have a treasure of grace, rightly observe these holy ordinances. It is, nevertheless, important for you to remember, that though these ordinances are necessary, and the great means of spiritual life, yet not in that manner and respect in which food is to a natural life, because they contain in themselves no vital force or efficacy. They are not physical, but moral instruments of salvation. They were instituted by God as symbols of great and saving truths, and when received by us agreeably to His command, and in a right temper of mind, they become, through the blessing of His Spirit, powerful means of enlarging our conceptions of the grace of the Gospel, deepening our sense of obligation to Christ, and confirming our love and obedience to Him. Especially is this the case with the Lord's Supper. În that delightful ordinance, we commemorate the sufferings of our Lord Jesus Christ, in which He bore the punishment of our sins, and wrought out our redemption. How suited is such a commemoration to incite gratitude, to enliven faith, to sustain us in our own sufferings, and to bind our hearts more closely to Him who loved us even unto death! Unite often, then, with the saints in showing forth the grace of your asReceive the emblems of His

cended Lord.

bitter sorrow with a believing apprehension of

their import; with penitence for your sins; with hearts glowing with love to Him and to His people; and you will find the exercise greatly adapted to strengthen your religious principles and feelings.

CHAPTER X.

TRUTHS TO BE TREASURED UP.

EVERY truth contained in Scripture is important to the growth and completeness of Christian character. As the filings of gold are precious; as the least star in the firmament has its appointed design and influence; so all divine truths have their peculiar preciousness and efficacy. Truth is a sacred deposit, which God has committed to His people, and which must on no account be undervalued or lost; for the whole world cannot give a price equivalent to the least truth. To this end was Christ born; to this end He shed His dearest blood that He might bear witness to the truth, and purchase the publication of it. It is very dangerous to be careless even of minor truths, for there is nothing superfluous in the sacred Canon. Things comparatively little may be great in their sphere, season, and consequences; and we should beware how we break the golden chain of truths, and injure their beautiful connection and harmony.

But while we are thus studiously to gather, and firmly to retain, whatever the word of God teaches,

it is still specially incumbent on us to treasure up fundamental and seasonable truths; truths, on which we must venture our souls, and such as we may have peculiar occasion to use-truths suited to the age and circumstances in which we live. Hence an apostle exhorts believers to "be established in the present truth;" that is, as some interpret the expression, in the doctrine of the Gospel then newly revealed; or, as others understand it, in the belief and advocacy of such truths as are most opposed and contradicted. Every age of the world, and every state of society, have their present errors, by which false teachers seek to undermine the truth, and to seduce its professors; and, therefore, it behoves the Christian to be well stored with such truths as may serve to guard him against prevailing corruptions in principle or in practice.

There are three classes of divine truths, with which all Christians should strive to be well furnished, namely, doctrinal, experimental, and practical truths.

1. Doctrinal truths are to be carefully acquired, and faithfully maintained. "Hold fast the form of sound words." The word here used, in the original, signifies a model or platform,—a mould or frame of words or things, methodically disposed, as printers set and compose their characters

in a table. Thus gospel doctrine is the mould, and hearers are the metal which takes the form and impresssion of that into which it is cast. A Christian should have the whole body of divinity incorporated within him. It is not below the most able, intelligent, and judicious Christian to read, and even commit to memory, catechisms and brief digests of theology. I beseech you lay this good doctrinal foundation, and you will derive infinite advantage from it during the whole course of your lives. It will teach you to discourse distinctly, to hear profitably, and to read the Scriptures and good books with judgment, being able to try all things, and to refer every thing to its proper place and connection. You will find great benefit from thoroughly fixing in your minds, and classifying in their proper order, with suitable proof-texts for each, such prominent doctrines as the following: The Holy Scriptures are of divine authority, and the sole, complete, and supreme rule of faith and practice. God is an infinite, simple, and immutable Spirit. In the unity of the Godhead there are three distinct Persons, which are yet one in nature, in essence, and in every divine perfection. All things depend upon God's eternal decrees. Man was created perfect in holiness and happiness; but, through the apostacy of Adam, all his posterity have become in