The Nature and Design of the Holy Eucharist: Preface

In the following discourse I have aimed, not at new discoveries in theology, but to do justice to a subject misconceived by most, and neglected by many. A subject of the utmost consequence to

* When this sermon was first published separately, it -vras entitled “A Discourse on the Nature, Institntion, and Pesign of the Holy Eucharist, commonly called the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. By Adam Clarke, LL.D.” The following were the mottos on the title-page : —

^rriKTif adiX^oif kdpaioi ev tij Tritrret Irftrov Xpurrov, tv TraOti avrta km avaaraii — Iva aprov icXa»vrecp o effri ^apfioKOP a9ava9iac, avridoroc tqv jiri airoOayetf, aWa Zriv IV dew Sta Itiov Xpiorov, KaBapTtipiov aitKiKaxov, Ignat. Epist, ad Ephes. Cap. xx. “Ye are my fbiends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”

Jomr XV. 14.

divine revelation, and to the edification of the church of God. I shall not say, in order to vindi-To the second edition, published in 1814, the foUowiog advertisement preceded the preface: —

“Upwards of six years have elapsed since I first committed this work to the press, at which time I printed a pretty large edition, more in deference to the opinion of my friends, than from any conviction I had of its becoming at all popular; as I had too much reason to fear that professors of Christianity ceased to view the subject in that light in which my work represents it, and in which alone I think it can be profitable. I am thankful that I have been at least partly mistaken. As soon as the work was known, it was generally inquired for, and has been out of print for a considerable time — not having leisure to revise it for a second edition. I have now carefully re-examined the whole, corrected what I have found amiss, and have made several considerable additions; so that I hope I may say, it is now much more worthy of the public attention than it was before. That God has condescended to make it the means of doing much good, I learn with gratitude from several quarters. Many both of the clergy and laity have been forward to express their approbation, and to encourage me to recommit it to the press. I have taken the first opportunity to do so, and hope that the Great Head of his church will continue to give it his blessing.

“I hope I may say, that since the publication of this little work, the number of faithful communicants has been cate its pablication, that it was done in consequence of the ardent, oft-repeated importunity of many

increased, and several improprieties in this solemn sernoe baye been discontinued. If possible, it would be well were all to think and speak the same on this subject. 1 hare endearoured to show it in what I believe to be its tcriptural point of view, viz., as the continual memorial of a tacrificialqfering; they -who take it in this way discern the Lord’s body, and find the holy communion, spirit and life to their Bouls. To what extent God might bless this ordinance, were it duly administered and faithfully received, who can

ten?

“O that the ministers of the sanctuary among all denominations of Christians, would earnestly press this high duty and privilege more frequently and fervently upon the souls of the people! We should then see a sounder and more established state of Christianity. Let the reader remember the words of his Lord, * Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.’ Does he not command this? Does he not say, ‘Do this in remembrance of me P’ And can any Christian soul be guiltless that disobeys this divine command? I do not speak of those religious prejudices against the rite itself. I am not to judge another man’s servants; but I speak of those incurring guilt, who believe that they should eat bread and drink wine in remembrance of Christ’s passion and death, and either seldom or never do it. If some who received it unworthily brought judgment upon themselves in consequence, what

11 respectable friends. Whatever may be owing t6 private friendship, is undoubtedly a high and imperious duty to discharge; but no man can be excused in obteuding on the public anything unworthy its notice, by such motives as these. The holy Eucharist I consider a rite designed by God to keep up a continual remembrance of the doctrine of the ATONEMENT. In this point of view, I thought it was not commonly considered by the generality of Christians; and as I saw various opinions subversive of its nature and design prevailing among professors, I said, “I will also show my opinion;” in doing which, though I have brought my knowledge from afar, I have endeavoured to ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

In looking over my work, I feel but little pleasure at the appearance of so many quotations in strange characters. 1 can say, in my vindication, I did not seek these; they presented themselves on

must we think of those who wholly neglect it? For this cause also, doubtless, ‘many are weak and sickly among us, and many sleep.’ Let him that readeth imderstand. — London, Sept. 1, 1814.” — Editob.

the respective subjects with which they are connected; and I^ accepted thehr assistance, judging that with many their testimony would go farther than my own. The plain unlettered reader will have no reason to complain of these, as the sense of each is carefully given; and the man of learning will not be displeased to have the originals presented here to his view, as he might not have the works from which they are taken always at hand. These things excepted, I have endeavoured to be as plain and as clear as possible. I have affected no elegance of style: this my subject did not require; plain common sense was all I aimed at.* I began it in the name of God, and I sincerely dedicate it to his glory. May his blessing accompany the readijig it I And may the im*

* GThough the follo’vriiig discourse was headed, “Sennon XXXIII.,” Tol. iii., 8to., of Dr. Clajrko’s Sermons, yet in the original preface, this sentence occurred here: ‘* I hare not even giTen the work the form of a sermon; and hj the rules of such compositions, I hope no man will attempt to judge of it.” This remark might have remained, as the Bubstanoe and plan of the discourse remained unaltered. — EDrroB.

11 — 2 portant doctrine of the atonement made hj the death of Christ, which it is chiefly intended to illustrate and defend, have free course, run, and be glorified; and iaight deeds be done in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord I