arated the most holy place from the common sanctuary, was torn from top to bottom. The earth was thrown into convulsions. The rocks were rent in pieces, and the graves, made in the rocks, were of course laid open. The dead bodies there deposited were exposed to view, and many of them rose after his resurrection.

The concurrence of so many miraculous events at the time of his death, forced on the minds of the spectators a full conviction, that he was the Son of God.

2. Their smiting their breasts was expressive of their compassion for this innocent and glorious suf ferer.

Their rage, which had been wrought up to the highest strain, now began to subside, and give way to the tender feelings of humanity. They had discharged their malice, they had seen Jesus bow his head in death, and heard him groan his last; and their pity could sleep no longer. It was natural for them to reflect, how barbarously he had been used, and how serene he appeared-how horridly he had been injured, and how meek was his temper-how cruelly they had mocked him, and how fervently he prayed for them-how confidently they had declared him guilty, and demanded his death; and yet how innocent, how worthy of life. Here was the malicious execution of an innocent man.Here was goodness in its real perfection, suffering death in all its tortures.

Amidst these reflections, which must now rush into their minds, no wonder if compassion swelled too big for utterance-no wonder if, in the anguish of pity, they smote their breasts and returned.

3. This action expressed a deep remorse of conscience.

When they had seen such convincing demonstration of the innocence of Jesus, and felt the re

turn of natural compassion, they could not well avoid some reflections like these :-Why did we so clamorously demand his death ?-Why so rashly and resolutely urge his crucifixion ?-Why did we not consider and examine, before we acted? Why did we not move for his deliverance; at least accept it, when it was offered ?-How could we prefer an infamous robber to this holy and just one ?How shall we forgive ourselves in being so active to procure the death of one in whom no fault could be found?

With such selfupbraiding thoughts, they withdrew from the execution. The declaration of the soldiery, that he was the Son of God, and the deep sense of anguish which the spectators expressed in smiting their breasts, may justly lead us to conclude, that conviction, compassion and remorse, now laboured in their minds.

We see what a mighty effect the sight of Christ's sufferings had on the multitude: Whether it operated in any of them to a real repentance, we are not informed. But from the great success, which the preaching of the Apostles soon after had among the Jews, it is probable, that what they saw, heard and felt, on the day of the crucifixion, prepared the minds of many for a more ready reception of the gospel.

A proper view of the sufferings of Christ, in their circumstances and design, has a powerful tendency to move and affect the mind, and dispose it to religion.

To behold this divine Saviour in the flesh, and to see him expire on the cross, was the lot only of those, who lived in his day. But the frequent contemplation of his death, is a matter of so much importance, that he was pleased, just before he suffered, to appoint an ordinance for the purpose of exhibiting his death to our view, and bringing it to our remembrance.

If Christ were now to suffer, in a place near at hand, Should we not choose to attend the scene, sad and mournful as it would be ?-Should we not wish to be near him, in his last hours, that we might testify our regard to him, obtain a blessing from him, hear his departing counsels, receive new confirmation of our faith, and feel fresh motives to obedience ?-If we would attend his sufferings, Why not attend an ordinance instituted to represent his sufferings?-If it would have been useful to see him on the cross, Why may it not be useful to behold him in this solemnity?-Here he is set forth crucified before our eyes.-Do we turn away from this ordinance? We have little reason to think we ⚫ should have attended the crucifixion on any higher motive than mere curiosity. If a real regard to him would have invited us to follow him to the cross, the same regard will invite us to come and see him at his table.

This table some of us are now approaching. Let us come with the same seriousness and collection of thought, as if we were coming to the cross itself. Let us attend to the design of this institution, that our minds may be duly affected, and that proper convictions, desires and resolutions, may be awakened.

1. Have any of you entertained indifferent notions of Christ and his religion?-Come here, and reflect on those characters of divinity, which he exhibited.

When you consider the purity of his life-the variety of his miracles-the beneficence of his works -his patience under sufferings-his meekness under injuries-what wonders attended his deathhow gloriously he was raised from the dead, and exalted to heaven-and what plentiful effusions of the Divine Spirit soon followed his ascension-you must confess, that he proceeded and came forth from God.

When farther you consider how excellent are the precepts which he gave-how sublime the doctrines which he taught how perfect the whole system of religion which he left to his disciples-how full of benevolence this religion is-how adapted to enlarge the understanding, exalt the thoughts, elevate the affections, give peace to the conscience, and inspire with cheerful hopes-and how happy mankind will be in a conformity to his example, in a subjection to his commands, and under the influence of his doctrines, you cannot doubt, but his religion is all divine, and infinitely important. If you have before indulged different thoughts, smite your breasts with conviction, and return with juster sentiments, and better resolutions.

2. Here meditate on the worth of your souls.

Have you, in the eager pursuit of earthly designs, forgotten your eternal interest, and neglected the salvation of your souls ?-Here see what salvation is, what it cost, and how it ought to be valued. You are not redeemed with corruptible things, but with the precious blood of Christ. Think how the Son of God came down from heav en, assumed human flesh, dwelt among men, laboured, suffered and died. For what end was all this? To procure salvation for such as you. How precious is the soul, which could be redeemed by a price no less than this! How criminal to neglect your own souls, for the redemption of which Jesus was willing to die! How just, how aggravated the condemnation of those, who despise a salvation so dearly purchased! You censure the Jews, who, when Pilate offered to release to them Jesus, prefered a murderer before him. How then will you excuse yourselves, in prefering the pleasures of sin, before that salvation which he has bought with his blood?

Does not their sin become yours?-Does not your censure upon them fall upon yourselves?—

Look upon your suffering Saviour. Smite your breasts with conviction of the worth of your souls -return with new resolutions-work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

3. Here behold the great evil of sin.

Have you been disposed to excuse it-to make light of it-to flatter yourselves that God will not remember it-that he will admit you to happiness without repentance ?-Look here, and learn another sentiment. Jesus, the Son of God, once suf fered and died. Why? It was for sin-hot his own, but ours. He was wounded for our transgressions, that by his wounds we might be healed. He was made sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. Could not sin be forgiven without so vast a sacrifice? It is then exceeding sinfulodious to God, and dangerous to

us.

It must be forsaken, or we cannot be accepted. The death of Christ has opened a way for our pardon, but it has not changed the nature of sin. We can no more be happy in the love and indulgence of it, than if Christ had not died. He bare our sins, that we being dead to sin, should live to righteousness. If Jesus thus suffered, when our iniquities were laid upon him; What must they suffer, who, continuing impenitent, finally bear their own iniquities?If these things were done in a green tree, What will be done in the dry? Look on a dying Saviour; consider how, and why, he suffered; smite your breasts under a sense of guilt; implore forgiving mercy; return with peni. tent hearts, and resolutions of new obedience.

4. Here meditate on the wonderful mercy of God.

You see the goodness of God in his daily providence. You feel his kindness in supplying your wants, healing your infirmities, rescuing you from dangers, and relieving your pains. Great are these