In the Lord's Supper, we are not only to "show the Lord's death," and see what is to be seen in it, as many who, when he was upon the cross, stood afar off beholding;—no; we must there be more than spectators—we must eat of the sacrifice, and "so partake of the altar." The bread which came down from heaven was not designed merely for show-bread, bread to be looked upon; but for household bread, bread to be fed upon, bread to strengthen our hearts, and wine to make them glad; and wisdom's invitation is, "Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine that I have mingled." Christ's feeding great multitudes miraculously, more than once, when he was here upon earth, was (as his other miracles) significant of the spiritual provision he makes in the everlasting gospel, for the support and satisfaction of those that leave all to follow him. If we do not all eat, and be not all filled abundantly with the goodness of his house, it is our own fault. Let us not then straiten and starve ourselves, for the Master of the feast has not stinted us; he has not only invited us, and made provision for our entertainment, but he calls to us as one that bids us hearty welcome—"Eat, O friends! drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved!"

All people are for what they can get: here is something to be got in this ordinance, if it be rightly improved, which will turn to our account infinitely more than the "merchandize of silver, or the gain of fine gold." Christ and all his benefits are here not only set before us, not only offered to us, but settled upon us, under certain provisos and limitations; so that a believer, who sincerely consents to the covenant, receives some of the present benefit of it, in and by this ordinance, both in the comfortable experience of communion with God in grace, and the comfortable expectation of the vision and fruition of God in glory.

Gospel ordinances in general, and this in particular, which is the seal of gospel promises, are wells of salvation, out of which we may draw water with joy; breasts of consolation, from which we may suck and be satisfied; golden pipes, through which the oil of grace is derived from the good olive, to keep our lamps burning. We receive the grace of God herein in vain, if we take not what is here tendered—gospel blessings upon gospel terms. We are here to receive. Christ Jesus the Lord, and since "with him God freely gives us all things," we must with him by faith take what he gives—"all spiritual blessings in heavenly things by Christ Jesus."

—from The Communicant's Companion