viour's grace and mercy-that it may aid the Christian to receive, with lively penitence, gratitude, and faith, the hallowed symbols of the body and blood of his blessed Redeemer, by which he is to be nourished and strengthened unto everlasting life-is the humble but earnest prayer of New-York, May, 1804. THE AUTHOR. CONTENTS. A short Introduction to the Lord's Supper, stating the Nature of the Ordinance, and the necessary Preparation for it MONDAY MORNING. Meditation-The Obligation of receiving the Holy Communion stated, and the various Pretences for neglect- MONDAY EVENING. Meditation-The Christian directed in the serious Examination of his Spiritual Character and State, as pre- WEDNESDAY MORNING Meditation-Repentance WEDNESDAY EVENING. Meditation-Resolutions of Obe- THURSDAY EVENING. Meditation-Faith in Christ as the eternal Son of God, and as a Prophet, a Priest, and King Meditation-The Mode by which Authority to administer the Sacraments is to be derived from Christ, the Divine Head of the THE USEFULNESS OF ACTUAL PREPARATION BEFORE RECEIVING THE LORD'S SUPPER. (From Dr. Waterland.) OUR esteem or disesteem of this holy sacrament will best be seen by our preparing or not preparing for it as we ought. There is something of a preparation of heart, mind, and ways, required for all religious offices, much more for this, which is the flower and perfection of all. "As to the length of time to be taken in preparing, there is no one certain rule to be given, which can suit all cases or circumstances: only, when a man has competently adjusted his accounts with God, (be it sooner or later,) then he is fit to come, and not till then. "There is an habitual, and there is an actual preparation. The habitual preparation is a good life; and the further we are advanced in it, the less need there is of any actual preparation besides. But, because men are too apt to flatter and deceive their own hearts, and to speak peace to themselves without sufficient ground for so doing; therefore some actual preparation, self-examination, &c. is generally necessary, even to those who may be habitually good, if it be only to give them a well-grounded assurance that they really are so. "It were to be wished there were not many amongst us who have a great deal to consider |