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SERMON XVII.

AN EXHORTATION

TO ATTEND

THE HOLY COMMUNION.*

* This Discourse has been already published in the form

of a small Tract.

SERMON XVII.

LUKE, xiv. 17.

Come, for all things are now ready.

OBSERVING that on the last Sabbath-day, as well as upon many former occasions, the greater part of the congregation, who usually attend this chapel, turned their backs upon the table of the Lord, as if the participation of the Holy Communion were an ordinance, in which they had no concern, I have thought it expedient to embrace the present opportunity of setting before such persons the folly, as well as the wickedness, of their conduct, and to desire them to consider their ways, and the advantages, which they may reap, if they will consent to be the disciples and followers of the Lord Jesus Christ.

With the hope of convincing you, who refuse to partake of the Holy Communion, how much you are acting against your own interest, I will take into consideration some parts of the service, which is used upon that occasion, by which you will perceive how justly blameable your conduct is.

Let us begin with the notice given by the Minister on the Sabbath preceding that upon which the solemn ordinance is to be administered.

"Dearly beloved,-On Sunday next, I purpose, through God's assistance, to administer to all such as shall be religiously and devoutly disposed, the most comfortable Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, to be by them received in remembrance of his Cross and Passion; whereby alone we obtain remission of sins, and are made partakers of the Kingdom of Heaven."

What is there in this invitation, which can' discourage or alarm? Rather, What is there wanting to prevent it from being cordially embraced? It holds out a declaration, indeed, that all men are sinners, but this is no more than what is generally acknowledged; it holds out also an assurance of pardon, acceptance, and everlasting life, and is that to be slighted? Is that to be treated contemptuously? Some of you are poor, and, having scarcely sufficient to provide for your subsistence, well know what the cravings of hunger are.-Now, should any substantial householder publicly declare, that it was his intention to set out a table covered with plenty of good and wholesome victuals, of which all that chose might be partakers, would you make any excuse for

not accepting the invitation? Would not you long for the happy hour to arrive, when you might eat and be filled? Yet, our Lord may invite you to a far better feast than any man can give, and you regard him not. You do not only refuse to come, but you entertain no sense of his kindness, nor ever speak with gratitude of his condescending bounty. Others of you are oppressed with sickness of various kinds, and some, perhaps, with such pains and infirmities, as the power of man is ineffectual to remove. Suppose an able physician should stand up and say, "Come ye distressed and languishing people, hearken unto me; I am in possession of a remedy far superior to any thing you have yet made trial of, a remedy that is suited to your particular case, and which is capable of removing your malady so entirely, that your constitution shall be restored, and you shall never hereafter feel any pain or sickness whatever." Would such a physician proclaim his skill in vain? You know he would not. You would flock to him in crowds, and earnestly intreat him to exercise his healing power upon you. Yet, Jesus, a greater and better physician, who offers to cure the worst" of sicknesses, shall call without being attended to. You will have no virtue from him. You rather choose to perish, than to accept the help, which he freely offers you.

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