and SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST, and his APOSTLES, &c. 231 whole tendency is to correct the parsons, fweeten the difpofitions, and enlarge the affections ofmen ; and though it enforces all this upon us by motives furprifingly powerful and affècling; yet fuch is the perverfenefs ofthe human heart, that jea- loufies and contentions, envy, wrath, and malice, too often find admittance there. Was it not then an inffance of our Savi- our's wifdom and benevolence, by uniting us together at the facrament of his body and blood, to infpire uswith condefcenfion, companion, and love, and to urge the putting away all bitternefs, anger, evil- fpeaking, and revenge. We ought, therefore, to be very careful how we perform this duty appointed by our dying Saviour? We fhould, in order to receive it worthily, employ our medi- tation on the deign and excellency of the gofpel; on the noble, fyftem of doctrines and duties it contains ; on the illuftrious, divine, and complete example of the blef- fed Jrsus; on the important privileges, the valuable promifes, and the ravifhing profpects his revelation affords ; and on the bright and convincing evidence with which it is attended. We should contem- plate that effential and unparalleled bene- volence of the Deity, in forming the way for our rttlemption; on the readinefs mani- felted by the Son of God in undertaking our caufe ; and on his wonderful tranfac- tions in the profecutionof this grand, this amazing work : above all, we fhould im- prefs upon our fouls a ftrong fenfe of the fpecial and immediate purpofes for which this facrament was appointed; andwhen we actually join in communion, we fhould be careful that our affections be properly di- rected, and warmly engaged. To have our hearts fixed upon the va- nities, the profits, and the cares ;f this world, is a direct violation of the ordi- nance; and therefore we fhould be ex- tremely careful to maintain a right temper and behaviour at that time. We fhould Rudy to abllraC our thoughts as much as ponible from every foreign, every terrefirial confideration, and to have our pallions fervently employed in the folemn fervice. « Retire, O, my foul ! each of us fhould fay, from this inferior fcene of things ; from all it's pleafures, and all it's purfuits, and hold communion with the Almighty and his Son, the immaculate Jasus. Me- ditate upon that infinite grace of Omni- potence, which contrived the amazing plan, that difplayeth pardon, peace, and endlefs happinefs to fo undeferving a crea- ture as thou art. Recollect that furprifing condefcenfion and tendernefs of thy corn- paflìonate Redeemer which induced him to bring down from heaven falvation to the fons of men. Call to mind the admirable infiructions he offered, the charming pat- tern he exhibited, the hard labours and fufferings he endured in the courfe of his minifiry ; efpecially call to mind the igno- miny, the reproaches, the agonies he en- dured, when he hung upon the crofs, and purchafed for thee eternal mercy. Think upon thefe affeáing fubjeás, till thine heart is filled with forrow for thine ini- quities ; till thy faith becomes lively, active, and fruitful ; till thy gratitude and love are elevated to the higheft pitch ; till thy obedienceis rendered uniform, Deady, a- d complete. Haft thou, O, my God, and Parent of univerfal nature ! haft thou fo illuftrioufly manifefied thy companion for fanners as not to fare thine own Son? Haft thou fent the Saviour into this lower . world, inorder to raife the childrenofmen toimmortality, perfection, and glory? And am I now in thy prefence, on purpofe to celebrate this inftitution, which requireth me to commemorate the death of the great Meffiah; to declare my public ac- ceptance of his excellent revelation, and my regard to my Chriftian brethren? May then the remembrance of his beneficence dwell upon my mind, and upon my tongue for ever and ever! May I confider and comply with the intention of his gofpel : and may the fentiments of kindnefs and charity towards all my fellow-mortals and fellow-difciples, with increaing purity, with
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