164. The Ordained Memorial.

And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you. - Luke 22:19-20.

HERE we have full directions for observing the Lord's Supper. You see what it was, and how it was done. The directions are plain, clear, definite.

It will not be right to do something else; we must "this do." Nor this for another purpose; but "this do in remembrance of me."

This command raises a previous question: Do you know him? He who does not know him cannot remember him.

This being premised, let us observe that—

I. THE MAIN OBJECT OF THE SUPPER IS A PERSONAL MEMORIAL.

"In remembrance of me." We are to remember not so much his doctrines, or precepts, as his person.

Remember the Lord Jesus at this Supper—--

1. As the trust of your hearts.

2. As the object of your gratitude.

3. As the Lord of your conduct.

4. As the joy of your lives.

5. As the Representative of your persons.

6. As the Rewarder of your hopes.

Remember what he was, what he is, what he will be.

Remember him with heartiness, concentration of thought, realizing vividness, and deep emotion.

II. THE MEMORIAL ITSELF IS STRIKING.

1. Simple, and therefore like himself, who is transparent and unpretentious truth. Only bread broken, and wine poured out.

2. Frequent — "as oft as ye drink it," and so pointing to our constant need. He intended the Supper to be often enjoyed.

3. Universal, and so showing the need of all. "Drink ye all of it." In every land, all his people are to eat and drink at this table.

4. His death is the best memory of himself, and it is by showing forth his death that we remember him.

5. His covenant relation is a great aid to memory; hence he speaks of: "The new covenant in my blood." We do not forget Adam, our first covenant-head; nor can we forget our second Adam.

6. Our receiving him is the best method of keeping him in memory; therefore we eat and drink in this ordinance.

No better memorial could have been ordained.

III. THE OBJECT AIMED AT IS ITSELF INVITING.

Since we are invited to come to the holy Supper that we may remember our Lord, we may safely infer that---

1. We may come to it, though we have forgotten him often and sadly. In fact, this will be a reason for coming.

2. We may come, though others may be forgetful of him. We come not to judge them, but to remember him ourselves.

3. We may come, though weak for aught else but the memory of his goodness.

4. It will be sweet, cheering, sanctifying, quickening, to remember him; therefore let us not fail to come.

Let us at the sacred table quit all other themes.

Let us not burden ourselves with regrets, resolves, etc.

Let us muse wholly and alone on him whose flesh is meat indeed, whose blood is drink indeed (John 6:55).