ceived the bread and wine as often as they met together, and thus strengthened themselves in a firm belief of the Lord Jesus, in their patience under suffering, and in sincere affection towards each other.

Every Christian must confess to himself, how often he requires to be strengthened in his faith and holiness. We need this communion so often as we feel in danger of becoming remiss in duty-cold or lukewarm in our affections towards God and the Lord Jesus Christ;-when we have been brought out of dangersrecovered from sickness-are about to contract new relations, or enter on more extensive connexions;- whenever we feel tempted to neglect our God, and prefer the world-to lose our relish of God's word and prayer, and become indifferent to small offences; as often as we may remark that we stand still, or rather go back in the path of holiness;-when the thought of past sins,

or the view of futurity alarms-when we struggle against want-when the world and the things of the world oppress us, and our confidence in God becomes weak and wavering-when troubles from without and from within, assail and surround

-or when we desire a greater measure of spiritual gifts and graces, and would have a more childlike spirit in all we do, and be more assured in the hope of our calling. O in all these circumstances, this holy feast is the best strengthener, the best quickener. Surely I cannot partake too frequently of this supper! I will then be often found in the assembly of my fellowChristians, to commemorate the death of my Lord; and in the days of my health, with eagerness, enjoy the feast that shall be my stay in the hour of sickness! I know not the hour of my death: it may come suddenly; or my bed of sickness may be so painful, so disturbed, that I may

have neither time nor power to enjoy this holy custom. I will rather partake of the blessed feast now, than at a future time; rather with health and strength than in weakness; rather in the company of my fellow-Christians, than alone.

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A PRAYER IN TIME OF SICKNESS.

IT has pleased my heavenly Father to visit me with sickness; my strength is brought low; my breath is feeble; pain and weakness extend throughout my frame; and my earthly life is nearly gone!

O thou who hast said, I am thy Lord, and thy physician, to thee I address myself, and place all my trust in thee under this trial!

Before all things I pray, that my sins may be forgiven for Christ's sake, and that the sickness of my body may be for

the health of my soul. While the body feels its weakness, let the soul feel strong in faith; and give me a sincere and earnest repentance, with a clear hope of forgiveness!

Take from me all fear of thee; and grant that the bones thou hast smitten may rejoice in thee. Who have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that can help me as thou canst. O Lord, thou hast laid this burthen upon me-give me power to bear it! Lighten the weight of suffering, or let thy hand sustain me under its pressure. Quicken my fainting spirit with thy heavenly consolation; grant me Christian patience, and let my faith burn brighter in tribulation. Lord, thou canst do with a word, now as when on earth. Thou canst bless the means employed for restoring me to health. If thou seest me not yet fit for eternity, O prolong my day of grace! Cut me not