The Seventy-Ninth Sacrament, November 7, 1736
I APPROACHED this Ordinance with solemn and importunate prayer for the Divine presence, and I desire thankfully to record, that this prayer was not in vain. Perhaps I may say, that I never knew what it was to enjoy more of God than I this day enjoyed. Perhaps more of heaven is not to be brought down upon the earth. I write it with some amazement, that I stood upon the grave of my dear Betsey, and thought of that lovely creature, that was once, next to God, on the throne of my heart, with very little emotion. The loss of so amiable a child seemed hardly worth mentioning between God and my soul, when I saw before my eyes the memorials of a Redeemer’s dying love; when I looked forward towards that heavenly world, to which I verily believe that God is conducting me, to which I apprehend that he will shortly bring me; — and I heartily subscribe my Amen to it.
Having discoursed in the pulpit on Christ, as the fountain opened, in which to wash from sin and from unclcanness, I introduced the ordinance with some reflections on that petition of the leper, “Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.” Matt. viii. 2. I observed, that he was sensible of his malady; that he apprehended himself polluted; and that the best souls will apprehend it most. He applied therefore, to Christ, with a full persuasion of his power, although it were professedly the work of a God to do it. It is of great importance to approach this ordinance, believing that Christ can do it; and believing that he will do it. In the dying hour, then he will lay his hand upon us, and say, “I will that thou be perfectly clean; for ever clean.” Blessed expectation! happy hour! How well is it worth our while to pass through every trial and agony in our way to it, that we may leave these polluted garments of flesh in the grave, and arise holy and immortal, into the heavenly presence.
When breaking the bread, I reflected that how, without that breaking of Christ’s body, we had been crushed with the weight of the Divine vengeance. What was his love in instituting the ordinance! perhaps particularly foreseeing our pleasure in it; at least, seeing and causing it now, and rejoicing in our joy. We are pleased to see our friends cheerful at our table; pleased with our entertainment; much more is Christ so: therefore is he represented with amazing condescension, rejoicing as a bridegroom over his bride; and as joying over us with singing.
When taking the cup, I particularly insisted on our being made free by Christ from the devil, from worldly entanglements, corrupted affections, and the everlasting curse of God. We have, perhaps, a warm sense of liberty; what liberty can be compared with this? Lord, the desire of our souls is to the remembrance of thy name; it is the great thing that we would desire to have; a more affectionate remembrance of thee. Were I to choose a text for my last sermon, it should be this, “Whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.” 2 Cor. v. 5. Delightful thought! that this labour shall not be in vain in the Lord.