(which is our duty) requires the same sort of examination of our hearts at all times as it requires to take the Sacranient, if we would so pray as to be accepted.

It may be objected that we pray every day but take the Sacrameut very seldom; and that, therefore, it is requisite that we should recal our minds to a more particular contemplation of our several duties, and enquire more intensely into the state of our souls, previous to such solemn occasions: true--but as every man when he lies down at night knows that he is not certain of rising in the morning, and that in the state he then is, if he die, he must appear before his judge, is it not as important that he should then be in full possession of the nature of that state? and, therefore, this self examination should be perpetual. For I am rather persuaded that some people may be weak enough to imagine, because so much stress is laid upon examining themselves previously to taking the Sacrament, that it is not imperative

upon them to do so at any other time: and when this monthly examination comes they have not mind, knowledge, or courage, sufficient to go through it; while others may think that the efficacy of the examination, or preparation, consists in reading a certain number of exhortations and meditations, saying a certain number of prayers and so on: and such persons having done this, think they are quite fit to go to the Sacrament; but if they have not had time to do this (as some perhaps may not have at all seasons) they think they are not in a fit state to take it. Some may smile at this notion, but those who are much acquainted with the operations of ignorant, unreflecting and mechanical minds, know well that formula and ceremony are all that many such rely upon. It is not my intent to bring such manuals into contempt, but to make them more efficacious, by imbuing the minds of young Christians with that innate examination of themselves which is per

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petual; and therefore more easy, more satisfactory, and more effectual, to bring them to such a sense of the necessity. for that watchfulness over their conduct as will identify itself with all their actions; and thereby render them at all times worthy to take the Sacrament; I would unite love with their awe of it, and by inducing them to make the virtues it was instituted to inculcate the

make the rite itself the comfort of their souls, and the Saviour who is represented in it "the desire of their hearts."

I repeat, I do not mean that it is improper to meditate more than usual previously to taking the Sacrament; far from it; I only wish to guard the scrupulous against first multiplying duties, and then making them imperative; lest they become a burthen too heavy for the weak mind to

bear, and religion degenerate into superstition.

If live in the wilful practice of any you one positive vice, you cannot take the Sacrament worthily: therefore, unless you determine to forsake and strive against all sins, do not approach the Lord's table; and if you abstain from approaching it you know the consequence.

If you have injured any one and do not make reparation if it be in your power, or sincerely resolve to do so the moment you have the ability, you are not a fit guest at the Lord's table. "If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift at the altar and go thy way: first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."-St. Matt. c. v. v. 23, 24.

If you content yourself with living without doing any harm (as the phrase is) and do not exert yourself in doing all the good you can, this is not a life calculated

to make you acceptable at the Lord's table. Common observation will prove that many live in this manner, who think their lives blameless; yet such must not imagine themselves fit to go to the Lord's table; because they only do half their duty, and the Lord accepts only those who perform the whole. Such may be very good sort of people, but they are a very bad sort of Christians.

Upon a due consideration of the whole, then, there appears no severity in such an examination, unless it be expounded by superstition, which requires more than the deity does; who, knowing his creatures are imperfect, exacts not perfection in their worship and service; only sincerity of will and the endeavour to approach as near to perfection as they can: and, as he who professes Christianity must be in earnest, and not look back, those who embrace it must not imagine it a mere matter of form, or convenience; for. unless we make it the spring of all our