The Lord’s Supper is a very solemn, a very important ordinance; but that it is so in a manner or ⟨in⟩ a degree peculiar to itself, is without proof in ⟨reason⟩ or in Scripture. What Paul says to the Corinthians on this subject, (1 Epistle chap. xi) arises not from any peculiar solemnity in this ⟨ordinance⟩, but from the manner in which they prostituted ⟨and⟩ profaned it. All the ordinances of the Lord ⟨are⟩ solemn and important, and to profane any of ⟨them⟩ is highly criminal. The ordinance of Baptism, ⟨for⟩ instance, is instituted by the same anthority, and ⟨designed⟩ to represent the same truth— the salvation ⟨of⟩ sinners by the death of Christ; must it not then ⟨be⟩ equally solemn, and equally important; and ⟨must⟩ not the abuse or profanation of it be equally ⟨criminal⟩. Yet how few are there, even among ⟨Christians⟩, who view the object in this light— ⟨who⟩ would not shudder at the thought of placing ⟨baptism⟩ on a level in point of solemnity and ⟨importance⟩, with the Lord’s Supper. Now whence ⟨does⟩ this supposed disparity arise? Not from ⟨the⟩ language of scripture on the subject of these ⟨institutions⟩, surely. “Baptizing them in the ⟨name⟩ of the Father, and of the Son and of the ⟨Holy Ghost,”⟩ is, to say the least of it, just as solemn ⟨and⟩ impressive, as, ‘Do this in remembrance of me.’— ‘As often as ye eat this bread and drink this ⟨cup⟩, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.’ ⟨Not⟩ from the nature of these institutions, for if they ⟨are⟩ enjoined by the same authority— distinct parts the same religious system, and designed to ⟨represent⟩ the same important truth, they must be ⟨alike⟩ solemn in their nature, and alike entitled to ⟨our⟩ reverence and veneration. It must arise therefore, principally, from the spurious glare thrown ⟨around⟩ the latter by a parade of holy-days, and a ⟨train⟩ of prescribed exercises, by means of which ⟨every⟩ other ordinance is thrown into the shade, and ⟨dwindles⟩ into comparative insignificancy!
Page:Brief inquiry into the origin and tendency of sacramental preaching-days (1).pdf/11
This page has been validated.
11