First Communion

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 comfort, and partly by the very trepidation of a mind placed in novel and trying circumstances. It is useful therefore to be instructed, that acceptable participation in this sacrament 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 the Lord’s day, to serene and tranquil waiting. 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 impossible to wait for influences of the Holy Spirit, without a certain degree of composure, selfcollection, and holy stillness. Seat yourself, so to speak, at the foot of the cross.