literaryhistoryo02crut - Carmel Apologetics

324 THE APOLOGISTS.
KiiKT propliecy sketches out with no uncertain \h'u all the
main features in tlu' ])ast history of Christ, and thus gives
us confidence that its future fulfilment will equally be made
good. Justin strongly urges the antiquity of the Jewish
writings, for this was an argument to whicli the Iiomans
always gave weight.
The conchiding chapters contain an account (all too short,
unfortunately) of the practice of Christian rites and the
method of worship. It is the locus classicus in all C(jntroversies
as to early Church ceremonial, and, taken with the
Apostolic Tcachinrj, proves how little of ritual existed, or, to
spciik more accurately, liow little questions of ritual were
thought of in the services of the primitive Church. The
well-known passage about the Eucharist is familiar to many,
but the reader may like to have it inserted here.
Justin's Account of the Eucharist.
" After we have thus washed him who has believed and
assented to our doctrine, we lead him to those whom we call
the brethren, where they are met together to offer earnest
])rayors at once for themselves and the newly enlightened, and
for all men everywhere, that, liaving learned the truth, we may
he counted worthy to be found practisers of good works and
keepers of the commandments, that we may obtain eternal
salvation.
" Our prayer ended, we greet one another witli a kiss. Then
laead is Ijiou^^ht to the president among the l)rethren, and a cup
of wine and water mingled, and he, receiving it, utters praise
and gloiy to the Father of all through the name of the Son and
Holy Spirit, and ofTers thanks at some length for these merciful
fjifts. And when the prayer and thanksgiving are ended, the
whole people present assent to them by answering, Amen. Tliis
done, the deacons give to each of those present some of the bread
and wine and water, over which thanks have been given, to
partak