p. 21 | Christian Memorials by H. S. Gurney

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 19, 1866

Christian Memorials.

By H. S. Gurney

WHILE listening to a discourse a short time since upon the ordinances of the church, my mind was led out in the following order: The most humiliating points of gospel truth are least esteemed by the professed followers of Christ. The original design of the two ordinances based upon the humility and death of Christ are only in part understood; also in regard to baptism, which is a memorial of the death and resurrection of Christ.

Being buried in water and rising to newness of life is a clear memorial of the burial and resurrection of Christ. If this fact had not been lost sight of by the Christian church, the Christian Sabbath would not have been founded upon that event. But understanding as above the adaptation is perfect. All is easy and appropriate. Any one can see that resting on Sunday does not naturally remind one of the resurrection of Christ. But baptism is perfectly adapted to such a purpose.

So in regard to the bread and wine. These emblems are a clear sign of our Lord's broken body and spilt blood.

But there is another event as clearly laid down, and as positively commanded as either of the above, the memorial of which, requiring the humiliating act of washing one another's feet, carries the mind back to the time and event of our Lord's submission into the hands of his enemies. "Who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but made himself of no reputation and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Phil. ii, 6-8.

None but infinite wisdom could devise a memorial so appropriate, and pointing so clearly to the humiliation of Christ; hence it comes in in its place before the Lord's supper. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter.

But as clear as this is set forth with all its appropriateness, supported by the example of our Lord and Master at the time of his humiliation, yet not being endorsed by our popular teachers, but few are ready to follow their Lord in the act of washing feet. To me this view of the subject is conclusive, beautiful, and harmonious.

May all seekers after truth be refreshed with the sweet influences found in obedience to Christ.

H. S. GURNEY.

Memphis, Mich.