p. 192 | The Lord's Supper by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 14, 1865

The Lord's Supper.

By James White

NOTWITHSTANDING the evidence that has been presented, some seem to think a particular time is designated in the Scriptures for "breaking bread," or observing the Lord's supper. We think not.

If there is an appointed time for its observance, the rule respecting such time must be established either (1) by precept, or (2) by example. In regard to the first, the precept, we have none either from Christ or the apostles; and no one claims any record to that effect. We look then for example. And the question then arises, to whom shall we look for example—to Christ or to Paul? Christ instituted it (probably) as early as the evening of the fifth day, now called Wednesday evening; certainly as early as sixth day evening, (Thursday evening.) Assuming that it was celebrated at Troas by Paul we have one case on first-day evening. Is either time binding on us? if so, which? The example of the Saviour, with all the right of the original institution, is against the first day; and Paul distinctly enjoins to follow him as he followed Christ. Now if time was a requisite in the matter, Paul should have followed Christ, for Christ is our leader, not Paul. But as neither of them gave any direction concerning it, and Paul did not follow the example of Christ in regard to the time, we are constrained to believe that Paul did not regard the time as of any importance whatever, and so we should not.

J. H. W.