In some churches it is customary to preach what is termed "an action
sermon," designed to bring vividly before the mind, just previous to
the Supper, the events connected with the sufferings and death of our
Lord; and it often proves a service of great power and value. With us
the ordinance is more commonly preceded by a simple address designed to
fix thought upon the great event symbolized. Whatever the method
adopted, all subjects should be excluded which may divert the mind from
the one great thought of the occasion. The Lord's Table, therefore, is
not the place to bring up items of business, or to reprove the church
for special derelictions in duty, or even to consider plans for church
work. The pastor is often tempted to use it for such purposes, because
then the members are more generally together and are alone. But I think
it is rarely done without loss, for in this sacred service the Lord
designed that the thoughts of every soul should center on Him.
The necessary acts in their order are these: 1. Take the bread, give
thanks, break, give to the disciples, pronouncing the words of
institution. 2. Take the cup, pouring the wine, give thanks, give to
the disciples, pronouncing the words of institution. The service is
usually closed with singing, but whether it was originally a part of
the Lord's Supper, or only one of the hymns prescribed in the Passover
service, we have no means of determining. The question is not
important, but a closing hymn is certainly appropriate, and it is
better to observe the custom. Observe the scriptural order of the acts
carefully, for any deviation will divert attention and is always
painful. In prayer avoid forms of expression that may convey false
ideas of the ordinances. Thus, we sometimes hear: "Bless so much of
this bread," or "so much of this wine," "as may be used," as if
blessing made a change in the elements, and the administrator feared
too much would be changed and the blessed elements might thus be
wasted. Such phrases, which have come down from the ages of
superstition, are adapted to foster among the people false ideas of the
ordinance. Do not talk much during the administration but leave silent
moments in which each heart may commune with itself and with Christ.
Too much talking is the common fault. When God is speaking through the
symbol, let man keep silence. This will be the more obvious if we
remember that the ordinance consists of two essential parts--the
presentation of the symbols of Christ's body and blood by the
administration, and the act of partaking as the symbol of an inward act
of faith on the part of the partaker. If the attention, therefore, is
held by remarks of the administrator, the value of the ordinance may be
lost to the participant from lack of opportunity for silent communion
between his soul and Christ. Above all, enter yourself as fully as
possible into the great idea of the ordinance, and use all means to fix
thought on that to the exclusion of all else. Rightly administered, the
Lord's Supper is one of the mightiest forces God has given to inspire
and purify the heart and elevate the life of the church.
+SECTION VI.+