But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
Ver. 28. Let a man examine] A metaphor from metallaries or lapidists, as they try their metals or precious stones, and do it exactly, that they be not cozened; so here, men must make an exact scrutiny.
And so let him eat] After preparation, participation. The heathens had their caena pura, pure supper the night before their sacrifices. The Russians receive children after seven years old to the communion, saying, that at that age they begin to sin against God. But can they say, that at that age they can examine themselves and receive preparedly? Chrysostom calleth the Lord's table, that "dreadful table" (φρικωδης), and the ancients call the sacraments, "dreadful mysteries" (τα φρικτα μυστηρια).