CONTENTS.

Introduction .

Section I. The Absolute Necessity and Divine Authority

of the Lord's Supper: By John Morrison, D. D., from the second edition...

PAGE

575

.. 577

The Church an Executive, Not a Legislative Body... 577

Section II. The Institution, Design, Qualifications, Benefits, &c. By Daniel Wilson, D. D., Bishop of Calcutta. From the eleventh London edition....

1. The Institution of the Lord's Supper..

2. The Design of It.....

PAGE

595

595

597

3. The Qualifications of Those Who Deceive It Aright 600 4. The Benefits to be Derived from It...........

609

5. The Objections Raised Concerning It.....

613

6. The Obligations at Once and Regularly to Partake

of It....

621

Section III. The Young Communicants' Catechism: By the
Rev. John Willison, of Dundee...

626

Section IV. The Spiritual and Ecclesiastical Theories of
the Lord's Supper Stated and Explained....
Section V. Replies to the Objection that the Observance
of the Lord's Supper is not essential to true piety
because it is only a positive and not a moral duty,
wherein it is shown that on that very account it is a
greater test and evidence of love; and also to the objec-
tions of unfitness and want of strong faith....
Section VI. Exercises on the Lord's Supper which may
be used by parents in the family; by Sabbath School
teachers and pastors in adult Bible classes, and by com-
municants themselves

Section VII. Prayers for use before and after the commu

663

678

686

697

INTRODUCTION.

The Editor of this work has often felt the want of a work which could be put into the hands of inquirers in which their minds would be at once awakened to a sense of their imperative obligation to become communicants by making a sincere, heartfelt and public profession of religion; instructed in the real nature, object, and design of the Lord's Supper and of what is implied in its observance; and assisted in their preparation for it by some form of self-examination, humiliation, and devotion.

This work will, it is hoped, serve this threefold purpose. It is adapted not only to those who have made up their minds to come forward to the communion, but to those who are disposed to examine into the claims which the ordinance has upon them. It will, he trusts, deepen their convictions of the necessity of a personal interest in the Saviour and of a personal discharge of all the duties which, as redeemed sinners, we owe to Him "who loved us and gave Himself for us;" and lead them to see the solemn and important interests both of their own souls and of the souls of others, which are involved in a proper observance of the Lord's Supper; and thus fill them with a holy desire to participate in its unspeakable benefits.

It will at the same time constitute a closet companion which will be of inestimable service. The perusal of the whole volume at least once a year and of the Catechism as a part of their devotional services before every communion season is earnestly recommended. This catechism has been long and favourably known both in the old country and in America and has passed through many editions. It is now out of print and its reproduction has been desired by many in different parts of the country. Dr. Morrison gives a very clear and satisfactory view of the authority and obligation of the Lord's Supper, while Bishop Wilson's outline is one of the most comprehensive views of the whole subject in our language.

As the whole doctrine of transubstantiation and the real presence as held by Romanists and High-churchmen, is founded on the discourse of our Saviour respecting the eating of his flesh in order to attain everlasting life, a chapter is appended

in which this discourse is examined and the different theories of the sacrament contrasted.

The whole volume is commended to pastors and to all inquirers with the fervent prayer that it may be used by the ever blessed Spirit in awakening, convincing, instructing and comforting many souls, and to Father, Son and Holy Spirit shall be all the praise. T. S.