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ing heart say, that in such extreme cases, the Sacrament is to be refused to the sick and dying when they eagerly desire it. Far from the bed of affliction, sickness, and death, be such wretched comforters, such severe and austere priests, as would deny the last consolation of human misery, when earnestly requested by an agonizing fellow creature.

SECTION XXIII.

The small Number of Persons, comparatively speaking, who receive the Sacrament throughout a Country professing Christianity.

IF the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, as the Church asserts, "be generally necessary to salvation," and so many most important benefits, as I hope has been proved, be annexed to it in this life, how greatly is it to be lamented, that few in comparison, ever think of receiving it. Select any great and populous parish in the kingdom, and you will perhaps find, that scarcely one in ten among the inhabitants, has done that which the Church declares" to be generally necessary to salvation." The poor and laborious are certainly no less interested in communicating at the Altar Table, than persons in the middle and higher classes; yet a very great majority of the poor and laborious are

found to neglect it entirely, and to resign their breath without having once tasted, what is called in Scripture, the Bread of Life.

To a mind which duly reflects, this consideration cannot but be painful. It must operate in exciting the endeavours of all who have opportunities to recommend the performance of this duty to every individual, from the peer to the peasant, and the beggar. It should be the frequent subject of animated addresses from the pulpit; of affectionate instructions in the family, and of friendly converse in the cottage.

The old Canons of the Church are very strict in requiring a general attendance on this holy rite. They declare all persons who come to Church, and join in the prayers, and yet turn their backs on the Eucharist, excommunicate. That such severity should be revived, is not desirable. Many might be compelled by it to attend with minds un. prepared, and in a state which might render them unworthy. Example and persuasion are the modes to be now adopted. Instruction in the nature, en d, design, and benefits, must be first given with patient perseverance. Little tracts should be distributed; but caution should be used, lest those books, which, by explaining away the mystery and Sacrament a mere nullity,

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tage, instead of Bishop Wilson. The pulpit is certainly the proper place for instructing the poor; but unfortunately the very poor, those who are ashamed of their ragged and squalid appearance, seldom enter the church. Yet of such was Lazarus and other paupers, recorded in the Gospel, to whom the compassionate Jesus shewed particular attention. Tracts very short and very plain should be placed in their hands; and though many of them cannot read, yet they usually find somebody who can and will read to them, especially since the establishment of Sunday Schools. It is something to turn their minds to the subject. They are pleased with the attention and solicitude of their supe. riors in their favour; and are often converted by this circumstance alone, from the error of their ways, from drunkenness and idleness, to industry and frugality. I know nothing more that can be done, except, indeed, the zeal of well disposed persons should lead them to make domiciliary visits to the poor, in order to enlighten their minds in things which so much belong unto their peace. Such would be a god-like office; and they who undertake it, must not be offended by the scoffs and ridicule of worldly-minded and infidel by-standers. I believe there are some among the despised religionists, who, animated with sincere piety, perform such offices as these, and are succesful. No liberal and truly Christian mind will despise men who

do so much good, and, in consequence of it, suffer so much evil, as the contempt and reproach of their acquaintance. To go about doing good, and to be reviled and persecuted for it, we should remember, was the lot of him who was our Great Exemplar.

But it must not be supposed that the neglect of the Sacrament is confined to the poor. The man of business, the man of pleasure, and the man of ambition, seem to take little notice of it; whether from thoughtlessness, from contempt, or from the multitude of their occupations, is not easy to determine. All that can be said respecting such persons. is, that the churches are open, and they are invited to enter and receive instruction; that treatises are written and offered to their perusal; and that if they will not enter the one nor read the other, on themselves only must fall the evil consequence. In the day of pain, sickness, or some other adversity, they may learn to feel their want of spiritual consolation. In the day of health and wealth, they are too apt to be under the influence of pride, which renders the heart obdurate, and the ear deaf to admonition.

The persons above spoken of, whether rich or poor, are spoken of as what they profess to beChristians. Sceptics, infidels, and many modern rationalists, are a numerous tribe, who, on principle, neglect the Eucharist. Argument has little effect on them, for they are enthusiasts in their way, en

thusiasts in the school of sophistry. The school of adversity may, perhaps, afford them at some period of their lives a better lesson. The grace of God may find entrance into their hearts when softened by affliction. The Sacrament may then be sought with an avidity equal to their present indifference.

However that may be, it is certain that Christians cannot live consistently with their profession, without participation of the Lord's Supper; and no less certain, that the greater number do not participate. This phenomenon in religion will justify this attempt of mine, and call for the active exertions of all who wish to be faithful ministers of the Gospel.

Every minister of a parish may assure himself, that an addition to the number of Communicants, is one of the most certain proofs of an increase of piety among his parishoners, and of his success in the discharge of his ministerial office. When the religious principle is strong, it will lead men to delight in the feast of piety and charity : but when such a banquet is offered in vain, it is an infallible indication of a lost or vitiated appetite.

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