Thirdly: What things are required of them that come to the Lord's supper.
First: I propose to lay before you the nature and end of this institution, according to the Scriptures.
The account of the first institution of this sacrament is thus delivered by the Evangelist; Luke xxii. 19. "And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave it unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you; this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you." This narration is repeated in the epistle to the Corinthians, with this comment or explanation, "As often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come." From these passages compared then, it appears, that this sacrament is a representation of the death of our Saviour, appointed by himself, to be celebrated by all his followers, in all ages; to the end that by commemorating his sufferings in a solemn and public manner, they might declare their confidence in his merits, their belief of his mission, and their adherence to his religion.
It has likewise a tendency to increase this confidence, confirm this belief, and establish this adherence, not only by the new strength which every idea acquires by a new impression; and which every persuasion attains by new recollection, approbation, and meditation, but likewise by the supernatural and extraordinary influences of grace, and those blessings which God has annexed to the due use of means appointed by himself.
By commemorating the death of Christ, as the Redeemer of the world, we confess our belief in him; for why else should we perform so solemn a rite in commemoration of him? To confess our belief in him, is to declare ourselves his followers. We enter into an obligation to perform those conditions upon which he has admitted us to follow him, and to practise all the duties of that religion which he has taught us.
