COMMUNION SEASONS.
"M'Cheyne brought into the pulpit all the reverence for Scripture of the Reformation period; all the honour for the headship of Christ of the Covenanter struggle; all the freeness of the Gospel offer of the Marrow theology; all the bright imagery of Samuel Rutherford; all the delight of the Erskines in the fulness of Christ."
A SCOTTISH Communion even yet differs considerably from other Communions, or methods of celebrating the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, in Protestant churches. Up to the beginning of the present century, and still later, it had features peculiarly striking. In country districts it was called "The Holy Fair." Crowds gathered from all parts of the neighbouring parishes, and certainly in some cases unhallowed scenes were witnessed, unbecoming such a solemnity, and which the poet Burns exposed and satirized. These festivals came round twice a year, and to this day there are congregations in Scotland who do not observe the holy ordinance of the Supper oftener.
When Mr. M'Cheyne came to Dundee the "Holy Fair" style of keeping the Communion had almost completely passed away, but the prolonged services of the Sabbath were still in vogue, as also lengthy week-day services, bearing on Communion. These week-day services were highly prized by the really pious, as rich means of grace. All the best men of the countryside were called upon to give out of their treasures things new and old. Now, in many cases, these services are discontinued, and instead not a few earnest evangelical ministers have substituted a series of special evangelistic meetings, preparatory to a Communion season. In St. Peter's all these service connected with the dispensation of the Holy sacrament were exceedingly precious and edifying. Mr. Lamb, in his diary, speaks of them as being sometimes long, but we shall see how he speaks of them as being greatly blessed to him and others. They were "times of refreshing," "days of heaven upon earth."
It was M'Cheyne's practice to have two services on the Thursday, one on the Friday, and one on the Saturday before the Communion Sabbath, and a thanksgiving service on the Monday. In the celebration of the ordinance there were many table services, as only a comparatively small number could come forward at the same time, and the membership was large. At each table service fresh devotional exercises were engaged in, and fresh addresses delivered, involving a large expenditure of thought and labour, but these were cheerfully rendered by ministers from all parts of the country. Sunday was "the great day of the feast." On that day, immense crowds assembled, with a large muster of ministers. Those who chiefly assisted M'Cheyne at these Communion seasons were the Rev. Andrew A. Bonar, the Rev. Robert Macdonald of Blairgowrie, and the Rev. James Grierson of Errol. All these attained to high distinction in the Church, and their memories are fragrant to this day.
Mr. M'Cheyne introduced a more frequent celebration of the Sacrament, and arranged that it should be kept four times a year, which was regarded as an innovation then, but now it is quite common in Presbyterian churches to observe the Communion at least once a quarter, while in other churches it is celebrated once a month, and in some places once a week.
It has already been said that the Communion services in St Peter's were largely attended, but those who came were not impelled by the motives that actuated many in the days of the "Holy Fair;" they were prompted rather by a spirit of deep earnestness, a hunger of the spiritual manna, and a longing for a closer walk with God.
Here are some extracts from Wm. Lamb's diary as bearing on the Communion seasons in Dundee:-
"Sabbath, August 1, 1841. Sacrament Sabbath. Mr. M'Cheyne officiated, assisted by Mr. Andrew Bonar. The text was Colossians i. 21-23 : 'And you, that were sometime alienated, and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath He reconciled.' The church was full, many communicating, among whom were strangers drawn to St. Peter's by the fame of its minister. I rejoice that in St. Peter's parish we have now the Communion four times in the year. There can be no doubt that the early disciples, in the days of the Apostles, partook of this blessed ordinance frequently—once a week,—and it was then, as it is now, most blessed. Indeed, there is no service which Christ has commanded His followers to observe, more solemn, more heart-stirring, and more likely to keep alive our weak and wavering faith than that of the Holy Sacrament.
"Yet, how is it that I long so little for these seasons? Alas! I fear it is because the world, with its cares and lusts and anxieties, cools my love, weakens my faith, and draws me away from a crucified Saviour. I lament before Thee, O God, that since I last sat at the holy table, I have been lukewarm in all my religious duties; my prayers in the closet have been cold and formal, and often a very weariness in public, a mere worshipping with the lips, while my hearts has been wandering on the mountains of vanity. What is the cause of this? Some cherished idol still retained in my heart, some uncrucified lust or passion, some worldly pleasure not yet wholly surrendered? Unto Thee, O God, it is known! Do Thou show it unto me, that I may know these roots of bitterness which spring up and trouble me. O Heavenly Father, hide not Thy face from me! Restore unto me the joys of Thy salvation, and uphold me with Thy free Spirit. Make this day one of sweet blessing to my weary soul, and refresh me with Thy grace.
Sabbath, October 31, 1841. On the day before the Communion we find these words; "Endeavoured to pray to-day in secret, to lay open my heart to God, and confess my sins fully, unreservedly. May the Lord hear and grant me the sense of complete forgiveness, and may I go forward in Divine grace. It takes much prayer and much watchfulness to advance in the Christian life. There is no rest, if I am to grow.
"Rose at seven. Dressed, and thereafter had my private devotions, praying earnestly to be fitted for a Communion day." At eight o'clock he was at a prayer meeting of the Sabbath school children. Then in regard to the Communion service he writes: "St. Peter's was very full to-day. Mr. M'Cheyne had a most suitable discourse from Romans viii. 35, 'Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress,' &c. He showed that not one of all those things could or would separate a true believer from his Saviour. Even in this life, though ever fighting from day to day against outward temptations, and the still more formidable traitor from within a corrupt heart, yet we were more than conquerors through Him that loved us." Mr. Lamb notes that the dispensing of the Sacrament lasted from one o'clock till nearly seven o'clock in the evening. That was accounted for by the smallness of the tables, and the numbers pressing forward.
"Methinks in our church there is too much said about the Sacrament, so that the uneducated or more ignorant of our congregation, not clearly seeing that it is merely a commemoration service, to be held by those only who are of the body of Christ, are apt to think that there is some innate virtue in this ordinance, and that they must go to it. There is something needed in our church to put this right."
"Sabbath, April 17, 1842. Another Communion day. How they come and go! Oh that each as it comes round may be helpful in fitting me for the never-ending communion of heaven! Mr. M'Cheyne preached a most suitable discourse from 1 Cor. iii. 10-17, showing how ministers are compared to builders, putting lively stones only into the great spiritual temple, and that this was a most important work. They need to take heed how they build. Even the Apostles, though richly endowed with the Holy Spirit, failed in adding only gold and silver and precious stones (true believers), for they admitted into the Church a Demas. How much still do ministers need to watch and pray!"
We have variety in nature, why not in grace? Every day has not the same amount of sunshine in it, nor the same amount of rain. The measure is meted out by Him who is "wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working." Every Sabbath day is a day of rest and privilege, but as there are some stars brighter, and some flowers fairer, than others, so with our Communion Sabbaths. Some are remarkable days of blessing. It was so in the olden time when the feats came round, and it has been particularly so in connection with our Communion seasons in Scotland. And partly this was owing to the spirit of prayer and expectancy that was evoked, as will be seen from the following:-
"Sabbath, 16th October, 1842." Under this date Mr. Lamb refers to a "concert of prayer" which took place early in the morning.
"Mr. M'Cheyne preached in the morning from Romans i. 15-18, particularly these words, 'I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.' At the close of the Communion he spoke from the following words (Rev. iii. 4), 'Thou has a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white: for they are worthy.' He spoke of the comfort it afforded a minister (angel), when he knew that he had some few names in his congregation who had not defiled their garments, and who would walk with Christ in white, because they were worthy—worthy through Him who so loved them as to die for them, making their robes white in His atoning all-precious blood.
"The sermon in the morning struck me very forcible, showing how Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, though it be foolishness to them that are wise in their own eyes, and despise such ministers as faithfully preach the Gospel, saying, as the Romans and Corinthians said of Paul, that they are contemptible, weak, and ignorant men: but so it will ever be—'the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God.'
"In the past history of our church Communion season have been peculiarly refreshing and strengthening to the people of God; but they have also been seasons of conversion, and they will always be, so long as the Word is faithfully preached among us.
"During the service it struck me that the minister was much aided by the Divine Spirit, both in his prayers and in his preaching. He seemed to come forth in the 'fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ;' and I have no doubt the Word spoken was carried home with power, while it could not fail to have comforted and edified the children of God. It was gratifying to hear of some of the relatives of the minister—three young ladies—who had for the first time joined the church, giving themselves up openly at the sacramental table to Him who loved them, and gave Himself to redeem them from sin and death. Until lately, I understand, they were living entirely for the world, dead to all spiritual things; but now it has pleased God to reveal His Son in them."
The ladies referred to are evidently those mentioned in a delightful booklet by the Rev. J. Moffat Scott, entitle, "A MODERN SAINT ; or Three Lectures on the Rev. R. M. M'Cheyne." To illustrate the remarkable tact and prudence of M'Cheyne, Mr. Scott narrates the following, his informant being the late Rev. James Dodds, of Dunbar. In August, 1842, M'Cheyne paid a visit to some friends in Dumfriesshire, among whom were three young ladies, gay and accomplished, but destitute of vital godliness, and hostile to evangelical religion. They jauntily dubbed the clerical friend Perfection, and hardened their hearts against his fascinations. But M'Cheyne completely surprised and captivated them. Happy, hearty, gentlemanly, he speedily convinced them that religion was not a galling and enslaving yoke; and by his tender, affectionate manner he swiftly won their confidence. All were delighted with him, and much interested in his conversation. They walked about with him, and entered cottages where he prayed. During prayer one day, the gayest of the sisters sobbed aloud; and after family worship, one evening, the others burst into tears, crying out about sin. Their pride was broken; their hearts were melted; they saw things in a new light, and thirsted for instruction. All became decided and earnest Christians, adorning domestic life with Christian graces; and long after M'Cheyne had gone to the saints' everlasting rest, they told that it was their cousin's sympathetic spirit and pitiful look that struck them down.
M'Cheyne's was indeed a winsome personality. Along with a cultured and poetic mind he possessed a lithe and athletic frame, delighting in physical exercise. Dr. Guthrie indeed said that his love for gymnastics had something to do with his death, for one day, at the manse of Errol, after breakfast, noticing some gymnastic poles in the garden, he rushed to a horizontal bar resting on the forks of two upright ones, and went through a series of athletic evolutions. He then challenged Dr. Guthrie to do the like; but when about to make the attempt, suddenly the pole, on which M'Cheyne was hanging by his heels, snapped asunder, and he fell to the ground with great violence. "He sickened," adds Dr. Guthrie, "was borne into the manse, and lay there for several days, and was never the same man again."
But to resume the diary. About this time, 1842, Mr. Lamb went to Blairgowrie, and partook of the Holy Supper there; and here is what he says regarding it. "I felt that there was a want of solemnity about the whole service, both on the part of ministers and people; too much noise; rising and going out in the very middle of the services. It was quite painful and annoying. This is the first time I have communicated in a country parish, and the manner of conducting the service presented a marked contrast to the solemnity and quietness observed on such occasions in St. Peter's. Had the mode of conducting the sacramental services within the church been at all in keeping, as I had hoped, with the stillness and grandeur of nature without, then how solemn and impressive they would have been! Nevertheless, I trust the Lord was there, comforting and edifying His people, giving new faith, and filling them with joy and peace in believing."
Whether Mr. M'Cheyne had a presentiment of his early death it is not said, but as his end drew near he appeared to be increasingly earnest. Every Sabbath day was more or less remarkable for the fervency of spirit he showed in his preaching and in his prayers, but special preparation seems to have been made for the Communion days. These were emphatically high days in St. Peter's, as the following quotations from the diary will show.
"Sabbath, January 1st, 1843. Communion day in St. Peter's. Mr. M'Cheyne preached from 1 Timothy i. 16: 'Howbeit for this cause I received mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on Him to life everlasting.' The discourse was excellent, showing that if in such as Paul—the persecutor, blasphemer, and impious—Jesus Christ showed forth the long-suffering of His grace, making it sufficient to save him, was it not sufficient to save any of us, though the chief of sinners? One reason why Paul obtained mercy was that he might be a pattern to them who should hereafter believe in Him to life everlasting. God must tell us over and over again that He is a God of mercy, and willeth not the death of any. But that would not suffice so well as a pattern. Let a pattern or example be seen, and people will understand it at once.
"Paul was a pattern before his conversion. There was an instance of the sovereignty of God in this that Jesus Christ came to men, and not to angels. 'He took not on Him the nature of angels.' Moreover, for ages God passed over the Gentile world. He loved Jacob and hated Esau. But in the fulness of the times His Gospel was sent to the Gentiles also. One of the most remarkable proofs however, of the Doctrine of Divine sovereignty is the case of Paul—who had been taught at the feet of the Jewish doctors to hate Jesus, and was encouraged to become the fiery persecutor of the Lord's followers. Who would have thought that God would have chosen him—the chief of sinners—to be His great instrument in promoting Christianity? What a pattern or example of God's sovereign ways in dealing with the children of men!
"Had Paul been told on the morning that he set out to persecute the saints at Damascus, that God would meet him and make him willing to propagate the new faith he was so despising and endeavouring to destroy root and branch, he would have laughed a scornful laugh. Lydia was also an instance of the sovereignty of God, but not such a pattern as Paul was. As the Psalmist said, 'Blessed is the man whom Thou choosest, and causest to approach Thee.' God makes people willing in the day of His power. This is 'effectual calling,' a calling which lays hold of all the affections, and changes the whole current of the mind.
"Paul was also a pattern of justification by the righteousness of Another. We may say that if ever there was a man whose salvation seemed impossible by the righteousness of another, that man was Paul. He had already provided himself with a righteousness of his own. 'As touching the law he was blameless.' All rites and ceremonies he most earnestly observed. Yet all that he gave up and cast aside, and by the righteousness of Christ became righteous. In himself he was nothing; in Christ he was everything.
"But again, Paul was a pattern to all men after his conversion. Before, he was the chief of sinners; after, he became the chief of saints, not a whit behind the chief of the Apostles. He lived a life of faith and holiness. He walked by faith, and not by sight. He was not only saved from sin, but saved to be holy. When really saved, we cannot live in any sin. Then Paul was a pattern in his labours for the Lord, in his preaching for Him, and in his witnessing for Him.
"Two lessons were drawn from this subject. (1.) Those who have been saved must be patterns: patterns to their families, to their neighbours, to those who should thereafter believe in Him to life everlasting. We are not saved just for our own sake, or for our own comfort, but to be patterns. We must tell out what great things the Lord hath done for us. (2.) Sinners unsaved are quite inexcusable; for if Paul, who was the chief of sinners, a blasphemer, a persecutor, was saved, may not all obtain mercy?"
It is difficult to say at what stages in the Communion service Mr. M'Cheyne uttered the following words, but likely they were spoken in connection with the actual celebration of the ordinance. "Philippians iii. 3: 'Rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.' You are not to look at your conduct for your peace, but to Him in whom we are accepted. What sins and shortcomings we have to bewail! But in Him there was no sin, and we are complete in Him. Hebrews vi. 18: 'We have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.' Think of Jesus Christ and His atoning work as your city of refuge. Psalm cxix. 5: 'O that my ways were directed to keep Thy statutes!' This is the cry of a new creature. No unregenerate man can say this. Are you willing to be entirely holy? Are you willing to part with all sin? Your fleshly pleasures? Your drunkenness? Your effeminacy? Are you willing to give of your money to the Lord? Ah, some poor soul cries out—Impossible! Iniquities prevail against me! Lord, Thou knowest all things. It must be heaven to be holy.
"The parting exhortation at the close of the Communion service was from Romans viii. 13: 'For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.' In the course of this address he threw out a number of well-known texts which were likely to suit the necessities of all his hearers, such as 'Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me.' 'Continue in the faith, and know that it is through much tribulation that we enter into the kingdom of God.' And then, in closing, with all tenderness he said to those who still remained careless, 'Despisest thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and long-suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.'"