they were as well prepared, as, under existing circumstances (the whole mystery of godliness not having as yet been brought to light), it was possible to be. They knew not many of those doctrines, which now, through their instrumentality, are received by the humblest followers of Christ; yet, however dull their understanding, and however limited their comprehension, their hearts were right. Although they knew not how their Lord would require their service, yet, that service they were ready to tender, at any hazard. If they afterwards failed, their failure should be ascribed, not to want of will to act, but of resolution to endure; to weakness of the flesh, not to wickedness in the spirit.

On these principles, while we contend against those, who would desecrate the blessed sacrament, or detract from its efficacy, we unite with them, in exhorting the brethren not to fear, where no fear is. We all know the excuse which carelessly drops from every one's lips, when exhorted to participate in this holy ordinance; namely, that they are afraid, lest they should receive unworthily. But I scarcely know, whether it be necessary, to supply an answer to this objection. For, if this excuse be, sometimes, honestly urged by the ignorant and weak, is it not much more frequently adopted, as an idle plea, and a sophistical evasion? Who

are they, who are really deterred from communicating, by this righteousness overmuch? The number must be small indeed, among those who are capable of reflection, since the plea amounts merely to this, that, “ they will not go to the fire, pretending they are cold; and reject physic, because they need it." (9)

To receive unworthily, is to receive without discerning the Lord's body; that is, without regard or reference, to the sacrifice of Christ.

Those, therefore, are guilty in this sense, who approach those holy mysteries, under the influence of secular motives, or the mask of hypocrisy ; and those, too, who, puffed up in their fleshly minds, seek not the intercession, rely not on the merits, and look not for the grace, of our divine Redeemer; but, on the contrary, rejoice in a thing of naught, and say, Have we not taken to us horns, by our own strength? They, also, are to be excluded, who are determined to live in the commission of any known sin, or in the omission of any acknowledged duty. For these, lacking the principle upon which all evangelical obedience is grounded, are virtually guilty of the whole law. And how can they pretend to wish for grace to improve, when they make not an attempt at amendment?

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To all such persons, the language of the

church is that of friendly reproof, and earnest admonition. Let them, indeed, seriously reflect, on the awful dilemma in which they place themselves. On the one hand, there is, indeed, an inspired Apostle, who threatens them, if they receive unworthily: but, on the other, there is Jesus Christ himself, who expressly declares, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

To eat of that flesh, and to drink of that blood, we, therefore, invite all those, who, not conscious of secular and unworthy motives, look to Christ as their Saviour, and are sincere in their desire to receive him as their Master. If there be any person here present, who is really desirous to obey the law of his God, without evasion or reserve, but who, conscious of the vehemence of his temper, the strength of his passions, or the weakness of his character, fears, lest, in the hour of temptation, or amid the bustle of daily business or social intercourse, he may dishonour his profession,.. instead of repelling that man, we, on the contrary, intreat him to remember, that it is not by his own strength, or the mightiness of his own arm, that he can get unto himself the victory. His sufficiency must be supplied by God. We, therefore, bid him draw nigh with faith; that, through the sanctifying influences of that Holy

Spirit, who abideth in the church for ever, the weak hands, and the feeble knees may be strengthened, and that he may find grace to help, in time of need. (10)

With like urgency, is the invitation extended to those, who are overclouded by despondency, or driven to despair, through the vain imagination, that, though the grace of God has been shed forth abundantly, yet, on their hearts it never will alight. For, to dispel these vain and visionary fears, to give confidence to the weak and tender conscience, and to comfort the weary and heavy laden, by assuring them of their being in favour, because in covenant with their Maker,.. these are among the blessed reasons, why this ordinance was appointed, by the divine Source of light, and life, and joy. The sacraments not only are the means of conveying grace, but they are, also, pledges to the sincere, that grace has actually been conferred. (11)

To thee, too, thou poor penitent, who scarcely darest to look up to Heaven and say, God be merciful to me a sinner, to thee, the tidings we are commissioned to preach, are glad tidings, of great joy. We are commissioned, and commanded, to tell thee, that the Lord our God is gracious, merciful, and long suffering; and that He will not turn away his face from thee, if thou

returnest unto him. Let the wicked man forsake his way; and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, and he will abundantly pardon. With contrition of heart, with humility of mind, and with lively faith, approach, then, the holy table, and there will be joy in Heaven, where the angels witness thy repentance, and record thy pardon. (12) Yes, ye invisible but sympathizing ministers of omnipotent mercy, I can imagine you winging your noiseless way, around the Christian altar; I can almost hear you, joining in our eucharistic hymn, at that glad moment, when the contrite offender is added to the number of the faithful, and when, his sins having been done away by the blood of Christ, he goes forth, in the strength of the Lord, to commence a new career of godliness upon earth, and to lead the residue of his life, in the fear, and to the glory, of Almighty God. (13)

To you, my beloved Brethren, who are in the constant habit, whenever an opportunity presents itself, of commemorating your Redeemer's death, to you, I need only announce, that, at the approaching festival, the guest-chamber will be prepared, and the table spread. There and then, in joint communion with saints above, and with the faithful upon earth, you may once more partake