On the Sacrament, April 8, 1750

I rNTRODTJCED the ordinance with these words,” Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee.’* Rev. ii. 4. I — who? Our Lord Jesus Christ, who holds the stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden candlesticks — he had something against them; though their labour, patience, and zeal are so honourably commemorated. We may emulate them, and say, 0 that it were with us as with them! Yet Christ had something against them. Then we should surely inquire, whether he has not something against us. And what can we imagine it to be? Is it with regard to secret devotion? not that we omit it; but then, that it is carelessly performed, hurried into hasty moments. Is it in our family? not that we are guilty of the great wickedness of omitting prayer; but then, it has degenerated into a form. Is it that we have little concern about the souls committed to our care — our children, our servants, or our friends? Is it that we are wanting in charity? whether in candour, by finding fault with the characters of others, and presuming to censure them, when perhaps they are better than ourselves? or that we want charity to the bodies of others — that we have not set apart a portion of our substance, as many do; that we do not look into their cases, that we do not care to hear of their sorrows, but are ingenious to find out excuses for blaming, instead of pitying and relieving them? Is it attachment to this world; either to its honours, its profits, or its pleasures? Is it the loss of our first love? How unreasonable! why should we love Christ less than we did when he first formed an acquaintance with our souls? — has he not rather bestowed more and greater favours upon us? Well then, let us own that, whatever he has against us, we are inexcusable.

And to you, spectators; has he not something against you! — even this single circumstance, that you attend not upon his table, although you have had so many engagements and invitations; although so many have testified to the refreshments they have received, which testimony we now repeat. What, then, is to be done? If thy brother has aught against thee, go and be reconciled; much more is it to be reconciled here. But you need not go, for, lo, he is here! Pour out your hearts before him, and say, Blessed Jesus, I repent; forgive me, and give me grace for the future to walk more consistently with thee. If thou hast any thing more against me, Lord, make me to know it, and I will gladly renounce it. Lord, I can relish nothing while thou hast aught against me.