Now, the duty most required in our preparation for the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, is that of self-examination. He that desires the Lord's Supper desires a good work. But let these also first be proved, let them prove their own selves, and so, let them come, upon that condition, and with that preparation.
We must examine ourselves, as metal is examined by the touchstone whether it be right or counterfeit. We have a show of religion; but are we what we seem to be? Are we current coin, or only washed over as “a potsherd covered with silver dross?” The word of God is the touchstone by which we must try ourselves. Can I through grace answer the characters which the Scriptures give of those whom Christ will own and save? It is true, the best coin has an alloy, which will be allowed for in this state of imperfection; but the question is, is it sterling – is it standard? Are the interests of Christ the prevailing interests in my soul above those of the world, and the flesh? I bear God's image and superscription; is it of God's own stamping? When we are bid to try the spirits, it is supposed we must begin with our own, and try them first.
We must examine ourselves, as a malefactor is examined by the magistrate, so that we may find out what we have done amiss. We are all criminals - “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” We are all prisoners to the Divine justice, and in order that we may not be judged of the Lord, we are commanded to judge ourselves. We must enquire into the particular crimes we have been guilty of, and their circumstances that we may discover more sins, and more of the evil of them, than at first we are aware of. We must dig into the wall as Ezekiel did and see the secret abominations of our own hearts; look further, as he did, and you will see more and greater. The heart is deceitful and has many devices. We have, therefore, need to be very particular and strict in examining them, and to give them that charge which Joshua gave to Achan, when he had him under examination; “Give glory unto the God of Israel, and make a confession unto him; tell me now what thou hast done, hide it not from me.”
We must examine ourselves, as a copy is examined against the original to find out the errata (printing errors) that they may be corrected. As Christians, we profess to be “epistles of Christ;” to have His law and love transcribed into our hearts and lives. But we are concerned to enquire whether it be a true copy, by comparing ourselves with the gospel of Christ; whether our affections and conversations be conformable to it, and such as become it. How far do I agree with it, and what are the disagreements? What mistakes are there? What blots and what omissions? So that what has been amiss may be pardoned, and what is amiss may be rectified. In this examination, faith must read the original; and then, let conscience read the copy. And be sure that it be read true, because there will shortly be a review.
We must examine ourselves, as a candidate is examined that stands for preferment. Enquiry is made into his fitness for the preferment he stands for. We are candidates for heaven, the highest preferment – to be to our God, kings and priests. We stand for a place at the wedding-feast: Have we on the wedding-garment? Are we made meet for the inheritance? What knowledge have we? What grace? Are we skilled in the mystery we make profession of? What improvement have we made in the school of Christ? What proficiency in divine learning? What testimonials have we to produce? Can we show the seal of the Spirit of promise? If not, we shall not be welcome.
We must examine ourselves, as a wife is examined concerning her consent in the confirming of the marriage covenant. A covenant is to be ratified between God and our souls in the Lord's Supper. Do we freely and cheerfully consent to that covenant? Am I willing to make this surrender of myself unto the Lord? We must examine ourselves as Joshua examined the people, whether they would choose to serve the Lord or not. And the product of our enquiry must be a fixed resolution like theirs, “Nay, but we will serve the Lord.”
We must examine ourselves, as a wayfaring man is examined concerning his business. Our trifling hearts need to be examined as vagrants – whence they come, whither they go, and what they would have. We are coming to a great ordinance, and should be concerned to enquire what is our purpose in coming? What brings us here? Is it only custom or company that draws us to this duty? Or is it a spiritual appetite for the dainties of heaven? Our hearts must be catechised as Elijah was, “What doest thou here, Elijah?”
This Page Title – Let a Man Examine Himself by Matthew Henry The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness". Internet Edition number 104 – placed on line September 2013 Magazine web address – www.wicketgate.co.uk |