Will the time ever come when in the communion



28 The Preacher and His Work

service our people will arise at the proper time with-
out the preacher awkwardly throwing up his arms to
remind them of this simple duty or continually ex-
plaining to them what is required ?

The celebration of the Lord's Supper ought never
to be hurried, but in large churches to avoid doing so
is very difficult. In churches with a large membership
what is known as the "continuous table" has to be
employed — the people coming at one end of the
altar and going at the other, in order to finish the
service within a reasonable time. There is no time
to preach a sermon or even make brief remarks, and
no time or opportunity to say anything to the people
kneeling at the altar.
I attended a communion service in a Presbyterian
church in Scotland which commenced about ten
o'clock, and when I left at half past one was only
about half finished.
I also attended and participated in a communion
service in the Metropolitan Church at Washington,
which commenced at half past ten and closed at half
past one. The preacher gave a grand sermon of full
length, and ample time was taken to address briefly
those kneeling at the altar. I do not know what be-
came of the Sunday school which usually follows the
morning service.
