University of Virginia Library

DIRECTIONS FOR RECEIVING THE Holy Communion.

Christ calls us to his Table, but who's fit
In such an High and Holy place to sit?
Only the Souls that are adorn'd with Grace,
May here in presence of their Lord take place.
Such whom the knowledge of his wondrous love
To deepest sorrow for their sins doth move;
Who place on him their Love and Confidence,
And render a sincere Obedience
To all his Laws: who make God's Love their Treasure,
Preferring it above Wealth, Honour, Pleasure.
Who do in Charity with all Men live,
And those who wrong them from their Heart forgive:
Who pure and sober are in all their ways,
And in God's Service vow to spend their days.
Art thou but such a one, thou art the Guest
Whom Christ bids welcome to this Heavenly Feast.
With Love and Joy his Death Commemorate,
Whilst here thou feed'st; and hereby Consecrate
Thy self entirely to him; and he will
His promises and thy desires fulfill.
He'll own thee for his Servant, and bestow
Such Blessings as thou needest here below:
Ev'n here he seals to thee Pardon and Peace,
And all thy Graces shall receive Increase:
Until at length he raise thee far above,
To taste the fullest Fruits of his dear love;
Where we no more shall need our Bread and Wine,
Ravisht with glorious Sights and Joys Divine:
Wherefore, who in those Heavenly Joys would share,
To sup with Christ on Earth let them prepare.