us. 304 ON THE LORD'S SUPPER. We are to have a lively faith in God's mercy, through Christ. To the mercy of God we are indebted for the inestimable gift of a Saviour; for "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Faith in the mercy of God implies the reception of Christ, as he is offered to us in the gospel. It is not enough to repent of sin; to renounce the devil, the world, and the flesh; and to shake off the yoke of Satan; but we must submit to Christ, and take his yoke upon In the everlasting gospel, as contained in the scripture, and sealed to us in the Lord's supper, salvation by Christ is tendered to us, and we are for ever undone without it. We are, then, to take the Saviour as he is offered to us, and to accept of salvation in his own way; looking for the remission of sins, through his blood; for justification, through his righteousness; and for sanctification, by his Spirit; submitting to his government, and yielding ourselves to his guidance. As faith is requisite, the church exhorts us to draw near with faith; and assures us of the mercy of God, to all who truly turn unto him; and for their encouragement, repeats the most gracious promises of his word-" Come unto me all travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you : Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." ye that (4.) A grateful remembrance of Christ, is another gracious disposition which we should bring with us to the Lord's table. We are required to come with a thankful remem brance of his death. At this sacred table we are to remember what we were, and what Christ has done and suffered for us. We were sinful, condemned, and lost, even as others; we stood on the very brink of perdition; and we did not even wish, much less ask, for deliverance. Under circumstances so wretched, when there was no eye to pity, and no arm to save, our gracious benefactor undertook our cause, and placed himself between us and ruin. He stood in our stead, and took the guilt of our sin; for us he suffered and died; he shut the gates of hell, and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Thither he is now ascended, wearing our nature, and ever living to intercede for us. Still he invites us to come unto him for rest and salvation, and holds out the sceptre of mercy. He hears the sighs of his people, numbers their tears, observes their feeble efforts to serve him; and we are assured, that he will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax. All this we are especially to call to remembrance, when approaching the sacred table; and the ordinance itself is peculiarly calculated to awaken the most grateful emotions of the soul. (5.) Finally, another disposition of mind, necessary to render us acceptable guests at the table of the Lord, is brotherly love. We are required to be in charity with all men. This is an extensive principle; and it implies especial love to the brethren. "One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren." On this solemn and interesting occasion, christians appear more intimately and publicly in their relation to Christ, and to each other, than at ordinary seasons. They approach the same table, unite in the same covenant, commune in the same worship, and celebrate the same adorable Saviour. How should these considerations inspire fraternal affection! And to them is added the especial command of Christ himself: "A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another; hereby shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." But further, general love and good-will to all our fellow men, are also included in the charity required of those, who come to the Lord's table. Christ loved us when we were enemies and rebels, having no hope, and being without God in the world. The same mind should be in us which was also in Christ Jesus. We should bear to all men, whether friends or enemies, disinterested, extensive, and unceasing love, and good-will. And the ordinance is calculated to inspire and improve such affections. In the service we pray for our fellow worshippers, for the universal church, and for all mankind. I purpose, in the next lecture, to notice the motives which should influence us to attend this holy ordinance, and the benefits to be derived from such attendance. In the mean time, consider what has been said; and the Lord give you understanding in all things. SERMON XXV. MATTHEW XXVI. 26-28. AND AS THEY WERE EATING, JESUS TOOK BREAD, AND BLESSED IT, AND BRAKE IT, AND GAVE IT TO THE DISCIPLES, AND SAID, TAKE, EAT; THIS IS MY BODY. AND HE TOOK THE CUP, AND GAVE THANKS, AND GAVE IT TO THEM, SAYING, HAVING considered the nature of the Lord's Supper, the ends for which it was instituted, and the qualifications for participating in it, I proceed, in the fourth place, to make some observations respecting IV. The motives which should influence us to the celebration of the ordinance. And here we may notice 1. In the first place, the command of Christ. The precept, "Do this in remembrance of me, 1S enforced by divine authority; and is equally binding on us, as that which requires us to "love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul, and with all our strength." The same disposition which would prompt us to the obedience of God's commands, in any instance, would induce us to obey this. To neglect the observance of this ordinance, is an act of positive and habitual disobedience. If we love and reverence God, we shall undoubtedly obey his will. If we have any love to Christ, any regard to his character and mission, we shall exhibit the proof of it, as uniformly, as faithfully, and as cheerfully, in our obedience to this precept, as in that which we render to any other. In vain shall we plead a disposition to obey God in anything, if we disobey him in this. In vain we profess to remember the Redeemer with reverential regard, if we are indisposed to remember him by the observance of an institution so solemn, affecting, and endearing. Reflect on the command as that of your dying Redeemer. In this view, allow me to ask, would you not pay a particular regard to the request of a dying friend? Surely you would. How much more, then, ought you to regard the solemn injunction of him, "who, his own self, bare our sins in his own body on the tree?" Surely it cannot be imagined, that this is a matter of choice, which you are at liberty to observe or neglect, according to your own inclinations. plainly determined, by the authority of your Almighty Lord and gracious Saviour, who says to all his followers, in every age of the church—“ Do this in remembrance of me.' Judge, then, whether you may neglect this condescending request and positive injunction of your dying Redeemer. What is the language of such conduct? Is it not, We will not have this man to reign over us? Is it not, We will It has been |