sufferings he was bruised for our iniquities; he was scourged by cruel hands; he was pierced with thorns, and he died on the cross. These consecrated symbols are offered to us, and devoutly received by sincere communicants. We publicly testify, that we most cordially receive the offered Saviour in all his offices, as Mediator between God and man; and that we derive from his fulness spiritual nourishment, consolation, and grace.

All who sit at the sacred table partake of these elements, and affectionately distribute them from one to another; thus we are reminded that there is a sufficiency in Christ to supply the wants of all his people, and that they are all children of the same family, eating at the same table, drinking of the same cup, and bound by every endearing tie to love one another, and to live as brethren.

After partaking of the sacred symbols, they retire from the communion table, from the delightful service of the sanctuary, to mingle in the duties, and toils, and trials of life. For it is only in the temple not made with hands, that their fellowship shall be uninterrupted, and their joy be full.

At the first celebration of the sacrament,

the

the condescending Saviour himself was present with his disciples, and gave them the cup, and spake words of consolation to their fainting minds. Thus it still is as to his spiritual presence; he is in the midst of them to do them good; the cup of blessing which in his name we bless, is the communion of the blood of Christ. In this ordinance he speaks to his people, and they hear his voice saying, My blood was shed for the remission of your sins; I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness; I said unto you, live; and under such impression, this is a time of love. While he thus speaks to them by his word and spirit at a communion table, their hearts reply, Thou that knowest all things, knowest that we love thee: other lords have too long had dominion over us, but now we come to thee, for thou alone art our Saviour and our God; what have we any more to do with idols; what wouldst thou have us to do? teach us thy will; make thy grace sufficient for us; restore our souls; subdue our corruptions, and perfect what concerns us.

III. The believing Christian contemplates

the

the sacrament of the supper as a sacred memorial of his inestimable Friend, the best beloved of his soul; and as a feast of commemoration, designed to keep up the believing and sanctifying remembrance of what scripture testifies concerning him.

The inscription which our Lord himself has engraven on this ordinance, is in these words: "Do this in remembrance of me."

Here a field of contemplation opens to view, so boundless, that we cannot fully survey it; so bright, that it almost overwhelms our mortal powers; and yet so essential to our happiness, that it well merits our unceasing admiration.

When obeying the commandment in the text, remember that it was the Lord God Almighty, the Lord of glory, who died on Calvary.

Ye shew forth the Lord's death; the Lord of angels and men; the Lord of heaven and earth; the Lord of providence and grace.

It wonderfully enlarges and elevates the mind of devout communicants, when they can enter into the contemplation of their Redeemer's personal greatness; as the brightness of the Father's glory; as upholding all

things by the word of his power; as King of kings, and Lord of lords; and as the same to-day, yesterday, and for ever. It calms many perplexing fears, when by faith they view him as inheriting the fulness of the Godhead; as over all, and blessed in himself for evermore; and it peculiarly delights their heart, when they remember that his divine perfections are all engaged in promoting his people's welfare; that his wisdom is their guide, and his faithfulness their shield: that he guards them by his power, and comforts them by his presence. This is our friend, O ye daughters of Jerusalem! the chief among ten thousand, and altogether lovely.

Again, when shewing forth the Lord's death, "Do it in remembrance" that he is the Mediator of the New Testament, or better Covenant; this, saith he, is the New Testament or new covenant in my blood; sealed by my blood, and rendered irrevocable by the death of the testator. And what is his language to all who have fled for refuge to the Saviour, and who have given themselves to him as their Lord. I have blotted out your iniquities for mine own name's sake, and ye shall not come into condemnation; I will take away

VOL. II.

Ce

the

the hard and stony heart, and will give you a new heart and right spirit; I will write my laws in your heart, and will cause you to walk in my ways; I will guide you by my counsel, and bring you to my glory; I have spoken, and I the Lord will do this.

When you are engaged in this ordinance, you ought to rest on the sure promises of that covenant which was sealed with the blood of the Testator; be persuaded of their truth, embrace them, and plead their fulfilment.

Once more, when shewing forth the Lord's death, not only remember that he died in the character of Mediator between an offended God and offending creatures, but survey the gradual progress of his work, from its commencement before the worlds were framed, to its consummation in the glorifying of all the elect.

Remember Christ, and in so doing, dwell on the remembrance, that he is carrying on through all ages one uniform scheme of mercy and love; that as he has been the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, so a seed shall serve him while sun and moon endure; that at the present time he is leading captivity captive, and extending the benefits of his death,