When  we  actually  join  in  communion,  we
should  be  careful  that  our  affections  be  pro-
perly directed  and  warmly  engaged. To  have
our  hearts  fixed  upon  the  vanities,  the  profits,  and
the  cares,  of  this  world,  is  a  direct  violation  of
the  ordinance ;  and  therefore  we  should  be  ex-
tremely careful  to  maintain  a  right  temper  and
behaviour  at  that  time. We  should  study  to  ab-
stract our  thoughts  as  much  as  possible  from
every  foreign,  every  terrestrial,  consideration,
and  to  have  our  passions  fervently  employed  in
the  solemn  service. "  Retire,  O  my  soul,  (each
of  us  should  say,)  from  this  inferior  scene  of
things,  from  all  its  pleasures  and  all  its  pursuits,
and  hold  communion  with  the  Almighty,  through
his  Son,  the  immaculate  Jesus. Meditate  upon
that  infinite  grace  of  Omnipotence,  which  formed
that  amazing  plan  that  displayed  pardon,  peace,
and  endless  happiness,  to  so  undeserving  a  crea-
ture as  thou  art. Recollect  that  surprising  con-
descension and  tenderness  of  thy  compassionate
Redeemer,  which  induced  him  to  bring  down
from  heaven  salvation  to  the  sons  of  men. Call
to  mind  the  admirable  instructions  he  offered,
the  charming  pattern  he  exhibited,  the  hard
labours  and  sufferings  he  endured,  in  the  course


of  his  ministry;  especially  call  to  mind  the
ignominy,  the  reproaches,  the  agonies,  he  en-
dured when  he  hung  upon  the  cross,  and  pur-
chased for  thee  eternal  mercy. Think  upon
these  aflecting  subjects,  till  thine  heart  is  filled
with  sorrow  for  thine  iniquities,  till  thy  faith
becomes  lively,  active,  and  strong;  till  thy  gra-
titude and  love  are  elevated  to  the  highest
pitch;  till  thy  obedience  is  rendered  uniform,
steady,  and  complete. 