n whether we are
prepared to approach the Lord's table._ But let a man examine himself,
and so let him "eat of that bread, and drink of that cup." Here the duty
of self-examination, before partaking of the Lord's Supper, is evidently
taught. And, in the next verse, we are told what is requisite to enable
us to partake of this ordinance in an acceptable manner. It is, that we
have faith in lively exercise to discern the Lord's body. A backslider
in heart, even though a real Christian, is not prepared to partake of
this spiritual feast, without renewing his repentance and faith. In this
examination, two subjects of inquiry present themselves: 1. "Am I a
Christian?" 2. "Am I growing in grace?" In regard to the first of these
inquiries, enough has already been said. To answer the second, you will
need consider,--1. Whether you were living in the exercise of gracious
affections at the last communion. 2. Whether you have since made any
progress in the divine life. To aid you in these inquiries, I have
prepared the following questions, which may be varied according to
circumstances:

The last time I partook of this ordinance, did I meet the Lord at his
table, and receive a refreshing from his presence? Did I there renew my
covenant vows? Have I kept my vows? Have I since lived not unto myself,
but unto God? Have I enjoyed more of the presence of God? Have I lived a
life of faith and prayer? Have I been daily to the cross of Christ for
pardon and strength? Have I maintained continually a deep and lively
sense of divine things? Have I lived a life of self-denial? Have I
obtained any conquests over indwelling sin? Have I made any progress in
subduing the unholy tempers of my heart? Has my will been brought more
entirely to bow to the will of God, so that I have no will of my own?
Has my love increased? Do I feel more delight in contemplating the
divine character, in reading his word, in prayer, in the ordinances of
his house, &c.? Do I feel more intense longings of soul after conformity
to his image? Have I any deeper sense of the exceeding sinfulness of
sin? Do my own sins in particular appear more aggravated? Do I think
less of myself? Does a sense of my own vileness and unworthiness humble
me low before God? Does this lead me to see my need of just such a
Saviour as Jesus? Am I now disposed to cast my all upon him? Has my love
for Christians increased? Do I feel any more compassion for dying
sinners? Has this led me to do more