Most of the reasons given by those who stop away from Communion centre in self.

“I am not worthy.”  Of course not, nor is the priest who celebrates, nor is any member of the congregation.  We sadly misread that caution of S. Paul about receiving “unworthily.”

Let us take a homely illustration.  Our good Queen Victoria was very fond of visiting cottagers in the Highlands and reading the Scriptures to them.  You can imagine how one of them might say, “I am not worthy of such an honour; this little place is so poor and mean.”  Quite true, yet she could tidy up the home, mend her frock, make everything neat and clean, so as to receive the Queen “worthily.”  Until you realise the fact—­

  “I am not worthy, gracious Lord,”

you will never receive Him worthily.  No one who examines himself, confesses his sins, and firmly purposes to amend, ever yet came to Communion unworthily.

“I don’t feel inclined to come.”  Because you have not realised in its full meaning two facts:  yourself as a great sinner, Christ as a great Saviour.  Feelings have nothing to do with duty.  If they had, our army would be about half the size it is.  Do you suppose that all those who are joining the Services like leaving home, wife, friends, comforts?  Feelings have been sacrificed to facts.

“I’m too great a sinner.”  Then you are not fit to die.  Repent, turn to the Saviour, and then in His holy ordinance you will find the very strength you need to keep you from falling back.

“I have such terrible temptations.”  So we all have, priest and people alike.  Temptations are not sins; they are the enemies on the battlefield, and if you never meet them, you—­the Christian soldier enlisted at your Baptism—­will never have the chance of winning a victory.  The one who stays away from Communion because of temptations or sins, which he is really trying to resist, is like the sick man who looks at the bottle of medicine and says, “I will take it when I get well.”

“So many communicants are hypocrites.”  That shows that you know enough about the Christian life to be able to judge your fellow creatures.  Are you making things any better by neglecting your duty?

“I have got an enemy.”  Have you honestly tried to be reconciled; are you willing to forgive and bury the past?  “Yes, but he is not.”  All the more need then for you to come to the Communion and pray for his heart to be changed.

It was said of one great saint that some people might never have had the blessing of his prayers for them but that they were his enemies.

All these excuses centre in self.  They could not do otherwise, for no one has ever yet found in Christ any reason why they should stay away from Him.

Obedience forms so large a part of discipline—­nay, is almost identical with discipline—­because it takes us out of self.

Our Lord Who has bidden us “do this” knows exactly what is best for us.  In putting aside feelings, fancies, unworthy scruples, and casting ourselves unreservedly upon His boundless mercy, we shall taste of the treasures of His grace and be satisfied.