TRACTS FOR THE TIMES.
versation in our lives, and to keep the commandments, that so we may attain to eternal salvation. When we have finished our prayers, we salute one another with a kiss. After which, there is brought to the brother who presides, bread and a cup of wine mixed with water. And he, having received them, gives praise and glory to the Father of all things, through the name of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and gives thanks in many words for that God hath vouchsafed to them these things. And when he hath finished his praises and thanksgiving, all the people who are present, express their assent, saying Amen, which means in the Hebrew tongue, "So be it." He who presides having given thanks, and the people having expressed their assent, those whom we call deacons give to each of those who are present a portion of the bread which hath been blessed, and of the wine mixed with water, and carry some away for those who are absent. And this food is called by us the Eucharist (thanksgiving); of which no one may partake unless he believes that what we teach is true, and is washed in the Laver, which is appointed for the forgiveness of sins and unto regeneration, and lives in such a manner as Christ commanded. For we receive not these elements as common bread or common drink; but even as Jesus Christ our Saviour, being made flesh by the word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, even so we are taught, that the food which is blessed by prayer, according to the word which came from Him, (by the conversion of which into our bodily substance our blood and flesh are nourished,) is the Flesh and Blood of that Jesus who was made flesh. For the Apostles, in the Memoirs composed by them, which are called Gospels, have related that Jesus thus commanded them; that, having taken bread, and given thanks. He said, "Do this in remembrance of Me—this is My Body;" and that, in like manner, having taken the cup, and given thanks. He said, "This is My Blood;" and that He distributed them to these alone …… After these solemnities are finished, we afterwards continually remind one another of them. And such of us as have possessions assist all those who are in want; and we all associate with one another. And over all our offerings we bless the Creator of all things, through His Son Jesus Christ, and through the Holy Spirit.
