be made the subject of our enquiry, whenever we draw nigh to Christ in any ordinance in which we hope for a supply of our wants. But there are other things which we ought to have a more particular regard to in our enquiries, when we are to engage in the ordinance of the Lord’s supper. (1.) In order to our partaking of it aright, we are to enquire, whether we do not want a clear and distinct apprehension of the covenant of grace, and the seals thereof, and how we are to act faith in a way of self-dedication, and how we ought to renew our covenant engagements with God, which we are more especially called to do therein? (2.) Whether we do not want a broken heart, suitably affected with the dying love of Jesus Christ, which is signified therein, that we may _look on him who was pierced, and mourn_, Zech. xii. 10. (3.) Whether we do not want to be led into the true way of improving Christ crucified, to answer all those accusations that are brought in against us, either by Satan or our own consciences, and how this is an expedient for the taking away the guilt and power of sin? (4.) Whether we do not want to be made more like to Christ, and conformed to his death, that, while we behold him represented as dying for us, we may _reckon ourselves as dead to sin_, and to the world; and _that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin_? Rom. vi. 6. 10. (5.) Whether we do not want an abiding impression of the love of Christ, and a greater stedfastness in our resolution, to adhere to him; that so, whatever grace we may be enabled to act, by strength derived from him, may be maintained and exercised, not only at that time, but when we are more immediately engaged in that ordinance? These things we are to examine ourselves concerning, that we may spread our wants before the Lord at his table. And to induce us hereunto, we may consider, that our corrupt nature is very prone to think ourselves better than we really are; so that, how indigent and distressed soever we may be, we are ready to conclude, with the church of the Laodiceans, that _we are rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing_, Rev. iii. 17. Moreover, if we are not truly sensible of our necessities, we shall not value Christ’s fulness, or the rich provisions he has made for his people, and is pleased to dispense in this ordinance; as it is said, _The whole need not a physician, but they that are sick_, Matt. ix. 12. and we must consider, that a great part of our work therein, consists in ejaculatory prayer, which we shall not be able to put up in a right manner, if we are not sensible of our wants; and one reason why we are so often at a loss in prayer, or go out of the presence of God empty, is, because our hearts are not enlarged therein, which they cannot be, unless we are affected with a sense of our necessities.