Page:Preparation sermon, before receiving the Holy sacrament.pdf/15

 garment, that we be not unworthy communicants, and ſo be guilty of the body and blood or the Lord? Venture not to come without examining yourſelves, your ſins, your graces, your wants and your deſigns: and let this be a praying and wreſtling night with you O careleſs ſinner, dareſt thou approach Chriſt's table without prayer and repentance, and thus be guilty of Chriſt's blood? Thou runneſt great risk of it; and it will be a wonder if you eſcape God's vengeance. What if God break out upon you, as in Nadeb and Abibu? What if he could ſtrike you dead with a thunder-bolt on the very ſpot, and make you a monument of his wrath to all around? You will be only obliged to God's patience if it be otherways: but ſure I am thou wilt draw down vaſt loads of wrath on thy ſoul, and it will be a ſad reckoning in the long run. O remember what became of the moſt unworthy communicant, (if Judas was one): he was immediately given up to the poſſeſion of the devil, who entered into him with the sup. If the devil were let looſe, what havok would he make aamong unworthy communicants? He would ſoon revenge the blood of Chriſt, and make the communiion table a Golgotha. O ſinners, will you be guilty of ſhedding the blood of a dear Saviour, who is longing to ſave you; will you offer to make a new attempt on his life? If you dare be ſo barbarous, you, heaven and earth will be a witneſs againſt you; that very blood which you profane and ſpill  cry aloud to heaven for vengeance upon you:  will be a witneſs againſt you. The ſaints and angels, who behold you profaning his blood, will be against you, the communion table and cups  witneſs againſt you.

Are there any among you trembling and fearing you communicate unworthily, and so be guilty  Chriſt's body and blood? To ſuch let me ſay,  would receive worthily, O come with your hearts