standings be enlightened by thy Spirit of wisdom, and our wills purified by the holy fire of thy love. It is this spiritual purification, denoted by the three baptisms of water, spirit, and fire, that will prepare us to eat and drink with joy and gladness at the holy supper, or sacramental feast, the bread and the wine that thou hast blessed. All the good that cometh down from heaven is shadowed forth by the bread of life: it is this that giveth life unto the world; it is the manna of the soul—the angels' food in mercy given to men. All the truth that nourishes and strengthens our understandings, and gives heavenly vigour to our thoughts, we see represented by the wine thou didst bless and sanctify, and command all to drink of.
O may we, gracious Lord Jesus, eat and drink of the food which thou hast blessed! In thee, blessed Saviour, is embodied all good and truth; and as thou dost, in mercy, impart these to thy faithful children for their spiritual sustenance and growth, so to impress our souls with their sanctity, divinity, and value, thou hast been pleased to call them thy flesh and blood, and hast declared "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you." (John vi. 53.) O may our inward life be renewed by thy love and wisdom—thy sacred flesh and blood; so shall heaven be opened to our souls, and conjunction with thee, the Lord of Life, be our happy portion for ever.
