Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

God was, in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.-2 Cor. 5: 19.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. 8: 1.

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 Jn. 4: 10. Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.-2 Cor. 8: 9.

He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him: and with his stripes we are healed.—Is. 53: 3—5.

He gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.-Titus 2: 14.

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth upon a tree.-Gal. 3: 13.

Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our Lord.-Rom. 5: 20, 21.

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.-1 Cor. 2: 9.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3: 2.

But ye are come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.-Heb. 12: 22-24.

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14: 2, 3.

What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence come they? These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and have made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.—Rev. 7: 13—15.

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.-Rev. 3: 5.

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.-Rev. 2: 11.

He that testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly: Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.-Rev. 22: 20.

When the bread is broken into convenient parcels, the minister presents it to the communicants, first taking it himself as one of them, after he has said to this effect:

Take, eat ye; this is the body of Christ, which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of him.

When all have received the bread, the minister pours out the wine, saying:

The cup of blessing, which we bless, is the communion of the blood of Christ.

He then offers another brief prayer; after which he delivers the cup, first drinking of it himself, when he has said:

This cup is the new testament in Christ's blood, which is shed for you for the remission of sins; drink ye all of it in remembrance of him.

When all have received the bread and wine, the minister offers a third prayer, and (if there be time) adds a short exhortation.

Then a hymn is sung; after which a collection is taken to defray the charges of the eucharist, and to relieve such members as may be in want.

Scripture sentences, which may be said (one or more) at the collection.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matt. 5: 16.

He which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity for God loveth a cheerful giver.—2 Cor. 9: 6, 7.

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Gal. 6: 10.

To do good, and to communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.-Heb. 13; 16.

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.-1 Tim. 6: 17-19.

God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister.-Heb. 6: 10.

Whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him ?-1 John 3: 17.

He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

Prov. 19: 17.

Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.-Ps. 41: 1.

The service is concluded with this or the like

BENEDICTION.

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work, to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

THE PASTORAL CARE EXERCISED IN THE MORE

PRIVATE SERVICES.

CATECHISING.

THE work of a catechist was often a distinct office in the churches. But it is reckoned incumbent for the most part upon every pastor in the churches of New England.

Formerly, there were several divines, in these churches, who, like Cyril, and some others of the fathers, composed and published catechisms of their own, which were designed more peculiarly for the edification of their own people.

By some of the pastors, the work of catechising has been done with a special aim and hope to attain the great and good preservative of the churches, which has of old been known by the name of Confirmation,— that is to say, when the children baptized in the churches come to be of age, the pastors send for them, and examine them discreetly, and faithfully, concerning their improvement in knowledge, and conversion to God, and resolutions for a life of piety, and inclinations to the remembering and renewing of their baptismal covenant. Those in whom there are found the agreeable symptoms of a regenerate mind, are advised immediately to apply themselves for a confirmation of their church-membership, in a full communion with the churches. Those who are found of a more discouraging and undesirable character, have suitable admonitions bestowed upon them. But other pastors have yet their own method.-Ratio Disciplinæ, pp. 103, 104.

« AnteriorContinuar »