Disappointed Hopes

It is by no means unusual for persons to come from a first communion in deep distress. 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 emotion. In Buch cases, they are harassed with fears, and even ready to abandon all hope. For the most part, these apprehensions are 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, where there are deep sorrows, or keen pangs of compunction, or distressing self-condemnation. The ordinance has not been unfruitful, if it has left you low in the dust, under a persuasion of your own remaining sin, helplessness, 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 sacrament; inquire what has been amis;?; and resolve in God’s i m time to come.

resolve in God’s strength to avoid these evils