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certain that many, that very many in this Christian land, are for years, and some through all their life, hesitating and undetermined, respecting these rudiments of the gospel. Thousands, who have long been Christians, must still be fed with milk. Very many of the disputes and controversies among the disciples of Christ, are about these first principles, in which they ought all to be established, rapidly advancing in knowledge and true godliness. Many, though they call themselves Christians, have need to "lay again the foundation of repentance from dead works;" they do not break off from all their sins; they neglect many duties; they live to the world, and commit many actual transgressions. In their faith towards God," Christians are much unsettled. The scriptures are perverted, to make them teach what men choose to believe. The most essential doctrines of the cross, are controverted or denied. Various and contradictory opinions are disseminated, respecting the nature and offices of Christ, the efficacy of his sacrifice, and the terms of his salvation.

There is great defect in our regard for the ordinances of Christ and the means of grace. It is very difficult to persuade people to receive his sacraments, and make them understand their nature and use. Some despise them as of little consequence; others trust too much in them as containing almost the whole of religion; and others still neglect to receive them from a sense of their unworthiness; which is indeed the very thing which makes them necessary. There has been very much disputing about the doctrine of baptisms; about its effects and the subjects who ought to receive it, and even about the mode of administer

ing it. These things occupy much time and attention which should be devoted to higher degrees of perfection.

The improvement of what has been said is so obvious, I scarce need to suggest it. Consider the danger and folly of this delay. The foundation should be laid soon; you should immediately be decided respecting these rudiments, that the main part of your life, all indeed that remains, may be devoted to higher attainments. You cannot doubt but God calls you to repentance, and he only knows how soon he will call you to judgment. Let your repentance then be perfect and sincere. "Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby you have transgressed." "He that offends in one point is guilty of all." He that lives in the deliberate violation of any of God's commandments, cannot be a true penitent. Make no reservation; endeavour in all things to be obedient and to serve the Lord in righteousness and true holiness. Let your faith be sound and fruitful. With honest minds and praying hearts, search the scriptures for that "faith which was once delivered to the saints." Search them especially for what they teach respecting the character of Christ, and the efficacy of his cross. In such a Saviour as the word of God reveals, you are required to believe; receive him as eminently your Prophet, your Priest, and your King.

And if you believe that there is no name given under heaven by which we can be saved, except the name of Christ, why should you hesitate respecting baptism? Why do you delay to become his disciples? What blessings more valuable; what privileges more

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to be desired can you conceive of, than those which are exhibited and sealed in that sacrament? And for the same reason that you would be baptized, you should be willing and desire, at the first convenient opportunity, to be confirmed; to renew your engagement to be the Lord's disciple, and devoutly pray for his Holy Spirit, that you "may lead the rest of your life according to that beginning." Neither of these ordinances will ever be repeated. They belong to the first principles of Christianity, which, having once performed, you are to leave and go on to perfection. Your great object afterwards, should be to know God's word and do his will; to correct your faults, and daily to proceed in all virtue and godliness of living.

To assist you in this, which is most of all important, the Lord has placed before you hopes and fears; "a blessing and a curse." Our Saviour Christ has brought life and immortality to light. Knowing that he who died for your sins yet lives; that death has no more dominion over him; that by rising from the dead he has become the first-fruits of them that sleep, you can rejoice in the Lord always. By this stupendous act of Omnipotence, "he has begotten us again to a lively hope." You are conquerors and more than conquerors through him who thus loved you. But knowing also that the same Lord will again come in the clouds of heaven, and call the world to judgment; knowing that you must at that awful day, stand before his tribunal, and render an account for all your conduct, this sixth principle will check all presumption; you will serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

The same Lord, in his merciful goodness grant, that we may all so trust in his merits, hope in his promise, and fear his name, that in this world we may live to his glory, and in the world to come, enjoy life everlasting. Amen.

SERMON XVI.

ON RECEIVING THE LORD'S SUPPER UNWOR

THILY.

1 Cor. xi. 27. 29-34.

Wherefore, whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation.

THE sacrament called the Lord's Supper, has ever been considered, and is justly considered, as the most solemn and affecting ordinance of Christianity. It represents that spiritual food which is the nourishment of our souls. "Jesus said, except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and

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