is explained in the Church catechism, in our prayer book. It is an "outward, visible sign of an inward, spiritual grace." That is, it is something that we can see, and which is the sign of something that we cannot see.

A plain circle of gold, called a wedding-ring, is a sign that the woman who wears it is a married woman. That is one example. Here is another: The water used in baptism, is an outward sign of the washing away of sin. So in the Blessed Sacrament of the Lord's Body and Blood, bread and wine are the outward, visible signs of the Spiritual and invisible Presence of our Divine Master.

When God's minister has said those solemn words in the prayer of consecration, words taught us by Christ Himself, the bread and the wine become verily and indeed the Body and Blood of our Lord. "This is My Body. This is My Blood." "Verily, verily I say unto you, Except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of man and drink His Blood, ye have no life in you."

Wonderful words, that none can understand! Yet all are called to obey Christ's last commandment. He left us this way by which He dwells in us and we in Him, and by which we have eternal life. And He has promised that if we obey His loving order, He will raise us up at the last day. And yet, how many, knowing this well, have never

drawn near to God's altar! Some from carelessness, some from disobedience, some because they dare not.

So long as we have health and strength, there are many of us who have never given a thought to religion in any form. Perhaps we go to church sometimes, if it is quite convenient, but that is only because it is the custom, not for what we might We do not go because we are con

receive there. scious of many sins, which we would confess, and for which we would be forgiven. Not because we are thankful for many mercies, and would join our voices with others of Christ's children in praise and thanksgiving. Not because we have much to ask for, or because we would hear the Word of God. Only because others do it, and it is respectable.

But those who do sometimes go to the morning and evening services, are never to be seen at the time when there is a celebration of the Blessed Sacrament. "Oh," they say, "that isn't for such as we. Very good people, or very old people, or ladies and gentlemen go there-it isn't for us!" What then were the Apostles to whom the first "Do this," was spoken? Were they gentlemen? ―or old? very good? They were many of them poor fishermen, they were young or middle-aged, and they tried to obey their Master, though they often failed. God forbid that I should urge you to go and receive

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the Lord's Supper without knowing that you were truly sorry for your past sins, and without a resolve to try and lead a better life.

But if you have a hearty repentance and true faith, and know that you are bid to come, what excuse have you for not obeying your Master's commandment? He has offered you a Help, by which you will have eternal life, by which you will be able to get the better of your sins, as you could in no other way; if you will not take the Help, can you expect to be raised up at the last day? To those who dare not come because they feel so terribly unworthy, I would speak a word of encouragement. We are every one of us unworthy, utterly unworthy, even the best of us that have ever lived. But would you add disobedience to those other sins, which seem to you so black already? Our Divine Master has said, "Come unto Me, all ye that are heavy-laden." Heavy-laden. That is just what we

are.

Our sins weigh on us so heavily that we dare not, can not look up.

Yet Christ says, "Come, and I will make you clean. I will blot out your sins and remember your iniquities no more. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow." But He has said-Come. You will not dare to stay away after that. Only confess your faults and sins truly to Him, be sorry from your heart that you have

committed them, and determine by God's help to lead a new life. Then come to Him who has said, "Except ye eat the Flesh of the Son of man and drink His Blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my Flesh and drinketh my Blood hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

PRAYER.

Most loving Jesu, Who hast bid us draw near to Thine Altar, there to receive Thee in the Sacrament of Thy Body and Blood; grant me repentance and true faith, so that in obeying Thy commandment I may obtain eternal life, and be raised up at the last day through Thy merits, Who livest and reignest now and evermore. Amen.

Thy will be

Give us this

Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. done in earth, as it is in heaven. day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil: for Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

HYMN.

Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to Face;
Here faith can touch and handle things unseen ;
Here would I grasp with firmer hand Thy grace,
And all my weariness upon Thee lean.

Here would I feed upon the bread of God;
Here drink with Thee the royal wine of heaven;
Here would I lay aside each earthly load,
Here taste afresh the calm of sin forgiven.

I have no help but Thine; nor do I need
Another arm save Thine to lean upon;
It is enough, my Lord, enough indeed;
My strength is in Thy might, Thy might alone.

Mine is the sin, but Thine the righteousness;
Mine is the guilt, but Thine the cleansing Blood;
Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace-

Thy Blood, Thy righteousness, O Lord, my God! Amen.

Almighty Father, I most earnestly pray Thee to bless these words to the good of my soul, through Thy Son Jesus. Christ our Lord. Amen.