In South Carolina. 589 



pleasing assurance of being sent to that part which, the whole being 

 considered, is judged most suitable for him, and to which alone he 

 could be sent with perfect unanimity. We go firmly persuaded of 

 the Lord's direction, and humbly looking for his blessing on our 

 labors, "through your prayers and the supply of the spirit of Jesus 

 Christ." 



We deem it proper before we separate to express, by this letter 

 (which the preachers are charged to read in all the societies), our 

 most sober and united views on several subjects vitally important to 

 you. And first, 



Kespectixg the Holy Sacraments. — Owing to the fewness of 

 ordained ministers during the first year of our ministry, the sacra- 

 ments, and particularly the Lord's Supper, could not be adminis- 

 tered regularly in all the societies ; and subsequently there have 

 occurred so many locations from year to year as to perpetuate, to a 

 considerable degree, this "lack of service." We greatly regret that 

 even at the present time we are not able to furnish an elder for 

 every circuit. And the more as we have cause to fear that in some 

 places a sinful undervaluing of the Lord's Supper has been induced 

 in consequence of the infrequency of its administration. This is 

 a calamity much to be deplored. It is grievous to hear of persons 

 in the fellowship of the Church Avho repeatedly absent themselves 

 from the Lord's table when they might be present, and of some who 

 have shown so scandalous an indifference as to withdraw to a dis- 

 tance at the moment the minister was urging that most affecting 

 and authoritative precept, "Do this in remembrance of me." Such 

 examples are most pernicious, and require to be rebuked sharply. 

 From whatever cause they proceed, they must be corrected, or the 

 offenders be disowned by the Church. If some scruple of con- 

 science be pleaded by such delinquents, let them be referred imme- 

 diately to the minister. It is possible that in some cases the evil 

 may be cured by particular instruction. But if not, let the Church 

 be clear of the individual's fault. In every case those who do not 

 communicate when they may, and will not amend after suitable ad- 

 monition, must be disowned. 



We earnestly call upon our esteemed brethren of the local min- 

 istry to lend their aid, and especially in those circuits where there 

 is not an elder in charge, to have the sacrament of the Lord's Sup- 

 per administered regularly once a quarter in every society. And 

 the stewards of circuits we exhort to see that there be wine pro- 

 vided for this purpose in every place — as is their duty. 



