overturn the end of the supper, which is a pledge of spiritual union. So when he speaks of unworthy receiving, and the fearful consequences thereof, "eating and drinking damnation," and this by reason of not discerning the Lord's body, he hath special regard to the want of love, by which means these Corinthians could not use this sign according to its nature and appointment, which is to be a seal of spiritual union between Christ and his members, which you must understand by "discerning the Lord's body." If then we eat and drink without love, we do not communicate hereby, and nothing is sealed, but we are guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. We both abuse this solemn remembrance, and crucify to ourselves the Son of God afresh, and instead of shewing forth his death, put him to an open shame. But when we eat in love, as all members of Christ's body, having the same care and love one for another as for ourselves, then we express a real spiritual union, have communion one with another, and do worthily partake of the signs and seals of Christ's mystical body.

What hath been said of the Lord's supper, is equally observable of every other act of social worship. Why do we meet here to pray with one another; why not as well pray at home? So we may if we come not in love, for the end of our assembling is to pray for, as well as with one another. He that regards none but himself here in his prayers, might as well be at home, for he doth no more here than he might do at home; he overturns the end of social worship. To meet together to pray, is a sign of love; but if love be wanting, the sign doth not signify or declare any thing,

and the nature of it is lost. Yea, and to come without love, is the same thing as not to come at all, for he that doth not come in love, doth not come as a saint, as a member of Christ's mystical body. In a word, you shall judge what share love had in the public assemblies of the first Christians. "They continued stedfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers, and all that believed were together, and had all things common, and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men as every man had need. They continued daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart."

Nor are we fit to meet together in heaven without love. This St. Paul makes very evident, in the conclusion of his most lively description of love. "Charity never faileth." All gifts shall fail; yea, and these very graces which are now excellent in our state of warfare, and upon which we stand, shall cease, but love shall never fail. When we come to a state of perfection, faith shall be lost in sight, and hope in enjoyment, but love of the brethren shall abide. Then the end of the gospel shall be completed, and charity shall be perfected. "Charity never faileth ;” as if he had said, there shall be no divisions, no strifes in heaven, no enmity, no jealousy, nor proud contention shall be there; all above is love, mutual joy, and fair peace. Ye foolish Corinthians, ye cannot carry your heart-burnings with you to heaven; ye must lay them aside and learn to love if ye will be blessed there. Christ bears your strifes now, but

think you he will endure them in heaven? Will he suffer the peace of his family there to be disturbed? O this blessed charity; follow after it, it will never fail. My brethren, let us reflect how solitary an unloving soul would be in heaven! Untouched with the joys of others, jealous of their happiness, with what heart could he join in their praises and services? How magnify the Redeemer's grace and love for the multitude of the saved? How add his voice to the united acclamations of those who follow the Lamb wheresoever he goeth? It is love, love of the brethren, as well as of God, that will make heaven to be heaven. God hath made us for society. Christ hath knit us together in one body. Even in heaven there is no being happy alone. We must love now, if we will be happy for ever. How horrid the thought of spending eternity alone! Yet it were better to be alone, than to be with those we do not love. O believe it, the saints above communicate to and with each other's joy, holding delightful fellowship, and walking together as friends. Together they sing and give thanks, and even as themselves they love one another. In heaven, charity makes the communion of the saints perfect.

Thus now you have been shewn the necessity of Christian brotherly love, whether for the honour of our Master, our interest in him, or our fellowship with each other, here or in heaven. How applicable what hath been said is to the supper before us can hardly need be insisted on. Our Master hath invited us to his feast, but you would not come without any regard to his honour, and the interest of his kingdom. You desire that he would own you for his

disciples; you would sit down at his table with your Christian friends. If you are coming in love, all this is answered, and this shall be a communion unto you indeed. But if you love not, you cannot eat the Lord's supper. I trust, therefore, all of you, who have determined to accept your Lord's invitation, are drawing near in the sincerity of love, lamenting you can love no more, desirous to give this token and pledge of your charity, and expecting that the remembrance of your Master's death, will be made to you a blessed means of enlarging your hearts in the bowels of love. Yet remember, that love is not that cold-hearted thing it is too often thought to be. Reflect upon the description you have heard of it; its compassion over sinners, its rejoicing over saints, its willing labours towards the souls and bodies of men, and, the resemblance it bears to the love of Christ Jesus, whose command is, that as he hath loved us, so ought we to love one another. We shall quickly see his love in lively representations. God grant we may be all transformed into the likeness of it, for the sake of his honour, our own souls, and the edification one of another.

Nov. 3rd, 1754.

SERMON VI.

THE ABSOLUTE NECESSITY

OF

SPIRITUAL RELIGION,

PREACHED AT ST. COLUMBE, MARCH 3, 1754.

My son give me thine heart: Prov. xxiii, 26.

THIS is the demand of God upon us-of that God whose property we are, whose peculiar goodness hath distinguished us beyond all other works of his hand, who waits upon us with blessings daily, plentifully poured down upon our forgetful heads, whose tender protection is ever with us, who guides us through the wilderness of life, where danger, distress, and terror lie in our path and threaten our ruin, who hath provided mansions of peace, security, joy, and glory for us above. It is the demand of the kindest, most indulgent, affectionate Father, almighty to save and bless in all the fearful scenes we have to pass, in our cruel warfare with Satan, in the hour of death, and when the judgment day shall spread its gloomy horrors over dissolving nature-it is his demand, "my son, give me thine heart. Give not thine heart to another; rob me not of thy love, and trust, and de