SERMON XII.

A SACRAMENTAL EXHORTATION, ON THE

SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS-DAY.

Preached at Buckland, Kent.

1 CORINTHIANS X. 16.

The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?

THE day whereon we are wont to commemorate the most remarkable event that ever took place in the history of mankind, is just receding from our view; we have not been, I trust, unmindful of the benefits therein gratuitously heaped upon us; we have not allowed this most solemn festival of all, to pass unregarded

by, without kindling in our hearts some emotions of a purer and more holy kind ---without imparting to us some heavenly joys, apart from the joys of the world--without creating in us another lightness of spirit, and another gaiety of heart, unakin to the lightness and gaiety of life. The accustomed duties of social intercourse have been faithfully performed, families have mingled with families, friends have met friends, in every place, beneath every roof, some common table has been spread, around which have been assembled once more, countenances that may never look upon each other again--hearts that may never mix in harmless pleasure more. A part only, a small part of our duty is done, there yet remains a greater, a more serious charge: the family of Christ must mingle together in one---the friends of his gospel must meet here; in this silent spot, beneath this homely roof, a richer table is

spread, a more enduring banquet is prepared. The Father, who sent his Son" into the world, in pity to man's fallen and hopeless condition; the Son, who, yielding to his Father's will, took upon him the form of a servant, and became obedient unto death, even the death upon the cross; the Holy Spirit, who went forth according to the promise, by whom the righteous Stephen was filled, who in the first ages animated the saints and martyrs of the church,--these all invite you to gather round this consecrated table, to partake of this spiritual food; "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" For the propitiation of sins already committed, and to be committed, as the seal of an everlasting covenant, the blood of the holy Jesus was poured out, his body was nailed to the cross:

the

cup which we bless, the bread which we break, is on our part a continuing of that propitiation, a renewal of that everlasting covenant.

This is a rite that hath no earthly origin, is dependent on no traditional authority, it is strictly prescribed to us by Him who," The same night in which he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat, this is my body which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup when he had supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood; this do ye as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me." As in the natural sense, bread strengtheneth, and wine maketh glad the heart of man, so in the spiritual sense do these elements of bread and wine, worthily taken, that is to say, taken in a pious and reverential manner, with an unfeigned repentance for our past of

fences, and an earnest desire to lead a new life, strengthen and make glad our hearts, in a higher and more refined degree. By this mystical communion is our faith refreshed, our devotion inspirited, our zeal warmed, our hopes confirmed; groping his way darkly in this world of fleeting shadows and unsubstantial things, the brightness of vision vouchsafed to the children of light is denied to man; but not at all times is his sight obscured, not for ever does a cloud intercept his view-kneeling in the house of worship, before the sacred altar, then sees he God face to face, then holds he instant communion with his Maker. If any that had deeply of fended against the imperfect laws of man, were told that there existed somewhere a healing virtue, which could wash away his crimes, purge him of his guilt, give him back the reputation he had forfeited, make him stand clear in