A Treatise ON THE LORD'S SUPPER. PART II. DESIGNED TO ASSIST THE COMMUNICANT IN DEVOUTLY RECEIVING IT. PART II. CHAP. I. Helps for Self-examination, and Prayers. In the former part of this Treatise, the subject of self-examination, as a part of preparation needful before the first reception of the Lord's Supper, has been already considered. But as self-examination is a duty of continual recurrence, we will endeavour to give some farther help to the constant performance of it, and-shew how it may be profitably varied. Well would it be for Christians, if they were in the habit of close daily self-examination. It is not indeed easy, or perhaps practicable, for those engaged in all the bustle of business in large cities, to give much time to this work ; but what Christian could not pause for a few moments before his evening prayer, look back on the past day, trace what has been the course of his thoughts, words, and actions; and so be better prepared for all the parts of prayer. * *. The following questions have been recommended for this purpose. Questions for the Evening. 1. What mercies have I received this day ; answers of prayer; deliverance from evil; common or remarkable blessings? a But before the reception of the Lord's Supper, the duty cannot in ordinary cases be neglected without the breach of a divine precept, Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. A watch requires not only to be wound up daily, but at occasional intervals a particular looking into, to be cleaned and oiled afresh. These general directions may with advantage be first attended to. 2. What sin have I committed? What duty omitted ? 3. What have I done, endeavoured, or designed for the glory of God, or the good of my neighbours; or what opportunities bave I neglected of promoting them? 4. With what success have I encountered those sins to which ny circumstances or constitution most incline me; passion, sloth, impurity, intemperance, vanity, &c. 5. Have I been looking to Jesus as my righteousness, my strength, and my example? 6. How have I improved my time this day? Have I made any progress in religion? Have I thought of death and judg met? Have I walked with God? 7. Have I prayed, and how? Have I read the Scriptures, and how? 8. What mercy do I want for soul or body, myself or my rela tions, that I may now ask it? 9. Have I remembered my promises made at the last sacrament, and how have I performed them? Questions for the Morning. 1. Did I read and pray, meditate, and examine myself last night; and in what manner? 2. Did I think of God the last thing on lying down, and the first thing on rising up? 3. What sin have I committed in thought word, or deed, and what duty has been omitted since the last evening? 4. What occasions may I probably have this day of serving God, and benefiting my neighbour ? 5. To what temptations am I likely to be exposed ? 6. What mercies have I received, and what blessings do I now need? 7. Is it my desire to live this day by the faith of the Son of God? Gal. ii, 20. |