Protestantism in France From Death of Henry IV to the Revolution - James Aitken Wylie

part of the service, conducted either by the
ministers or, in their absence, by the elders. The
prayers of the pastors were commonly
extemporaneous, whereas the elders usually
availed themselves of the aid of a liturgy. The
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was dispensed at
Christmas, at Easter, and at Pentecost, as well as at
other times. The purity of the table was anxiously
guarded. No one was admitted to it till first he had
signified his desire to an elder, and received from
him a little medal or "token."[2] These were made
of lead, and roughly engraved, having on one side
all open Bible, with the rays of the sun, emblematic
of the Spirit's light, illuminating its page, and the
motto, "Fear not, little flock;" and on the other, a
shepherd tending his sheep, or a Communion cup,
and a cross, suggestive of persecution. The
communicant put down his "token" on the table,
and the bread and cup were then given to him.
Often would it happen that those who had gone to
mass would beg, with tears in their eyes, admission
to the table, but there they could not sit till they had
given ample proof of their Penitence.
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