III. That we may be _grateful_ Christians—_trace_ our mercies—and thankfully adore the good Lord for sending them. IV. That we may be helped against the soul-ruining, and God-dishonouring sin of _unbelief_. “Lord, increase our faith.” V. That our confidence may be strengthened as connected with prayer in general, and especially in these private addresses. VI. That we may discover in all our enjoyments, social intercourse, &c. &c. _true sobriety of mind_, and guard against every approach to a _light_ and _frivolous spirit_. VII. That we may manifest a spirit of faithful admonition and reproof, combined with tenderness. VIII. For earnestness in the cause of God. IX. For those gifts and graces implied in the outpouring of God’s Spirit. X. For a discovery of the love of Jesus, and a greater knowledge of him in all his saving benefits—wisdom, righteousness, and strength. XI. For growth in grace in general, and in its evidences. 1st. Increased love to the Saviour. 2nd. Increased hatred to sin; and 3d. Increasingly lowly views of ourselves. SACRAMENTAL GRACE. WITH regard to sacramental grace, I do not conceive that an episcopally ordained minister has any inherent grace deposited in him, which imparts a greater efficacy, when a sacrament is administered by him, above what may be received by graciously prepared recipients, who may have it administered by others not episcopally ordained. The good imparted is immediately and directly from the Divine Spirit, just as the power of seeing came immediately and directly from Christ, and not through the clay with which the eyes of the blind man were anointed: no inherent or even transferred power with which the clay had become endowed, but a simple transaction between Christ and the believing applicant. The outward and visible signs are of great importance, but most lamentable is it when they are invested with that power which belongs to God alone. The connexion between these views and Romanism is easily apparent. Salvation is no longer of faith, but of works:—use forms, ceremonies, penances, sacraments, prayers, recitations, liturgical services, and all is done: grace is conveyed, and that, too, in proportion to the number and frequency of the performances; and the state of the heart all the while disregarded—the vast surplusage of merit will be obtained, or extreme unction adjust all. THE SACRAMENTS. {287a} 1. What are the Sacraments? {287b} “They are outward and visible signs and pledges of inward and spiritual grace.”—_Ch. Cat._ 2. How many are the Christian Sacraments? “There are (only) two Sacraments ordained by Christ our Lord in the Gospel: that is to say, Baptism and the Supper of the Lord.”—25_th_ _Art. Ch. of England_. {287c} 3. What are the design and use of Sacraments? The principal design is to convey “spiritual grace” to the soul: and their chief use consists in their being suitable “means” for the purpose.