4. The fourth thing is, the mysteriousness ; which I leave to your experience, for it is beyond expression, — the mysterious reception of Christ in this peculiar way of exhibition. There is a reception of Christ as tendered in the promise of the gospel; but here is a pecu- liar way of his exhibition under outward signs, and a mysterious reception of him in them, really, so as to come to a real substantial incorporation in our souls. This is that which believers ought to labour after an experience of in themselves, — to find that indeed, un- der these four considerations, they submit to the authority of Jesus Christ in a peculiar manner, giving him the glory of his kingly office;
622 SACRAMENTAL DISCOURSES.
mixing faith with him as dying and making atonement by his blood, so giving him the glory and honour of his priestly office; much con- sidering the sacramental union that is, by his institution, between the outward signs and the thing signified, thus glorifying him in his pro- phetical office; and raising up their souls to a mysterious reception and incorporation of him, — receiving him to dwell in them, warming, cherishing, comforting, and strengthening their hearts.
I have mentioned these things as those which lie in your practice, and to obviate that (if I may mention it) which you may be tried with. There is but one plausible pretence that our adversaries, who design to oppress us, have in this business: " If," say they, " there be not a real presence and a real substantial transmutation of the elements into the substance of the body and blood of Christ, show you a way whereby you may have a peculiar communion with Christ, any more than in the word preached." We say, we have in these things experience of a peculiar communion with Christ, in a Avay made proper to this ordinance, which is not to be found in any other ordinance.
END OF VOL. IX.
EDINBURGH : PJUNTKD BY JOHNSTONE 4ND HUNTER.
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