Protestantism in Switzerland - James Aitken Wylie

memorials of his passion, and felt by the working
of his Spirit.
The sermon ended, Haller descends from the
pulpit, and takes his stand, along with the elders of
the flock, at the Communion table. With eyes and
hands lifted up he gives thanks for this memorial
and seal of redemption. Then a hymn, sung in
responses, echoes through the building. How noble
and thrilling the melody when with a thousand
tongues a thousand hearts utter their joy! The song
is at an end; the hushed stillness again reigns in
aisle and nave of the vast fabric. Hailer takes the
bread, and breaking it in the sight of all, gives it to
the communicants, saying, "This is my body; take,
eat." He takes the cup, and says, "This cup is the
New Testament in my blood, shed for you; drink
ye all of it." Within that "sign" lies wrapped up, to
their faith, the Divine and everlasting "thing
signified."
They receive, with the bread and wine, a full
forgiveness, an eternal life -- in short, Christ and
the benefits of his redemption. Faith opens the deep
66