“The history of the crucifying of Jesus, sir.”
“How far had you read when you fell asleep?”
“To the prayer of the thief that was crucified with him; and when I came to that place I stopped, and thought what a mercy it would be if the Lord Jesus, should remember me likewise—and so I fell asleep; and I fancied in my dream that I saw Christ upon the cross; and I thought I said, ‘Lord, remember me;’ and I am sure he did not look angry upon me—and then I awoke.”
All this seemed to be a sweet commentary on the text, and a most suitable forerunner of our intended sacramental service.
“Well, my dear child, I am come, as you wished me, to administer the sacrament of the body and blood of our blessed Saviour to you; and I daresay neighbour K--- will be glad to join us.”
“Talk to me a little about it first, sir, if you please.”
“You remember what you have learned in your Catechism about it. Let us consider. A sacrament, you know, is ‘an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, given unto us, ordained by Christ himself, as a means whereby we receive the same, and a pledge to assure us thereof.’ Now the Lord has ordained bread and wine in the holy supper, as the outward mark, which we behold with our eyes. It is a sign, a token, a seal of his love, grace, and blessing, which he promises to, and bestows on, all who receive it, rightly believing on his name and work. He in this manner preserves amongst us a ‘continual remembrance of his death, and of the benefits which we receive thereby.’”
“What do you believe respecting the death of Christ, Jenny?”
“That because he died, sir, we live.”