The Mystery of the Lord's Supper · QUESTION. But if Christ suffered only in His human nature, how...

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Transcript of The Mystery of the Lord's Supper · QUESTION. But if Christ suffered only in His human nature, how...

Page 1: The Mystery of the Lord's Supper · QUESTION. But if Christ suffered only in His human nature, how could His suffering satisfy for sin? ANSWER. By reason of the hypostatic union,
Page 2: The Mystery of the Lord's Supper · QUESTION. But if Christ suffered only in His human nature, how could His suffering satisfy for sin? ANSWER. By reason of the hypostatic union,
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TheMysteryoftheLord'sSupper

byThomasWatson

TableofContents

Introduction

SevenSupernaturalVirtuesinChrist'sBlood

HowShouldWePreparefortheLord'sSupper?

SixDifferencesBetweenaSincereFaithandaHypocriticalFaith

SixSignsofaGreatFaith

Introduction

"Andastheywereeating,Jesustookbread,andblessedit,andbrakeit,andgave it to thedisciples,andsaid,Take,eat; this isMybody.AndHe took thecup,andgave thanks,andgave it to themsaying,Drinkyeallofit;forthisisMybloodoftheNewTestament,whichisshedformanyfortheremissionofsins."Matthew26:26-28

Inthesewords,wehavetheinstitutionoftheLord'sSupper.TheGreekscallthesacrament"amystery."Thereisinitamysteryofwonderandamysteryofmercy."ThecelebrationoftheLord'sSupper,"saidChrysostom,"isthecommemorationofthegreatestblessingthateverthe

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worldenjoyed."Asacramentisavisiblesermon.AndhereinthesacramentexcelstheWordpreached.TheWordisatrumpettoproclaimChrist.ThesacramentisaglasstorepresentHim.

QUESTION.ButwhywastheSacramentoftheLord'sSupperappointed?IsnottheWordsufficienttobringustoheaven?

ANSWER.TheWordisfortheengrafting;theSacramentsarefortheconfirmingoffaith.TheWordbringsustoChrist;theSacramentbuildsusupinHim.TheWordisthefontwherewearebaptizedwiththeHolyGhost;theSacramentisthetablewherewearefedandcherished.TheLordcondescendstoourweakness.Werewemadeupallofspirit,therewouldbenoneedofbreadandwine.Butwearecompoundedcreatures.ThereforeGod,tohelpourfaith,notonlygivesusanaudiblewordbutavisiblesign.ImayherealludetothatsayingofourSavior,"Exceptyeseesigns,yewillnotbelieve,"John4:48.ChristsetsHisbodyandbloodbeforeusintheelements.Herearesigns,elsewewillnotbelieve.

Thingstakeninbytheeyeworkmoreuponusthanthingstakeninbytheear.Asolemnspectacleofmortalitymoreaffectsusthananoration.So,whenweseeChristbrokeninthebreadand,asitwere,crucifiedbeforeus,thismoreaffectsourheartsthanthebarepreachingoftheWord.

SoIcometothetext."Astheywereeating,Jesustookbread."WhereIshallopenthesefiveparticularsinreferencetotheSacrament:

1.TheAuthor.

2.TheTime.

3.TheManner.

4.TheGuests.

5.TheBenefits.

1.TheAuthoroftheSacrament,JesusChrist."Jesustookbread."Toinstitutesacramentsbelongs,byright,toChrist,andisaflowerofHiscrown.Heonlywhocangivegracecanappointthe

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sacraments,whicharethesealsofgrace.Christ,beingtheFounderoftheSacrament,givesagloryandlustertoit.Akingmakingafeastaddsmorestateandmagnificencetoit."Jesustookbread,"Hewhosenameisaboveeveryname,Godblessedforever,Philippians2:9.

2.ThetimewhenChristinstitutedtheSacrament;whereinwemaytakenoticeoftwocircumstances:

1.ItwaswhenHehadsupped;"aftersupper,"Luke22:20,whichhadthismysteryinit,toshowthattheSacramentischieflyintendedasaspiritualbanquet.Itwasnottoindulgethesenses,buttofeastthegraces.Itwas"aftersupper."

2.TheothercircumstanceoftimeisthatChristappointedtheSacramentalittlebeforeHissufferings."TheLordJesus,thesamenightinwhichHewasbetrayed,tookbread,"1Corinthians11:23.HeknewtroubleswerenowcominguponHisdisciples.ItwouldbenosmallperplexitytothemtoseetheirLordandMastercrucified.AndshortlyaftertheymustpledgeHiminabittercup.Therefore,toarmthemagainstsuchatimeandtoanimatetheirspirits,thatverynightinwhichHewasbetrayedHe.givesthemHisbodyandbloodintheSacrament.

Thismaygiveusagoodhintthat,inalltroubleofmind,especiallyapproachesofdanger,itisneedfultohaverecoursetotheLord'sSupper.TheSacramentisbothanantidoteagainstfearandarestorativetofaith.ThenightinwhichChristwasbetrayed,Hetookbread.

3.Themanneroftheinstitution;whereinfourthingsareobservable:(1)Thetakingofthebread;(2)Thebreakingofit;(3)Theblessingofit;and(4)Theadministeringofthecup.

1.Thetakingofthebread."Jesustookbread."

QUESTION.Whatismeantbythisphrase,"Hetookbread?"

ANSWER.Christ'stakingandseparatingthebreadfromcommonusesholdsforthadoublemystery.

First,itsignifiedthatGodinHiseternaldecreesetChristapartforthe

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workofourredemption.Hewasseparatefromsinners,Hebrews7:26.

Second,Christ'ssettingtheelementsapartfromcommonbreadandwineshowedthatHeisnotforcommonpersonstofeedupon.TheyaretobedivinelypurifiedwhotouchtheseholythingsofGod.TheymustbeoutwardlyseparatedfromtheworldandinwardlysanctifiedbytheSpirit.

QUESTION.WhydidChristtakebreadratherthananyotherelement?

ANSWER1.BecauseitprefiguredHim.Christwastypifiedbytheshowbread,1Kings7:48;bythebreadwhichMelchisedekoffereduntoAbraham,Genesis14:18;andbythecakewhichtheangelbroughttoElijah,1Kings19:6.Therefore,Hetookbreadtoanswerthetype.

ANSWER2.Christtookbreadbecauseoftheanalogy.BreadresembledHimclosely."IamthatBreadoflife,"John6:48.Thereisathree-foldresemblance:

Breadisuseful.Othercomfortsaremorefordelightthanuse.Musicdelightstheear,colorstheeye,butbreadisthestaffoflife.SoChristisuseful.ThereisnosubsistingwithoutHim."HethateatethMe,evenheshalllivebyMe,"John6:57.

Breadissatisfying.Ifamanishungry,flowersorpicturesdonotsatisfy,butbreaddoes.SoJesusChrist,theBreadofthesoul,satisfies.Hesatisfiestheeyewithbeauty,theheartwithsweetness,theconsciencewithpeace.

Breadisstrengthening."Breadwhichstrengthensman'sheart,"Psalm104:15.SoChrist,theBreadofthesoul,transmitsstrength.Hestrengthensusagainsttemptationsandfordoingandsufferingwork.Heislikethecaketheangelbroughttotheprophet."Hearoseanddideat,andwentinthestrengthofthatmeatfortydaysandfortynights,untoHorebthemountofGod,"1Kings19:8.

2.Thesecondthingintheinstitutionisthebreakingofthebread."Hebrakeit."ThisshadowedoutChrist'sdeathandpassionwithallthe

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tormentsofHisbodyandsoul."ItpleasedtheLordtobruiseHim,"Isaiah53:10.Whenthespicesarebruised,thentheysendforthasweetsavor.So,whenChristwasbruisedonthecross,Hesentoutafragrantsmell.Christ'sbodycrucifyingwasthebreakingopenofaboxofpreciousointmentwhichfilledheavenandearthwithitsperfume.

QUESTION.ButwhywasChrist'sbodybroken?WhatwasthecauseofHissuffering?

ANSWER.SurelynotforanydesertofHisown."TheMessiahshallbecutoff,butnotforHimself,"Daniel9:26.Intheoriginalitis,"Heshallbecutoff,andthereisnothinginHim."ThereisnocauseinHimwhyHeshouldsuffer.Whenthehighpriestwentintothetabernacle,offeredfirst"forhimself,"Hebrews9:7.Thoughhehadhismitreorgoldenplate,andworeholygarments,yethewasnotpureandinnocent.Hemustoffersacrificeforhimselfaswellasthepeople.ButJesusChrist,thatgreatHighPriest,thoughHeofferedabloodysacrifice,yetitwasnotforHimself.

Why,then,wasHisblessedbodybroken?Itwasforoursins."Hewaswoundedforourtransgressions,"Isaiah53:5.TheHebrewwordfor"wounded"hasadoubleemphasis.EitheritmaysignifythatHewaspiercedthroughaswithadart,orthatHewasprofaned.Hewasusedassomecommonvilething,andChristcanthankusforit."Hewaswoundedforourtransgressions."Sothat,ifthequestionwereputtous,asoncewasputtoChrist,"Prophesy,whosmoteThee?"Luke22:64,wemightsoonanswerthatitwasoursinsthatsmoteHim.OurpridemadeChristwearacrownofthorns.AsZipporahsaidtoMoses,"Abloodyhusbandartthoutome,"Exodus4:25,somayChristsaytoHischurch,"AbloodyspouseyouhavebeentoMe;youhavecostMeMyheart'sblood."

QUESTION.ButhowcouldChristsuffer,beingGod?TheGodheadisimpassible.

ANSWER.Christsufferedonlyinthehumannature,nottheDivine.Damascenexpressesitbythissimile:Ifonepourswateronironthatisredhot,thefiresuffersbythewaterandisextinguished;buttheiron

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doesnotsuffer.SothehumannatureofChristmightsufferdeath,buttheDivinenatureisnotcapableofanypassion.WhenChristwasinthehumannature,HewasintheDivinenaturetriumphing.AswewonderattherisingoftheSonofrighteousnessinHisincarnation,sowemaywonderatthegoingdownofthisSuninHispassion.

QUESTION.ButifChristsufferedonlyinHishumannature,howcouldHissufferingsatisfyforsin?

ANSWER.Byreasonofthehypostaticunion,thehumannaturebeingunitedtotheDivine.Thehumannaturesuffered;theDivinenaturesatisfied.Christ'sGodheadgavebothmajestyandefficacytoHissufferings.ChristwasSacrifice,Priest,andAltar.HewasSacrifice,asHewasman;Priest,asHewasGodandman;Altar,asHewasGod.Itisthepropertyofthealtartosanctifythethingofferedonit,Matthew23:19.SothealtarofChrist'sDivinenaturesanctifiedthesacrificeofHisdeathandmadeitmeritorious.

Now,concerningChrist'ssufferinguponthecross,observethesethings:

ThebitternessofittoHim."Hewasbroken."TheverythoughtsofHissufferingputHimintoanagony."Beinginagony,Heprayedmoreearnestly,andHesweat,asitwere,greatdropsofbloodfallingdowntotheground,"Luke22:44.Hewasfullofsorrow."Mysoulisexceedingsorrowful,evenuntodeath,"Matthew26:38.Christ'scrucifixionwas:1.Alingeringdeath.ItwasmoreforChristtosufferonehourthanforustohavesufferedforever.ButHisdeathwaslengthenedout.Hehungthreehoursonthecross.HediedmanydeathsbeforeHecoulddieone.

2.Itwasapainfuldeath.Hishandsandfeetwerenailed,whichparts,beingfullofsinews,andthereforeverytender,Hispainmustbemostacuteandsharp.AndtohavetheenvenomedarrowofGod'swrathshottoHisheart,thiswasthedirefulcatastrophe,andcausedthatoutcryuponthecross,"MyGod,MyGod,whyhastThouforsakenMe?"ThejusticeofGodwasnowenflamedandheightenedtoitsfull."GodsparednotHisSon,"Romans8:38.Nothingmustbeabatedofthedebt.Christfeltthepainsofhell,thoughnotlocally,yetequivalently.IntheSacrament,weseethistragedyactedbeforeus.

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3.Itwasashamefuldeath.Christwashungbetweentwothieves,Matthew27:38.ItwasasifHehadbeentheprincipalmalefactor.Wellmightthelampofheavenwithdrawitslightandmaskitselfwithdarkness,asblushingtobeholdtheSunofrighteousnessinaneclipse.Itishardtosaywhichwasgreater,thebloodofthecrossortheshameofthecross,Hebrews12:2.

4.Itwasacurseddeath,Deuteronomy21:23.Thiskindofdeathwasdeemedexceedinglyexecrable,yettheLordJesusunderwentthis,"Beingmadeacurseforus,"Galatians3:13.HewhowasGodblessedforever,Romans9:5,wasunderacurse.

Also,considerthesweetnessofittous.Christ'sbruisingisourhealing."ByHisstripes,wearehealed,"Isaiah53:5.CalvincallsthecrucifixionofChristthehingeonwhichoursalvationturns.Luthercallsitagospelspringopenedtorefreshsinners.Indeed,thesufferingofChristisadeathbedcordial.Itisanantidotetoexpelallourfear.Doessintrouble?Christhasovercomeitforus.BesidesthetwothievescrucifiedwithChrist,thereweretwootherinvisiblethievescrucifiedwithHim:sinandthedevil.

3.ThethirdthingintheinstitutionisChrist'sblessingofthebread."Heblessedit."Thiswastheconsecrationoftheelements.Christ,byHisblessing,sanctifiedthemandmadethemsymbolsofHisbodyandblood.Christ'sconsecratingoftheelementspointsoutthreethings:

Christ,inblessingtheelements,openedthenatureoftheSacramenttotheapostles.Heexplainedthismystery.Christadvertisedthem,thatassurelyastheyreceivedtheelementscorporeally,sosurelytheyreceivedHimintotheirheartsspiritually.

Christ'sblessingtheelementssignifiedHisprayerforablessingupontheordinance.Heprayedthatthesesymbolsofbreadandwinemight,throughtheblessingandoperationoftheHolyGhost,sanctifytheelectandsealupallspiritualmerciesandprivilegestothem.

Christ'sblessingtheelementswasHisgivingthanks.SoitisintheGreek,"Hegavethanks."ChristgavethanksthatGodtheFatherhad,inthe

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infiniterichesofHisgrace,givenHisSontoexpiatethesinsoftheworld.AndifChristgavethanks,howmaywegivethanks!IfHegavethankswhowastoshedHisblood,howmaywegivethankswhoaretodrinkit!ChristalsogavethanksthatGodhadgiventheseelementsofbreadandwinetonotonlybesignsbutsealsofourredemption.Asthesealservestomakeoveraconveyanceofland,sotheSacrament,asaspiritualseal,servestomakeoverChristandheaventosuchasworthilyreceiveit.

4.ThefourthparticularintheinstitutionisChrist'sadministeringthecup."AndHetookthecup."ThetakingofthecupshowedtheredundancyofmeritinChristandthecopiousnessofourredemption.Christwasnotsparing.Henotonlygaveusthebreadbutthecup.Wemaysayasthepsalmist,"WiththeLordisplenteousredemption,"Psalm130:7.

IfChristgavethecup,howdarethepapistswithholdit?Theyclipandmutilatetheordinance.TheyplotoutScriptureandmayfearthatdoom,"Ifanymanshalltakeawayfromthewordsofthebookofthisprophecy,Godshalltakeawayhispartoutofthebookoflife,"Revelation22:19.

QUESTION.WhatismeantbyChrist'stakingthecup?

ANSWER.Thecupisfigurative;itisametonymyofthesubject.Thecupisputforthewineinit.Bythis,ChristsignifiedthesheddingofHisblooduponthecross.WhenHisbloodwaspouredout,nowthevinewascutandbled.Nowwasthelilyofthevalleysdyedapurplecolor.Thiswas,toChrist,acupofastonishment,Ezekiel23:33.Buttous,itisacupofsalvation.WhenChristdrankthiscupofblood,wemaytrulysaythatHedrankatoasttotheworld.Itwaspreciousblood,1Peter1:19.Inthisblood,weseesinfullypunishedandfullypardoned.WellmaythespousegiveChristofherspicedwineandthejuiceofherpomegranate,SongofSolomon8:2,whenChristhasgivenheradraftofHiswarmblood,spicedwithHisloveandperfumedwiththeDivinenature.

4.Thefourththingistheguestsinvitedtothissupper,orthepersonstowhomChristdistributedtheelements."HegavetoHisdisciplesandsaid,Take,eat."TheSacramentischildren'sbread.Ifamanmakesafeast,hecallshisfriends.ChristcallsHisdisciples;ifHe

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hadanypiecebetterthananother,Hecarvesittothem.

"ThisisMybodywhichisgivenforyou,"Luke22:19,thatis,foryoubelievers.ChristgaveHisbodyandbloodtothediscipleschieflyunderthisnotion,thattheywerebelievers.AsChristpouredoutHisprayers,John17:9,soHisbloodonlyforbelievers.SeehowneartoChrist'sheartallbelieverslie!Christ'sbodywasbrokenonthecrossandHisbloodshedforthem.Theelectionhasobtainedit,Romans11:7.Christhaspassedbyothers,anddiedintentionallyforthem.ImpenitentsinnershavenobenefitbyChrist'sdeathunlessitisashortreprieve.Christisgiventothewickedinwrath.HeisaRockofoffence,1Peter2:8.Christ'sbloodislikechemicaldropsofoilwhichrecoversomepatients,butkillothers.Judassuckeddeathfromthetreeoflife.Godcanturnstonesintobread,andasinnercanturnbreadintostones-thebreadoflifeintothestoneofstumbling.

5.Thefifththingobservableinthetextisthebenefitofthissupperinthesewords,"fortheremissionofsins."Thisisamercyofthefirstmagnitude,thecrowningblessing."Whoforgiveththyiniquities,whocrowneththeewithloving-kindness,"Psalm103:3-4.Whosoeverhasthischartergrantedisenrolledinthebookoflife."Blessedishewhosetransgressionisforgiven,"Psalm32:1.Underthisword,"remissionofsin,"byasynecdoche,arecomprehendedallheavenlybenedictions,justification,adoption,andglory-inrespectofwhichbenefitswemay,withChrysostom,call.theLord'sSupper"thefeastofthecross."

USE1.ThisdoctrineoftheSacramentconfutestheopinionoftransubstantiation.WhenChristsaid,"ThisisMybody,"thepapistsaffirmthatthebread,aftertheconsecration,isturnedintothesubstanceofChrist'sbody.WeholdthatChrist'sbodyisintheSacramentspiritually.Butthepapistssaythatitistherecarnally,whichopinionisbothabsurdandimpious.

Absurd.Foritiscontrary,first,toScripture.TheScriptureassertsthatChrist'sbodyislocallyandnumericallyinheaven."Whomtheheavensmustreceiveuntilthetimesofrestitutionofallthings,"Acts3:21.IfChrist'sbodyiscircumscribedinheaven,thenitcannotbemateriallyin

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theeucharist.Second,itiscontrarytoreason.Howisitimaginablethatathingshouldbechangedintoanotherspecies,yetcontinuethesame?thatthebreadintheSacramentshouldbetransmutedandturnedintoflesh,yetremainbreadstill?WhenMoses'rodwasturnedintoaserpent,itcouldnotbeatthesametimebotharodandaserpent.ThatthebreadintheSacramentshouldbechangedintothebodyofChrist,andyetremainbread,isaperfectcontradiction.Ifthepapistsaysthatthebreadisvanished,thisismorefittobeputintotheirlegendthanourcreed,forthecolor,form,andrelishofthebreadstillremains.

Impious.Thisopinionoftransubstantiationisimpious,asappearsintwothings.First,itisaprofaningofChrist'sbody.ForifthebreadintheSacramentistherealbodyofChrist,thenitmaybeeatennotonlybythewickedbutbyreptilesandvermin,whichweretodisparageandcastcontemptuponChristandHisordinance.Second,itrunsmeninevitablyuponsin.Forthroughthismistake,thatthebreadisChrist'sverybody,therefollowstheDivineworshipgiventothebread-whichisidolatry-asalsotheofferingupofthebread,orhost,inthemass,whichisablasphemyagainstChrist'spriestlyoffice,Hebrews10:14,asifHissacrificeonthecrosswereimperfect.

Therefore,IconcludewithPeterMartyrthatthisdoctrineoftransubstantiationistobeabhorredandexploded,beingmintedonlyinmen'sfanciesbutnotsprungupinthefieldoftheHolyScriptures.

Also,thisdoctrineoftheSacramentconfutessuchaslookupontheLord'sSupperonlyasanemptyfigureorshadow,resemblingChrist'sdeath,buthavingnointrinsicefficacyinit.Surely,thisgloriousordinanceismorethananeffigyorrepresentativeofChrist.WhyistheLord'sSuppercalledthecommunionofthebodyofChrist,1Corinthians10:16,butbecause,intherightcelebrationofit,wehavesweetcommunionwithChrist?Inthisgospelordinance,ChristnotonlyshowsforthHisbeauty,butsendsforthHisvirtue.TheSacramentisnotonlyapicturedrawn,butabreastdrawn.Itgivesusa

tasteofChristaswellasasight,1Peter2:3.SuchasmaketheSacramentonlyarepresentativeofChristshootshortofthemysteryandcomeshortofthecomfort.

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USE2.Itinformsusofseveralthings.1.ItshowsusthenecessityofcomingtotheLord'sSupper.HasJesusChristbeenatallthiscosttomakeafeast?Then,surely,theremustbeguests,Luke22:19.Itisnotlefttoourchoicewhetherwewillcomeornot;itisadutypurelyindispensable."Lethimeatofthatbread,"1Corinthians11:28,whichwordsarenotonlypermissive,butauthoritative.Itisasifakingshouldsay,"Letitbeenacted."

TheneglectoftheSacramentrunsmenintoagospelpenalty.ItwasinfinitegoodnessinChristtobroachthatblessedvesselofHisbodyandletHissacredbloodstreamout.Itisevilforuswilfullytoomitsuchanordinancewhereinthetrophyofmercyissorichlydisplayedandoursalvationsonearlyconcerned.WellmayChristtakethisasanundervaluingofHim,andinterpretitasnobetterthanabiddingHimtokeepHisfeasttoHimself.Hewhodidnotobservethepassoverwastobecutoff,Numbers9:13.HowangrywasChristwiththosewhostayedawayfromthesupper!Theythoughttoputitoffwithacompliment.ButChristknewhowtoconstruetheirexcuseforarefusal."NoneofthosemenwhichwerebiddenshalltasteofMysupper,"Luke14:24.RejectinggospelmercyisasinofsodeepadiethatGodcandonolessthanpunishitforacontempt.SomeneedaflamingswordtokeepthemfromtheLord'sTable,andothersneedChrist'swhipofsmallcordstodrivethemtoit.

Perhaps,somewillsay,theyareabovetheSacrament.Itwouldbestrangetohearamansaythatheisabovehisfood!Theapostleswerenotabovethisordinance,anddoesanyonepresumetobeapeghigherthantheapostles?LetallsuchconsultthatScripture,"Asoftenasyeeatthisbreadanddrinkthiscup,yeshowtheLord'sdeathtillHecome,"1Corinthians11:26.TheLord'sdeathistoberememberedsacramentallytillHecomestojudgment.

2.Seethemiseryofunbelievers.ThoughtheLordhasappointedthisgloriousordinanceofHisbodyandblood,theyreapnobenefitbyit.TheycometotheSacramenteithertokeepuptheircreditortostopthemouthoftheirconscience,buttheygetnothingfortheirsouls.Theycomeemptyofgraceandgoawayemptyofcomfort."Itshallevenbeaswhenahungrymandreameth,andbeholdheeateth,butheawaketh,andhissoulis

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empty,"Isaiah29:8.Sowickedmenfancythattheyeatofthisspiritualbanquet,buttheyareinagoldendream.Alas,theydonotdiscerntheLord'sbody.ThemannalayroundaboutIsrael'scamp,buttheydidnotknowit."Theywistnotwhatitwas,"Exodus16:15.So,carnalpersonsseetheexternalelements,butChristisnotknowntotheminHissavingvirtues.Thereishoneyinthisspiritualrockwhichtheynevertaste.Theyfeeduponthebread,butnotChristinthebread.Isaacatethekidwhenhethoughtithadbeenvenison,Genesis27:25.UnbelieversgoawaywiththeshadowoftheSacrament.Theyhavetherindandthehusk,notthemarrow.Theyeatthekid,notthevenison.

3.Seeinthistext,asinaglass,infinitelovedisplayed.

(1)BeholdtheloveofGodtheFatheringivingChristtobebrokenforus.ThatGodshouldputsuchajewelinpledgeistheadmirationofangels."GodsolovedtheworldthatHegaveHisonlybegottenSon,"John3:16.Itisapatternoflovewithoutaparallel.ItwasafargreaterexpressionofloveinGodtogiveHisSontodieforusthanifHehadvoluntarilyacquittedusofthedebtwithoutanysatisfactionatall.Ifasubjectisdisloyaltohissovereign,itarguesmoreloveinthekingtogivehisownsontodieforthatsubjectthantoforgivehimthewrongfreely.

(2)ThatChristshouldsufferdeath."Lord,"saidBernard,"ThouhastlovedmemorethanThyself;forThoudidstlaydownThylifeforme."TheemperorTrajanrentoffapieceofhisownrobetobinduponeofhissoldier'swounds.ChristrentoffHisownfleshforus.Nay,thatChristshoulddieasthegreatestsinner,havingtheweightofallmen'ssinslaiduponHim,herewasmosttransportinglove!Itsetsalltheangelsinheavenwondering.

(3)ThatChristshoulddiefreely."IlaydownMylife,"John10:17.TherewasnolawtoenjoinHim,noforcetocompelHim.ItiscalledtheofferingofthebodyofJesus,Hebrews10:10.WhatcouldfastenHimtothecrossbutthegoldenlinkoflove!

(4)ThatChristshoulddieforsuchasweare.Whatarewe?Notonlyvanity,butenmity!Whenwewerefighting,Hewasdying.WhenHehadtheweaponsinourhands,thenHehadthespearinHisside,Romans

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5:8.

(5)ThatChristdiedforuswhenHecouldnotexpecttobeatallbetteredbyus.Wewerereducedtopenury.WewereinsuchaconditionthatwecouldneithermeritChrist'slovenorrequiteit.ForChristtodieforuswhenwewereatsuchalowebbwastheveryquintessenceoflove.Onemanwillextendkindnesstoanotheraslongasheisabletorequitehim.Butifheisfallentodecay,thenlovebeginstoslackenandcool.Butwhenwewereengulfedinmiseryandfallentodecay,whenwehadlostourbeauty,stainedourblood,andspentourportion,thenChristdiedforus.Oamazinglove,whichmayswallowupallourthoughts!

(6)ThatChristshouldnotrepentofHissufferings."HeshallseethetravailofHissoulandshallbesatisfied,"Isaiah53:11.Itisametaphorthatalludestoamotherwho,thoughshehassufferedgreatly,doesnotrepentofitwhensheseesachildbroughtforth.So,thoughChristhadhardtravailuponthecross,yetHedoesnot.repentofit,butthinksallHissufferingswell-bestowed.Heshallbesatisfied.TheHebrewwordsignifiessuchasatiatingasamanhasatsomesweetrepastorbanquet.

(7)ThatChristshouldratherdieforusthantheangelsthatfell.Theywerecreaturesofamorenobleextractionand,inallprobability,mighthavebroughtgreaterrevenuesofglorytoGod,Yet,thatChristshouldpassbythosegoldenvesselsandmakeusclodsofearthintostarsofglory,OthehyperboleofChrist'slove!

(8)YetanotherstepofChrist'slove,forlikethewatersofthesanctuaryitriseshigher:thatChrist'sloveshouldnotceaseatthehourofdeath!Wewriteinourletters,"yourfriendtilldeath."ButChristwroteinanotherstyle,"yourFriendafterdeath!"Christdiedonce,butlovesforever.HeisnottestifyingHisaffectiontous.Heismakingthemansionsreadyforus,John14:2.Heisintercedingforus,Hebrews7:25.HeappearsinthecourtastheAdvocatefortheclient.WhenHehasfinisheddying,yetHehasnotfinishedloving.Whatastupendouslovewashere!Whocanmeditateuponthisandnotbeinecstasy?Wellmaytheapostlecallit"alovethatpassesknowledge,"Ephesians3:19.WhenyouseeChristbrokenintheSacrament,thinkofthislove.

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4.See,then,whatdearandentireaffectionsweshouldbeartoChrist,whogivesusHisbodyandbloodintheeucharistIfHehadhadanythingtopartwithofmoreworth,Hewouldhavebestowedituponus.OletChristlienearestourhearts!LetHimbeourTreeofLife,andletusdesirenootherfruit.LetHimbeourmorningStar,andletusrejoiceinnootherlight.

AsChrist'sbeauty,soHisbountyshouldmakeHimlovedbyus.HehasgivenusHisbloodasthepriceandHisSpiritasthewitnessofourpardon.IntheSacrament,Christbestowsallgoodthings.HebothimputesHisrighteousnessandimpartsHislovingkindness.HegivesaforetasteofthatsupperwhichshallbecelebratedintheparadiseofGod.Tosumupall,intheblessedsupper,ChristgivesHimselftobelievers,andwhatcanHegivemore?DearSavior,howshouldThynamebeasointmentpouredforth!ThePersiansworshipthesunfortheirgod.LetusworshiptheSunofrighteousness.ThoughJudassoldChristfor30pieces,letusratherpartwithallthanthispearl.Christisthatgoldenpipethroughwhichthegoldenoilofsalvationistransmittedtous.

WasChrist'sbodybroken?ThenwemaybeholdsinodiousintheredglassofChrist'ssufferings.Itistrue,sinistobeabominatedsinceitturnedAdamoutofparadiseandthrewtheangelsdowntohell.Sinisthepeace-breaker.Itislikeanincendiaryinthefamilythatsetshusbandandwifeatvariance.ItmakesGodfalloutwithus.Sinisthebirthplaceofoursorrowsandthegraveofourcomforts.Butthatwhichmaymostofalldisfigurethefaceofsinandmakeitappearabominableisthis:ItcrucifiedourLord!ItmadeChristveilHisgloryandloseHisblood.

Ifawomansawtheswordthatkilledherhusband,howhatefulwouldthesightofitbetoher!DowecountthatsinlightwhichmadeChrist'ssoulheavyuntodeath?Mark14:34.CanthatbeourjoywhichmadetheLordJesusaman,ofsorrows?Isaiah53:3.DidHecryout,"MyGod,whyhastThouforsakenMe?"AndshallnotthosesinsbeforsakenbyuswhichmadeChristHimselfforsaken?Oletuslookuponsinwithindignation!Whenatemptationcomestosin,letussay,asDavid,"Isnotthisthebloodofthementhatwentinjeopardyoftheirlives?"2Samuel23:17.SoisnotthisthesinthatpouredoutChrist'sblood?Letourheartsbeenragedagainstsin.WhenthesenatorsofRomeshowedthepeople

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Caesar'sbloodyrobe,theywereincensedagainstthosethatslewHim.SinhasrentthewhiterobeofChrist'sfleshanddieditacrimsoncolor.Letus,then,seektobeavengedofoursins.UndertheLaw,ifanoxgoredamansothathedied,theoxwastobekilled,Exodus21:28.SinhasgoredandpiercedourSavior.Letitdiethedeath.WhatapityisitforthattolivewhichwouldnotsufferChristtolive!

WasChrist'sbodybroken?Letus,then,fromHissufferingonthecross,learnthislessonnottowondermuchifwemeetwithtroublesintheworld.DidChristsufferwho"knewnosin,"anddowethinkitstrangetosufferwhoknownothingbutsin?DidChristfeeltheangerofGod?Andisitmuchforustofeeltheangerofmen?WastheHeadcrownedwiththorns?MustwehaveourbraceletsanddiamondswhenChristhadthespearandnailsgoingtoHisheart?Truly,suchasareguiltymaywellexpectthelashwhenHe,whowasinnocent,couldnotgofree.

USE3.Thethirduseisofexhortation,andithasseveralbranches..

BRANCH1.WasChrist'sbodybrokenforus?LetusbeaffectedwiththegreatgoodnessofChrist.Whocantreaduponthesehotcoalsandhisheartnotburn?CryoutwithIgnatius,"Christ,mylove,iscrucified."Ifafriendshoulddieforus,wouldnotourheartsbemuchaffectedwithhiskindness?ThattheGodofheavenshoulddieforus,howshouldthisstupendousmercyhaveameltinginfluenceuponus!ThebodyofChristbrokenisenoughtobreakthemostflintyheart.AtourSavior'spassion,theverystonescleavedasunder."Therocksrent,"Matthew27:51.Hewhoisnotaffectedwiththishasaheartharderthanthestones.IfSaulwassoaffectedwithDavid'smercyinsparinghislife,1Samuel24:16,howmaywebeaffectedwithChrist'skindnesswho,tospareourlife,lostHisown!Letuspraythat,asChristwascrucifixussoHemaybecordi-fixus.Thatis,asHewasfastenedtothecross,soHemaybefastedtoourhearts.

BRANCH2.IsJesusChristspirituallyexhibitedtousintheSacrament?LetusthensetahighvalueandestimateuponHim.

LetusprizeChrist'sbody.EverycrumbofthisBreadoflifeisprecious."Myfleshismeatindeed,"John6:55.Themannawasalivelytypeand

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emblemofChrist'sbody,formannawassweet."Thetasteofitwaslikewafersmadewithhoney,"Exodus16:31.Itwasadeliciousfood.Thereforeitwascalledangel'sfodforitsexcellency.SoChrist,thesacramentalmanna,issweettoabeliever'ssoul."Hisfruitwassweettomytaste,"SongofSolomon2:3.EverythingofChristissweet.Hisnameissweet.Hisvirtueissweet.ThismannasweetensthewatersofMarah.

Nay,Christ'sfleshexcelsmanna.Mannawasfood,butnotmedicine.IfanIsraelitehadbeensick,mannacouldnothavecuredhim.ButthisblessedmannaofChrist'sbodyisnotonlyforfoodbutformedicine.ChristhashealingunderHiswings,Malachi4:2.Hehealstheblindeye,thehardheart.Takethismedicinenexttoyourheartanditwillhealyouofallyourspiritualdistempers.Also,mannawascorruptible.ItceasedwhenIsraelcametoCanaan.ButthisblessedmannaofChrist'sbodywillnevercease.ThesaintswillfeedwithinfinitedelightandsoulsatisfactionuponChristtoalleternity.Thejoysofheavenwouldceaseifthismannashouldcease.Themannawasputinagoldenpotinthearktobepreservedthere.SotheblessedmannaofChrist'sbody,beingputinthegoldenpotoftheDivinenature,islaidupinthearkofheavenforthesupportofsaintsforever.Well,then,maywesayofChrist'sblessedbody,itismeatindeed.InthefieldofChrist'sbody,beingdiggeduponthecross,wefindthepearlofsalvation.

LetusprizeChrist'sbloodintheSacrament.Itisdrinkindeed,John6:55.HereisthenectarandambrosiaGodHimselfdelightstotasteof.Thisisbothabalsamandaperfume.

SEVENSUPERNATURALVIRTUESINCHRIST'SBLOOD

ThatwemaysetthehighervalueuponthebloodofChrist.Ishallshowyousevenraresupernaturalvirtuesinit:

1.Itisareconcilingblood.`Youthatweresometimealienated,andenemies,yetnowhathHereconciledthroughdeath,"Colossians1:21.Christ'sbloodisthebloodofatonement.Nay,itisnotonlyasacrificebutapropitiation,1John2:2,whichdenotesabringingusintofavorwith

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God.Itisonethingforatraitortobepardoned,andanotherthingtobebroughtintofavor.SinrentusofffromGod;Christ'sbloodcementsustoGod.Ifwehadhadasmuchgraceastheangels,itcouldnothavewroughtourreconciliation.Ifwehadofferedupmillionsofholocaustsandsacrifices,ifwehadweptriversoftears,thiscouldneverhaveappeasedanangryDeity.OnlyChrist'sbloodingratiatesusintoGod'sfavorandmakesHimlookuponuswithasmilingaspect.WhenChristdied,theveilofthetemplewasrent.Thiswasnotwithoutamystery,toshowthatthroughChrist'sbloodtheveilofoursinsisrentwhichinterposedbetweenGodandus.

2.Christ'sbloodisaquickeningblood."WhosodrinkethMyblood,hatheternallife,"John6:54.Itbothbegetslifeandpreventsdeath."Thelifeofathingisintheblood,"Leviticus17:11.Sureenough,thelifeofoursoulisinthebloodofChrist.Whenwecontractdeadnessofheart,andarelikewinethathaslostthespirits,Christ'sbloodhasanelevatingpower;itputsvivacityintous,makingusquickandlivelyinourmotion."Theyshallmountupwithwingsaseagles,"Isaiah40:31.

3.Christ'sbloodisacleansingblood."HowmuchmoreshallthebloodofChristpurgeyourconscience!"Hebrews9:14.AsthemeritofChrist'sbloodpacifiesGod,sothevirtueofitpurifiesus.ItistheKingofheaven'sbath.Itisalavertowashin.Itwashesacrimsonsinnermilkwhite."ThebloodofJesuscleansethusfromalloursin,"IJohn1:7.TheWordofGodisalookingglasstoshowusourspots,andthebloodofChristisafountaintowashthemaway,Zechariah13:1.

Butthisbloodwillnotwashifitismingledwithanything.IfwegotomingleanythingwithChrist'sblood,eitherthemeritsofsaintsortheprayersofangels,itwillnotwash.LetChrist'sbloodbepureandunmixed,andthereisnospotbutitwillwashaway.ItpurgedoutNoah'sdrunkennessandLot'sincest.Indeed,thereisonespotsoblackthatChrist'sblooddoesnotwashaway,andthatisthesinagainsttheHolyGhost.NotbutthatthereisvirtueenoughinChrist'sbloodtowashitaway,buthewhohassinnedthatsinwillnotbewashed.HecondemnsChrist'sbloodandtramplesitunderfoot,Hebrews10:29.

4.Christ'sbloodisasofteningblood.Thereisnothingsohardbutmaybe

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softenedbythisblood.Itwillsoftenastone.Waterwillsoftentheearth,butitwillnotsoftenastone;butChrist'sbloodmollifiesastone.Itsoftensaheartofstone.Itturnsaflintintoaspring.Theheart,whichbeforewaslikeapiecehewnoutofarock,beingsteepedinChrist'sblood,becomessoftandthewatersofrepentanceflowfromit.Howwasthejailer'sheartdissolvedandmadetenderwhenthebloodofsprinklingwasuponit!"Sirs,whatmustIdotobesaved?"Acts16:30.Hisheartwasnowlikemeltingwax.GodmightsetwhatsealandimpressionHewoulduponit.

5.Christ'sbloodcoolstheheart.First,itcoolstheheartofsin.Theheartnaturallyisfullofdistemperedheat.Itmustbehot,beingsetonfireofhell.Itburnsinlustandpassion.Christ'sbloodallaysthisheartandquenchestheinflammationofsin.Second,itcoolstheheatofconscience.Ittimesofdesertion,conscienceburnswiththeheatofGod'sdispleasure.Now,Christ'sblood,beingsprinkledupontheconscience,coolsandpacifiesit.And,inthissense,Christiscomparedtoariverofwater,Isaiah32:2.Whentheheartburnsandisinagony,Christ'sbloodislikewatertothefire.Ithasacooling,refreshingvirtueinit.

6.Christ'sbloodcomfortsthesoul.Itisgoodagainstfaintingfits.Christ'sbloodisbetterthanwine.Thoughwinecheerstheheartofamanwhoiswell,yetitwillnotcheerhisheartwhenhehasafitofthestoneorwhenthepangsofdeathareuponhim.ButChrist'sbloodwillcheertheheartatsuchatime.Itisbestinaffliction.Itcuresthetremblingoftheheart.

AconsciencesprinkledwithChrist'sbloodcan,likethenightingale,singwithathornatitsbreast.ThebloodofChristcanmakeaprisonbecomeapalace.Itturnedthemartyr'sflamesintobedsofroses.Christ'sbloodgivescomfortatthehourofdeath.Asaholymanoncesaidonhisdeathbedwhentheybroughthimacordial,"NocordiallikethebloodofChrist!"

7.Christ'sbloodprocuresheaven.IsraelpassedthroughtheRedSeatoCanaan.So,throughtheredseaofChrist'sblood,weenterintotheheavenlyCanaan."HavingboldnessthereforetoenterintotheholiestbythebloodofJesus,"Hebrews10:19.Oursinsshutheaven;Christ'sbloodisthekeywhichopensthegateofparadiseforus.Henceitisthat

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Theodoretcallsthecrossthetreeofsalvationbecausethatbloodwhichtrickleddownthecrossdistilssalvation.Well,then,mayweprizethebloodofChristand,withPaul,determinetoknownothingbutChristcrucified,1Corinthians2:2.King'scrownsareonlycrosses,butthecrossofChrististheonlycrown.

BRANCH3.DoesChristofferHisbodyandbloodtousintheSupper?Thenwithwhatsolemnpreparationshouldwecometososacredanordinance!ItisnotenoughtodowhatGodhasappointed,butasHehasappointed."PrepareyourheartsuntotheLord,"1Samuel7:3.Themusicianfirstputshisinstrumentintunebeforeheplays.TheheartmustbepreparedandputintunebeforeitgoestomeetwithGodinthissolemnordinanceoftheSacrament.Takeheedofrashnessandirreverence.Ifwedonotcomeprepared,wedonotdrinkbutspillChrist'sblood."WhosoevershalleatthisbreadanddrinkthiscupoftheLordunworthily,shallbeguiltyofthebodyandbloodoftheLord,"1Corinthians11:27.Thatis,saidTheophylact,heshallbejudgedashedderofChrist'sblood.WereadofawinecupoffuryinGod'shand,Jeremiah25:15.HethatcomesunpreparedtotheLord'sSupperturnsthecupintheSacramentintoacupoffury.

Oh,withwhatreverenceanddevotionshouldweaddressourselvestotheseholymysteries!Thesaintsarecalled"preparedvessels,"Romans9:23.Ifeverthesevesselsshouldbeprepared,itiswhentheyaretoholdthepreciousbodyandbloodofChrist.Thesinnerwhoisdamnedisfirstprepared.Mendonotgotohellwithoutsomekindofpreparation."Vesselsfittedfordestruction,"Romans9:22.Ifthosevesselsarepreparedwhicharefilledwithwrath,muchmorearethosetobepreparedwhoaretoreceiveChristintheSacrament.LetusdressourselvesbyaScriptureglassbeforewecometotheLord'sTableand,withtheLamb'swife,makeourselvesready.

HOWSHOULDWEPREPAREFORTHELORD'SSUPPER?

1.Wemustcomewithself-examininghearts."Butletamanexaminehimself,andsolethimeatofthatbread,"1Corinthians11:28.Itisnotenoughthatothersthinkwearefittocome,butwemustexamine

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ourselves.TheGreekword"toexamine"isametaphortakenfromthegoldsmithwhocuriouslytrieshismetals.SobeforewecometotheLord'sTable,wearetomakeacuriousandcriticaltrialofourselvesbytheWord.

Self-examination,beingareflexiveact,isdifficult.Itishardforamantolookinwardandseethefaceofhisownsoul.Theeyecanseeeverythingbutitself.

Butthisworkisnecessarybecause,ifwedonotexamineourselves,weareatalossaboutourspiritualestate.Weknownotwhetherweareinterestedinthecovenantorwhetherwehavearighttotheseal.Also,becauseGodwillexamineus.Itwasasadquestionthemasterofthefeastasked,"Friend,howcamestthouinhither,nothavingaweddinggarment?"Matthew22:12.SoitwillbeterriblewhenGodshallsaytoaman,"HowdidyoucomeinheretoMytablewithaproud,vain,unbelievingheart?Whathaveyoutodohereinyoursins.YoupolluteMyholythings."

Whatneed,therefore,istheretomakeaheartsearchbeforewecometotheLord'sSupper!Weshouldexamineoursinsthattheymaybemortified,ourwantsthattheymaybesupplied,ourgracesthattheymaybestrengthened.

2.Wemustcomewithserioushearts.Ourspiritsarefeatheryandlight,likeavesselwithoutballast,whichfloatsinthewaterbutdoesnotsail.Wefloatinholydutiesandarefullofvainexcursions,evenwhenwearetodealwithGodandareengagedinmattersoflifeanddeath.ThatwhichmayconsolidateourheartsandmakethemfixwithseriousnessistoconsiderthatGod'seyeisnowespeciallyuponuswhenweapproachHistable."Thekingcameintoseetheguests,"Matthew22:11.Godknowseverycommunicant,andifHeseesanylevityandindecencyofspiritinus,inworthyofHispresence,HewillbehighlyincensedandsendusawaywiththeguiltofChrist'sbloodinsteadofthecomfortofit.

3.Wemustcomewithintelligenthearts.Thereoughttobeacompetentmeasureofknowledge,thatwemaydiscerntheLord'sbody.Aswearetopraywithunderstanding,1Corinthians14:15,sooughtweto

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communicateattheLord'sTablewithunderstanding.Ifknowledgeislacking,itcannotbeareasonableservice,Romans12:1.Theythatdonotknowthemysterydonotfeelthecomfort.WemustknowGodtheFatherinHisattributes,GodtheSoninHisoffices,GodtheHolyGhostinHisgraces.Somesaytheyhavegoodhearts,yetlackknowledge.Wemayaswellcallthatagoodeyewhichlackssight.

4.WemustcometotheSacramentwithlonginghearts.SayasChrist,"WithdesireIhavedesiredtoeatofthispassover,"Luke22:15.IfGodpreparesafeast,wemustgetanappetite.WhyhastheLordfrowneduponHispeopleoflatebuttopunishtheirsurfeitandprovoketheirappetite?AsDavidlongedforthewaterofthewellofBethlehem,2Samuel23:15,soshouldwelongforChristintheSacrament.Desiresarethesailsofthesoulwhicharespreadtoreceivethegaleofaheavenlyblessing.Fortheexcitingofholydesiresandlongings,consider:

(1)Themagnificenceandroyaltyofthissupper.Itisaheavenlybanquet."InthismountainshalltheLordofHostsmakeuntoallpeopleafeastoffatthings,afeastofwinesonthelees,"Isaiah25:6.HereisthejuiceofthatgrapewhichcomesfromthetrueVine.Undertheseelementsofbreadandwine,ChristandallHisbenefitsareexhibitedtous.TheSacramentisarepositoryandstorehouseofcelestialblessings.Beholdhere,lifeandpeaceandsalvationsetbeforeus!Allthesweetdelicaciesofheavenareservedinthisfeast.

(2)Toprovokeappetite,considerwhatneedwehaveofthisspiritualrepast.The.angelpersuadedElijahtotakealittleofthecakeandjarofwaterthathemightnotfaintinhisjourney."Ariseandeat,becausethejourneyistoogreatforthee,"1Kings19:7.Sotrulywehaveagreatjourneyfromearthtoheaven.Therefore,weneedtorecruitourselvesbytheway.Howmanysinshavewetosubdue!Howmanydutiestoperform!Howmanywantstosupply!Howmanygracestostrengthen!Howmanyadversariestoconflictwith!Sothatweneedrefreshmentbytheway.ByfeedinguponthebodyandbloodoftheLord,werenewourstrengthastheeagle.

(3)ConsiderChrist'sreadinesstodispensedivineblessingsinthisordinance.JesusChristisnotasealingfountainbutaflowingfountain.It

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isbutcrying,andHegivesusfood.Itisbutthirsting,andHeopenstheconduit."Lethimthatisathirstcome;andwhosoeverwill,lethimtakethewateroflifefreely,"Revelation22:17.Asthecloudshavenaturalpronenesstodropdowntheirmoistureupontheearth,sohasChristtogiveforthofHisgraciousvirtuesandinfluencestothesoul.

(4)Thereisnodangerofexcessatthissupper.Otherfeastsoftencausegluttony;itisnotsohere.ThemorewetakeoftheBreadoflife,themorehealthfulweareandthemorewecometoourspiritualcomplexion.Fullnessheredoesnotincreasehumours,butcomforts.Inspiritualthingsthereis-noextreme.ThoughadropofChrist'sbloodissweet,yetthemore,thebetter-thedeeper,thesweeter."Drinkabundantly,Obeloved,"SongofSolomon5:1.

(5)Wedonotknowhowlongthisfeastmaylast.Whilethemannaistobehad,letusbringourbaskets.Godwillnotalwaysbespreadingthecloth.Ifpeoplelosetheirappetite,Hewillcalltotheenemytotakethemaway.

(6)FeedinguponChristsacramentallywillbeagoodpreparationtosufferings.TheBreadoflifewillhelpustofeeduponthebreadofaffliction.Thecupofblessingwillenableustodrinkofthecupofpersecution.Christ'sbloodisawinethathasaflavorinitandisfullofspirits.Therefore,Cypriantellsus,whentheprimitiveChristiansweretoappearbeforethecrueltyrants,theywerewonttoreceivetheSacrament,andthentheyaroseupfromtheLord'sTableaslionsbreathingforththefireofheavenlycourage.LettheseconsiderationsbeassaucetosharpenourappetitestotheLord'sTable.GodlovestoseeusfeedhungrilyupontheBreadoflife.

5.Ifwewouldcomepreparedtothisordinance,wemustcomewithpenitenthearts.Thepassoverwastobeeatenwithbitterherbs.Wemustbringourmyrrhofrepentancewhich,thoughitisbittertous,issweettoChrist."TheyshalllookuponMewhomtheyhavepiercedandmournforHim,"Zechariah12:10.AbrokenChrististobereceivedwithabrokenheart.WethathavesinnedwithPetershouldweepwithPeter.Oureyesshouldbefilledwithtearsandourheartssteepedinthebrinishwatersofrepentance.Say,"LordJesus,thoughIcannotbringsweetspices,and

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perfumeThybodyasMarydid,yetIwillwashthyfeetwithmytears."Themorebitternesswetasteinsin,themoresweetnessweshalltasteinChrist.

6.Wemustcomewithsincerehearts.ThetribesofIsrael,beingstraitenedintime,wantedsomelegalpurifications.Yetbecausetheirheartsweresincereandtheycamewithdesiretomeet'withGodinthePassover,thereforetheLordhealedthepeople,2Chronicles30:19-20.Badaimswillspoilgoodactions.Anarchermaymissthemarkaswellbysquintingasbyshootingshort.WhatisourdesignincomingtotheSacrament?Isitthatwemayhavemorevictoryoverourcorruptionsandbemoreconfirmedinholiness?ThenGodwillbegoodtousandhealus.Sincerity,liketruegold,shallhavesomegrainsallowedforitslightness.

7.WemustcomewithheartsfiredwithlovetoChrist.Thespousesaid,"Iamsickoflove,"SongofSolomon2:5.LetusgiveChristthewineofourlovetodrinkandweepthatwecanloveHimnomore.WouldwehaveChrist'sexhilaratingpresenceinthesupper?LetusmeetHimwithstrongendearmentsofaffection.Basilcompareslovetoasweetointment.Christdelightstosmellthisperfume.Thedisciplethatlovedmost,ChristputinHisbosom.

8.Wemustcomewithhumblehearts.WeseeChristhumblingHimselftodeath.AndwillahumbleChristeverbereceivedintoaproudheart?AsightofGod'sgloryandasightofsinmayhumbleus.WasChristhumble,whowasallpurity?Andareweproud,whoareallleprosy?Oletuscomewithasenseofourownvileness.Howhumbleshouldhebewhoistoreceivealmsoffreegrace?JesusChristisalilyofthevalley,SongofSolomon2:1,notofthemountains.Humilitywasneveraloser.Theemptierthevesselis,andtheloweritisletdownintothewell,themorewateritdrawsup.Sothemorethesoulisemptiedofitself,andtheloweritisletdownbyhumility,themoreitfetchesoutofthewellofsalvation.Godwillcomeintoahumblehearttoreviveit,Isaiah57:15.ThatisnoneofChrist'stemplewhichisnotbuiltwithalowroof.

9.Wemustcomewithheavenlyhearts.ThemysteryoftheSacramentisheavenly.Whatshouldanearthwormdohere?HeisnotlikelytofeedonChrist'sbodyandbloodwho,withtheserpent,eatsdust.TheSacrament

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iscalled"communion,"1Corinthians10:16.WhatcommunioncanearthlymanhavewithChrist?First,theremustbeconformitybeforecommunion.HethatisearthlyisnomoreconformedinlikenesstoChristthanaclodofdustislikeastar.Anearthlymanmakestheworldhisgod.ThenlethimnotthinktoreceiveanotherGodintheSacrament.Oletusbeintheheavenlyaltitudesand,bythewingofgrace,ascend!

10.Wemustcomewithbelievinghearts.ChristgavetheSacramenttotheapostles,principallyastheywerebelievers.Suchascomefaithlessgoawayfruitless.Noritisenoughtohavethehabitoffaith.Wemustexertandputforththevigorousactingsoffaithinthisordinance.

(1)Letusexercisetheeyeoffaith.Faithhasaneagle'seye.Itpiercesintothingsfarremotefromsense.Faithtakesaprospectofheaven.ItdiscernsHimwhoisinvisible,Hebrews11:27.ItbeholdsabeautyandfulnessinChrist.Itseesthisbeautyshiningthroughthelatticeofanordinance.FaithviewsChrist'slovestreaminginHisblood.LookuponChristwithbelievingeyesandyoushall,oneday,seeHimwithglorifiedeyes.

(2)Exercisethemouthoffaith.Hereisthebreadbroken.Whatuseisthereofbreadbuttofeedon?FeedupontheBreadofGod.Adamdiedbyeating;welivebyeating.IntheSacrament,thewholeChristispresentedtous,theDivineandthehumannature.AllkindofvirtuecomesfromHim,mortifying,mollifying,comforting.Oh,then,feedonHim!ThisgraceoffaithisthegreatgracetobesetonworkattheSacrament.

QUESTION.Butdoesthevirtueliesimplyinfaith?

ANSWER.Notinfaithconsideredpurelyasagrace,butasithasrespecttotheobject.Thevirtueisnotinfaith,butinChrist.Considerthis:Aringwhichhasapreciousstoneinitwhichwillstaunchblood.Wesaythattheringstaunchesblood,butitisthestoneinthering.Sofaithisthering,Christisthepreciousstone.AllthatfaithdoesistobringhomeChrist'smeritstothesoul,andsoitjustifies.ThevirtueisnotinfaithbutinChrist.

QUESTION.ButwhyshouldfaithcarryawaymorefromChristintheSacramentthananyothergrace?

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ANSWER1.Becausefaithisthemostreceptivegrace.Itisthereceivingofgoldwhichenriches.Sofaith,receivingChrist'smeritsandfillingthesoulwithallthefulnessofGod,mustbeanenrichinggrace.Inthebody,thereareveinsthatsuckthenourishmentwhichcomesintothestomachandturnsitintobloodandspirits.FaithissuchasuckingveinthatdrawsvirtuefromChrist.Thereforeitiscalledapreciousfaith,2Peter1:1.

ANSWER2.FaithhasmoreofChrist'sbenefitsannexedtoitbecauseitisthemosthumblegrace.IfrepentanceshouldfetchjustificationfromChrist,amanwouldbereadytosay,"Thiswasformytears."Butfaithishumble;itisanemptyhand,andwhatmeritcantherebeinthat?Doesapoorman,reachingouthishand,meritanalms?Sobecausefaithishumble,andgivesalltheglorytoChristandfreegrace,henceitisthatGodhasputsomuchhonoronit.ThisshallbethegracetowhichChristandallHismeritsbelong.Therefore,aboveallgraces,setfaithtoworkintheSacrament.Faithfetchesinallprovisions.Thisisthegoldenbucketthatdrawswateroutofthewelloflife.

Butthereisabastardfaithintheworld.PlinytellsofaCyprianstonewhichis,incolorandsplendor,likethediamond,butitisnotoftherightkind.Itwillbreakwiththehammer.So,thereisafalsefaithwhichsparklesandmakesashowintheeyeoftheworld,butitisnotgenuine;itwillbreakwiththehammerofpersecution.

SIXDIFFERENCESBETWEENASINCEREFAITHANDAHYPOCRITICALFAITH

Therefore,topreventmistakes,andthatwemaynotbedeceivedandthinkwebelievewhenweonlypresume,Ishallgiveyousixdifferencesbetweenasincerefaith,whichistheflowerofthespirit,andahypocriticalfaith,whichisthefruitoffancy.

1.Ahypocriticalfaithiseasytocomeby.Itisliketheseedintheparablewhichsprungupsuddenly,Mark4:5.Afalsefaithshootsupwithoutanyconvictionsandsoulhumblings.AsIsaacsaid,"Howcomestthoubythyvenisonsosoon?"Genesis27:20.Likewise,howdoesthismancomebyfaithsosoon?Surelyitisofdifferentnatureandwillquicklywitheraway.Buttruefaith,beinganoutlandishplantandofaheavenlyextraction,is

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hardtocomeby.Itcostsmanyasighandtear,Acts2:37.Thisspiritualinfantisnotbornwithoutpangs.

2.Ahypocriticalfaithisafraidtocometotrial.Thehypocritewouldratherhavehisfaithcommendedthanexamined.HecannomoreendureaScripturetrialthancounterfeitmetalcanendurethetouchstone.Heislikeamanwhohasstolengoodsinhishouseandisveryunwillingtohavehishousesearched.Sothehypocritehasgottensomestolengoodsthatthedevilhashelpedhimto,andheisloathetohavehisheartsearched.Whereastruefaithiswillingtocometoatrial."Examineme,OLord,andproveme;trymyreinsandheart,"Psalm26:2.Davidwasriotafraidtobetriedbyajury,no,thoughGodHimselfwasoneofthejury.Goodwaresareneverafraidofthelight.

3.Ahypocriticalfaithhasaslightesteemoftruefaith.Thehypocritehearsothersspeakinthecommendationoffaith,buthewonderswherethevirtueofitlies.Helooksuponfaithasadrug,orsomebasecommoditythatwillnotgooff.Hewillpartwithallthefaithhehasforapieceofsilverand,perhaps,itmightbedearenoughattheprice.Butthemanwhohastruefaithsetsahighvalueonit.Hereckonsthisgraceamonghisjewels.WhatincorporateshimintoChristbutfaith?Whatputshimintoastateofsonshipbutfaith?Galatians3:26.Opreciousfaith!Abelieverwouldnotexchangehisshieldoffaithforacrownofgold!

4.Ahypocriticalfaithislameononehand.WithonehanditwouldtakeupChrist.ButitdoesnotwiththeotherhandgiveitselfuptoChrist.ItwouldtakeChristbywayofsurety,butnotgiveupitselftoHimbywayofsurrender.Truefaith,however,isimpartial.IttakesChristasaSaviorandsubmitstoHimasaPrince.Christsaid,"WithMybodyandMyblood,Iendowthee."Andfaithsays,"Withmysoul,IworshipThee."

5.Ahypocriticalfaithisimpure.Thehypocritesayshebelieves,yetgoesoninsin.Heisallcreed,butnocommandment.Hebelieves,yetwilltakeGod'snameinvain."Wiltthounotcryuntome,MyFather,thouarttheguideofmyyouth!Behold,thouhastdoneevilthingsasthoucouldst,"Jeremiah3:4-5.TheseimpostorswouldcallGodtheirFather,yetsinasfastastheycould.Foronetosayhehasfaith,yetliveinsin,isasifamanshouldsayhewasinhealth,yethisvitalshadperished.Butatruefaithis

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joinedwithsanctity."Holdingthemysteryoffaithinapureconscience,"1Timothy3:9.Thejeweloffaithisalwaysputinthecabinetofagoodconscience.ThewomanwhotouchedChristbyfaithfeltahealingvirtuecomefromHim.Thoughfaithdoesnotwhollyremovesin,yetitsubduesit.

6.Ahypocriticalfaithisadeadfaith;ittastesnosaporsweetnessinChrist.The-hypocritetastessomethinginthevineandolive.Hefindscontentmentinthecarnal,lusciousdelightsoftheworld,butnosweetnessinapromise.'TheHolyGhostHimselfisspiritlesstohim.Thatisadeadfaithwhichhasnosenseortaste.Buttruefaithfindsmuchdelightinheavenlythings.TheWordissweeterthanthehoneycomb,Psalm19:10.Christ'sloveisbetterthanwine,SongofSolomon1:2.Thusweseeadifferencebetweentrueandspuriousfaith.Howmanyhavethoughttheyhavehadthelivechildoffaithbythem,whenithasprovedthedeadchild.Takeheedofpresumption,butcherishfaith.FaithappliesChristandmakesaspiritualconcoctionofHisbodyandblood.Thissupperwasintendedchieflyforbelievers,Luke22:19.Christ'sbloodtoanunbelieverislikeaqua-vitaeinadeadman'smouth:itlosesallitsvirtue.

11.WemustcometotheLord'sTablewithcharitablehearts."Purgeout,therefore,theoldleaven,"1Corinthians5:7.Theleavenofmalicewillsourtheordinancetous.Wemustcomewithbittertears,yetnotwithbitterspirits.TheLord'sSupperisalovefeast.Christ'sbloodwasshednotonlytoreconcileustoGodbuttooneanother.Christ'sbodywasbrokentomakeupthebreachesamongChristians.HowsadisitthattheywhoprofesstheyaregoingtoeatChrist'sfleshintheSacramentshouldtearthefleshofoneanother!"Whosoeverhatethhisbrotherisamurderer,"1John3:15.HewhocomestotheLord'sTableinhatredisaJudastoChristandaCaintohisbrother.WhatbenefitcanhereceiveattheSacramentwhoseheartispoisonedwithmalice?

Ifonedrinkspoisonandimmediatelytakesmedicine,surelythemedicinewilldohimnogood.Suchasarepoisonedwithrancourandmalicearenotthebetterforthesacramentalmedicine.HethatdoesnotcomeincharitytothesacramenthasnothingofGodinhim,for"Godislove,"1John4:16.Heknowsnothingofthegospelsavingly,foritisagospelofpeace,Ephesians6:15.Hehasnoneofthewisdomwhichcomesfrom

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heaven,forthatisgentleandeasytobeentreated,James3:17.Oh,thatChristianswererootedandcementedtogetherinlove!

Shalldevilsuniteandsaintsdivide?DidwethuslearnChrist?HasnottheLordJesuslovedustothedeath?WhatgreaterreproachcanbecastuponsuchalovingHeadthanforthememberstosmiteoneagainstanother?ThegoodLordputoutthefireofcontentionandkindlesthefireofloveandamityinallourhearts.

12.Wemustcomewithprayinghearts.Everyordinance,aswellaseverycreature,issanctifiedbyprayer,1Timothy4:5.Prayerturnstheelementintospiritualaliment.Whenwesendthedoveofprayertoheaven,itbringsanoliveleafinitsmouth.WeshouldpraythatGodwouldenrichHisordinancewithHispresence;thatHewouldmaketheSacramenteffectualtoallthoseholyendsandpurposesforwhichHehasappointedit;thatitmaybethefeastofourgracesandthefuneralofourcorruptions;thatitmaybenotonlyasign.torepresent,butaninstrumenttoconveyChristtous,andasealtoassureusofourheavenlyunion.Ifwewouldhavethefatandsweetofthisordinance,wemustsendprayerbefore,asaharbinger,tobespeakablessing.

SomearesodistractedwithworldlycaresthattheycanscarcelyspareanytimeforprayerbeforetheycometotheSacrament.Dotheythinkthetreeofblessingwilldropitsfruitintotheirmouthwhentheynevershookitbyprayer?GoddoesnotsetHismerciesatsolowarateastocastthemawayuponthosewhodonotseekthem,Ezekiel36:37.

Norisitenoughtopray,butitmustbewithheatandintensityofsoul.Jacobwrestledinprayer,Genesis32:24.Coldprayers,likecoldsuitors,neverspeed.Prayermustbewithsighsandgroans,Romans8:26.ItmustbeintheHolyGhost,Jude20.HewhowillspeaktoGod,saidSt.Ambrose,mustspeaktoHiminHisownlanguagewhichHeunderstands,thatis,inthelanguageofHisSpirit.

13.WemustcometotheLord'sTablewithself-denyinghearts.Whenwehavepreparedourselvesinthebestmannerwecan,letustakeheedoftrustingourpreparations."Whenyeshallhavedoneallthesethingswhicharecommandedyou,say,Weareunprofitableservants,"Luke

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17:15.Useduty,butdonotidolizeit.WeoughttousedutiestofitusforChrist,butwemustnotmakeaChristofourduties.Dutyisthegoldenpathtowalkin,butnotasilvercrutchtoleanon.Alas!Whatareallourpreparations?Godcanspyaholeinourbestgarments."Allourrighteousnessisasfilthyrags,"Isaiah64:6.WhenwehavepreparedourselvesashopinginGod'smercy,wemustdenyourselvesasdeservingHisjustice.IfourholiestservicesarenotsprinkledwithChrist'sblood,theyarenobetterthanshiningsinsand,likeUriah'sletter,theycarryinthemthematterofourdeath.Useduty,buttrustChristandfreegraceforacceptance.BelikeNoah'sdove.Shemadeuseofherwingstofly,buttrustinthearkforsafety.

WeseehowwearetobequalifiedinouraddressestotheLord'sTable.Thuscoming,weshallmeetwithembracesofmercy.WeshallhavenotonlyarepresentationbutaparticipationofChristintheSacrament.WeshallbefilledwithallthefulnessofGod,Ephesians3:19.

BRANCH4.HasJesusChristmadethisgospelbanquet?IsHeboththefounderandthefeast?Thenletpoor,doubtingChristiansbeencouragedtocometotheLord'sTable.SatanwouldhinderfromtheSacrament,asSaulhinderedthepeoplefromeatinghoney,1Samuel14:26.Butisthereanysoulthathasbeenhumbledandbruisedforsin,whoseheartsecretlypantsafterChrist,butyetstandstremblinganddaresnotapproachtotheseholymysteries?Letmeencouragethatsoultocome."Arise,Hecalleththee,"Mark10:49.

OBJECTION1.ButIamsinfulandunworthy,andwhyshouldImeddlewithsuchholythings?

ANSWER.WhodidChristdieforbutsuch?"Hecameintotheworldtosavesinners,"1Timothy1:15.HetookoursinsuponHimaswellasournature."Hebareourgrief’s,"Isaiah53:4.IntheHebrewitis"oursicknesses."Seeyoursins,saidLuther,uponChrist,andthentheyarenomoreyoursbutHis.Oursinsshouldhumbleus,buttheymustnotdiscourageusfromcomingtoChrist.Themorediseasedweare,theratherweshouldstepintothispoolofSiloam.WhodoesChristinvitetothesupperbutthepoor,halted,andmaimed?Luke14:21-thatis,suchasseethemselvesunworthyandflytoChristforsanctuary.Thepriestwasto

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takeabunchofhyssop,dipitinblood,andsprinkleitupontheleper,Leviticus14:6-7.Youwhohavetheleprosyofsinuponyou,yetif,asaleper,youloatheyourself,Christ'spreciousbloodshallbesprinkleduponyou.

OBJECTION2.ButIhavesinnedpresumptuouslyagainstmercy.IhavecontractedguiltafterIhavebeenattheLord'sTable,andsurelyChrist'sbloodisnotforme.

ANSWER.Itis,indeed,grievoustoabusemercy.ItwastheaggravationofSolomon'ssin.HisheartwasturnedfromtheLord"whohadappearedtohimtwice,"1Kings11:9.PresumptuoussinsopenthemouthofconsciencetoaccuseandshutthemouthofGod'sSpirit,whichshouldspeakpeace.Yetdonotcastawayyouranchor.LookuptothebloodofChrist.Itcanforgivesinsagainstmercy.DidnotNoahsinagainstmercy,who,thoughhehadbeensomiraculouslypreservedintheflood;yetsoonafterhecameoutofthearkwasdrunk?DidnotDavidsinagainstmercywhen,afterGodhadmadehimking,hestainedhissoulwithlustandhisrobewithblood?YetboththesesinswerewashedawayinthatfountainwhichissetopenforJudahtowashin,Zechariah13:1.

DidnotthedisciplesdealunkindlywithChristinthetimeofHissuffering?Peterdeniedhim,andalltherestfledfromhiscolors."ThenallthedisciplesforsookHimandfled,"Matthew26:56.YetChristdidnottakeadvantageoftheirweakness,nordidHecastthemoff,butsendsthejoyfulnewsofHisresurrectiontothem,Matthew27:7,andofHisascension."Gotomybrethrenandsayuntothem,IascendtoMyFather,andyourFather,"John20:17.And,lestPetershouldthinkhewasnoneofthenumberthatshouldbeinterestedinChrist'slove,thereforeChristdispatchedawayaspecialmessagetoPetertocomforthim."GotellthedisciplesandPeter,thatHegoesbeforeyouintoGalilee,thereshallyeseeHim,"Mark16:7.Sothatwhereourheartsaresincereandourturningsasideareratherfromadefectinourpowerthanourwill,theLordJesuswillnottakeadvantageofeveryfailing.InsteadHewilldropHisblooduponus,whichhasavoiceinitwhichspeaksbetterthingsthanthebloodofAbel,Hebrews12:24.

OBJECTION3.ButIfindsuchafaintnessandfeeblenessinmysoulthat

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IdarenotgototheLord'sTable.

ANSWER.Youhaveallthemoreneedtogo.Drinkofthiswineforyourinfirmities,1Timothy5:23.Woulditnotbestrangeforamantoargue.thus:"Mybodyisweakanddeclining;therefore,Iwillnotgotothephysician."Heshouldtherathergo!OurweaknessshouldsendustoChrist.Hisbloodismortaltosinandvitaltograce.Yousayyouhavedefectsinyoursoul.Ifyouhadnone,therewouldbenoneedofaMediator,norwouldChristhaveanyworktodo.Oh,therefore,turnyourdisputingintobelieving.Beencouragedtocometothisblessedsupper.YoushallfindChristgivingforthHissweetinfluencesandyourgraceshallflourishasanherb.

OBJECTION4.ButIhaveoftencometothisordinanceandfoundnofruit.Iamnotfilledwithcomfort.

ANSWER.Godmaymeetyouinanordinancewhenyoudonotdiscernit.ChristwaswithMary,yetshedidnotknowitwasChrist.YouthinkChristhasnotmetyouatHistablebecausehedoesnotgiveyoucomfort.

ThoughHedoesnotfillyouwithcomfort,Hemayfillyouwithstrength.WethinkwehavenoanswerfromGodinadutyunlessHefillsuswithjoy.YetGodmaymanifestHispresenceaswellbygivingstrengthascomfort.IfwehavepowerfromheaventofoilourcorruptionsandtowalkmorecloselyandevenlywithGod,thisisananswerfromGod."IwillstrengthenthemintheLord,"Zechariah10:12.If,Christian,youdonothaveGod'sarmtoembraceyou,yetifyouhaveHisarmtostrengthenyou,thisisthefruitofanordinance.

IfGoddoesnotfillyourheartwithjoy,yetifHefillsyoureyeswithtears,thisisHismeetingyouatHistable.WhenyoulookuponChristbrokenonthecross,andconsiderHisloveandyouringratitude,thismakesthedewbegintofall,andyoureyesarelikethefishpoolsinHeshbon,fullofwater,SongofSolomon7:4.ThisisGod'sgraciouslymeetingwithyouintheSacrament.BlessHisnameforit.ItisasigntheSunofrighteousnesshasrisenuponus,whenourfrozenheartsmeltintearsforsin.

Ifyourcomfortsarelow,yetiftheacting’sofyourfaitharehigh,thisis

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God'smanifestingHispresenceinthesupper.ThesensibletokensofGod'slovearewithheld,butthesoulventuresonChrist'sblood.Itbelievesthat,comingtoHim,Hewillholdoutthegoldensceptre,John6:37.Thisgloriousactingoffaith,andtheinwardquietthatfaithbreeds,istheblessedreturnofanordinance."Hewillturnagain,Hewillhavecompassiononus,"Micah7:19.Thechurch'scomfortsweredarkened,butherfaith

breaksforthasthesunoutofacloud.Hewillhavecompassiononus.Thisactingoffaithmakesusinablessedcondition."Blessedaretheywhichhavenotseen,yethavebelieved,"John20:29.

OBJECTION5.ButIcannotfindanyofthesethingsintheSacrament.MyheartisdeadandlockedupandIhavenoreturnatall.

ANSWER.WaitonGodforanansweroftheordinance.Godhaspromisedtofillthesoul."Hefilleththehungrysoulwithgoodness,"Psalm107:9.Ifnotwithgladness,yetwithgoodness.Thesoulmustbefilledorhowcanthepromisebefulfilled?Christian!Godhassaidit.Thereforewait.WillyounotbelieveGodunlessyouhaveavoicefromheaven?TheLordhasgivenyouHispromise.Andisitnotasgoodsecuritytohaveabillunderaman'shandastohaveitbywordofmouth?Becontenttowaitawhile,mercywillcome.God'smerciesinScripturearenotcalledspeedymercies,buttheyarecalledsuremercies,Isaiah55:3.

BRANCH5.HasChristgivenusHisbody'sblood?Thenwhenweareatthisgospelordinance,letusremembertheLordJesusthere.TheSacramentisaChrist-rememberingordinance."ThisdoinremembranceofMe,"1Corinthians11:25.GodhasappointedthisspiritualfestivaltopreservethelivingmemoryofourdyingSavior.ASacrament-dayisacommemorationday.RememberChrist'spassion."Rememberingthewormwoodandthegall,"Lamentations3:19.Imayalterthewordsalittle:"Rememberingthevinegarandthegall."Ifthemannawastobekeptinthearksothatthememoryofitshouldbepreserved,howshouldthedeathandsufferingofChristbekeptinourmindsasamemorialwhenweareatthetableoftheLord?

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RememberthegloriousbenefitswereceivefromthebrokenbodyofChrist.Weusuallyrememberthosethingswhichareadvantageoustous.Christ'sbrokenbodyisascreentokeepoffthefireofGod'swrathfromus.Christ'sbodybeingbroken,theserpentsheadisbroken.Christbeingbrokenuponthecross,aboxofpreciousjewelsisbrokenopen.NowwehaveaccesstoGodwithboldness.Thebloodofthecrosshasmadewaytothethroneofgrace.Nowwearemadesonsandheirs,andtobeheirtothepromiseisbetterthantobeheirtothecrown.Christhavingdied,wearemadenearakintotheblessedTrinity.Wearecandidatesandexpectantsofglory.Thebloodywayofthecrossisourmilkywaytoheaven.JesusChristdrankgallthatwemightdrinkthehoneystreamsofCanaan.Hiscrosswasstuckfullofnailsthatourcrownmightbehungfullofjewels.WellmaywerememberChristintheblessedSacrament!

ButthebareremembranceofChrist'sdeathisnotenough.SomewhohaveanaturaltendernessofspiritmaybeaffectedwiththehistoryofChrist'spassion,butthisremembranceofChristhaslittlecomfortinit.LetusrememberChristintheSacramentrightly.

LetusrememberChrist'sdeathwithjoy."GodforbidthatIshouldglory,saveinthecrossofourLordJesusChrist,"Galatians6:14.WhenweseeChristintheSacramentcrucifiedbeforeoureyes,wemaybeholdHiminthatpostureasHewasinuponthecross,stretchingoutHisblessedarmstoreceiveus.Owhatmatteroftriumphandacclamationisthis!Thoughwerememberoursinswithgrief,yetweshouldrememberChrist'ssufferingswithjoy.LetusweepforthosesinswhichshedHisblood,yetrejoiceinthatbloodwhichwashesawayoursins.

LetussorememberChrist'sdeathastobeconformedtoHisdeath."ThatImaybeconformabletoHisdeath,"Philippians3:10.ThenwerememberChrist'sdeathrightlywhenwearedeadwithHim.Ourprideandpassionaredead.Christ'sdyingforusmakessindieinus.ThenwerightlyrememberChrist'scrucifixionwhenwearecrucifiedwithHim.Wearedeadtothepleasuresandpreferment’softheworld."Theworldiscrucifieduntome,andItotheworld,"Galatians6:14.

BRANCH6.IfChristhasgivenusthissoulfestivalforthestrengtheningofgrace,letuslabortofeelsomevirtueflowingoutofthisordinanceto

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us.Itwouldbestrangeifamanshouldreceivenonourishmentfromhisfood.Itisadiscredittothisordinanceifwegetnoincreaseofgrace.Shallleannessenterintooursoulsatafeastoffatthings?ChristgivesusHisbodyandbloodfortheaugmentingoffaith.Heexpectsthatweshouldreapsomeprofitandincome,andthatourweak,minutefaithshouldflourishintoagreatfaith."Owoman,greatisthyfaith,"Matthew15:28.Itwouldbegoodtoexaminewhether,afterourfrequentcelebrationofthisholysupper,wehavearrivedatagreatfaith.

QUESTION.HowmayIknowwhetherIhavethisgreatfaith?

ANSWER.Forthesolutionofthis,Ishalllaydownsixeminentsignsofagreatfaith.And,ifwecanshowanyoneofthem,wehavemadeagoodproficiencyattheSacrament.

SIXSIGNSOFAGREATFAITH

1.AgreatfaithcantrustGodwithoutapledge.Itcanrelyuponprovidenceinthedeficiencyofoutwardsupplies."Althoughthefigtreeshallnotblossom,neithershallfruitbeinthevines,thelaboroftheoliveshallfail,yetwillIrejoiceintheLord,"Habakkuk3:17-18.Anunbelievermusthavesomethingtofeedhissensesorhegivesuptheghost.Whenheisathiswealth'send,heisathiswit'send.FaithdoesnotquestionbutthatGodwillprovide,thoughitdoesnotseewhichwayprovisionsshouldcomein.Faithdoesnotfearfamine.GodhassetHissealtoit,"Verilythoushaltbefed,"Psalm37:3.Faithputsthebondinsuit."Lord,"saysfaith,"wiltThoufeedthebirdsoftheair,andwiltnotThoufeedme?ShallIlackwhenmyFatherkeepsthepurse?"AgoodChristianwiththerodoffaithsmitestheRockinheaven,andsomehoneyandoilcomesoutforrecruitinghispresentnecessities.

2.Agreatfaithisawonder-workingfaith.Itcandothosethingswhichexceedthepowerofnature.Agreatfaithcanopenheaven.Itcanovercometheworld,1John5:4.Itcanmasteraneasily-besettingsin,2Samuel22:24.ItcanpreferthegloryofGodbeforesecularinterest,Romans9:1.Itcanrejoiceinaffliction,1Thessalonians1:6.Itcanbridle

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theintemperanceofpassion;itcanshineforthinthehemisphereofitsrelations;itcandodutiesinamorerefined,sublimatedmanner,mixinglovewithduty,whichmellowsitandmakesittastemorepleasant.Itcanantedategloryandmakethingsatthegreatestdistancetounite.Thusthespringheadoffaithriseshigherthannature.Aman,bythepowerofnature,cannomoredothisthanironcanofitselfswimortheearthascend.

3.Agreatfaithisfirmandsteadfast;weakfaithisfrequentlyshakenwithfearsanddoubt.Agreatfaithislikeanoakthatspreadsitsrootsdeepandisnoteasilyblowndown,Colossians2:7.Agreatfaithisliketheanchororcableofashipthatholdsitsteadyinthemidstofstorms.AChristianwhoissteeledwiththisheroicfaithissettledinthemysteriesofreligion.TheSpiritofGodhassofirmlyprintedheavenlytruthsuponhisheartthatyoumayaswellremovethesunoutofthefirmamentasremovehimfromthoseholyprincipleshehasimbibed.BeholdhereapillarinthetempleofGod,Revelation3:12.

4.Agreatfaithcantrustinan;angryGod;itbelievesGod'slovethroughafrown.Avigorousfaith,thoughitisrepulsedandbeatenback,yetwillcomeonagainandpressuponGodwithaholyobstinacy.ThewomanofCanaanwasthreetimesrepuledbyChrist,yetshewouldtakenodenialfromHim.SheturneddiscouragementsintoargumentsandmadeafreshonsetuponChristuntilatlast,bythepoweroffaith,sheovercameHim."Owoman,greatisthyfaith;beituntotheeevenasthouwilt,"Matthew15:28.ThekeyofherfaithunlockedChrist'sheart,andnowshemayhavewhatshewillfromHim.WhenonceshehadgottenHisheart,shemighthaveHistreasuretoo.

5.Agreatfaithcanswimagainstthetide.Itcangocrosstosenseandreason.Corruptfaithsays,asPeter,"Master,pityThyself."Faithsays,"Itisbettertosufferthantosin."Reasonconsultssafety;faithwillhazardsafetytopreservesanctity.Abelievercansailtoheaven,thoughthetideofreasonandthewindoftemptationareagainsthim.

Abraham,inthecaseofsacrificinghisson,didnotcallreasontothecouncilboard.WhenGodsaid,"Offerupyourson,Isaac,"itwasenoughtoposenotonlyfleshlywisdom,butevenfaithtoo.Forhere,the

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commandsofGodseemedtointerfere.Inonecommand,theLordsaid,"Thoushaltnotmurder,"and,behold,hereaquitecontrarycommand,"Offerupthyson."SothatAbrahaminobeyingonecommandseemedtodisobeyanother.Besides,Isaacwasasonofthepromise.TheMessiahwastocomeofIsaac'sline,Hebrews11:18.Andifhewascastoff,howwouldtheworldhaveaMediator?Herewasenoughtopuzzlethisholypatriarch.Yet,Abraham'sfaithuntiesalltheseknotsandthebloodyknifeismadeready.

AbrahambelievedthatwhenGodcalledforit,itwasnotmurderbutsacrifice,andthattheLord,havingmadeapromiseofChrist'sspringingupoutofIsaac'sloins,ratherthanthepromiseshouldfalltotheground,GodcouldraiseupseedoutofIsaac'sashes.Herewasagiantfaith,whichGodHimselfsetatrophyofhonorupon."ByMyselfIhavesworn,saiththeLord,forbecausethouhastdonethisthing,andhastnotwithheldthyson,thineonlyson,thatinblessingIwillblessthee,"Genesis22:16.

6.Agreatfaithcanbeargreatdelays.ThoughGoddoesnotgiveaimmediateanswertoprayer,faithbelievesitshallhaveananswerinduetime.Aweakfaithissoonoutofbreathand,ifitdoesnothavethemercyimmediately,itbeginstofaint.Whereashewhohasastrong,powerfulfaithdoesnotmakehaste,Isaiah28:16.AgreatfaithiscontenttostayGod'sleisure.FaithwilltradewithGodfortime.

"Lord,"saysfaith,"ifIdonothavethemercyIwantinstantly,Iwilltrustlonger.Iknowmymoneyisingoodhands.Ananswerofpeacewillcome.Perhapsthemercyisnotyetripeor,perhaps,Iamnotripeforthemercy.Lord,doasitseemsgoodinThineeyes."

Faithknowsthemosttediousvoyageshavetherichestreturns,and,thelongermercyisinexpectation,thesweeteritwillbeinfruition.Beholdhereagloriousfaith.Ifwehavesuchafaithasthistoshow,itisablessedfruitofoursacramentalconversewithGod..

ButIwouldnotdiscourageinfantbelievers.Ifyourgraceisnotrisentothebignessandproportionofagreatfaith,butisoftheproperkind,itshallfindacceptance.God,whobidsusreceiveHimwhoisweakinfaith,Romans14:1,willnotHimselfrefusehim.Ifyourfaithisnotgrowntoa

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cedar,yetisabruisedreed,itistoogoodtobebroken,Matthew12:20.AweakfaithcanlayholdonastrongChrist.Apalsiedhandmaytietheknotinmarriage.

OnlydonotletChristiansrestinlowermeasuresofgrace,butaspireafterhigherdegrees.Thestrongerourfaith,thefirmerourunionwithChristandthemoresweetinfluencewedrawfromHim.ThisisthatwhichhonorstheblessedSacrament,whenwecanshowtheincreaseofgraceand,beingstronginfaith,bringglorytoGod,Romans4:20.

BRANCH7.HasChristprovidedsuchablessedbanquetforus?Hedoesnotnurseusabroad,butfeedsuswithHisownbreast,nay,Hisownblood.Letus,then,studytoanswerthisgreatloveofChrist.Itistrue,wecanneverparallelHislove.Yetletusshowourselvesthankful.Wecandonothingsatisfactory,butwemaydosomethinggratulatory.ChristgaveHimselfasasinofferingforus.LetusgiveourselvesasathankofferingforHim.Ifamanredeemsanotheroutofdebt,willhenotbegrateful?HowdeeplydowestandobligedtoChrist,whohasredeemedusfromhell!

Letusshowthankfulnessfourways:

1.Bycourage.Christhassetusacopy.Hedidnotfearmen,butenduredthecrossanddespisedtheshame.Letusbesteeledwithcourage,beingmadereadytosufferforChrist,whichis,asChrysostomsaid,tobebaptizedwithabaptismofblood.DidChristbearthewrathofGodforus,andshallwenotbearthewrathofmenforHim?ItisourglorytosufferinChrist'squarrel."TheSpiritofGodandofgloryrestethuponyou,"1Peter4:14.Letusprayforfurnacegrace.Belikethosethreechildren."Beitknowntothee,Oking,thatwewillnotservethygods,"Daniel3:18.Theywouldratherburnthanbow.Oh,thatsuchaspiritaswasinCyprianmightsurviveinus!Theproconsulwouldhavetemptedhimforhisreligionandsaidtohim,"Consultforyoursafety."Cyprianresponded,"Insojustacause,thereneedsnoconsultation."Whenthesentenceofhisdeathwasread,hereplied,"ThanksbetoGod."

Wedonotknowhowsoonanhouroftemptationmaycome.Oh,remember,Christ'sbodywasbroken!Hisbloodpouredout.Wehaveno

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suchbloodtoshedforHimasHeshedforus.

2.LetusshowourthankfulnesstoChristbyfruitfulness.Letusbringforththesweetfruitsofpatience,heavenly-mindedness,andgoodworks.ThisistoliveuntoHimwhodiedforus,2Corinthians5:15.IfwewouldrejoicetheheartofChrist,andmakeHimnottorepentofHissufferings,letusbefertileinobedience.ThewisemennotonlyworshipedChrist,butpresenteduntoHimgifts,goldandfrankincense,Matthew2:11.LetuspresentChristwiththebestfruitsofourgarden:LetusgiveHimourlove,thatflowerofdelight.Thesaintsarenotonlycomparedtostarsfortheirknowledge,butspicetreesfortheirfertileness.Thebreastsofthespousewerelikeclustersofgrapes;SongofSolomon7:7.ThebloodofChristreceivedinaspiritualmannerislikethewaterofjealousy,whichhadavirtuebothtokillandtomakefruitful,Numbers5:27-28.Christ'sbloodkillssinandmakestheheartsfructifyingrace.

3.LetusshowourthankfulnesstoChristbyourzeal.HowzealouswasChristforourredemption!Zealturnsasaintintoaseraphim.AtrueChristianhasadoublebaptism,oneofwater,theotheroffire.Heisbaptizedwiththefireofzeal.BezealousforChrist'snameandworship.Zealisincreasedbyopposition.Itcutsitswaythroughtherocks.Zeallovestruthmostwhenitisdisgracedandhated."TheyhavemadevoidThylaw;thereforeIloveThycommandmentsabovegold,"Psalm119:126-127.

HowlittlethankfulnessdotheyshowtoChristwhohavenozealforHishonorandinterest!TheyarelikeEphraim."Ephraimisacakenotturned,"Hosea7:8,bakedononesideanddoughontheother.Christmostabominatesalukewarmtemper,Revelation3:15.Heisevensickofsuchprofessors.ThosewhowriteofthesituationofEnglandsaythatitisseatedbetweenthetorridandfrigidzone.Theclimateisneitherveryhotnorcold.Iwishthiswerenotthetemperofthepeopleandthatourheartswerenottooliketheclimatewelivein.MaytheLordcausethefireofholyzealtoalwaysbeburninguponthealtarofourhearts.

4.LetusshowourthankfulnessbyuniversalsubjectiontoChrist.ThisistomaketheLord'sSupper,inaspiritualsense,afeastofdedication,whenwerenewourvowsandgiveourselvesuptoGod'sservice."TrulyI

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amThyservant,IamThyservant,"Psalm116:16."Lord,allIhaveisThine.MyheadshallbeThinetostudyforThee;myhandsshallbeThinetoworkforThee;myheartshallbeThinetoadoreThee;mytongueshallbeThinetopraiseThee."

BRANCH8.IfJesusChristhasprovidedsoholyanordinanceastheSacrament,letuswalksuitablytoit.HavewereceivedChristintoourhearts?LetusshowHimforthbyourheavenliness.LetusshowforthChristbyourheavenlywords.LetusspeakthelanguageofCanaan.WhentheHolyGhostcameupontheapostles,theyspokewithothertongues,Acts2:4.Whilewespeakthewordsofgraceandsoberness,ourlipssmelllikeperfumeanddriplikehoney.

LetusshowforthChristbyourheavenlyaffections.LetoursighsandbreathingsafterGodgoupasacloudofincense."Setyouraffectionsonthingsabove,"Colossians3:2.Weshoulddobyouraffectionsasthehusbandmendobytheircorn.Ifthecornlieslowinadamproom,itisindangerofcorruption.Therefore,theycarryitupintotheirhighestroomthatitmaykeepthebetter.Soouraffections,ifsetonearth,areapttocorruptandbeunsavory.Therefore,weshouldcarrythemuponhighabovetheworldthattheymaybepreservedpure.BreatheafterfullerrevelationsofGod.Desiretoattainuntotheresurrectionofthedead,Philippians3:11.Thehigherouraffectionsareraisedtowardsheaven,thesweeterjoyswefeel.Thehigherthelarkflies,thesweeteritsings.

LetusshowforthChristbyourheavenlyconversation,Philippians3:20.Hypocritesmay,inapangofconscience,havesomegoodaffectionsstirred,buttheyareasflushesofheatinthefacewhichcomeandgo.Buttheconstanttenorofourlifemustbeholy.Wemustshineforthinakindofangelicsanctity.Asitiswithapieceofcoin,itdoesnothaveonlytheking'simagewithinaringbuthissuperscriptionwithout.SoitisnotenoughtohavetheimageofChristintheheart,buttheremustbethesuperscriptionwithout.SomethingofChristmustbewritteninthelife.

ThescandalouslivesofmanycommunicantsareareproachtotheSacramentandtemptotherstoinfidelity.Howodiousitisthatthosehandswhichhavereceivedthesacramentalelementsshouldtakebribes!ThatthoseeyeswhichhavebeenfilledwithtearsattheLord'sTable

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should,afterwards,befilledwithenvy!Thatthoseteeth,whichhaveeatenholybread,shouldgrindthefacesofthepoor!Thatthoselips,whichhavetouchedthesacramentalcup,shouldsaluteaharlot!Thatthemouthwhichhasdrunkconsecratedwineshouldbefullofoaths!ThattheywhoseemtodeifyChristintheeucharistshouldvilifyHiminHismembers!Inaword,thatsuchaspretendtoeatChrist'sbodyanddrinkHisbloodatchurchshouldeatthebreadofwickednessanddrinkthewineofviolenceintheirownhouses,Proverbs4:17.ThesearelikethoseItaliansIhavereadofwho,attheSacrament,aresodevout,asiftheybelievedGodtobeinthebread,butintheirlivesaresoprofane,asiftheydidnotbelieveGodtobeinheaven.Suchastheseareapttomaketheworldthinkthatthegospelisbutafancyorareligiouscheat.WhatshallIsayofthem?WithJudas,theyreceivethedevilinthesop,andarenobetterthancrucifiersoftheLordofglory.Astheirsinisheinous,sotheirpunishmentwillbeproportional."Theyeatanddrinkdamnationtothemselves,"1Corinthians11:29.

Oh,thatsuchalusterandmajestyofholinesssparkledforthinthelivesofcommunicants,sothatotherswouldsay,"ThesehavebeenwithJesus!"Andtheirconsciencesmaylieunderthepowerofthisconviction,thattheSacramenthasaconfirmingandatransformingvirtueinit!

USE4.ComforttoGod'speople.

1.FromChrist'sbrokenbodyandHisbloodpouredout,wemaygatherthiscomfort,thatitwasaglorioussacrifice.

Itwasasacrificeofinfinitemerit.Haditbeenonlyanangelthatsuffered,orhadChristbeenonlyamereman,assomeblasphemouslydream,thenwemighthavedespairedofsalvation.ButHesufferedforuswhowasGodaswellasman.Therefore,theapostleexpresslycallsit"thebloodofGod,"Acts20:28.Itismanthatsins.ItisGodinournaturethatdies.Thisissovereignmedicinetobelievers.ChristhavingpouredoutHisblood,nowGod'sjusticeiscompletelysatisfied.GodwasinfinitelymorecontentwithChrist'ssufferingsuponmountCalvarythanifwehadlaininhellandundergoneHiswrathforever.ThebloodofChristhasquenchedtheflameofDivinefury.And,now,whatshouldwefear?Allareenemiesareeitherreconciledorsubdued.Godisareconciledenemy,

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andsinisasubduedenemy."WhoshalllayanythingtothechargeofGod'select?ItisChristthatdied,"Romans8:34.Whenthedevilaccusesus,letusshowhimthecrossofChrist.Whenhebringshispencilandgoestopaintoursinintheircolors,letusbringthespongeofChrist'sblood,andthatwillwipethemoutagain.Allbondsarecancelled.Whateverthelawhaschargeduponusisdischarged.ThedebtbookiscrossedwiththebloodoftheLamb.

Itwasasacrificeofeternalextent.Thebenefitofitisperpetuated."Heenteredinonceintothe

holyplace,havingobtainedeternalredemptionforus,"Hebrews9:12.Therefore,ChristissaidtobeaPriestforever,Hebrews5:6,becausethevirtueandcomfortofHissacrificeabidesforever.

2.Christ'sbloodbeingshed,believersmaylayclaimtoallheavenlyprivileges.Willsareratifiedbythedeathofthetestator."Atestamentisofforceaftermenaredead,"Hebrews9:17.ItisobservableinthetextthatChristcallsHisblood"thebloodoftheNewTestament."Christmadeawillortestament,andgaverichlegaciestothesaints:pardonofsin,grace,andglory.TheScripturesaretherollswhereintheselegaciesareregistered.Christ'sbloodisthesealingofthewill.Thisbloodbeingshed,Christiansmayputinforatitletotheselegacies.

"Lord,pardonmysin.Christhasdiedformypardon.Givemegrace;ChristhaspurchaseditbyHisblood."

Thetestatorbeingdead,thewillisinforce.Christian,areyounotfilledwithjoy?Areyounotpossessedofheaven?Yetyouhavethisconfirmedbywill.Amanwhohasadeedsealed,makingoversuchlandsandtenementsaftertheexpirationofafewyears,thoughatpresenthehaslittletohelphimselfwith,yethecomfortshimselfwhenhelooksuponhissealeddeedwithhopesofthatwhichistocome.Sothoughatpresentwedonotenjoytheprivilegesofconsolationandglorification,yetwemaycheerourheartswiththis:Thedeedissealed;thewillandtestamentisratifiedbythebloodsheddingofChrist.

3.IsChrist'sbloodshed?Hereiscomfortagainstdeath.AdyingSavior

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sweetensthepangsofdeath.IsyourLordcrucified?Beofgoodcomfort.Christ,bydying,hasovercomedeath.Hehascutthelockofsinwherethestrengthofdeathlay.Christhasknockedouttheteethofthislion.Hehaspulledthethornoutofdeathsothatitcannotprickabeliever'sconscience."Odeath,Iwillbethyplague,"Hosea13:14.Christhasdisarmeddeathandtakenawayallitsdeadlyweaponssothat,thoughitmaystrike,itcannotstingabeliever.Christhasdrawnthepoisonoutofdeath.Nay,Hehasmadedeathfriendly.ThispalehorsecarriesachildofGodhometohisFather'shouse.Faithgivesarighttoheaven;deathgivesuspossession.WhatsweetcomfortmaywedrawfromthecrucifixionofourLord!Hispreciousbloodmakesthepalefaceofdeathtobeofaruddyandbeautifulcomplexion.

USE5.Hereisadarksideofthecloudtoallprofanepersonswholiveanddieinsin.TheyhavenopartinChrist'sblood.TheirconditionwillbeworsethanifChristhadnotdied.Christ,whoisaloadstonetodrawtheelecttoheaven,`willbeamillstonetosinkthewickeddeeperinhell.ThereisacrewofsinnerswhoslightChrist'sbloodandswearbyit.LetthemknowHisbloodwillcryagainstthem.TheymustfeelthesamewrathwhichChristfeltuponthecross.And,becausetheycannotbearitatonce,theymustbeundergoingittoeternity,2Thessalonians1:9.Soinconceivablytorturingwillthisbethatthedamneddonotknowhowtoendureit,noryethowtoavoidit.

Sinnerswillnotbelievethisuntilitistoolate.Wickedmen,whiletheylive,areblindedbythegodofthisworld.But,whentheyaredying,theeyeoftheirconscienceswillbegintobeopenedandtheyshallseethewrathofGodflamingbeforetheireyes,whichsightwillbebutasadprologuetoaneternaltragedy.

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