bly beseeching thee, that all we, who are partakers of this holy Communion, may be fulfilled

themselves such. Both of these are called sacrifices in a figurative sense, and both offered by all communicants.

The two petitions here made are very proper after this solemnity. The one is, not only that we who have now partaken of it, but that all thy whole church, (that is, the whole body of those who profess themselves Christians,) may, by the love of God shewn forth to the world in Christ Jesus, and through him, be accepted on their sincere and constant endeavours on the terms of the Gospel, to do his will (notwithstanding their imperfections) in such a manner as to obtain forgiveness of all their past and forsaken sins, and all other benefits to which the sufferings and death of Christ lead his true followers, or procure for them. The other petition is, that all we who have (in obedience to our Lord's command) now partaken of his supper in a religious remembrance of him, may be acceptable to God, so as to be filled with his favour; and be guided, assisted, and blessed by him in our Christian course through this world to a better.

These things are not spoken of as sealed to us, or procured for us by this single action of partaking worthily of the Lord's Supper, but is here properly made the prayer of every Christian, that he may in other parts of his conduct, as well as in this, be a Christian indeed; and so be entitled, as a true believer, to the promised blessing and mercy of God in their full extent, through Jesus Christ. These two points ought to be kept (as they are here) distinct, that the sense of what is necessary to salvation may be preserved in its full force on the minds of all sincere Christians.

with thy grace and heavenly benediction. And although we be unworthy through our manifold sins to offer unto thee any sacrifice : yet we beseech thee to accept this our bounden duty and service; not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord, by whom, and with whom, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, all honour and glory be unto thee, O Father Almighty, world without end. Amen.

N. B. There is another form of thanksgiving and prayer allowed to be used on this occasion; but which, as it is very seldom read, is here omitted.

Then shall be said or sung,

GLORY be to God on high; and in earth, peace, good will towards men. We praise thee, we bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty.

O Lord, the only-begotten Son Jesu Christ: O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy upon us.

For thou only art holy, thou only art the Lord, thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art

i Christ only is here said to be holy, (and likewise in the sixth chapter of Revelations, verse 15, and in the 15th chapter of Revelations, verse 4,) because in his presence the holiness of all other beings disappears, as unworthy to be mentioned, or remembered.

most high in the glory of God the Father. Amen.

I shall conclude the whole by observing, that though the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper is undoubtedly an useful and excellent ordinance, yet that a caution against receiving it improperly is very necessary; for too many, alas! attend it in a careless and customary manner, as if they thought it would work like a charm, and that the outward performance of the action would be of significancy to their salvation, though unattended with faith, repentance, and renewed obedience. Whoever therefore approaches the communion table, should endeavour to bring with him that humility and faith, that love and devotion, which may make his attendance there acceptable to Christ, and useful to himself. A caution likewise is requisite to prevent an inconsistent conduct afterwards; for too many, alas! after they have received the Communion, do not endeavour (as they ought to do) to carry it in their memories and their hearts continually: nor do they bear the calamities of life in the manner becoming such, as have thus seen the representation of a dying Saviour; who have received such blessings from him; and who lie under such great and solemn obligations to serve him faithfully during the remainder of life: let them not rest" in "any forms of godliness, denying the power of it;" (2 Tim. iii. 5.) nor take up with the name, shew, and profession of Christianity; but be so swayed by its life, power, and prevalence, that the Gospel of our Lord, and the graces of the Spirit, may shine forth in their lives, to the glory of thee our heavenly Father, (Titus ii. 10.) and "to the adorning of the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things."

¶ Then the priest (or bishop, if he be present) shall let them depart with this blessing.

THE peace of God, which passeth all un"derstanding, keep your hearts and minds in the "knowledge and love of God, and of his Son "Jesus Christ our Lord:" 1 Phil. iv. 7. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you, and remain with you always. Amen.

APPENDIX.

THE USE AND IMPORTANCE OF
SPIRITUAL COMMUNION.

WHEREAS the learned and pious Bishop Taylor, the good Bishop Wilson,* and many other divines of great eminence, have strongly recommended this practice, I have here added a form (or manner) of thus receiving it. It is of great importance, especially to those sincere Christians, who are frequently confined at home by lingering diseases, by the infirmities of old age, or by living at a distance from any place of divine worship. Our church therefore, for the comfort and advantage of such Christians, as through any just impediment are prevented from receiving the Lord's Supper by the hands of a Minister, has in the second Rubric after the Office of the Communion of the Sick given us this instruction; "that if we truly repent of our sins; have a "lively faith in God's mercy through Christ, "with a thankful remembrance of his death, &c." we eat the body and drink the blood of Christ profitably, and to our soul's health, although we do not receive the Sacrament with our mouth.

When this Rubric was composed, it is very probable that it was in a view to the daily sacrifice, which under the law of Moses was offered up for the whole people of Israel: at which all those pious persons, who could not possibly be present, yet offered up their daily prayers to God in union

* See Dr. Wilson's (late Bishop of Sodor and Man) plain instruction for the better understanding of the Lord's Supper, with directions for the communicants how to join in every part of it. See page 173 of the eighteenth edition.