The Eighty-Third Sacrament, May 8, 1737

The subject of my discourse was, “I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me;”

John xii. 82; and the subject of my meditation at the Lord’s table was, “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” Psalm 1. 5. I observed, that the people of God are represented as saints. This is an instructive thought. They are separated from the pollutions and vanities of the world, and entirely set apart to God, that they may be for him alone, and not for another; they are consecrated to him. They have made a covenant with him; a covenant in which they take him for their covenant God; give up all other expectations and dependences, and give themselves to him as his covenant people. They make a covenant with him by sacrifice; that is, they join themselves to him by the sacrifice of his Son. It is their very business at the table of the Lord, which is to be considered as a feast on a sacrifice. God will gather us together. He does it now; and it is a comfort much greater than to eat and drink these elements in secret would be. But then it is to be remembered, that there is another general assembly. Lord, “gather not my soul with sinners.” There, where a particular scrutiny will be made, may our souls be bound up in the bundle of life. With what joy shall we then appear together, when not one soul will be wanting!

In breaking the bread, I observed, “Draw me, we will run after thee.” Solomon’s Song i. 4. May the Spirit sanctify and support us. On the whole, I found my heart too dead in much of this service. And I said few things in it which I can recollect as deserving a place here. Lord, forgive me. Lord, reform me. Lord, raise me to thyself; and fit me for thy ordinances on the earth, and for a state above the want of them!