The New Life

The Ivord's Supper.
It is readily understood that the blessing of the
Supper depends very much on preparation within
the inner chamber, on the hunger and thirst with
which one longs for the living God.^ Do not imagine,
however, that the Supper is nothing but an emblematic
token of what we already have by faith in
the word. No : it is a spiritual actual communication
from the exalted Lord in heaven of the powers
of His life : yet this, only according to the measure
of desire and faith. Prepare for the Lord's Suppe-^,
therefore, and very earnest separation and prayer.
And then expect that the Lord will, with His heavenly
power, in a way to you incomprehensible, yet
sure, renew yotir life.
Blessed Lord, who didst institute the Supper in
order to communicate Thyself to Thy redeemed as
their food and their power of life, O teach us to use
the Supper, Teach us at every opportunity to eat
and to drink with great hunger and thirst for Thyself
and for full union with Thee, believing that the
Holy Spirit feeds us with Thy body and gives us to
drink of Thy blood. Amen.
I. In connection with the Supper let us be especially on our
guard against the idea of a mere divine service of the congregation
or transitory emotion. Preaching and addresses xuay
make an edifying impression, while there is little power or
blessing.
». For a meal, the first requisite is hunger. A strong hunger
and thirst for God is indispensable.
1 Job xi. 13 ;
Isa. Iv. i, 3 ; Matt. v. 6 ;
I,ulcc i. -3 ; i Cor. xi. 8.
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