All the spiritual blessings promised to the first believers (I speak not of extraordinary gifts they soon ceased, and were, indeed, of little efficacy towards the salvation of those who possessed them)—all spiritual blessings— pardon and sanctification, grace and strength in the inner man - present peace and the earnest of the future possession; - all that strengthens faith, enlivens hope, and animates love towards God your Creator; - all the promises to the people of God, of knowledge, and of the Holy Spirit himself in the heart; all the privileges of children, the spirit of prayer, and the acceptance of it;-all, whether in life or death, things present or things to come all are yours, brethren, as "ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's."

And surely, with one heart and one mind, you will join with the holy Apostle in "blessing the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for thus blessing you with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ;" for thus bringing you into his church, and building you up on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, foran holy temple unto the Lord, an habitation of God through the Spirit." Oh! let none think unworthily of the church of Christ, which is his body, and animated by his Spirit; nor lightly and unthankfully of the privileges bestowed upon its members; for they are the rich purchase of his blood, and the means of their salvation. And, brethren, if the blessings already enumerated appertain

to all the members of the church universal, we who belong to that portion of it which the hand of God hath planted in these realms may indulge the most exalted feelings of joy and thankfulness in contemplating the richness and pureness in which they are vouchsafed to us. For, be it observed, though the word of God is sure to the church, it is nowhere promised that the Gospel blessings shall be bestowed upon every part with equal bounty, or that the enjoyment of them shall be continued to every place. The word of God is nowhere pledged to secure any portion of the church from error in doctrine or defect in discipline, from superstition in worship or depravity in manners. On the contrary, we have reason, from the language employed by our Lord and his Apostles, to expect that many offences will from time to time arise in the church; that the purity of its faith will sometimes be greatly corrupted, and the mystery of iniquity will work, to the destruction of those who "receive not the love of the truth that they may be saved." What abundant cause of thankfulness have we, brethren, to Him who has watched over our church, as a beloved portion of the inheritance of his dear Son! how great cause to bless Him for the spiritual blessings so largely bestowed upon us-purity of doctrine primitive discipline spiritual worship the sacred word unfolded in all its majesty and simplicity — a diligent inculcating of sanctity of manners -all things, in short, that per

tain unto life and godliness! How great cause, under a deep sense of the "exceeding great and precious promises" made to us, to give all diligence to add to our faith virtue, and improve the opportunities so graciously vouchsafed us, "that we may be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ!"

But it is high time to withdraw from expatiating in so large a field as the words of the text open to us, and confine our remarks to one portion of the blessings bestowed upon those who are true members of our own church. And this is readily presented to us by the occasion on which we are now assembled. Let me request you, then, to consider with me the blessings and privileges here enjoyed by devout worshippers. Even this can be very imperfectly treated, and brought within very narrow limits. A few remarks, however, may serve to impress our minds usefully, and show us the excellence of that bond of fellowship which unites us as members of the same body.

The one great promise made by our Lord to his disciples in all ages (blessed for ever be his name!) is the gift of the Spirit to dwell in their hearts, and make them one with himself and with the Father. What means, now, has he appointed for their obtaining this good and precious gift? We answer, Prayer, and the ministration of his Word and Sacraments. These are of his own appointment, and to

these, therefore, a blessing might be assuredly expected, even if none were expressly left on record. But such is recorded an especial blessing promised to the use of these. To prayer, whether public or private (it is of the former that we speak more particularly now); for he hath declared that he is present in the midst of those who meet in his name. His Word effectually worketh in them that believe, and shall remain as a sure and faithful witness, though heaven and earth shall pass away. For the Sacraments: the gift of salvation is promised to the one when received in faith; and his own special presence, and union with Him, to the other. These, then, may be said to constitute the spiritual provision made by our Lord for the support of his disciples. How admirably, now, does our church carry into effect, for the benefit of all its members, the gracious purpose of God for supplying their spiritual wants! It is manifestly impossible to enter into much of detail at present. The subject shall (God willing) be resumed hereafter. Consider, however, what you would desire, as members of Christ's family, and how you have sufficiency in all things. The care of the church begins with the very infant at the breast, who receives baptism, and an assurance of being thereby made a child of God, and enlisted in the service of Christ; and is signed with the sign of His cross, in token that hereafter he shall not be ashamed to confess the faith; and this in a form most edifying and

affecting, and intended to engage the prayers of the whole congregation in behalf of the tender babe. As it grows up, Catechetical instruction is provided; and in the Office for Confirmation the young disciples renew the vows before made on their behalf, and receive a blessing under prayer for grace and strength. Then you have the regular daily-such was the original intention; but, in these days of colder love, the weekly ordinance of public prayer, and hearing of the word, where you will find all that the pious soul can desire, even for itself individually, much more as worshipping in the congregation. For persons of riper years, and who are happily growing in grace, the table of the Lord is regularly spread, and that holy, heavenly feast-the delight of every pious soul - the privilege of every humble and penitent disciple-the rich legacy of the dying Redeemer the assurance of his love the strengthening and refreshing of the spirits of his followers - is celebrated in a form, calculated — if any form can do so — to raise and expand the heart to a full sense and full enjoyment of all the promised blessings; worthy -if any form can be worthy of Him who appointed it. You have also the word of instruction regularly attending upon prayer; and this with the comfortable assurance that it comes from those who, trained for the holy office, are duly appointed, and are pledged by the most solemn engagement to teach out of the Holy Scriptures all doctrine necessary