set a little time apart for the more strict and particular examination of his conscience; for which end and purpose, I earnestly recommend that catalogue of sins which is drawn up at the end of that excellent book, The Whole Duty of Man, which I would have every man very distinctly to go over; and upon every particular to recollect his actions, and ask his conscience, Have I been guilty of this? IV. But where a man very often receives the Communion, and never misses any opportunity for it, I do not conceive that such a particular examination is every time absolutely necessary; have all men, at all times, leisure enough for it. But, however, ordinarily, I think, no man ought to receive the Holy Communion with nor out some previous examination of himself For the more easy and regular performance of which, I would have it remembered, that the whole duty of a Christian is reducible to these three heads, Matt. xxii. 37, &c. 1. To love God in the highest degree. 2. Sincerely (and not corruptly, or sensually) to love himself. 3. To love every man, with the same sort of love, (though not in the same degree) as he loves himself." V. Every time, then, that a man receives the Holy Communion, I would have him, before-hand, seriously to put, at least, these three questions home to his conscience. 1. Do I really and truly love God above all things? And do I effectually shew this my love, by a due honour and respect to him, in all my thoughts, words, and tions ? ac 2. Have I a sincere and upright love for myself? that is, do I love my soul better than my body; and am I more heartily concerned to secure my everlasting happiness in the world to come, than to compass my pleasure or profit in this life? 3. Have I a real and sincere love for all mankind, without exception? And do I effectually shew this my love, by hurting no man by word or deed (where I can possibly avoid it) and by being ready to do good to every man whatsoever, in all ways, and upon all occasions, wherever I have ability and opportunity? And if these three questions are but seriously meditated upon for a little time, there is scarce any sin that a man has been guilty of, but they will point it out to him. VI. When a man, by the examination of his conscience, has set his sins full in his view, then let him insert into his ordinary devotions, this, or some such like confession of them to God. O most gracious God! I, thy unworthy creature, here humbly acknowledge my sins before thee. And, besides those which I have now recollected, I cannot but own, that I lie under the guilt of many more transgressions, although I am not able to recount, or remember them. Nor can I deny, but that I have committed many sins, even contrary to the motions of thy grace, and the light and conviction of my own conscience; and therefore do most justly deserve the severity of thy wrath and indignation against me. But, Lord, I fly unto thee for mercy; for the sake of Christ Jesus, our blessed Redeemer, be merciful to me in the pardon of all my sins, known and unknown; and so guide and assist me, by thy good grace, that, for the time to come, I may be duly careful to abstain from every evil thing; may grow in grace, and be zealous of good works, and maintain a conscience void of offence towards God, and |