the nature of the ordinances, as well as the obligation of them, should be often and carefully explained to the [p. 70] people. this is the more necessary, since in the popular mind superstitious ideas so largely enter into the conception of them. in doing this, several different methods have been adopted. some have a preparatory lecture in the course of the week preceding the administration: others preach on the subject either on the previous lord’s day or just before the ordinance; and others depend mainly on addresses on the occasion. whatever be the method, instruction should be carefully given, that true views of the ordinances may prevail. for want of this many church members never derive much benefit from these sacred institutions, while some, doubtless, are injured by them.

the principles respecting the ordinances which we, as distinguished from other denominations, hold as biblical should not be ignored or kept in the background. the restoration of these divine symbols to their primitive significance and form is a matter of the highest moment, and the pastor who is silent neglects duty. so far as my observation extends, the spiritual success which has attended the baptists has always been connected with their fidelity to the mission god has given in respect to his truth concerning the church and the ordinances. the most signal manifestations of the spirit in our churches, whether at home or abroad, have been made where the great principles christ has committed to us have been most faithfully proclaimed. but in presenting these controverted subjects, statements should always be made with care. whatever the provocation, we should be careful to maintain a christian spirit and uniform courtesy; to be just and candid to those who differ; and to avoid all imputation of evil motives. indeed, it is usually better to avoid the controversial form in presenting the biblical view of the ordinances, especially at the time of [p. 71] administration; but if controversy is necessary, let it rather be presented in sermons on other occasions. a distinct course of sermons on the ordinances, carefully prepared, is sometimes of great value for the instruction of the church and the diffusion of right views in the community.

i. administration of baptism.

as the act is a symbol, the correctness of its form is essential to the representation of the truth symbolized. the greatest care, therefore, should be used to bring out distinctly the symbol and fix all thought on that; any defect in the administration which mars the symbol is to be deprecated. the vital spiritual fact of regeneration, or a death to sin and the rising to a new life in christ, is most vividly set forth before men by the impressiveness of the symbol when properly rendered.

here i suggest: 1. care should be taken that all necessary arrangements be made for the ordinance, in the preparation for the place for the baptism, and the appointment of judicious committees to attend the candidates. this should be done in ample season, so that there be no haste or confusion at the administration. the pastor should be promptly prepared for the service, using garments appropriate to baptizing, so as to be undisturbed by the water. 2. in administering, be deliberate in movement, leading the candidate slowly into the water with the solemnity becoming so holy an ordinance. special care should be taken that the water be of such depth as to make immersion easy and effective. pronounce the formula reverently, then immerse, taking care that the whole person is covered. beyond the formula, it is often best to say nothing during the administration; the ordinance itself is speaking to the conscience and the [p. 72] heart in a voice more eloquent and impressive than human speech. 3. above all, as you pray for wisdom and power in the right use of words to set forth regeneration by the sermon, so ask for wisdom and power in the use of the symbol to set forth that vital truth in the ordinance, and that divine helper whose presence you feel in the pulpit will be equally present with you in the baptismal act.

ii. administration of the lord’s supper.

in some churches it is customary to preach what is termed “an action sermon,” designed to bring vividly before the mind, just previous to the supper, the events connected with the sufferings and death of our lord; and it often proves a service of great power and value. with us the ordinance is more commonly preceded by a simple address designed to fix thought upon the great event symbolized. whatever the method adopted, all subjects should be excluded which may divert the mind from the one great thought of the occasion. the lord’s table, therefore, is not the place to bring up items of business, or to reprove the church for special derelictions in duty, or even to consider plans for church work. the pastor is often tempted to use it for such purposes, because then the members are more generally together and are alone. but i think it is rarely done without loss, for in this sacred service the lord designed that the thoughts of every soul should center on him.

the necessary acts in their order are these: 1. take the bread, give thanks, break, give to the disciples, pronouncing the words of institution. 2. take the cup, pouring the wine, give thanks, give to the disciples, pronouncing the words of institution. the service is usually closed with singing, but whether it was originally a part of the [p. 73] lord’s supper, or only one of the hymns prescribed in the passover service, we have no means of determining. the question is not important, but a closing hymn is certainly appropriate, and it is better to observe the custom. observe the scriptural order of the acts carefully, for any deviation will divert attention and is always painful. in prayer avoid forms of expression that may convey false ideas of the ordinances. thus, we sometimes hear: “bless so much of this bread,” or “so much of this wine,” “as may be used,” as if blessing made a change in the elements, and the administrator feared too much would be changed and the blessed elements might thus be wasted. such phrases, which have come down from the ages of superstition, are adapted to foster among the people false ideas of the ordinance. do not talk much during the administration but leave silent moments in which each heart may commune with itself and with christ. too much talking is the common fault. when god is speaking through the symbol, let man keep silence. this will be the more obvious if we remember that the ordinance consists of two essential parts—the presentation of the symbols of christ’s body and blood by the administration, and the act of partaking as the symbol of an inward act of faith on the part of the partaker. if the attention, therefore, is held by remarks of the administrator, the value of the ordinance may be lost to the participant from lack of opportunity for silent communion between his soul and christ. above all, enter yourself as fully as possible into the great idea of the ordinance, and use all means to fix thought on that to the exclusion of all else. rightly administered, the lord’s supper is one of the mightiest forces god has given to inspire and purify the heart and elevate the life of the church.