the Holy Spirit on the human heart. The remission of sins must, I have already. said, of necessity attend it; for it cannot for a moment be supposed, that Grace, or the Influence of the Holy Spirit, would be imparted to a human being, still remaining under the displeasure of the Almighty. It would, it has been observed, be a contradiction in terms to affirm, that Grace is bestowed by the Deity on a wretched mortal whose sins continue unforgiven, and while unforgiven, must render him an object of abhorrence, and of punishment, instead of Divine Grace or favour.

The sacramental feeding on the body and blood of Christ is the reception of spiritual nourishment, emblematically represented by those material elements, which contribute most to animal nutrition and refreshment, BREAD and WINE. Growth in Grace is the consequence of such spiritual aliment. All Christian virtue is promoted by it, and thus ultimately salvation, or eternal life, becomes the effect of this holy rite. So that the immediate benefits of a worthy participation of the G3 Eucharist,

Eucharist, are Grace and Pardon; and the remote, salvation, or a happy immortality.

It is very true, that all other religious and virtuous acts are conducive to these ends: but this act more immediately and effectually than others; not only because, when rightly and duly performed, it supposes and comprehends all religious and virtuous dispositions, but because it is the appointment of our Saviour; the positive, instituted, means, commanded by him, who knew what was in man, and what was best adapted to promote his advancement in all goodness and happi

ness.

The Eucharist seems to be a more important Sacrament than Baptism *, and 'much

*Yet the Sacrament of Baptism is confessedly a means of conveying the Gift of the Holy Spirit; since, when we are born of water, we are also born of the Spirit; and the washing of Regeneration and Renewing of the Holy Ghost, are joined together. Why, then, should not Divine Grace accompany the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper; since, as has been before shewn, the reason is the same in respect of both?

“God,

much more effectual than instruction by hearing, because they are merely initiatory, but the Eucharist is PERFECTIVE *; OF, as it was anciently called, the finishing of the man in the school of Christianity. If any part of religious service is allowed to be effectual in procuring grace, pardon, and salvation, the Eucharist is much more; because it is the principal and the most solemn act of a Christian's devotion; and effects an union, or communion, with Christ himself, as well as with all that call upon his name, The Spirit of God is the grand agent in it, and the soul of man the object. Great is the mystery; and great, without doubt, must be the benefits under agency so extraordinary.

It is absurd to argue that the Sacra

"God, the Giver of all Grace, may appoint what means he pleases of giving, and require what conditions he pleases also in us of receiving it. He can give it with or without any instruments or means; but if he has been pleased to appoint Water, Bread and Wine, as the instruments of conveyance, why should this be thought a thing incredible?"-BowYER on the Sacrament.

ment is unnecessary, because God gives grace and pardon by other means, whenever it seems good to his wisdom and mercy. It were more reasonable to say, that if he bestows these blessings sometimes without them, we have more reason. to expect that he will bestow these blessings with them, because these are means chosen and appointed by himself, "for reasons unknown, indeed, to us, but sufficiently known, we may be sure, to his infinite wisdom. All we have to do is, to embrace the means appointed by him. Whenever the Angel moves the waters of the pool, it is ours to immerge ourselves, if we wish to obtain a cure, and not to stand arguing on the bank, and saying to ourselves or others, there are other modes of obtaining the like relief, better approved by our own fancy, our own judg ment, or even our own supposed experience. We should rather say, here are instituted means of cure, which could not have been instituted without sufficient reason; and being instituted by superior wisdom, they are likely to produce a more effectual

and

and more permanent relief, than any medicine which could be suggested by human ingenuity.

All modes of instruction, such as preaching and reading*; all modes of devotion, except the idolatrous, certainly tend to procure grace†; and that portion of grace, so procured, may, by the mercy of God, be sufficient for us; but these are all preparatory to the great opportunity afforded in the Eucharist, for changing our hearts entirely, for our participation of the divine nature, and for receiving an earnest, a pledge, an assurance (under the divine seal) of salvation, or a happy eternity. Faith, Hope, and Charity, are wonderfully improved by the Eucharist. Our FAITH is increased by

* VERBUM et SACRAMENTA in eo conveniunt, quod ambo Gratiam Regenerationis offerant et exhibeant; sed, quod nonnunquam Sacramentis peculiariter adscribi videtur, id inde est, quod Fides in Sacramentis hanc Gratiam videat clariùs, apprehendat fortiùs, teneat certiùs.~ Voss. de Sacramentis, Page 251.

+ASCENSUS GRATIARUM, DESCENSUS GRATIE. CASSIODORUS.

the