June 26

We have redemption through his blood. — EPH. i. 7.

Take, eat: this is my body. . . . Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. — MART. XXVI. 26-28.

PRECIOUS words of Jesus! Our Lord here institutes the sacrament or feast which should ever commemorate his love and delivering mercy to his believing people. "Take, eat," etc. This feast is "meat indeed, and drink indeed" to those who have faith to discern the Lord's body and blood, and love to feed upon his grace. "Do this in remembrance of me" is his tender loving command to his Church and people of all ages, "till he come." Can we refuse to obey, and not "deny him before men"?

This supper is not a sacrifice, it is a feast commemorating a sacrifice: we should observe it with thankful hearts. It tells us, in mute eloquence, of the victory he achieved, and of the life and liberty he purchased for us. It breathes the love of Christ: it is fragrant with the mercy of our God, who is now ready to welcome the weakest believer who comes trusting and resting the soul upon the righteousness of Jesus only. In this feast of love, there is food for hungry souls, refreshment for weary spirits, and heavenly comfort for those that mourn. It brings the believer into closer union with Christ, it strengthens faith, brightens hope, and cheers the Christian along the way.

L. S. Handley.

Bread of the world, in mercy broken,

Wine of the soul, in mercy shed,

By whom the words of life were spoken,

And in whose death our sins are dead,

Look on the hearts by sorrow broken;

Look on the tears by sinners shed;

And be this feast to us the token

That by thy love our souls are fed.

HEBER.