of the privileges which it has secured to us? In how many of the avowed disciples of the blessed Jesus, is there "an evil heart of unbelief?" And how many more are there who wear the badge of "the household of faith," that are still only partial believers in those doctrines of their Christian profession, to which they outwardly subscribe? If we suffer the "old leaven" to ferment and swell within us, which the Saviour has taught us how, and commanded us, to purge out, how can we become that "new lump" which must be presented unleavened to his acceptance, when he shall sit upon his throne in judgment, or it will be cast among the refuse?

When we survey the actions and habits of mankind, what do we behold? A war of passions, hostile feelings, clashing interests, conflicting prospects, crossed hopes, angry disappointments, and all those various excitements to which the human heart is so lamentably prone, disturbing the moral economy of nature, and confounding all the nobler qualities of our being. Where shall we discover that love between man and man, which the gospel so unequivocally commands us to entertain, and where is that love towards God which engrosses the heart, and mind, and soul? Do we not see pride, like a sweeping torrent, overbear all those virtues which religion imposes upon the devout spirit? Do we not see envy, strife, and hatred, practising their mischiefs everywhere around us? Do

we not perceive the vices of sensuality walking abroad at noon-day, and scattering their contagion before us? Do we not daily witness God's word profaned, his person insulted, his religion abused, his precepts scorned, his laws infringed, and his anger braved? These are, have long been, and probably will long continue to be, the " signs of the times." They must be common to the experience of us all.

Such are they who have souls to be saved, and such are they for whom Christ died. He perished for sinners, for the greatest as well as the least, if they come to him with rent hearts and repentant minds. There is hope for all who cry to him for help, who seek salvation through his blood. "Come, then, the spirit and the bride say come, let him that is athirst come, and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

We have now considered the suffering of Christ, and for whom he died; and whilst we think deeply on these things, let us not forget, that he has commanded us to commemorate his death. Upon the anniversary day of this great event, above all others, we should naturally expect to see his altar thronged with anxious suppliants, seeking reconciliation with their Saviour, and eager to participate in his feast of grace. I have said much, on former occasions, upon the importance of this solemn service; I, therefore, need say the less on it now. But, whatever may be thought by some of the need

lessness of so frequently enforcing the necessity of sacramental communion, I shall, nevertheless, detain you a few moments longer, upon a subject so essentially combined with the eternal interests of us all.

I do not expect that any one who has habitually turned his back upon the altar of his Saviour, on the various anniversaries of his death, at which he may have been present, will be induced by anything that may be now urged to come to the blessings of his holy communion. He would, however, do well to remember, that to neglect the sacrament, is to neglect his salvation; and that to come to the table upon which the memorials of that sacrifice made by his crucified Redeemer for the salvation of him and all mankind, will be laid for the benefit of all who are disposed to partake of them, is the best way to wean him from the perilous habits of sin, and bring him into "the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Christ invites you from his cross to celebrate the pangs which he endured upon it for you. At this very time, upon the memorable day to which our thoughts have been now recalled, he was hanging upon hanging upon that cross in agony and in death. Look at him there! Behold him nailed to the fatal beam; see it erected while he is suspended upon it a monument at once of divine justice and of omnipotent mercy! Mark him writhing in the last struggles of his mortal conflict! His tongue and lips are parched with a raging

thirst, superinduced by the severity of his torments; the blood distils from his wounded members; the sinews crack; he "cries with a loud voice, and gives up the ghost." Think of these agonies endured for you! Recur to all which the services of the past week have presented to your minds, and if you can then resolve to turn from his holy table-"I know not what manner of spirit ye are of."

There is more consolation derived to us from one sincere act of devotion at Christ's altar, than in all the mere habitual devotions of a whole life, where the heart is not interested. There can be no vital religion where its most solemn offices are slighted, and where only its less momentous obligations are attended to. The sacrament, however we may seek to evade its claims upon us, is a solemn, essential, and indispensable duty. A memorial appointed by the Saviour, under circumstances of such affecting interest to us all, cannot be evaded without neglecting the express command of that Saviour, "Do this in remembrance of me." And let it be borne in mind, that this is not a request which we may either comply with or refuse, but a specific injunction. To neglect an injunction, so solemnly and so signally given by the Lord God of our salvation, is to "do despite to the spirit of grace;" and suffer me to remind you, that it was to such the awful words of Christ himself were applied"how shall they escape the damnation of Hell ?"

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This is a most important question to us all. Let us endeavour so to conduct ourselves here, that the horrors to which it points, shall not be realized to us hereafter. Christ, our passover, is sacrificed for us; let us, therefore, keep the feast, not with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth!"