The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1868-03-04
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
Manners OF the Pew.
NO. XI.

NO. xI.
There are other parts of public wor-
ship which require notice in these num-
bers, to wit the sacraments and colIec-
toms for aims and other religious par
poses.
What should be the department of the
congregation during the celebration of
the Lords supper? 1t is very com
mon custom in certain quarters for very
considerable part of the non-communi-
cants to leave the house before it begins.
| have sometimes seen the minister so
far yield to this custom as to pronounce
the benediction, and then detain the COM
municants and thus get rid of those who
were unwilling to stay, on as good terms
as possible. This ought not to be. This
Sacrament is full of instruction to those
who look on. 1t presents Jesus 'evl-
IDENTIFY set forth and crucifed amongst
US. 1t presents the atonement in sim
pie easy lesson. The separations around
the communion table point with fearful
significance to another separation, when
"He shall separate the righteous from
the wicked" The man who deliberately
turns his back upon the Lords Supper
and leaves the house, would have been
found among those who passed by the
Son of God upon the Cross; and those
who disturb the communion by talking
and jesting in the house, or around the
doors, would have been found among
those who "wagged their heads" How
tenderly Jesus prayed for such, Father
forgive them, they know not what they
do"
Much confusion might be avoided if,
on communion days, the communicates
would, upon entering the church take the
seats appropriated to them. This would
indeed break up the usual pew arrange
ments on those days, and make all the
Pevr virtualIy f~Ae Still this would be
better than the confusion OF extensive
changes in a crowded house. Such CON
fusion is damaging to the effect of the
previous services, and it breaks the chain
of sympathetic interest and love devel-
oped by the topics appropriate to the oc-
casion Besides, many non-communicants
leave the house at this time, who would
never have thought Of doing SO but for
the embarrassment they feel i'll leaving
reserved seat and finding another in the
crowd. A little wisdom on the part of
ministers and elders would obviate this
trouble.
Another criticism may not be out OF
place in this connection. 1t is COM
mon, but vicious custom, to make the
necessary changes while singing the hymn
of institution. The result is that but
few sing while the changes are going on,
and the hearts of all are distracted. 1t
would be much better to make the neces-
sary changes before the singing COM
mences.
There should be uniformity in the pos
ture of the congregation during the prayer
around the communion table. All may
stand as in other parts of the service
Still sitting may be defended, because
this is the customary posture around a
table. The prayers on this occasion are
of the nature of asking a blessing or
giving thanks. 1t is hardly probable
that our Saviour and the disciples changed
their reclining posture around the table
when He 'blessed the bread and brake
It." On this point, therefore, | would
not dogmatize, but would only say that
propriety requires uniformity of posture.
In some families standing is therule while
a blessing is asked at the table, and in
some sitting is the posture. 1t is not
seemly for some of the family to sit while
the rest stand. So it is around the
Lords table; l plead for uniformity.
The communicates should use all pro-
ner means to withdraw their minds anC
hearts away from outward objects, anC
fix their attention on the lessons of the
ordinance before them. Moreover, it is
time of special and real communion
with Christ. II is therefore very com
mon and very proper custom to sit with
the eyes closed in devout communion witt
Christ. while the emblems of his dying
love are distributed. This is perhaps the
very nearest approach we make to Chris
in this vale of tears. 1t seems as if ,
loving disciple can lean his head on Jesus
breast, and the doubling disciple may
put his 'fngers into the print of tn
nails and thrust his hand into his side,
t and then cry with Thomas, "My Lore
and my Cod 1t is hardly proftabl
for the minister to lecture the communi
cants while they are receiving the brea'
and wine. The words of institution ar
t sufficient in most cases. There is ampl
: opportunity to expatiate on the nature o
S the ordinance, before it begins. A fey