commend a due observance of it to all those who profess a belief of the Gospel. BENJAMIN MOORE, Bishop of the State of New-York. PREFACE. THAT the Holy Sacrament has of late been less: numerously attended than formerly, appears from recent documents, too well authenticated to admit dispute. The neglect, I conceive, has been princi-. pally caused by the importation of licentious and infidel trash from France ; but partly also by erroneous or inadequate accounts of the nature and im.. portance of the institution, circulated with mischie.. vous industry at home. I was therefore of opinion; that an attempt to: rectify misapprehensions, and vindicate the dignity. of this most venerable rite, might have a peculiar propriety under the singular çircumstances of the present juncture. With this intention, I first published my Book, entitled, “ Considerations on the Nature and Efficacy of the Lord's Supper ;” which I have the satisfaction to find has been well receive. ed by those who, from their professional studies, are the best qualified to estimate the soundness of its doctrine. The volume, indeed, in its original, unabbreviated state, is rather large ;: but it being the opinion of a Prelate, whose Theological learning and abilities command the reverence of all who, S duly appreciate their extent and application, that an abridgment may be rendered more acceptable to many of the Laity. I concur with his Lordship, whose approbation is truly encouraging; and offer this Abridgment of my Book, in consequence of his opinion, publicly given in his last charge ; and of his request, most condescendingly made in private. At the same time, I cannot but express a wish, (which the Bishop also intimates, that those who are led by their profession, or enabled by their attainments, to study Theology, may be pleased to consider the whole of the important subject, as it is exhibited in the original volume unabridged. This Epitome is chiefly designed for those whose occupied time, and moderate acquirements in literature, prevent them from entering, with any advantage to themselves, on points of controversy. May they be induced by it humbly, piously, and thankfully to receive the Bread of Life, which is able to strengthen and refresh them in their earthly pilgrimage, and to fill them with all joy and peace in believing, and make them abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost*. * Rom. xv 13. CONTENTS. II. The Sacrament in general, and the word Sacrament in particular, considered. 14 III, The Sixth Chapter of St. John contains Passages (from verse 25 to verse 36, and from verse 46 to verse 64) which refer to the Sacrament of the Lord's IV. The Lord's Supper considered as a FEAST V. Though the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper be strictly a Feast on, or after, a Sacrifice, yet in popular Language, it has been, and may still be, called, a VI. Additional Considerations on the Proprie- ty of interpreting the passages in the This Chapter being so understood, keaves no Doubt of the Present and in- estimable Benefits derivable from that VII. The primary and most important benefit annexed to the worthy Reception of the Eucharist, being a Vouchsafement of Grace in more Abundance than ordinary, other Benefits, necessary to the Chris- VIII. Christ's more intimate dwelling with us, or our Participation of his Divine Na- ture considered, as an Effect of, and Benefit annexed to, worthily receiving IX. Union with Christ further considered. 47 X. The Remission of Sins more particularly considered as a present Benefit, annex- XI. The Doctrine of Remission of Sins, in and by the Eucharist, not an Encourage- ment to Vice, but an Incitement to Vir- XII. The Clause in the Lord's Prayer, “ Give us this Day our daily Bread," has a Re- |