Samuel Bolton on frequent communion

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Reformed Covenanter

Cancelled Commissioner
Let me exhort you to a conscionable use of Ordinances. Be more frequent in hearing, in praying, in receiving, &c.— I might say something to this last, viz. Receiving, The Apostle tells us, 1 Cor. 11.26. As often as we eat this bread, we shew forth the Lord’s death; it implies a frequent use of the Ordinance, more then once or twice a year, or once a quarter. Indeed the opportunities might be more frequent, if it were not for the coldness and deadness of our hearts.

In the Primitive times of the Church, while the blood of Christ was warm, they had the Sacrament every day; we have an uncontradicted authority, that they had it every Lord’s day. And as men grew colder, so the distances grew greater. Sure, were it not for the coldness and deadness of our hearts, it might almost be our daily bread; at least we might enjoy a more frequent use of this Ordinance then we do: but as the Apostle saith, as oft as you have opportunity do good: so as oft as you have the opportunity, take the occasions to meet God in his Ordinances.

For the reference, see Samuel Bolton on frequent communion.
 
I know it has been mentioned that one needs to examine ones heart before partaking. This was used to promote less frequent communion. I see the logic of such, but personally I would rather examine my heart on a weekly basis, since my memory is getting worse as I age. :)
 
I know it has been mentioned that one needs to examine ones heart before partaking. This was used to promote less frequent communion. I see the logic of such, but personally I would rather examine my heart on a weekly basis, since my memory is getting worse as I age. :)
The Westminster Directory of Public Worship is with you on that:

Where this sacrament cannot with convenience be frequently administered, it is requisite that publick warning be given the sabbath-day before the administration thereof: and that either then, or on some day of that week, something concerning that ordinance, and the due preparation thereunto, and participation thereof, be taught; that, by the diligent use of all means sanctified of God to that end, both in publick and private, all may come better prepared to that heavenly feast.

In other words, the intent is normally for communion to be sufficiently frequent that people know to arrive spiritually prepared for the feast. It is only when such cannot happen that additional preparation is deemed necessary.
 
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