John Erskine

All works by this author

• On Frequent Communicating: The Means To Promote Frequent Communicating In Scotland

  In Communion, Sacraments

  
  
  

  I am now to inquire, whether the synod’s overture is not the most proper, and least exceptionable means to promote frequent communicating. I shall not be stiff in asserting this: but hitherto no better plan has been proposed, that I know of.

• On Frequent Communicating: Objections Against Frequent Communicating

  In Communion, Presbyterianism, Sacraments

  
  
  

  If frequent communicating is a duty, then the danger of doing it with less advantage does not lessen our obligations to that duty. For whatever danger there is, God foresaw it, but yet did not see meet to guard against it, by enjoining us to communicate seldom. Shall we then pretend to be wiser than God? Have we found out better means for securing the honour of his institutions, than the means prescribed and practised by those who were under the infallible guidance of his spirit?

• On Frequent Communicating: Church Practice Historically and At The Time Of Writing

  In Church History, Communion, Presbyterianism, Sacraments

  
  
  

  I shall only ask my reader, are our times better than the reformation and covenanting periods, when our church approached much nearer to the primitive simplicity in defending the Supper of the Lord? Has our church gained anything, has practical religion been increased by the change of the old for our present way? Does it not deserve inquiry, if our neglect of frequently communicating, be not one cause, why the love of many has waxed cold?

• On Frequent Communicating: Scripture and The Eucharist

  In Communion, Presbyterianism, Sacraments

  
  
  

  There is no restraint laid upon us, in the word of God, from partaking frequently of the Lord’s Supper. If no precise time is fixed in Scripture for dispensing and receiving it, and if no precise degree of frequency is enjoined, yet none dare allege, that there is any time in which we are prohibited to dispense and receive that ordinance, or that any degree of frequency is absolutely prohibited.