Edward Henry Bickersteth

The Lord's Table; Or, Meditations on the Holy Communion Office in the Book of Common Prayer Edward Henry Bickersteth

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1884. Excerpt: ... THE RECEIVING OF THE HOLY COMMUNION WITH MEDITATIONS ON CHRIST. HThen shall the Minister first receive the Communion in both kinds himself, and then proceed to deliver the same to the Bishops, Priests, and Deacons in like manner (if any be present), and after that to the people also in order, into their hands, all meekly kneeling. And, when he delivereth the bread to any one, he shall say, The body of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was given for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Take and eat this in remembrance that Christ.died for thee, and feed on Him in thy heart by faith with thanksgiving. U And the Minister that delivereth the cup to any one shall say, The blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was shed for thee, preserve thy body and soul unto everlasting life. Drink this in remembrance that Christ's blood was shed for thee, and be thankful. % If the consecrated bread or wine be all spent before all have communicated, the Priest is to consecrate more according to the form before prescribed; beginning at Our Saviour Christ in the same night, etc., for the blessing of the bread; and at Likewise after Supper, etc., for the blessing of the cup. We come now to the actual participation in the Supper of the Lord. In some Christian assemblies they have what is called "the fencing of the tables," in the form of solemn admonitions addressed to those about to communicate. Who does not feel in our Communion Office how watchfully and jealously the holy table is fenced by all that has gone before? We have come to the throne of grace with the words upon our lips, which Christ Himself has taught us. We have prayed God to cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of His Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love Him. We have searched our ...