Paul, in the bitterness of his compunction. Are we less to be accounted sinners than he, whom the Lord Jesus calls "a chosen vessel1?" He, who was caught up into the third Heaven? Here is the list of our offences, read out against us by our consciences, and we must each plead guilty. In the prospect of approaching death, we look around for some one to have pity on us: but, there is no man who can redeem the soul of his brother. Each of us has a burden beyond what he can bear. We see the page grow darker, as we trace the undeniable proofs of a corrupt heart, and erring course. Even they, that have "feared God in their youth, loved Him in their age, and have laboured through life to preserve a conscience void of offence;" who have by daily repentance and continual Faith, "walked with God 2"-even they, build not on their own righteousness, but on "the righteousness which is of God by Faith in Jesus." “And

1

3

Acts ix. 15. 2 Gen. v. 24. Rom. iii. 22.

if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear1?" We cannot undo sins that we have committed. We cannot supply the place of services neglected. Each instant has its own assigned duty: and all that we can do hereafter, is so far from making expiation, that it will be, in its imperfection, adding to the charge. Alas! every offering from man's hand is, in some degree, defiled. “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death"?"

3

"Come unto me," there is a voice from Heaven, "all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you 3." "Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out." 'Sing, O ye Heavens, for the Lord hath done it. Break forth into

66

lower parts of the earth"."

singing, all ye

"Glory be to God on high, and in earth peace. Good will hath come even unto men "." Praise

1 1 Pet. iv. 18.

3 Matt. ii. 28.

Is. xliv. 23.

2 Rom. vii. 24.

John vi. 37.

Luke ii. 14.

the Lord, for He hath sent His Son to suffer, in the place of what we have deserved. His Spirit now waiteth to be gracious, and to move upon the heart. "Draw nigh unto Christ, and He will draw nigh unto you."

Turn the commandments thus searchingly, into serious self-examination-that so you may come humbled and thankful, to the feast of the Lord's Supper. "To-day if ye will hear His voice, harden not your hearts 2." "Now is the accepted time. Now is the day of salvation "." Welcome those offers, which were signed and sealed

in your Baptism.

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for you Ratify them now, each of us, in our own case, if any have hitherto held back. Take the Lord for your God. Look to Christ as your Saviour, and follow the strengthening help of the Spirit, in the ways of new obedience, till you come to the measure of the full stature of Christ. May we strive after a high de

1 James iv. 8.

2 Ps. xcv. 8.

32 Cor. vi. 2.

gree of sanctification, and a full hope of life eternal. May that Spirit so work within us, that we may cry unto God, with all sincerity-"Lord, have mercy upon us; and write all these thy Laws in our hearts, we beseech Thee."

SERMON V.

COMMUNION OFFICE.

1 Cor. xi. 26.

66 AS OFTEN AS YE EAT THIS BREAD, And drink_tHIS CUP, YE DO SHOW THE LORD'S DEATH TILL HE COME."

IN the two former discourses on the Communion Service, it has been my endeavour to state the origin of this part of our Liturgy, and the ancient mode of its celebration; with an undisguised expression of regret, that the first portion, should be so frequently severed from the participation of the Lord's Supper.

My next object was to draw your attention to the discipline of the Church; as re