Page images
PDF
EPUB

"My flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." John vi. 55.

In what sense are the bread and wine said to be the body and blood of Christ?

In the same sense as the paschal lamb was called the Lord's passover (Exod. xii. 11), and Christ is called a rock, the living head, &c.

"They drank of that spiritual rock that followed them; and that rock was Christ." 1 Cor. x. 4.

"I am the living bread which came down from heaven." John vi. 51.

How are the body and blood of Christ verily and indeed taken and received by the faithful?

True believers, in a spiritual and heavenly manner, eat the flesh of Christ and drink his blood.

"This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof and not die." John vi. 50.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Rev. iii. 20.

What are the benefits whereof we are made partakers thereby?

The strengthening and refreshing of our souls by the body and blood of Christ, as our bodies are by the bread and wine.

"He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father, so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me." John vi. 56, 57.

Do all who come to the Lord's table obtain these spiritual blessings?

As the visible church is mixed, there are no doubt some belonging to it, who partake of the bread and wine, but who do not receive Christ as the food of their souls.

"He that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation (or judgment) to himself, not discerning the Lord's body." 1 Cor. xi. 29.

What is required of them who come to the Lord's supper?

To examine themselves, whether they repent them truly of their former sins, stedfastly purposing to lead a new life; have a lively faith in God's mercy through Christ, with a thankful remembrance of his death; and be in charity with all men.

"Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup." 1 Cor. xi. 28. How will true repentance be evidenced?

By a stedfast determination and earnest endeavours to lead a new life.

"Be zealous, therefore, and repent." Rev. iii. 19.

"And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way." Jonah ii. 10.

Why is a lively faith necessary to rightly receiving this holy sacrament?

Because it is by faith alone that we receive Christ, and feed upon him in our hearts with thanksgiving. "He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life." John vi. 47, 48.

Why should those who communicate at the Lord's supper be in charity with all men?

Because we are here reminded, not only of the love of Christ our Lord, but of the love his people ought to bear to one another, and to all mankind.

"A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." John xiii. 34.

"For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread." 1 Cor. x. 17.

What does communion with the church on earth teach us to expect?

The blessed communion of the church triumphant in heaven.

"He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor

any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.' Rev. vii. 15-17.

77

PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN.

MORNING PRAYER.

O God, my Maker and Preserver, I thank thee for taking care of me during the past night, and for thy goodness towards me all my life long.

Pardon my sins, O Lord, for they are many and great. Write thy law in my heart, and put thy Holy Spirit within me, that I may not sin against thee. Let me love thee above all things, and delight to pray to thee and to praise thee. Help me to love my neighbour as myself, and to do to all men as I would they should do to me. May I always remember, Thou, God, seest me, and whatever I do, do it to thy glory. Prepare me for all thy will in this short life. Let thy presence go with me where I go, and stay with me where I stay. And when I die, let me be with Thee, blessed Jesus, in Paradise.

Bless all my dear relations and friends. Endue them with thy Holy Spirit, enrich them with thy heavenly grace, prosper them with all happiness, and bring them to thy everlasting kingdom. Bless and keep thy church, and add to thy faithful people continually. Gracious Lord, let me see the good of

« PreviousContinue »