THE CHILDREN

WELCOME TO

THEIR FATHER'S TABLE:

OR

AN APOLOGY

FOR COMMUNING WITH ALL TRUE BELIEVERS

BY ENOCH MACK.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

To escape a bigoted intolerance on the one hand, and an unhallowed liberality on the other, is an accomplishment which may be ranked among the noblest attainments of the disciples of Truth. To avoid these fatal rocks, on one and the other of which, the peace and purity and interests of the Christian church have been often and extensively wrecked, can be effected no otherwise than by implicit adherence to Divine instruction. When the winds and tides of human passion are allowed to determine the course, the vessel is certain to dash. It is only by a faithful consultation of the Scripture chart, and observance of the pointings of the needle true to the eternal Throne, and by heed to the beacons set up by Providence, and candid soundings with the line of true experience, that the safe channel will be pursued and that Zion's ship can sail prosperously onward for the port of her destination.

As a branch of Christ's church, our connection invite, to partake with them at the Lord's table, persons of all evangelical churches; any, who truly be lieve on the Lord Jesus, wishing to participate with us; and we avail ourselves, as opportunity and occasion offers, to participate with such other evangelical churches, as reciprocate our usage in this respect. Some of our Christian brethren, those of one denomination, regard us to be herein inconsistent with ourselves as Baptists, inasmuch as our free communion involves communion with persons who are unbaptized, according to the doctrine of baptism as held by Baptists. Some appear to be undecided in sentiment, in either free communion, that is, communion with all or any who possess true Christian C2

character, or in restricted communion, that is, communion restricted to such as have been baptized, according to the mode practiced by Baptists. Others there are, and some members of our own connection, who, though satisfied of the propriety of our usage, experience some difficulty in objections brought against it. Under these circumstances, it becomes us to search our ways in the light of revealed truth, to try our practice by the Scripture plummet, and to give a reason for our faith. This we hope to do, in the love of the Truth and of Him who is its Author; in the love of all his disciples, and with Christian regard for the world of mankind. We will, first, consider objections alledged against our practice of communion restricted only to such as we regard as true disciples, by our brethren who restrict communion to the members of their own peculiar denomination, or to such as they regard as having been properly baptized, that is, by immersion on profession of their faith in Christ; secondly, the nature and design of the institution of the Lord's supper, with the Scriptural qualifications for its communion; and, thirdly, apply some practical tests.

OBJECTIONS

CHAPTER I.

AGAINST COMMUNION RESTRICTED TO TRUE BELIEVERS ONLY, CONSIDERED.

Before coming to the objections alledged against our practice of communing with any whom we regard as true believers, we will notice the specific disqualifications for communion which are declared by the scriptures. As for a general disqualification, St. Paul represents it to consist in "not discerning the Lord's body" in the symbolical elements, in other words, not possessing true faith in Christ. In re