The Hundred and Fourth Sacrament, October 1, 1738

1 SEE* it, with some surprise, that I have not written any memoirs of what has passed at the Lord’s table since this time twelvemonth. It is impossible in a little space to recount what singular scenes of providence I have passed through since that time; but God has caused me in all to sing of mercy rather than of judgment; and I record it with all thankfulness.

This day I had been preaching, and, I bless God, with great enlargement, from these words, “Although my house be not so with God,” &c.

2 Samuel xxiii. 5. The subject of my meditations at the table was, “Gather my saints together unto me,” &c. Psalm 1. 5. I observed, that God’s people were saints; they were those who made a covenant with him by sacrifice. It was our purpose in that covenant to devote ourselves to his service, to submit ourselves to his disposal; we are now gathered together to do it. There is another gathering together, yet more important, at the great day; and we hope yet another, in his heavenly presence. It is pleasant now to assemble; how much more so will it then be! It is disagreeable to part with a dear friend; and how comfortable to think that there we shall never part!

In breaking the bread, I observed — This is bread from heaven! How should we have been touched, if, being lost in a desert, God had sent down bread from heaven of the coarsest sort; and here is angels’ food! Who are the creatures for whom this is done? Is it for us? for such poor sinners as we are?

I remember not particularly what passed in distributing the wine, only an exhortation to the spectators: — Are you all strangers? Are you all enemies?

In making the collection, I said, How much better to live on alms, than not to have a heart to give!

God was with me this day by the most evident tokens of his presence.