Seite:Marsh Hallig 1856.djvu/253

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THE COMMUNION.

The virtue of the Supper, its sacramental fullness, is
the same, only sight with them, faith with us. Yet I
feel how uncertain are all our explanations in this realm
of the spiritual. The divine can only be experienced."
  "You leave me with such a feeling of uncertainty in
my heart," said Mander, with a sigh, "that I regret
having asked any questions."
  "I was satisfied beforehand, that you would derive
no other fruit from this discussion. But perhaps here-
after, you may say with me to those who do not rev-
erence the Lord's Supper in its full significance, Do not
strip your church of her holy ornaments, take not the
crown from her head, do not sever the roots of her life
from an inward actual communion with him who came
forth from the Father that he might testify of him. For
the rest, you should approach the Lord's table with de-
votion and submission, thankfully receiving what out
of his fullness he bestows. He is something to all who
come to him, and he so draws them to himself that he
becomes every thing to them. You will not miss his
blessing."
  The hour for the celebration had arrived. The whole
congregation had assembled for the communion, accord-
ing to special announcement made on the previous Sab-
bath ; for on the halligs this ceremony can not take
place at stated intervals, owing to the winds and inun-
dations which often prevent the inhabitants from at-
tending worship. The little church was contiguous to
the pastor's house, or rather, indeed, under the same
roof with the dwelling. After the conclusion of the
hymn, Hold approached the altar and gave a short, im-
pressive address, whose simple style seemed intended