At the Sacrament, June 2, 1751.*

Of the Christian’s self-dedication to the Saviour.

Having preached from these words, in Hebrews, “Ye are come to the general assembly, &c., Heb. xii. 22, 23, I introduced the Lord’s supper with Isa. xliv. 3, 5, “For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring. — One shall say I am the Lord’s; and another shall call himself by the name

* Dr. Doddridge died in his forty-ninth year, October 27, 1751.

of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and surname himself by the name of Israel.” Concerning this, I observed, what is the general character of believers, and the particular circumstances of those to whom the promise is made. It is given to Christians, saying, “I am the Lord’s;” to those who confess that they are his property, and that at his disposal they are willing entirely and absolutely to be. “I am the Lord’s:” I, and all that I have; every possession; every relative hope; every concern: “Not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Matt. xxvi. 39. “Another shall call himself by the name of Jacob.” — What! although it be a despised remnant; although there should not be one rich, polite, or learned person belonging to it, yet are they God’s people; — they are the seed of those who love and serve him, and who delight themselves in him. A third shall “subscribe with his hand to the Lord.” This some then present actually did. It signifies giving a public token of devotedness to God, and we do the same thing when we come to the Lord’s table. In breaking the bread, I observed. Here is the effect of the sacrifice. What was the cause? The pouring forth of the Spirit and the blessing, for all things are of God. Let us own the cause wherever we see the effect, and look to the cause whenever we desire to see it, and be more earnest with God for the pouring out of his Spirit. Consider this text as especially illustrated in reference to those who are the seed and offspring of the church; for among them generally the seed of the future church is to be found, which may be an encouragement to parents, and children, and to ministers. Let us thank God, wherever we see it, and bless God, that he has thus far heard our prayers, and succeeded our pious cares. And where we do not as yet see it, let us wait and hope; and renew our supplications in favour of our remaining seed, and for each other; and especially for those who have not as yet seen any thing of this kind, which must be to them a source of great grief: — but let us here give a solemn charge that all walk suitably.

At the conclusion, I spoke of the shedding of the blood of Christ; and before taking the cup, I gave a solemn address to Him as holding the seven stars in his hand, and walking among the seven golden candlesticks. Rev. i. 20.