Page:The Collected Works of Theodore Parker Discourse volume 1.djvu/218

Rh been an accommodation to the wants of the times, as he spoke the popular language. Did he lay any stress on this watery dispensation; count it valuable of itself? Then we must drop a tear for the weakness; for no outward act can change the heart, and God is not to be mocked, pleased, or served with a form. Is there any reason to suppose he ever designed it to be permanent? It is indeed said that he bade the disciples teach all nations, “baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Ghost.” But since the Apostles never mention the command, nor the form, since it is opposite to the general spirit of his precepts, it must be put with the many other things which are to be examined with much care before they are referred to him. But if it came from him, we can only say, There is no perfect Guide but the Father.

The second form,—was it of more account than the first? Who shall tell us the “Lord's Supper” was designed to be permanent more than washing the feet, if that be a fact, which the Pope likewise imitates? Did he place any value on the dispensation of wine; design it to extend beyond the company then present? If we may trust the account, he asks his friends, at supper, to remember him, when they break bread. It was simple, natural, affectionate, beautiful. Was this a foundation of a form; to last for ever; a form valuable in itself; essential to man's spiritual welfare; a form pleasing to Him who is All in All? To say Jesus laid any stress on it as a valuable and perpetual rite is, to go beyond what is written. It needs no reply. The thing may be useful, beautiful, comforting to a million souls; truly it has been so. In Christianity there is milk for babes and meat for men, that the truth may be given as they can receive it. Let each be fed with the Father's bounty.