they speak peace to their consciences, we know not, especially when they read that there is no exemption from guilt, in the violation of the least of God's commandments, for "Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all."*

Meditate, then, my Christian brethren, seriously and prayerfully on this holy ordinance, and recollect that it is a rite specially and positively enjoined by our Lord Jesus Christ, and intended particularly to distinguish his disciples and followers-this is the pledge of his memory, which he has left with us, "until his coming again;" this is the great distinctive mark afforded us, by which we may prove to the world "that we are not ashamed to confess the faith of Christ crucified;" that we are His, not only in name, but that "we dwell in him, and he in us ;" and that we trust for acceptance with God wholly and entirely to his death, atone. James ii. 10.

ment, and mediation.

Do not suppose,

however, that it is merely a commemorative ordinance, it is one of the channels graciously appointed of God, for the mysterious communication of divine grace to the soul. By means of this Sacrament, we hold spiritual communication of the most intimate and blessed character, with its divine Author; and this is indispensably necessary to the continuance of our spiritual life; "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, have no life in you. ""* "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?

ye

the

bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ ?"

We

perceive not any alteration in the material substances of the bread and wine,-the appointed emblems of Christ's body and blood; to our senses they remain the same but believing and trusting in the

* John vi. 53,

+ 1 Cor. x. 16.

word of the Lord, and receiving these consecrated elements 66

'by faith, with thanksgiving," "our souls are strengthened and refreshed by the body and blood of Christ, as our bodies are by the bread and wine."

He, therefore, that hungereth and thirsteth, and desireth to "eat that which is good;" he who is humbled by the sense of his own sinfulness and infirmity, and longeth to be "fulfilled with God's grace and heavenly benediction," let him come and be partaker of this holy communion, let him come "without money, and without price," that is, without self-righteousness and Pharisaical presumption, without any notion of his deserving even the least of God's mercies; but, still let him come, in the garb of repentance, humility, and faith, breathing the spirit of love and peace, and with holy resolutions, by God's grace, to forsake sin. Thus will he be clothed in the marriage garment required by God in Scripture, of those "who

would come holy and clean to such a heavenly feast," and thus may he hope to be received at the table of the Lord, a meet partaker of this holy mystery.

189

SERMON IX.

CHARITY-PIETY-LOYALTY.

1 ST. PETER ii. 17.

"HONOUR ALL MEN: LOVE THE BROTHERHOOD: FEAR GOD: HONOUR THE KING."

THERE are few passages to be found in the Bible which contain such a volume of admonition as this single verse from the Epistle of St. Peter. It would seem from the remarkable brevity and simplicity of expression which the Apostle uses on this occasion, that he wished to give in the most concise and striking manner a summary yet comprehensive statement of our religious, civil, and social obligations, and to place before us, in close, connected review, the brightest and most valued re