[April 21st, 1878.]
I. Read the Scriptures relating to it.
II. Nature and Design.
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A Commemoration.
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A Communion.
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A Consecration by Covenant.
I. Commemoration.
Includes (1.) Administration. This, in the present instance, rises to adoration; not simply adoration, but the peculiar form of it due to God in fashion of a man. Not only does he possess all divine perfection, the of the Father’s glory, but he is also clothed with the perfection and loveliness of humanity. It is this that makes him the central point of the universe to whom all eyes are turned.
(2.) Gratitude. First, the benefits. Deliverance (a.) from hell, (b.) power of Satan (c.) and sin, (d.) restoration to the favor and fellowship of God, (e.) fellowship with Christ, including participation with his life and glory. Second, the cost at which these benefits were secured. Christ’s humiliation and suffering.
II. A Communion. (1.) An act and means of participation. We participate in his body and blood, i.e., of their sacrificial virtue. (2.) The effect of this makes us (a.) one with him, (b.) one body.
Illustration from the Jewish rites. Participation at the altar made a man a Jew—a partaker of the benefits of the Theocracy. So participation of the heathen sacrifices effected a union with the objects of worship.
In this ordinance our union with Christ and with each other is far more intimate.
III. Consecration.
We cannot commemorate Christ as our Saviour without thereby acknowledging ourselves to be his, the purchase of his blood and devoted to his service.
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