Page:Brief inquiry into the origin and tendency of sacramental preaching-days (1).pdf/13

Rh regarded with affection. The preaching-days may be attended with pleasure, and with profit; but the table of the Lord is rather an object of fear, than of delightful anticipation— a scene fear and trembling, rather than of filial confidence and joy in God. Now, this state of things, which is by no means uncommon, must, in the case of Christians, arise in a great measure from the distorted views of its nature and design which these extra days, with their usual services, are calculated to inspire. Whereas, when viewed in its native simplicity, unencumbered with human inventions, as a commemoration of the death of Christ, and a symbolical representation of the fellowship of all the children of God with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ, and with one another in the enjoyment of the common salvation, it is calculated in the highest degree, to inspire the Christian’s mind with confidence, and joy in God. But, not only have the preaching-days put the Lord’s Supper out of its proper place in every point of view, but they have.

2. Greatly contributed to its profanation. This is no doubt a serious charge, a charge that would need to be well supported, seeing they are professedly designed to prevent this evil: yet, I am