Reasons Why Some Refrain from Partaking

There are instances of persons, long known as Christian professors, who allow the Lord’s Supper to be celebrated without their participation. They allege to themselves various reasons; three of which, as being too common, deserve to be considered.

1. “I HAVE FAIIjED to MAKE PREPA.RA-TION.” If, with full knowledge of the coming solemnity, you have entirely neglected preparation of heaj-t, you have sinned, and ought to repent. But this does not absolve you from your prior duty to Christ and hia Church. In the brief period, therefore, which remains, cast youself before God, and humbly go forward to his Table, relying on his forgiveness and aid. Let the same principle govern you, if, in travelling, you should find yourself unexpectedly present where the disciples of Christ are about to remember his death. Hezekiah’s prayer is here applicable: “The good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he be not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.”*

2. “I AM NOT IN CHARITY WITH BRETH-REN.” If you mean, that some person or persons may be expected to partake, between whom and yourself there is a feeling of malice — your duty is very plain. This feel-

2 Chron. 30: 18 19.

ing is hateful to Christ. If you are the offended person, lose no time in pursuing the method enjoined by Christ.* If you are the offender, hasten to make confession and reparation. In either case, “be reconciled to thy brother.” You commit a double sin, of an aggravated dye, by staying away from the Lord’s Table on such a pretext. “There* fore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. “f

3. ‘’I HAVE LOST MY HOPE IN CHRIST.”

Such language often proceeds from sincere believers, under the temporary hidings of God’s face. Moods of feeling should not be made principles of action. Where a duty is definitely prescribed, we should not refuse it, because of great sense of unfitness; otherwise we might abandon all the other means of grace. If therefore your declension has not reached the dreadful point, of your having

* Matt. 18: 15-20. f 1 Cor. 6 ‘. 8.

renoTinced the religious character, it is clearly your duty to go to the Lord’s Table. This temptation may be sent” by Satan for the purpose of deterring you from this ordinance. This is a sacrament of which the very end ia to exhibit Christ and so confirm faith. Come to it therefore, with new endeavours after repentance and with humble trust. If you find yourself impenitent, you have the highest motive to repent, but none to disobey your Lord. And while you will sin by partaking in unbelief, you will not escape sin by turning your back on the Lord’s Table.