly purpose. 
 
 X. 
 
 You will properly ask yourself why you 
 propose to come to the Lord's Table. If 
 rightly disposed, your answer, to be suffi- 
 cient, must be something like this : Because 
 T believe in the Lord Jesus, because I love 
 him, and because I wish to remember Jiim as 
 
20 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 mj djing Eedeeiner. Not because I am 
 good, but in tbe deep persuasion tbat I am a 
 Binner. As a sinner, relying on his righteous- 
 ness, receiving his promise, and hoping for 
 his Spirit, I desire to sit at the foot of his 
 cross. As ignorant and wavering, I crave 
 new faith, in this holy ordinance. As his 
 child and servant, I long to come out from 
 the world, and make the most public avowal 
 of my attachment and subjection to him. 
 And as a Christian, I would hasten to own 
 my fellowship and unity with that bod}^, of 
 which this bread and wine are the com- 
 munion. 
 
 XI. 
 
 An extraordinary dread of approaching 
 the Lord's Table exists in many minds. 
 This is partly caused by a misunderstanding 
 of certain words of the Apostle Paul, and 
 must be removed by considering their true 
 
CAUSES OF FEAK. 21 
 
 import. The expressions are found in his 
 account of the institution. 
 
 '' Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this 
 bread and drink this cup of the Lord unwor- 
 thily, shall be guilty of the body and blood 
 of the Lord." 
 
 " For he that eateth and drinketh unwor 
 thily, eateth and drinketh damnation (the 
 word means judgment) to himself, not dis- 
 cerning the Lord's body."* 
 
 Every thing depends upon our disco- 
 vering of whom this guilt and this judg- 
 ment are declared. For this purpose we must 
 examine the history and context of the pas- 
 sage. Paul was writing to the Corinthians. 
 They had fallen into gross and heathenish 
 abuses of the Lord's Supper, such as to an- 
 nul its real character.f They turned it into a 
 common banquet, where each ate his own 
 separate provision, and where they drank to 
 intoxication. It was this which was eating 
 and drinking unworthily, and this which 
 
 ♦ 1 Cor. n : 27, 29. f 1 Cor, H • 2a 
 
22 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 brought on tliem guilt and condemnation. 
 But these censures do not apply to fearful 
 souls, in our day, who come reverently to 
 the ordinance, even if it should be the case 
 that they come without full preparatiqn. 
 
 XII. 
 
 At the same time, we should not draw 
 near without a holy awe. There are abuses 
 tind profanations of this sacrament, short of 
 che riotous enormities of Corinth. God's 
 displeasure falls on him who rushes to this 
 table, ignorant of its true intent and of the 
 wsij of salvation ; unprepared and careless ; 
 without solemnity and desire of right views ; 
 hard, impenitent, and indulging himself in 
 known sia. 
 
MAY DOUBTING SOULS COME? 23 
 
 XIII. 
 
 Phh §aM\\^ Smils €mxt? 
 
 The profession which you here make, is 
 of faith in Christ, and not of assurance of 
 hope. The distinction is important. If, 
 therefore, you feel your sins and long to be 
 delivered from them; if you attempt and 
 pray to be enabled to come in faith ; if you 
 fjast yourself on the righteousness of Christ, 
 you need not dread the judgments denounced 
 m Scripture. Hence it would be wrong to 
 defer your profession of faith until you re- 
 ceive the grace of assurance. This is well 
 and soundly expressed by the Assembly of 
 Divines: "One who doubteth of his being in 
 Christ, or of his due preparation to the sac- 
 rament, may have -true interest in Christ, 
 though he be not yet assured thereof; and 
 in God's account hath it, if he be duly affected 
 with the apprehension of the want of it, and 
 unfeignedly desires to be found in Christ, and 
 
24 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 to depart from iniquity. In wbich case (be- 
 cause promises are made, and this sacrament 
 is appointed for the relief even of weak and 
 doubting Christians) he is to bewail his un- 
 belief, and labour to have his doubts resolved ; 
 and so doing, he may and ought to come to 
 the Lord's Supper, that he may be further 
 strengthened." 
 
 XIV. 
 
 Even among those who cherish a persua- 
 sion that they are born of God, there are 
 some who debar themselves from this privi* 
 lege. They plead that it is possible to live 
 as a Christian without a public declaration 
 of it ; that they are not yet acknowledged 
 by the world as reformed persons ; that cases 
 of apostasy are numerous ; that they feai 
 lest they should dishonour their profession ; 
 or that they wish to put themselves upon a 
 long course of trial. In many cases, theso 
 
INSUFFICIENT REASONS FOR DELAY. 25 
 
 reasons are prompted by a secret unwilling- 
 ness to take up the cross. When the love 
 of Christ is in the heart, it ought to be made 
 public by an open confession. In the early 
 Church there was no such thing as owning 
 Christ and yet living separate from his people. 
 There is danger in postponing this act upon 
 slight grounds, and some have been known 
 to linger thus all their days. If there is sin 
 in hasty profession, there is also sin in ne- 
 glecting the dying command of Jesus ; and 
 if fear of the world's opinion be the motive, 
 that threatening should be well considered : 
 ''For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and 
 of my words, of him shall the Son of Man bo 
 ashamed when he shall come in his own 
 glory, and in his Father's, and of tlie holy 
 angels. "* 
 
 ♦Liike9:26. 
 
26 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 XV. 
 
 ^rnpxM Wu\xi$ jaf tin (BxVmmtt 
 
 Some persons seem never to acquire a di&- 
 tinct notion of the Lord's Supper in its essen- 
 tial nature. There are certain things implied 
 in it, and flowing from it, which nevertheless 
 are not its grand peculiarity and character- 
 istic. These confused appr,^aensions are en- 
 couraged by some of our familiar phrases. 
 For example, few expressions are more com- 
 mon, in reference to the communion, than 
 that of "joining the Church;" but this is 
 only incidental, and indeed baptism and not 
 the eucharist is the rite of initiation. We 
 do, in fact, join ourselves to the Lord's peo- 
 ple: but this is not the primary idea. In 
 like manner, it is a "profession of religion/^ 
 and so of a purpose to lead a holy life ; but 
 this also is secondary, and nut included in 
 the rite as such. Again, though it- seals to 
 believers the benefits of the Covenant of 
 
ENCOURAGEMENTS. 27 
 
 Grace, the Lord^s supper is not itself a 
 covenant. The notion of vow or compact 
 does not enter into the original idea. Great 
 evils will be avoided, if you fix your thoughts 
 first on that view which is first in the insti- 
 tution itself. It is a remembering of Christ — 
 a showing forth the Lord's death — a feeding on 
 his body and blood — and a communion with his 
 jpeople ; and while the other aspects, properly 
 guarded, are not to be rejected, these should 
 be the precise object of our contemplations, 
 
 XVI. 
 
 Great blessings are derived from being a 
 conscientious communicant. At this sacra- 
 ment, you will find confirmation of faith and 
 all graces, as already said. You will be 
 honoured and comforted by the fellowship ot 
 Christ's people ; you will be inclosed, and 
 protected, and watched over, in the fold ; 
 
28 THE YOUNG COMMUXICANT. 
 
 you will in a higher degree enjoy- the ac- 
 quaintance, sympathy, converse, and prayers 
 of trae Christians ; you will have facility, 
 stimulus, aid, and example in holy living ; 
 and you will hold forth the word of life to 
 the unconverted world, in a manner which 
 would not otherwise be possible. To all 
 which may be added, the indescribable solace 
 of a consciousness that you are obeying Him 
 who died for you. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 ||[.ct!tJ 0f Self-jln0tole!trge. 
 
 Human church-authorities, it has been 
 said, can judge only of the credibility of 
 your profession of faith. But there is a 
 secret matter between God and your own 
 Boul, which must now engage your most soli- 
 citous attention. Every thing in this ordi- 
 nance implies the presence of gracious affec- 
 tion. Even if you should escape the higher 
 condemnation of the sacrilegious, you can- 
 
SELF'EXA.MINATION. 29 
 
 not partahe of spiritual food, in an unregene- 
 rate state. Hence the manifest importance 
 of an immediate and thorough inquiry into 
 your condition, as a condemned or a justified 
 soul. " Let a man examine himself, and so 
 let him eat of this bread and drink of this 
 
 cup."* 
 
 XVIIL 
 
 Though it is to be supposed that yon 
 have already often brought yourself to this 
 test, it becomes you yet more deeply to scra- 
 tinize your experience before going to the 
 table of our Lord. And how greatly do you 
 need the aid of the Holy Spirit in this work ! 
 It should be your maxim, that no marks of 
 evidence are of the slightest value which arc 
 not clearly laid down in the Word of God. 
 Many such tests have been invented. You 
 
 * 1 Cor. 11 : 28. 
 3* 
 
80 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT, 
 
 should next be aware that the great difficulty 
 is not in laying down marks, but in identify- 
 ing these in yourself. Volumes have been 
 written on this single subject. One un- 
 doubted fruit of the Spirit, in the heart, 
 standing out bright and undeniable, is just 
 ground of belief that the soul is regenerate. 
 But we are prone to mistake, sometimes in 
 our own favour, and sometimes against our 
 hopes. Observe carefully, therefore, that in 
 the helps now to be given, it is not pretended 
 that the topic is exhausted; it is rather a 
 specimen of the manner in which the inquiry 
 may be conducted. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 Have I seen myself to be, by nature and 
 by practice, a lost and helpless sinner? 
 Have I seen not only the sinfulness of par- 
 ticular acts and omissions, but that my heart 
 
QUESTIONS BEFORE THE COMMUNIOi>J'. 31 
 
 is a seat and fountain of sin, and that in me, 
 as unrenewed, there is no good thing ? Has 
 a view of this led me to despair of help from 
 myself, and to see that I must be altogether 
 indebted to Christ for salvation, and to the 
 gracious aid of the Holy Spirit for strength 
 and ability to perform my duty ? 
 
 On what is my hope of acceptance with 
 God founded ? On my reformation ? on my 
 sorrow for sin ? on my prayers ? on my tears ? 
 on my good works and religious observances ? 
 or on Christ alone, as my all in all ? EEas 
 Christ ever appeared very precious to me ? 
 Have I ever felt great freedom in committing 
 my soul to him ? If I have done this, has it 
 been not only to be delivered from the pun- 
 ishment due to sin, but also from the power, 
 pollution, dominion, and very existence of 
 sin within me ? 
 
 Do I hate all sin, and desire to be delivered 
 from it, without any exception of a favour- 
 ite lust ? Do I pray much to be delivered 
 from sin? Do I strive against it? Do I 
 
32 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 avoid temptation ? Do I, in any measure, 
 obtain the victory over sin ? Have I so 
 repented of it, that my soul is really set 
 against it ? 
 
 Have I counted tho cost of following 
 Christ, or of being truly religious ? Am I 
 ready to be cut off from vain amusements, 
 from the indulgence of my lusts, and from a 
 sinful conformity to tlie world ? Can I face 
 ridicule, contempt, and serious opposition? 
 In the view of these things, am I willing to 
 take up the cross, and to follow Christ 
 whithersoever he shall lead me ? Is it my 
 solemn purpose, in rehance on his gracious 
 aid, to cleave to him and to his cause and 
 people, to the end of life ? 
 
 Do I love holiness ? Do I earnestly desire 
 to be more and more conformed to God and to 
 his holy law, to bear more and more the like- 
 ness of my Redeemer ? Am I resolved, in 
 God's strength, to endeavour conscientiously 
 to perform my whole duty, to God, to my 
 neighbour, and to myself ? 
 
QUESTIONS BEFORE THE COMMUNION. 33 
 
 Do I make conscience of secret prajei 
 daily? Do I ever experience delight in it? 
 Have I a set time, and place, and order of 
 exercises for performing this duty ? Is it 
 my purpose, as the head of a household, to 
 maintain the worship of Grod in my family, 
 every morning and evening? Do I read a 
 portion of the Holy Scriptures every day, 
 and in a devout manner? Do I love the 
 Bible ? Do I ever perceive a sweetness in its 
 truths ? Do I find them suited to my neces- 
 sities, and do I at times see a wonderful 
 beauty, excellence, and glory in God's Word ? 
 Do I take it as the "man of my counsel," 
 and endeavour to have both heart and life 
 conformed to its requisitions ? 
 
 Have I given myself away to God, sol- 
 emnly and irrevocably, hoping for accept- 
 ance through Christ alone, and taking God 
 in Christ, as the covenant God and satisfying 
 portion of my soul ? Does the glory of God 
 appear to me the first, greatest, and best of 
 all objects? 
 
34 THE YOUNG COMMCTNICANT. 
 
 Ilave I sucTi a love to mankind as was 
 auknown to me before ? Have I a great 
 desire that tlie souls of men should be saved, 
 by being brought to the Redeemer ? Do I 
 feel a peculiar love to God's people, because 
 they bear their Saviour's image ? Am I in 
 charity with every brother-professor ? If not, 
 have I made endeavours to be reconciled? 
 Do I from the heart forgive all who have in- 
 jured me ? Do I desire and endeavour to 
 grow in grace and in the knowledge of Christ 
 my Saviour, more and more ? Am I willing 
 to sit at his feet as a little child, and to sub- 
 mit my understanding implicitly to his teach- 
 ing, imploring his Spirit to guide me into all 
 necessary truth, to save me from all fatal 
 errors, to enable me to receive the truth in 
 the love of it, and to transform me more and 
 more into a likeness of Himself? 
 
 Do I love the Lord Jesus Christ ? Do I 
 especially love him as dying for my sins ? 
 Do I desire to remember him, in this his 
 dying love, at his table? Am I sufficiently 
 
QUESTIONS BEFOKE THE COMMUNION. 35 
 
 acquainted with the nature and design of this 
 sacrament ? Have I carefully considered the 
 history of our Lord's sufferings, in the four 
 Grospels? Have I diligently read the ac- 
 counts of this institution, in the New Testa- 
 ment? Am I ready, as a sinner redeemed 
 by this blood, to go to this ordinance ? Am 
 I desirous of communion in it with Christ's 
 people ? Am I willing to submit myself to 
 the government and discipline of the Church ? 
 Do I feel it to be important to adorn religion 
 by a holy, exemplary, amiable, and blame- 
 less walk ? Do I fear to bring a reproach 
 on the cause of Christ? Am I afraid of 
 backsliding, and of being left to return to a 
 state of carelessness and indifference in reli- 
 gion ? Have I any sufficient reason for post- 
 poning the profession of my faith ? And 
 what is my duty, in consideration of the pos- 
 sibility that I may be summoned into etei^ 
 nity before another communion season ?* 
 
 * In preparing these questions, a free use has been 
 madp of a series drawn up by the late Rev. Dr. Groen. 
 
86 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 XX. 
 
 giffitults 0f tilt MQXt 
 
 The greatest care is necessary in an affair 
 so important as tho examination of your state 
 before God. You will naturally be relac- 
 tant to come to an unfavourable conclusion ; 
 and hence self-love combined with self-ignor- 
 ance will bring you into peril of self-decep- 
 tion. Earnestly endeavour to exercise a holy 
 candor. Be thorough ; and for this purpose 
 be not hasty in your search, but use frequent 
 repetition. Insert the probe fully, even though 
 it reach the quick. Mingle prayer to God 
 with your self-examination, and this for two 
 reasons ; first, because in acts of devotion, 
 both sins and graces are most likely to come 
 to light, and secondly, because God only can 
 reveal you to yourself. Let your cry be 
 " Search me, God, and know my heart ; 
 try me, and know my thoughts ; and see if 
 
DIFFICULTY OF THE WORK. 37 
 
 there be any wicked way in me ; and lead 
 me in the way everlasting."* 
 
 A special counsel is necessary also for 
 those who tend to form adverse judgments 
 of their own state. Keflect that it is the 
 reality, and not the perfection or even emi- 
 nence of piety, tliat you are now looking 
 for. Life may exist in the infant as well as 
 the robust man. Remember that all graces 
 are not always developed in the same degree. 
 Be not misled by the experience of others ; 
 'there is infinite diversity in the operations 
 of the Spirit. Do not yield to alarm, because 
 you have not the feelings which are reported 
 in others, or any certain order of exercises ; 
 but let the sure Word of God be your sole 
 balance, standard, and touch- stone. 
 
 * Psalm 139 23, 24. 
 
S8 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 SjjkmnitiT 0f the ImitteL 
 
 Here it will be proper to pause, to look 
 backwards and forwards, and to ascertain 
 your position. There is no more serious mo- 
 ment in your life. You are about to pass 
 a line of demarcation. This step once taken, 
 and you are separated for ever from your for- 
 mer associations. It is irrevocable ; for 
 surely you shrink from the thought of its 
 being possible that you should ever withdraw 
 your hand from Jesus Christ. This would 
 be treason and apostasy. Can any words ex- 
 press too strongly the momentous nature ot 
 the proposed engagement ! Then this should 
 be a time of tenderness, reflection, and 
 prayer. You will need no prompting to 
 make you shun the conduct of those young 
 professors, who, having been approved by 
 the Church, throw off all burdens of care^ 
 and go to the Lord's table, full of worldly 
 
UNDUE FEARS. 89 
 
 thoujrlits and words. It is no light thing, 
 for the first time to take into your hands and 
 lips the emblems of that atoning death, on 
 which your faith rests for salvation. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 There is a godly fear which becomes tho 
 approach to this sacrament. But there is no- 
 thing profitable in a legal and slavish dread, 
 which is often compounded of self-righteous- 
 ness and superstition. The best cure of this 
 is to have the heart sprinkled from an evil 
 conscience by the blood of Christ.* Terror 
 does not belong to the Lord's Supper, which 
 you should consider as a feast of love. The 
 Lord Jesus himself invites you, where he has 
 promised to be present.f Deliberately con- 
 sider with what feelings you would enter an 
 apartment, if you knew that the blessed Sa' 
 
 * Keb. 10 22. t Matt la : 20. 
 
4:0 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 viour in his visible humanity was waitiDg tc 
 receive you. He was often thus approached. 
 Did he reject, or frown on the Syro-phoenician, 
 or the sinful woman at Simon's house, or the 
 woman taken in adultery?* "This man," it 
 was said, "receiveth. sinners." And he is 
 "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, 
 and for ever."f 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 The whole period between conversion and 
 communion might with some justice be re- 
 garded as preparation ; for where the work 
 of grace has been deep, one great subject has 
 reigned over the mind during these weeks or 
 months. But a solemnity so great as that 
 which has been indicated, may well demand 
 especial engagement of the thoughts. From 
 
 * Mark 1 . 24-30. Luke 8 : 36-50. John 8 : 1~]1. 
 f Heb. 13 : 8. 
 
PREPARATION. 41 
 
 the moment wlien you have determined to 
 profess yonr faith, until the moment when 
 this purpose is carried into execution, it is 
 difficult to conceive how this one topic can 
 ever be absent from your reflections for many 
 minutes at once. Ta.ke all the time which is 
 at your disposal, for devotional exercises con- 
 nected with the coming ordinance. If your 
 feelings express themselves in frequent and 
 almost constant prayer, it will be well. Self- 
 examination must not exclude more fruitful 
 exercises. The sacrament exhibits sublime 
 facts, doctrines, and blessings: let these en- 
 gage your meditations. Bring fully before 
 your mind the scene of our Lord's betrayal, 
 agony, and death; for it is this which you 
 are to remember. Instead of human descrip- 
 tions, read and ponder on the simple narra- 
 tives of the Scripture.* Muse upon these, 
 until the heart is melted. Be not content 
 with the stirring of natural sensibility, but 
 
 * Matt. 26 : 30-15; 27 : 1-66, Mark 14 : 26-12 16 : 1-47, 
 Luke 22 ; 47-71; 23 ; 1-56. John 18 : 19 
 4* 
 
45 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT 
 
 yield to sorrow for your sins, wliich were 
 thus expiated. Go forth in direct acts of 
 faith, to the Lord Jesus Christ, as dying on 
 the cross for you. And let love embrace 
 and enjoy him, gratitude praise him, and the 
 spirit of self-oblation carry you out of your- 
 self, in unconditional surrender. Thus feel 
 ing, you will be prepared for the holy table. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 Customs vary in different congregations , 
 but it is generally the case that some public 
 services are maintained during the week pre- 
 ceding the Lord's Supper. These are great 
 aids to private piety and to the culture of 
 brotherly affection. Forsake them not, "as 
 the manner of some is.""^ In your attendance 
 upon them, seek to derive the blessings pro- 
 mised to the faithful use of ordinances. 
 
 * Heb. 10 : 25. 
 
PIRST COMMUNION. 43 
 
 XXV. 
 
 imt €mmm\mt 
 
 The first occasion of drawing near to the 
 Lord's Table is likely to be memorable for 
 life. And yet it is not always marked with 
 emment spiritual peace or joyfulness. Indeed 
 it is common to hear sad lamentations, and 
 sometimes expressions bordering on utter 
 despondency, after the solemn rite is over. 
 This result is caused partly by incorrect or 
 exaggerated expectations of immediate com- 
 fort, and partly by the very trepidation of a 
 mind placed in novel and trying circum- 
 stances. It is useful therefore to be instructed, 
 that acceptable participation in this sacra- 
 ment is not always evidenced by high or 
 rapturous emotions. To avoid the other 
 evil, you should seek for calmness of mind, 
 as a most important condition of profit. If 
 self-examination has been faithful, you may 
 freely give yourself up, on tho morning of 
 
44 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 the Lord's day, to serene and tranquil wait- 
 ing. In plain terms, do not try to think of 
 too many things. Keflect, that you are not 
 to communicate, but to receive. Place your 
 soul in an expectant posture. It is impossi- 
 ble to wait for influences of the Holy Spirit, 
 without a certain degree of composure, self- 
 collection, and holy stillness. Seat yourself, 
 so to speak, at the foot of the cross. 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 The Lord's Supper has sometimes been 
 called an "epitome of the Gospel." In a 
 certain sense, this is just; for the doctrine 
 which it sets forth is the central truth of the 
 gracious system, in which all truths harmo- 
 nize and toward which all lines converge. 
 But this expression may mislead and embar- 
 rass, by causing the inexperienced soul to 
 attempt a comprehensive view of all the vari- 
 
PRELIMINARY SERVICES. 45 
 
 oas truths wliicli are in any way involved in 
 this ordinance. It is a law of the human mind 
 that it cannot be fully occupied with more 
 than one object at the same time. It is 
 equally true, that this object, in order to 
 affect the feelings, must be held for some 
 time before the thoughts. Hence the wis- 
 dom of concentrating your contemplations, 
 as much as possible, upon the grand pecu- 
 liar truth held forth in the sacrament; and 
 on that principal duty to which you are 
 called, namely, the remembrance of Christ, 
 and the showing forth his death. Other 
 subordinate truths will best range themselves 
 under this. * 
 
 xxvn. 
 
 The Lord's Supper is commonly preceded 
 by the usual worship and instructions of the 
 Sab])ath, modified by reference to the ap- 
 proaching ordinance. It is to be hoped that 
 
46 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 the day will never come, wlien it shall bo 
 allowed in our assemblies, as in some others, 
 to treat this sacrament as a mere appendage ; 
 without any special allusion in the preceding 
 sermon and devotions to the atoning work of 
 Christ. It is natural, and it is usual, for all 
 the public exercises of the day to have a- 
 mai ked tincture of expiation and dying love. 
 To these services, you will be disposed to 
 give your reverent attention. But here exr 
 perience shows that you need an admonition. 
 Perhaps the train of thought presented, and 
 tlio emotions excited, differ from those 
 which you looked for, and which you have 
 been trying to entertain. If so, make no 
 effort to resist this new leaning of soul. It 
 may be the very answer to your prayers, and 
 the very state of mind which you most need. 
 For the minister of the sanctuary is under a 
 providential and gracious guidance, with ro- 
 spcct to God's people. 
 
FEELINGS SUITED TO THE ORDINANCE. 47 
 
 XXVIIL 
 
 The operations of the mind are rapid; 
 many thouglits and feelings may be com- 
 pressed into a single instant. During the 
 most interesting service therefore, there will 
 be many ideas in addition to those suggested 
 by the minister. Tliere is therefore a discre- 
 tion to be observed, in cherishing, suppress- 
 sing, or directing such thoughts; for upon 
 these will depend the temper of the soul. 
 By a due exercise of the faculty of atten- 
 tion, we may hold certain objects before the 
 mind, and thus indirectly promote certain 
 feelings. The emotions which are proper 
 during^ a sacramental service are such ag 
 these : Lowliness in the presence of the God 
 of infinite majesty, whom yon have offended, 
 and who yet invites you to his table. Sor- 
 row for sin, and sympathetic tenderness, in 
 consideration of the sufferings of Jesus in 
 
48 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 your stead. Faith, in Christ, as the Lamb of 
 God, once laid upon the altar, and now sig- 
 nificantly offered to you in the sacrament 
 Filial confidence in him, as freely pardon- 
 ing all your sins. Melting love to the Ke- 
 deemer, as the chiefest among ten thousand 
 and altogether lovely. Absolute dedication 
 to him, in thankful offering of yourself, to be 
 his for evermore. Sincere affection to God's 
 people, who now surround you in fellowship. 
 Any one of these feelings is right, and not to 
 be driven away or repressed. And if during 
 the solemnity you find your thoughts and 
 feelings borne away into new tracts, alto- 
 gether different from any thing which you 
 had been prescribing to yourself, yet in gene- 
 ral agreeing with the intent of the ordinance ; 
 be not afraid to yield to such suggestions, 
 which may proceed from the Spirit of aU 
 good. 
 
CHRIST PRESENT. 49 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 There is perhaps no one thonglit more 
 suited to prepare and compose the mind, 
 than this, that the Lord Jesus is present at 
 his own table. Make the endeavour to ap- 
 prehend this as a reahty. Look towards him 
 as the one object ; with the assurance that he 
 is just as tender, compassionate, and forgiv- 
 ing, as when he was on earth ; and that he is 
 the most accessible being in the universe. 
 Rejoice that he knows all things, and looks 
 to the verj bottom of- your heart Confide 
 to him your deepest sense of unworthiness, 
 and of your unfitness for this privilege; 
 and flee to his righteousness in this solemn 
 moment, as fully covering all your sins. 
 Guard against the supposition, that your ac- 
 ceptance is dependent on frames of joy or 
 even comfort, at his table. Go out of your- 
 self, and place your whole heart in his hands. 
 
 6 
 
50 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 If your thoughts wander or become con- 
 fused, if you find yourself suddenly cold and 
 impenetrable, or even bereft of all right feel- 
 ings, avoid struggles of mind to repair the 
 evil ; but gently bring back your thoughts to 
 the all-gracious and present Jesus, who sees 
 and pities your infirmities. 
 
 XXX. 
 
 Although we reject the belief of any 
 such consecration as changes the nature of 
 the elements, we hold the moment of adminis- 
 tering the rite to be very solemn. The 
 sacramental actions are divinely appointed; 
 they are significant ; and they are addressed 
 to the senses. They should therefore be 
 attentively and reverently observed. Look 
 at the bread broken, and the wine poured 
 out; for herein are emblematically shown 
 the breaking of that sacred body, and the 
 
THE ACT OF PARTAKINQ 51 
 
 Bliedding of that precious blood. Look 
 through them to the dying and atoning 
 Saviour; this is "discerning the Lord's 
 body."* Open your ear and heart to the 
 truth which may be uttered from the word 
 of God. Thus shall you be in readiness for 
 the actual participation. The entire series of 
 exercises, during which the bread and wine 
 are given and received, with suitable words, 
 is to be considered as sacramental; but the 
 most solemn moment is that in which you 
 individually receive the elements. 
 
 XXXL 
 
 The act of partaking is passing and brief. 
 The thoughts of those few instants must of 
 course be short. The proper exercise must 
 be such as may be compendious. It is plaiD 
 therefore that your views at this juncture 
 
 ♦ 1 Cor. 11 : 29. 
 
52 I'HK YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 must be extremely simple. You will not 
 greailj err, if you fix your regards on "Jesus 
 Christ, and liim cracified."* Such childlike 
 thoughts as these will properly arise : 
 
 "Lord Jesus, I remember thee!" 
 
 "Jesus, Saviour, I here remember thy 
 body broken for my sins." 
 
 "Lamb of God, who takest away the siu 
 of the world, have mercy upon mel'' 
 
 "Lord, I show forth thy death till thou 
 come !" 
 
 " Lord Jesus Christ, I take this cup in 
 memory of thee, as the new covenant in thy 
 blood!" 
 
 " I, a wretched sinner, confide in thy blood, 
 shed for many for the remission of sins." 
 
 "Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbe- 
 lief!" 
 
 "Blessed Jesus, who hast died for me, I 
 here give myself away to thee!" 
 
 "God be merciful to me a sinner I" 
 
 " Let this cup of blessing be blessed unto 
 
 • 1 Cor. 2:2. 
 
THOUGHTS OF SELF AND SIN. 53 
 
 me, for the sake of my dying Lord, whom 1 
 thus remember!" 
 
 Any one of these ejaculations would be 
 appropriate and edifying; and the sacied 
 calm of the soul should not be interrupted 
 by ingenious attempts to vary or multiply 
 the thoughts. Indeed the soul that silently 
 waits on God, must relinquish a portion of 
 its activity, at such a time, leaving something 
 to the suggestions of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 During the progress of the ordinance, tha 
 mind will necessarily turn inward. Be not 
 discouraged if all there seem dark and repul- 
 sive. It is as a guilty helpless creature that 
 you have come to this table. You may justly 
 cry, "Unclean, unclean!"* The sins which 
 crucified. Him whom your soul loveth may 
 
 * Lev. 13:45. 
 5* 
 
54 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 well seem bitter and horrible, as you gazo 
 on tlie cross. The most profound humilia- 
 tion is compatible with faith and love. Should 
 yo:i vow an everlasting separation from your 
 sins, it will be with good reason. Indeed 
 the moment is favourable for inflicting deadly 
 wounds on the body of sin. 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 f |0ugl]t5 0f Cljrist 
 
 The great object of your thoughts is hew- 
 ever the Master of the feast, the Lord Jesus, 
 here " evidently set forth crucified."* When 
 he is vividly before your mind, in his agonies 
 and death, believe on him, rest in him, cleave 
 to him. By faith feed on him, as "the Bread 
 of life."t Hesitate not to let the full tide of 
 your affections flow out to him. Love him, 
 as infinitely holy and gracious. " Set to 
 your seal that God is true,":j: and appropriate 
 
 ♦ GaL 3 1. f John 6 : 48, 51, 53, 66. 
 
 X John 3 : 33. 
 
THOUGHTS OF BRETHREN. 56 
 
 him as yours; saying, "My Lord, and my 
 God'."* Adore tlio ineffable glory of God 
 as it shines in the face of Jesns Christ. And 
 renew your covenant, by yielding yourself 
 irrevocably to him, as your Lord and King. 
 These are but broken specimens of the acts 
 of a happy soul in communion with Christ 
 at his Table. 
 
 XXXTV. 
 
 As your eye wanders towards the brethren, 
 who, side by side with you, sit at the same 
 ordinance, you will own the tie of fellowship. 
 It is a feeling which befits the occasion. Now 
 let the electric current of brotherly love per- 
 vade the circle. Recognize your place in 
 that community which is the body of Christ. 
 This is an ordinance of joint privileges. 
 " The cup of blessing which we bless, is it 
 not the communion (or joint participation) 
 
 » John 20 : 28. 
 
56 THE TOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 of the blood of Christ? The bread which 
 we break, is it not the communion of tho 
 body of Christ ? • For we being many are 
 one bread (or loaf) and one body; for we 
 are all partakers of that one bread."* The 
 glow of mutual attachment should now be 
 warm. "Love as brethren ;"f and carrj 
 away this holy affection into your common 
 life. 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 €mlxms ufUx €mmmmi 
 
 After the first sacramental communion, 
 the Apostles entered into temptation, fell 
 asleep, and soon afterwards were guilty of 
 greater sins. Let the young communicant 
 be watchful against surprises. Even on the 
 very day, the soul sometimes relaxes ita 
 vigour ; as the bent bow flies back when un^ 
 bound. "Where the services are protracted, 
 as is sometimes the case, there is a tendency 
 
 * 1 Cor. 10 16, 17. f IPet 3. 8. 
 
BISAPPOINTED HOPES^ 67 
 
 to thia result, from weariness of body and 
 mind. Be exhorted to maintain seriousness 
 and humility and quiet of soul, even though 
 tears or rapture are denied you. What 
 can more surely argue a shallow experience, 
 if not a profane mind, than a speedy return 
 to light reading, frivolous conversation, and 
 worldly thoughts ? Endeavour to preserve 
 the sentiments which you have attained, and 
 reflect upon the manner in which you have 
 passed through this new and important scene 
 of your life. 
 
 XXXVI. 
 
 It is by no means unusual for persons to 
 come from a first communion in deep dis- 
 tress. Instead of the peace and joy which 
 they expected, they found only stupidity, 
 unbelief, and vexing thoughts. Or, at best, 
 they received no addition of faith and emo- 
 tion. In Buch cases, they are harassed with 
 
58 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT, 
 
 fears, and even ready to abandon all hopo. 
 For the most part, these apprehensions aro 
 inordinate. The Avoi-st cases are those where 
 there is no sense of dissatisfaction. The 
 profit of the communion is not always to be 
 measured by its comforts. The graces of 
 the Lord's Table are sovereign and manifold. 
 They are not always productive of joy. 
 There may be great advancement, and true 
 service of God, where there is no elation. 
 The soul may be acceptable to Christ, whero 
 there are deep sorrows, or keen pangs of 
 compunction, or distressing self-condemna- 
 tion. The ordinance has not been unfruitful, 
 if it has left you low in the dust, under a 
 persuasion of your own remaining sin, help- 
 lessness, and need of Christ. But even on 
 the supposition that much has been wrong 
 in the frame of your spirit, what remains for 
 you, but to prostrate yourself anew at the 
 feet of Jesus? Carefully review the nature 
 of your preparation, and mark its defecta 
 Recall your mental acts during the sacra- 
 
THANKFUL REVIEW. 59 
 
 ment; inquire wliat has been amis;?; and 
 resolve in God's i 
 m time to come. 
 
 resolve in God's strength to avoid these evils 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 Through the tender mercies of our God, 
 the cases are numerous, in which the young 
 communicant retires from the Table of the 
 Lord, strengthened and encouraged. The 
 cardinal truth of Christianity has been set 
 before his thoughts and become incorporated 
 with his faith. He has seen Jesus.* His 
 views of the infinite freedom of salvation 
 have been made more clear. The evidences 
 of his acceptance with God have become 
 brighter. He is more disposed than ever 
 before, to yield himself as a sacrifice, soul, 
 body, and spirit, which is his reasonable 
 service.f Where any part of this is truo^ 
 
 * John 12 : 21. f Rom. 12 L 
 
60 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 you have new cause for gratitude. It is 
 "the Lord thj God which teacheth thee to 
 profit."* Now is the time, to bless him for 
 this grace, and to beg the continuance of it. 
 Now is the time to set a watch against re- 
 lapses, and to carry into effect the vows 
 which you have made at the Lord's Table. 
 Henceforth, you will look for the recurrence 
 of this sacrament with a lively expectation, 
 founded on experience. 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 §mml ^ttmptl 
 
 Look back from this point, my dear 
 Christian friend, upon what you have done. 
 Even in the view of the world, you are no 
 longer your own. You have publicly given 
 yourself away to Christ, to be his servant 
 for ever He has brought you into his ban- 
 quetting house, and his banner over you has 
 been love.f 
 
 * Isa. 48 : 17. f Cant 2 : 4. 
 
GOI"NrG DOWN TO THE WOULD 61 
 
 Yet many, having proceeded thus far, have 
 gone back. " No man, having put his hand 
 to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the 
 kingdom of G-od."* Every thought, word, 
 and act of your future life, is to be in the 
 character of an avowed disciple of the T^ord 
 Jesus. And for ability so to walk, you have 
 need to cry importunately for the aids of the 
 Holy Spirit. 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 §mug S^toit to t\t lE^rft* 
 
 The Lord's Supper has often been repre 
 sented as " a mount of ordinances." Such it 
 often seems to the young communicant, who 
 is disposed to say, with one of old, '' Master, 
 it is good for us to be here."t But eleva- 
 tions like this are not for ever ; and the des- 
 cent from them is beset with temptation. It 
 is a time of danger. Never will you need 
 
 ♦ Lvke 9 : 62. ] Mark. 9 ; 5. 
 
 6 
 
62 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 more circumspection. You are about to re- 
 turn to the very scenes of your former dis- 
 obedience. How hard a task, to be a new 
 character, amidst the old circumstances 1 
 Former allurements await you; former 
 habits prepare their nets for you; former 
 companions watch for your halting. The 
 colour of your whole future course depends 
 very much upon the manner in which you 
 sustain your new obligations. Cast yourself 
 therefore, at the feet of infinite Wisdom and 
 Grace, that you may be enabled to "adorn 
 the doctrine of God our Saviour in all 
 things."* 
 
 XL. 
 
 €mx^t 
 
 "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power 
 of his might."f "Quit yourselves like men?"f 
 Such injunctions are not obsolete. You are 
 about to mingle with fellow-creatures, some 
 
 * Titus, 2 10 f EpL 6 : 10. J 1 Cor. 16 : 13. 
 
INTERVAL BETWEEN COMMUNIONS. 63 
 
 of whom fire at enmity witli God. Eeject 
 with disdain the meanness of being ashamed 
 of the faith. In every proper and humble 
 way, let it be seen that you are a follower of 
 Christ. Silence will sometimes be a duty ; 
 but " be ready always to give an answer to 
 every man that asketh you a reason of the 
 hope that is in you, with meekness and fear?"* 
 Take care not to be talked out of your con- 
 victions ; and arm yourself with a constant 
 faith in your ever-present Eedeemer. 
 
 XLI. 
 
 There are some professing Christians who 
 may be said to have only a sacramental 
 piety. Eor a few days before and after the 
 communion, they desist from gayeties, attend 
 on devotions^ and "disfigure their faces."t 
 This done, they return With new zest to theii 
 
 ♦ 1 Peter 3 : 15. f Matt. 6 : 10. 
 
64 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 covetonsness or their pleasures. Do yon 
 need to be ^a' arned against this abuse ? Per- 
 haps not ; and 3^et you may be in danger of 
 a more refined hypocrisy. You may cease 
 to watch, and relax in faithfulness. Be it 
 your solemn purpose to serve your Master 
 as well during the interval, as at the Lord's 
 Table. Thus, when the approach of another 
 communion is announced by the pastor, it 
 will not be to you as it is to many, an unweJ 
 come surprise. 
 
 XLIL 
 
 It is supposed by many learned men, that 
 the early Christians commemorated Chrisf s 
 death at least every Lord's Day. In America 
 there is a general disposition to celebrate this 
 sacrament oftener than was customary with 
 our forefathers. There are several classes of 
 persons, to whom the Lord's Supper is pecu- 
 
BEN-EFITS OF FREQUENT COMMUNION. 65 
 
 liarlj a source of strength and comfort. For 
 example : 
 
 1. Doubting disciples ; who cannot have 
 the free offer of grace and righteousness held 
 out to them too often. 
 
 2. Persons of legal views-, prone to 
 dream of meritorious conditions. These mis- 
 takes are best corrected by going frequently 
 to Grethsemane and Golgotha. 
 
 8. Backsliders; who are awakened by 
 the call, to self-examination, and melted 
 when Jesus turns and looks upon them, as 
 on Peter.* 
 
 4. Solitary ones ; those who need the 
 cheering sense of fellowship, produced by 
 this feast of brotherhood. 
 
 5. Children of Affliction. Ten thou- 
 sand times have they forgotten their earthly 
 Borrows, in the joys of Christ's presence. 
 
 6. Such as are about to die. This sacra- 
 ment is a preparation for passing over Jor- 
 dan. The faith which it demands, is just the 
 
 ♦ L^o 22 • 61. 
 6* 
 
6Q THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 childlike exercise which is suitable to the 
 dying tioiir. 
 
 XLIII. 
 
 A FIEST communion is the most striking, 
 but not always, perhaps not often, the most 
 joyful or the most edifying. It is the privi- 
 lege of true religion that its delights may 
 go on increasing. Endeavour then to rise a 
 step higher, on each successive occasion. 
 B.enew your self-examination, and strive to 
 gain clearer views of Christ. 
 
 XLIV. 
 
 Should your life be spared so that you 
 shall have sat often at the Table of the Lord, 
 there are some reflections which will be ap- 
 propriate and useful. You will plainly have 
 
WHY SOME KEFKAIN FROM PARTAKING. 67 
 
 had great increase of light and privilege- 
 Ask yourself then: "How have I profited 
 by these? What point have I reached in 
 my spiritual pilgrimage? What evil habit 
 have I broken ? What besetting sin have I 
 crucified ? What holy principle has gained 
 strength ? What labours have I undertaken ? 
 What sacrifices have I made ? How has my 
 Christian progress agreed with what I hoped 
 for ? What special impulse have I derived 
 j5:om this last communion ?" 
 
 XLV. 
 
 There are instances of persons, long 
 known as Christian professors, who allow 
 the Lord's Supper to be celebrated without 
 their participation. They allege to them- 
 selves various reasons; three of which, as 
 being too common, deserve to be considered. 
 
 1. "I HAVE FAIIjED to MAKE PREPA.RA- 
 
68 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 TION." If, with full knowledge of the com- 
 ing solemnity, you have entirely neglected 
 preparation of heaj-t, you have sinned, and 
 ought to repent. But this does not absolve 
 you from your prior duty to Christ and hia 
 Church. In the brief period, therefore, which 
 remains, cast youself before God, and humbly 
 go forward to his Table, relying on his for- 
 giveness and aid. Let the same principle 
 govern you, if, in travelling, you should find 
 yourself unexpectedly present where the dis- 
 ciples of Christ are about to remember his 
 death. Hezekiah's prayer is here applicable : 
 *' The good Lord pardon every one that pre- 
 pareth his heart to seek God, the Lord God 
 of his fathers, though he be not cleansed ac- 
 cording to the purification of the sanctuary."* 
 
 2. "I AM NOT IN CHARITY WITH BRETH- 
 REN." If you mean, that some person or 
 persons may be expected to partake, between 
 whom and yourself there is a feeling of 
 malice — your duty is very plain. This fecl- 
 
 ♦ 2 Chron. 30 : 18 19. 
 
WHY SOME REFRAIN FROM PARTAKING. 69 
 
 ing is hateful to Christ. If you are the 
 offended person, lose no time in pursuing 
 the method enjoined by Christ.* If you are 
 the offender, hasten to make confession and 
 reparation. In either case, " be reconciled 
 to thy brother." You commit a double sin, 
 of an aggravated dye, by staying away from 
 the Lord's Table on such a pretext. " There* 
 fore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, 
 neither with the leaven of malice and wicked- 
 ness, but with the unleavened bread of sin- 
 cerity and truth. "f 
 
 3. ''I HAVE LOST MY HOPE IN CHRIST." 
 
 Such language often proceeds from sincere 
 believers, under the temporary hidings of 
 God's face. Moods of feeling should not be 
 made principles of action. Where a duty is 
 definitely prescribed, we should not refuse it, 
 becauseof great sense of unfitness; otherwise 
 we might abandon all the other means of 
 grace. If therefore your declension has not 
 reached the dreadful point, of your having 
 
 * Matt. 18 : 15-20. f 1 Cor. 6 '. 8. 
 
70 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 renoTinced tlie religious character, it is clearly 
 your duty to go to the Lord's Table. This 
 temptation may be sent " by Satan for the 
 purpose of deterring you from this ordinance. 
 This is a sacrament of which the very end ia 
 to exhibit Christ and so confirm faith. Come 
 to it therefore, with new endeavours after re- 
 pentance and with humble trust. If you find 
 yourself impenitent, you have the highest 
 motive to repent, but none to disobey your 
 Lord. And while you will sin by partaking 
 in unbelief, you will not escape sin by turn- 
 ing your back on the Lord's Table. 
 
 XLVI. 
 
 Selfishness insinuates itself into our best 
 services. " Look not every man on his own 
 things, but every man also on the things of 
 others."^* How rarely do we give ourselves 
 
 * Philipp. 2 : 4. 
 
THE CAKEER BEFORE YOIT. 71 
 
 any concern, about the manner in which our 
 friends and neighbours profit at the commu- 
 nion ! Beformation on this point would tend 
 to the revival of the churches. Seriously 
 look around you, and consider who there are, 
 properly within your reach, whom you may 
 induce to employ those means which shall 
 render this sacrament more edifying and 
 more dear to them. By discreet counsels, 
 by suitable books or tracts, and especially by 
 the charm of a holy spiritual example, you 
 may be as an angel of mercy to some whom 
 you love. 
 
 XLVII. 
 
 fire €mn tof0n %m. 
 
 But now the race is only begun. It would 
 be lamentable indeed, if you should subside 
 into listlessiiess, as if the great object of 
 your life was attained, because you have 
 been accredited as a member of the Church. 
 in full communion; or even because you 
 
72 THE YOUJS"G COMMUNICANT. 
 
 may have enjoyed some manifestations of 
 Divine favour at the Lord's Table. There lies 
 before you an immense work, which is to 
 terminate only with your earthly career. "As 
 ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the 
 Lord, so walk ye in him."* You are now en- 
 rolled among the people of God. See that 
 your behaviour be accordant vnth that sacred 
 relation; *'that ye may walk worthy of the 
 Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every 
 good work, increasing in the knowledge of 
 God."f Eeflect continually, not only that 
 the eyes of the world, and the eyes of fellow- 
 Christians are upon you, but that the adorable 
 Redeemer himself looks down upon you, and 
 demands the consecration of your life. The 
 reverse of all this is lamentably manifest in 
 many young professors, who are seen to relax 
 rather than to quicken their spiritual pace, 
 after having entered juto church-bonds. 
 
 '^(hl 1- & t Col. 1 : 10. 
 
IMPORTANCE OF BEGINNING ARIGHT. 73 
 
 XLVIII. 
 
 The importance of first steps, in any great 
 undertaking, cannot be overrated. Grace 
 works some signal exceptions ; but it is gen- 
 erally true that men proceed as they have be- 
 gun. This ought not to deter such as are 
 conscious of past unfaithfulness from earnest 
 repentance and reform ; but it should afford 
 you a powerful motive to begin aright. Be- 
 ware of a low standard of religious character. 
 Cherish a godly fear of taking your model 
 from the mass of reputed Christians around 
 you. The time at which you enter on your 
 cour>ge is uufavoui'able in this respect, that 
 there is a prevalence of coldness, negligence, 
 and conformity to the world. If you would 
 reap the benefit and effect the labours of 
 your calling, you will need to erect a high 
 standard, and to ask God's help, that you may 
 
74 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 make higli attainments in grace tlie gi'and ob- 
 ject of your life. Look well to the beginnings 
 of jour religious service. 
 
 XLIX. 
 
 ®p |0St 0f tire |0mts CItristian, 
 
 Consider profoundly, I beseecb you, your 
 position, as one among the large number of 
 young disciples. Older members of Christ's 
 Church are every day leaving the field. 
 Their places are to be taken by yourselves. 
 The vast responsibilities, enterprises and toils 
 of the coming day are to fall upon you. 
 Others will soon look up to you, as you now 
 look to your elders. The revolutions oi 
 time, though noiseless, are swift, and your 
 working season is but a span. The Christ- 
 ianity of the next generation will take its de- 
 gree and tone from the piety of those who 
 are now girding on the armour. Whatso- 
 ever, then, you think of as desirable to be at- 
 
YOUTHFUL PROFESSION. 75 
 
 tained hereafter, strive for now, "with all the 
 concentrated powers of your soul. Ask your- 
 self, what measure of grace will fit you to be 
 an example to others. 
 
 L. 
 
 ikssrtn^ss 0f |0utIrfitI '§mfmm. 
 
 If indeed you have been effectually called, 
 you have infinite cause of thanksgiving, that 
 you have heard the voice of God in early 
 life. It is an unspeakable blessing to bo 
 translated from darkness to light, at any 
 age ; but great and manifold are the advan- 
 tages of having begun in spring. How 
 striking are the words of Obadiah, "I, thy 
 servant, fear the Lord from my youth."* 
 You have less to unlearn, than the aged, or 
 even the mature. Your habits are less rigid. 
 Your mind and heart are more susceptible 
 of new impressions. If spared in life, you 
 
 * 1 Kings 18 : 12. 
 
76 THE rOUNG COMMONICANT. 
 
 have a longer period of growth, and more 
 time for bearing fruit. The embarrassments 
 of the world have come upon jou but par- 
 tially. Your character is yet unformed and 
 ductile. Let these be so many motives, to 
 constrain you to arduous exertion to walk 
 worthy of your vocation. And be assured, 
 that if you look away from all misleading 
 examples, even of seemingly good men, and 
 fix your eye upon the life and teachings of 
 the Lord Jesus, you will find your happiness 
 increasinsf from hour to hour. 
 
 LI. 
 
 All your duties as a professing Christian 
 may be ranged under three classes ; those, 
 namely, which concern yourself, those which 
 concern the Church, and those which concern 
 the world at large. Of these the first are the 
 most important and indispensable ; and they 
 are the source- of all the rest. 
 
MEANS OF SELF-CULTURE. 77 
 
 You are at present weak and inexperi- 
 enced ; and your power of resistance to the 
 evil influences of the world is yet untried. 
 Your spiritual enemies are numerous and 
 mighty. Many have fallen in the very path 
 which you are now attempting. How great 
 should be your solicitude to run the race 
 that is set before you I To do this, you 
 must possess an inward living principle, the 
 Author of which is the Holy Ghost. The 
 all-important work therefore is within your 
 own heart ; the life of God in the soul. To 
 this your first and constant attention must 
 be directed; and you have already begun 
 wrong, if you put any thing external in the 
 place of this. 
 
 LII. 
 
 Communication with God, who is the 
 
 source of all strength, is kept up by the 
 
 means of grace. These are channels of in- 
 7# 
 
78 THE YOU^^G COMMUNICANT. 
 
 fluence, from heaven to the soul. Your pro- 
 ficiency will be in proportion to the faithful 
 use of the exercises of private piety. Be- 
 come cold and negligent in these, and your 
 halting course can be easily predicted. You 
 cannot live the life of God, without commu- 
 nion with God in these acts. As faith is the 
 spring of other graces, so truth, of which 
 faith is the recipient, must be constantly 
 poured in, as the nourishment of the soul. 
 The depository of all saving truth is the 
 Holy Scriptures. Go to this blessed volume 
 daily, devoutly, and with delight. Be jeal- 
 ous of every book which lessens your taste 
 for the Bible. Begin from this hour, to 
 have a stated time for the devotional read- 
 ing of the Word, and another stated hour 
 for the diligent study of its contents, in regu- 
 lar course. Write it upon your heart, as a 
 Bacred resolution, that all your life long you 
 will mamtain a loving familiarity with the 
 oracles of God. And let your cry be, ". Open 
 
DOCTEINAL INSTRUCTION. 79 
 
 thou my eyes that I may behold wondrous 
 things out of thy law I"* 
 
 LIII. 
 
 girttriiml Instatttott, 
 
 Acquire the early habit of makin'g your- 
 self thoroughly familiar with all the truths 
 of the Christian system, in their due con- 
 nection. Be not of the number of those, 
 who complain of doctrinal preaching, and 
 neglect doctrinal books. Sound doctrine is 
 the food of faith. An experience without 
 doctrine is like a house without walls, a 
 body without bones, and a tree without root. 
 So order your reading, as never to be long 
 without the perusal of some book on these 
 subjects. Upon your accurate knowledge 
 and hearty belief of evangelical doctrine, will 
 depend the solidity, symmetry, comfort, and 
 fruitfulness of your Christian characiter. 
 
 * Psalm 119 : 18 
 
80 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 LIV. 
 
 The duty of stated Meditation is much 
 neglected. Yet no one ever made high, at* 
 tainments in experience, without it. This 
 exercise is necessary in order to the reception 
 of due benefit from the Word. Seize favoura- 
 ble moments for solemn, devout, continued 
 thinking upon divine truth; such, as the 
 early morning, the twilight, the wakeful hours 
 of night, and the Sabbath day. Pause and 
 ask yourself, whether you have ever consid- 
 ered this a duty, and whether you have ever 
 practised it. Learn this art; sweeten your 
 thoughts on retiring for the night with some 
 good word of inspiration, and you will soon 
 exclaim with gratitude, ''In the multitude 
 of my thoughts within me, thy comforts de- 
 light my soul."* Especially should the glo- 
 
 * Psalm 94 : 19. 
 
TRAYER. 81 
 
 rious person of the Lord Jesus, be the object 
 of your fixed contemplation, after having sat 
 at his table. 
 
 LV. 
 
 But of all means of grace, there is none 
 which is more valuable than Prayer ; com- 
 prehending the several parts of adoration, 
 thanksgiving, confession, supplication, and 
 intercession. Upon your knees and looking 
 up into the compassionate face of your Hea- 
 venly Father, you are in the posture of all 
 others most suited to the exercise of faith, 
 hope, love, and every Christian grace. If 
 you decline, the declension will commence 
 just here. The maxim is true: "Apostasy 
 begins at the closet." Let no slight reason 
 satisfy you for having omitted your devo- 
 tions; even as you are not content with 
 excuses for having omitted your necessary 
 repasts. The evils to be avoided are forget 
 
82 THE YOUI^G COMMUNICANT. 
 
 fulness, infrequencj, irregularity, formality 
 wandering of mind, undue brevity, irreve- 
 rence, coldness, and unbelief. Question 
 yourself as to each of these points in particu- 
 lar. Beware of confining yourself to mental 
 prayer, but in your regular devotions em- 
 ploy audible utterance; for great is the 
 reflex influence of the voice upon the feel- 
 ings. Have stated times, at least every 
 morning and evening; and if possible a 
 stated place. In pursuance of the admoni- 
 tion, " Pray without ceasing,"* let your 
 thoughts during the employments of the day 
 often go up in ejaculatory prayer; which is 
 so called, because such aspirations are liko 
 arrows shot up towards heaven ; and " blessed 
 is he t]]at hath his quiver full of them.'* 
 
 * 1 Thes3. 6 17. 
 
DAILY WALK 83 
 
 LVI. 
 
 *' Seek first the kingdom of God and his 
 righteousness;"* in other words, make re- 
 ligion the leading and paramount concern of 
 life. Is it so ? "Be thou in the fear of God, 
 all the day long."f To secure this, be sure 
 to begin the day aright. Let your waking 
 thoughts be heavenly ; this will give savour 
 to all the thinking of the day. Let your first 
 employment be in devotion. Let your first 
 reading be of God's holy Word; to which 
 the daily news and the interesting story are 
 often seductive rivals. Eecall your straying 
 thoughts to God a thousand times a day 
 during the walks of lawful duly. And make 
 conscience of redeeming time at night for 
 self-examination and prayer. Thus you may 
 learn to walk with God; and let me assure 
 you the lesson must be learnt in your early 
 Christian life. 
 
 » Matt 6 : 33. \ Prov. 23 : 17. 
 
84 THE YOUNG COMMUNICAJS T. 
 
 LVIL 
 
 t\t f aril's gag. 
 
 If your life is a busy one, you "will find a 
 Bweet refreslimcnt in tlie Sabbath. Except 
 those hours which are bestowed on others, or 
 on public worship, let it be 3'our endeavour 
 to spend the whole of sacred time in acts of 
 religious improvement. These may be suffi- 
 ciently varied to prevent weariness or satiety. 
 The narrative and the journal may absorb 
 too many of these precious hours. You may 
 measure your spirituality by the manner in 
 which you habitually spend the Lord's Day. 
 All eminent Christians have been remark- 
 able for a conscientious use of this holy and 
 blessed rest. 
 
OUTWARD CONDUCT. 85 
 
 LVIIl. 
 
 It "Would exceed our short limits, to lay 
 down rules for external conduct. The di- 
 vine rule is, "As He which hath called you 
 is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of con- 
 versation."* Beginning with the nearest re- 
 lations of life, your obedience is to be shown 
 in each of the enlarging circles. Above all, 
 you should be the true Christian at home. 
 Let it not be said of you, that you manifest 
 least of the temper of the Gospel to those who 
 are nearest and dearest, such as parents, 
 brothers, sisters, and companions. Pray that 
 you may conduct the humblest part of daily 
 business on Christian principles. " Whatso- 
 ever therefore ye do in word or deed, do all 
 in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks 
 to God and the Father, through him."t 
 
 ♦ 1 Peter 5: 15. \ Col. 3: lY. 
 
86 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 LIX. 
 
 The young communicant may be at tlie 
 same time the head of a family. Should this 
 be your situation, you have a new circle of 
 most tender and interesting duties. Souls, 
 dearer to you than life, and dependents little 
 less near, are looking up to you for Christian 
 guidance and nurture. Your vows to God 
 require that you should command your 
 Qousehold, training them in the way of truth. 
 You will not fail then to dedicate your be- 
 loved offrpring to the Lord, from their very 
 birth, and especially at their baptism. You 
 will call jour family together for the wor- 
 ship of God every morning and evening. It 
 is painful t3 reflect, how many church mem- 
 bers fail as io this plain and delightful duty. 
 Surely they can not have reflected on the in- 
 spired thrca*ening : " Pour out thy fary upon 
 the heathen that know thee not, and upon 
 
FASHION AND AMUSEMENT. 87 
 
 the families that call not on thy name/'* 
 Family religion, including family-worship, 
 family-instruction, and family-government, 
 is the necessary result of individual piety. 
 Nor can you look for God's blessing, if these 
 be neglected. 
 
 LX. 
 
 The growing laxity of the age gives pecu- 
 liar meaning to the exhortation, " Be not 
 conformed to this world."f The rule of most 
 is corrupt and dangerous ; it is to do as 
 others do. The consequence . is mutual in- 
 jury and perpetual declension in the Church. 
 You will find professors, who, as they in- 
 crease in wealth, constantly enlarge their 
 license. It requires a keen eye to discrimi- 
 nate between their pleasures and expendi- 
 tures, and those of the ungodly. If they 
 abstain from the theatre, they go freely to 
 
 * Jer. 10 • 25 f Rom, 12 : 2. 
 
88 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 the opera ; or if they scruple this, they linger 
 at the midnight ball. The step is so easily 
 taken from apparently innocent dancing to 
 that which is free, indiscreet, amorous, and 
 licentious, that a tender conscience will find 
 it safest to reject all.* Apply, if you can, to 
 such assemblages, however elegant and how- 
 ever common, the divine maxim, '' Love not 
 the world, neither the things that are in the 
 world ; if any man love the world, the love 
 of the Father is not in him."f That young 
 communicant is near to his fall, who is often 
 asking how near he may go to the brink of 
 ^n, and yet be safe. Observe the families 
 which have made this passage from ancient 
 strictness to fashionable Christianity, and 
 you will find their children one by one 
 sliding away to looser forms of religion, if 
 not to utter carelessness. The same prin- 
 ciples apply to expenditure in dress, furni- 
 ture, equipage, and luxurious living. "Let 
 your moderation be known unto all men.":j: 
 
 * Matt. 6 • 29, 30. f 1 John 2 : 15. J PMUpp. 4 ; 5. 
 
DILIGENCE 89 
 
 LXL 
 
 As a liege servant of tlie Lord Jesus Christ, 
 yielded to him as no longer your own, you 
 are zealously to do his work, every day of 
 your life, and every hour of the day ; — " not 
 slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving 
 the Lord."* It would be impossible to ex- 
 press too strongly the duty of livmg altoge- 
 ther for Christ ; this is the entire business of 
 life. There is no single lawful act, however 
 menial or even despised, which may not be 
 offered up to him. Thus business and even 
 labour become religious, and you spend 
 every moment in the spirit of sacrifice. If 
 you go down from the Lord's Table with this 
 temper, you are happy indeed. 
 
 » Rom 12 : IL 
 
 8» 
 
90 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 Lxn. 
 
 I u m n i t J . 
 
 The saying is true, that nothing is moro 
 beautiful in a young Christian than Hu- 
 mility. Pride was not made for man; 
 and pride is especially hateful in one who 
 has just come out of a state of condemnation. 
 You may in some degree judge of your con- 
 dition, by the low views which you entertain 
 of yourself. It is a bad sign when a novice 
 is puffed up, when he vaunts his own expe- 
 rience, thinks himself wiser than his elders, 
 and is censorious towards brethren "Let 
 each esteem others better than themselves."* 
 Lowliness of mind is at once an ornament and 
 a protection; and bence the Apostle says, 
 " Be ye clothed with humility."f 
 
 * PbUipp. 2:3. f 1 Peter 6 ; C 
 
DUTIES TO THE CHURCH. 91 
 
 LXIII. 
 
 §\\tm to t|e €\)m\. 
 
 Besides those duties whicli, as has been 
 said, primarily concern yourself, there are 
 others which concern the Church of Christ, 
 and in the first instance that particular 
 branch of it to which you have been united. 
 Agreeably to the explanation already given, 
 you have not only made a profession of 
 your individual faith, but have declared 
 yourself a participant of that communion, 
 in token of which you joined in partaking 
 of the same loaf and the same cup. You 
 are of this family. These are now your 
 brethren and sisters in the Lord. No tie on 
 earth is closer ; and your conduct should be 
 such as to show that it is not a mere name. 
 You henceforth owe them duties, which are 
 all fruits of holy love. For you are bound 
 not only to Christ, but to his people. Never 
 cease to remember, that you are no longer 
 
92 THE YOUNG COMM tJNICAJf T. 
 
 your own, and tliat in some sort jour indi- 
 vidual interests are merged in those of the 
 Christian body. Ycu have entered on a 
 walk which is not solitary, but social ; there- 
 fore, " Love the brotherhood."* 
 
 LXIV. 
 
 While you have a sincere good will to 
 wards all the people of God, your more active 
 affections must necessarily go forth to those 
 who are next to you, those with whom you 
 worship and join in sacramental communion; 
 in other words, to your own church. These 
 you are to "love as brethren."f Is this the 
 case in all our churches ? Is not the bond 
 between member and member, no more in 
 many cases, than that they sit in the samo 
 house and listen to the same preacher ? 
 
 * 1 Pet. 2:17, f I Pet 3 : 8. 
 
CHRISTIAN ACQUAINT' ANCE. 93 
 
 LXV 
 
 In order to this Christian fellowship and 
 duty, what we greatly need is a more earnest 
 attempt at mutual acquaintance. How can 
 we help, or even love those whom we do not 
 know ? Yet how many sit at the same sac- 
 ramental table, who elsewhere show no sign 
 of recognition ? Plainly, the elder members 
 of a church should give the hand of invita- 
 tion and welcome to the younger. The rich 
 should abhor the thought of being ashamed 
 of the poor. We may expect the curse of 
 God upon our churches if this spirit prevail. 
 And if advances are made, it must obviously 
 be from the side of the more prosperous. 
 Some of Christ's most favoured people, and 
 some who might do you the most good, are 
 among the poor of this world, who are '* rich 
 in faith." Study with dihgence that pas- 
 sage of the Apostle James, in which he says, 
 
94 THE yoi;ng^ communicant. 
 
 " My brethren, liave not the faith of oui Lord 
 Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect 
 of persons."* 
 
 LXVL 
 
 Intimate ixitwh. 
 
 As Christianity does not forbid particu- 
 lar attachments, you will find great advan- 
 tage in having a special circle of religious 
 friends. Some or most of these will natu- 
 rally be of your own age. But they should 
 be selected upon a principle of mutual bene- 
 fit. Absolute insulation is unfavourable to 
 piety. Let the abundance of the heart some- 
 times flow forth to these persons, in discourse 
 upon the great truths of the Gospel; and 
 where circumstances favour it, join with them 
 in acts of devotion. " Iron sharpeneth iron; 
 so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his 
 friend."f 
 
 * James 2 : 1-9. f Prov. 27 • 17. 
 
AID TO THE QOSPKL. 95 
 
 LXVII. 
 
 The love of brethren is not an empty affec- 
 tion. It is fruitfnl of activity. If the spirit 
 of Christ dwells in you, it will be your de- 
 light to help and relieve afflicted brethren. 
 You will early begin to seek out sufferers, 
 and will find your way to the doors of the 
 poor, the diseased, the widow, and the or- 
 phan. Above all, you will watch for occa- 
 Bions for conveying some spiritual incitement 
 or comfort to those who need it. 
 
 LXVIII. 
 
 Jift to tlr^ ^0Sf^l 
 
 One of the most obvious duties which you 
 owe to the Church, is the sustaining of gos- 
 pel worship and ministry, by all means with- 
 in your reach. K all the members of a com- 
 
96 THE YOUNG COMMUNICAXT. 
 
 muiiion are true of heart in regard to this 
 point, the work will probably go forward 
 Buccessfally, however small the number. By 
 enrolling yourself in the band, you have 
 pledged yourself to take your share of the 
 burdens. More may be justly expected of 
 you than of the world. The support of the 
 pastor, especially if the flock is small, should 
 weigh on your heart. And every under 
 taking for building up the spiritual house, 
 should have your help and your prayers. 
 Enter the ranks with the resolution to be a 
 working member. 
 
 LXIX. 
 
 Set it before you, as a duty for life, to 
 give regular and decorous attendance on the 
 worship of the sanctuary, every Lord's Day. 
 Let not your place be vacant. Consider 
 punctuality in attendance as one of your 
 duties to Christ. It is not superfluous to 
 
ATTENDANCE ON WORSHIP. 97 
 
 say, let your demeanour be reverent. Be not 
 one of those young comm anicants — such 
 alas! there are — who, instead of a holy si- 
 lence, spend the moments before the actual 
 commencement of the service, in conversa- 
 tion. Even though the words were of spirit- 
 ual things, this is not the place or occasion 
 for them. What preparative is so seemly, 
 as the solemn stillness and hushed expecta- 
 tion of a whole assembly ! It must be for a 
 ramentation that this is wanting, in some of 
 )ur charches. Aid your pastor, by kind 
 words and by prayer, rather than by flattery, 
 )r by attempts to disparage others in his be- 
 tialf. The best friends of a pastor are not 
 those who visit him with adulation, and 
 fondly suppose that tlie precious Gospel can 
 'do them good from no lips but his. There- 
 fore be not unwilling sometimes to see an- 
 other in his place. Consent that the gifts 
 which are constantly yours, should now and 
 then be enjoyed by others. Do not pay him 
 the equivocal compliment of choosing the 
 
 9 
 
98 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 occasions of his absence to leave your oivri 
 cliurch. Hearken to the lessons which he 
 teaches, and do your part to carry out in 
 practice all his scriptural plans. Cultivate 
 his acquaintance, and while you hold his 
 time to be precious, do not doubt his willing- 
 ness at all seasons to converse with you on 
 the concerns of the soul. In the worship of 
 God's house, remember that j^ou are more 
 than a listener or a witness. Bear your part, 
 mentally in prayer, and vocally in praise. 
 
 LXX. 
 
 MtMi Puttings. 
 
 In fully organized congregations, there is 
 usually a religious service during the week. 
 The preparation for this costs your pastor a 
 certain amount of solicitude and labour. Let 
 not this be despised. No aid, which can be 
 universally rendered, is more cheering to his 
 heart than constant attendance at this meei^ 
 
LOVE OF SOULS. 99 
 
 ing. However it may be neglected and un- 
 dervalued bj tbe majority of people, establish 
 it as a rule, that you will bold up bis bands 
 by your presence. You will there be sure 
 to meet the more spiritual members of the 
 church ; you will extend the limits of Christ- 
 ian acquaintance, and will receive knowledge 
 and edification. It is hardly needful to add, 
 that every conscientious church-member will 
 so order the arrangements of his family, hia 
 visits, and his social recreations, as not to 
 conflict with the regular meetings of th» 
 church. The remarks just made are appl? 
 cable, with slight qualification, to the weekly 
 prayer-meeting. 
 
 LXXI. 
 
 The whole face of things would be altered 
 in the Church, if each of its members could 
 be possessed with a sense of his obligation to 
 make individual efforts for the conversion of 
 
100 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 Bonis. This is left to ministers and churcli- 
 officers. Yet every man lias some circle of 
 influence, and some laymen liave been instru 
 ments in bringing biindrecls to the knowledge 
 of the truth. " Brethren, if any of you do 
 err from the truth, and one convert him ; let 
 him know, that he which converteth the 
 sinner from the error of his way shall save 
 a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude 
 of sins."* 
 
 LXXII. 
 
 Sunday-schools have at least doubled the 
 working power of every church in which they 
 are well established. The energetic members 
 of any Christian society are commonly Sun- 
 day-school teachers, or have been such. Em- 
 ployment in this work is usually the first 
 labour which a young disciple ventures to 
 undertake. The whole business of the Sun* 
 
 * James 5 • 20. 
 
CHARITIES. 101 
 
 day-scliool tends to promote tlie spirit of 
 benevolence and the habit of beneficence. 
 Every order of talent may here find a place. 
 You will therefore be consulting your own 
 usefulness and happiness, if you take the 
 earliest opportunity to enroll yourself among 
 those who are devoted to the instruction of 
 the poor and ignorant. 
 
 LXXIII. 
 
 C I] a r i t i H ♦ 
 
 Every congregation has certain associa 
 tious within itself, for benevolent purposes ; 
 and these are sometimes composed of Christ 
 ian women. But the number of truly effi 
 cient members is commonly very small. 
 Various reasons, often unworthy and frivo- 
 lous, if not connected with the "pride of 
 life," keep many who might render efiicient 
 aid, from uniting in these labours of love. 
 The object may be the contribution of means 
 9* 
 
102 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 for charity, or tlie making of garments foi 
 the suffering, or the neglected work of visit- 
 ing the sick poor, the " fatherless and widow 
 in their affliction."* Whatever be the end 
 sought, let no haughty reserve or carping 
 objection keep you from having a share. 
 You cannot beo^in too soon to exercise 
 yourself in actual and personal well-doing, 
 which is much more rare than the giving 
 of alms through others. 
 
 LXXIV. 
 
 Feeling yourself in fellowship with the 
 body of believers, you will naturally own 
 your obligation to do all that in you lies to 
 promote the holiness of every brother Christ- 
 ian. To indicate the methods of this would 
 be to write a volume. The great point is, to 
 have the desire and intention. Is such tho 
 
 * James 1 : 27. 
 
SCANDALS. 103 
 
 tendency of your mind, and does it evince 
 itself in your daily prayers and endea- 
 vours ? 
 
 LXXV. 
 
 "It is impossible but that offences will 
 come, but woe unto him through whom they 
 come."* The inference is fair, that a largo 
 measure of guilt belongs also to him who 
 extends the circle of offences. To the exist- 
 ence of an offence, scandal or stumblino-- 
 block, in the scriptural sense, some degree 
 <)f publicity is essential. This evil is pro- 
 duced by the practice of talking about the 
 Bins of brethren. Almost every church hag 
 some mischievous tongue of this sort. Pro- 
 found silence would olten prevent the spread 
 of dishonourable reports. The rule is as old 
 as Moses : "• Thou shalt not go up and down 
 as a talebearer among thy people. ''j- Abhor 
 
 ^ Luke 17 : 1. f Lev 19 : 16. 
 
104- THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 the slightest approach to this hateful char 
 racter. Be tender of the reputation of a 
 brother; and where you can not deny an 
 evil report^ at least show how truly you dis- 
 relish it. '' The north wind driveth av,^ay 
 rain : so doth an angry countenance a back- 
 biting tongue."* 
 
 LXXVI. 
 
 To promote harmony and love in the 
 church, is a Christlike employment. Differ 
 ences continually arise among brethren ; and 
 they are abominable in the sight of God 
 Kot only should you avoid them yourself 
 but you should spare no pains to prevent 
 and heal them in others. There is scarcely 
 a feud or a coldness, which mieht not be re- 
 moved in its commencement. But the trick- 
 ling rill soon swells to a torrent. "The 
 beginning of strife is as when one letteth out 
 
 ♦ Prov. 25 : 23 
 
REPROOF. 105 
 
 water."* Timely intervention, between the 
 contending parties, with honest and affection- 
 ate entreaty, will in most cases be successful. 
 " Blessed are the peacemakers, for tbey shall 
 be called the children of God."f 
 
 LXXVII. 
 
 The church-covenant implies not onlj» 
 rautual love, but mutual watchfulness. Ho\»' 
 much better is it to tell a brother's fault to 
 himself, than to tell it to others ? Sin in ouj* 
 brethren should give us great pain, and w^ 
 should use unceasing efforts to correct it. Bu* 
 no duty requires more circumspection and 
 heavenly wisdom. Conducted aright, chari- 
 table reproof seldom fails sooner or later to 
 be useful. "He that rebuketh a man after- 
 wards shall find more favour tharn he that flat- 
 
 * Prov ] T : 14. f Matt. 5 .• 9- 
 
106 THE YOUNG COMMUNICANT. 
 
 teretli with tlie tongue. ** Indifference to 
 the spiritual progress of our companions is a 
 sin which is forbidden bj the spirit of that 
 Levitical law, as being opposite to holy love. 
 "Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine 
 heart ; thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy 
 neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him."f 
 
 LXXVIII. 
 
 Christianity alone teaches the true brotb« 
 erhood of mankind. " Thou shalt love thy 
 neighbour as thyself," is the second table of 
 the Law. And if you ask, who is my neigh- 
 bour? the reply of our Lord in a beautiful 
 parable is, that your neighbour is he whom 
 Providence throws within the reach of your 
 help. Henceforth it should be your purpose 
 to do all that is within your power for the 
 temporal and spiritual good of all youi 
 fellow men. 
 
 ♦ Prov. 28 : 23. f Lev. 19 : 17. 
 
SEEKING OPPORTUNITIES. 107 
 
 LXXIX. ' 
 
 How hard it is to strike the happy me- 
 dium between selfish inaction and over-busy 
 zeal I " Wisdom is profitable to direct."* 
 Forwardness, and officious bustle are espe- 
 cially displeasing in a young professor. You 
 will be most likely to pursue the right path, 
 if your daily efforts to do good are tempered 
 with shrinking humility. When you are in 
 doubt as to modes of usefulness, you should 
 add to your prayers a resort to the counsel 
 of aged and experienced advisers. 
 
 LXXX. 
 
 Where there is a will, there will be a way. 
 Earnest desire to do good will certainly sug- 
 
 * Eccl. 10 : 10. 
 
108 THE YOUNG COMMUMOANT. 
 
 gest metliods. Some have a peculiar faculty 
 for devising happy schemes, which may after- 
 wards be realized by themselves- or othera 
 It is well for the mind to be teeming with 
 plans of usefulness. He is but a slothful ser- 
 vant, who always lies still till the summons 
 of some urgent duty is brought to his door. 
 Accustom yourself to go out in search of oc- 
 casions for honouring Christ in the person 
 of his suffering people. "To do good and to 
 communicate, forget not, for with such sacri* 
 iices God is well pleased."* Place often 
 before your mind, the tribunal of the Lasi 
 Day, and shudder lest the Son of Man should 
 say to you, "Inasmuch as ye did it not to 
 the least of these, ye did it not to me."f 
 
 »IIcb 13:1C. f Matt 25 : 45. 
 
THE SPREAD OF THE TRUTH. 109 
 
 LXXXI. 
 
 %\lt ^i^xmii Qf tilt %xut\i 
 
 Happy would it be, if every member of 
 every communion, should from the first feel 
 himself charged with a part of the great duty 
 of extending the means of salvation in all the 
 region around him, by the founding or sus- 
 taining of new churches. Your eye should 
 be kept on this. You may render help by 
 counsels and plans, by contribution, and, in 
 some circumstances, by personally casting u> 
 your lot with struggling brethren. Larg© 
 ch arches should aid those which are small 
 Some congregations ar6 far too large. CoJ 
 onies from these at well-chosen junctures, 
 may be, to small undertakings, as life from 
 the dead. Think seriously on the delightful 
 retrospect, of a church established by your- 
 selves and others having thrown your servi 
 ces into the work at the critical moment. 
 
110 THE YOUNG COMMUKICAKT. 
 
 LXXXIL 
 
 Hold yourself ready to contribute to every 
 good enterprise, according to your ability. 
 However small your dole may be, remember 
 the widow's two mites, and that it is accept- 
 ed according to that a man hath and not ac- 
 cording to that he hath not.* Give alms of 
 3uch things as you have, and you will find 
 your means increase. For " God is able to 
 make all grace abound towards you ; that ye. 
 always having all sufficiency in all things 
 may abound to every good work."f 
 
 LXXXIII. 
 
 The poor give more in proportion than the 
 rich. As men grow in wealth, few of them 
 keep up the rate of their contribution to the 
 * Cot. 8 12. f 2 Cor. 9 : 8. 
 
PERSONAL BENEFICENCE. lil 
 
 Lord's treasury; whereas thej ought to in- 
 crease it. He who gives ten dollars out of an 
 income of a hundred, seldom gives ten thou- 
 sand when his income rises to a hundred 
 thousand. This evil will be avoided, if you 
 adopt the rule of devoting a stated portion of 
 your receipts. Such was the method recom- 
 mended in a certain case by the apostle Paul : 
 " Upon the first day of the week let every 
 one of you lay by him in store, as God hath 
 prospered him, that there be no gatherings 
 when I come."* 
 
 LXXXIV. 
 
 All men find it easier to give money, than 
 to give their actual services. Yet these are 
 the most important and the most delightful 
 acts of mercy. Begin at once to seek out 
 cases of suffering. The most deserving are 
 those which will never come to you. Accus- 
 
 • 1 Cor. 16 : fc 
 
112 THE YOUNii COMMUNICANT. 
 
 torn yourself to minister to tlie sick poor. 
 Shrink not from any mortification incident 
 to the work of interesting other benevolent 
 persons in objects of charity. But by no 
 means forego the sacred and self-regarding 
 duty of going yourself to the house of v/ant 
 or of mourning. "Pure religion (the word 
 means religious service) and undefiled before 
 God and the Father is this, to visit the father- 
 less and widows in their affliction, and to 
 keep himself unspotted from the world."* 
 
 LXXXV. 
 
 C n t Itt 5 i jait • 
 
 If the world is to be converted, and the 
 Church made glorious, within any short pe- 
 riod, there must be a great elevation of piety 
 in those who are now young Christians. 
 Much depends on having a high standard of 
 personal holiness. Be persuaded that there 
 
 * James 1 : 2*7. 
 
CONCLUSION. 118 
 
 are heights of grace, attainable even on earth, 
 which have not been reached by jou, or by 
 the majority of beHevers. Direct your pray- 
 ers^and efforts to the acquisition of every 
 Christian virtue, agreeably to the admonition 
 of Paul : " Finally, brethren, whatsoever 
 things are true, whatsoever things are honest, 
 whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things 
 are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, what- 
 soever things are of good report ; if there be 
 any virtue, and if there be any praise, think 
 on these things."* 
 
 " O Jesus, my Saviour ! thy blessed hu- 
 manity, impress it on my heart! Make me 
 most sensible of thy infinite dignity, and o^ 
 my own vileness, that I may hate myself as 9 
 thing of nought, and be willing to be despis- 
 ed and trodden upon by all as the vilest mire 
 of the streets; that I may still retain these 
 
 words, — T AM NOTHING, I CAN DO NOTHING, 
 AJPTD I DESIRE NOTHING LC7T ONE."t 
 
 * Philipp. 4:8. f Leightoa 
 
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