Eating Unworthily by H. S. Boyd

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 20, 1856

Eating Unworthily.

By H. S. Boyd

But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. 1 Cor. xi, 28, 29.

These words, as well as every other portion of the holy Scriptures, have a meaning; and they apply in full force to those who profess to be keeping the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. It is upon a subject of vast solemnity that the Apostle now addresses his brethren: no less than the commemoration of the death of the Son of God. Is not the language of the text plain and easy to be understood? A man is to examine himself and not another. Instead of trying to pull motes out of his brother's eye, he should look into his own heart and see what he can find there. This will give each of us enough to do, when we meet to commemorate the death and sufferings of our Lord and Saviour.

For this cause, says Paul, many are weak and sickly among you; and many sleep. For what cause? Why, because they had eaten and drunk unworthily; not because some one was present that they thought unworthy. This would have done them no harm if their own hearts had been right, as we may learn from the example of our Lord when he instituted the supper; and also from Paul's language to his brethren. He says, If we would judge ourselves we should not be judged. This was the duty of Christians then: it is their duty now. Then let a man examine himself considering the consequence of eating unworthily.

The Apostle had heard and partly believed, (as we learn from the 18th verse,) that when they came together in the church there were divisions among them. Sorrowful thought to him! He expects soon to see them, but cannot wait till then. His tender feelings were roused to the depths of his soul. He sees their departure from God's word. He calls to their remembrance that solemn night in which Jesus was betrayed, that he may touch their tender feelings, and cause them to return to the right way.

Our rule for dealing with erring brethren may be found in Matt. xviii, 15-17. "Moreover if thy brother trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between him and thee alone: if he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. But if he shall neglect to hear them tell it unto the church;" and not till then. The church ought to refuse to investigate any complaint until after this course has been taken. A different course from this should be rebuked through the length and breadth of the land, wherever there is a professed Sabbath-keeper to be found.

It is high time for us to try to follow the rules of the Bible—forgive as we would be forgiven, and never forget a confession and remember the offense. A little charity would prevent this, and without it we are nothing. "Charity suffereth long and is kind, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth." And above all things, says Peter, have fervent charity among yourselves, for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

H. S. BOYD.