THE LORD'S SUPPER. 59 
Next to this, the institution, nature, design, ad- 
ministration, and uses of the Lord’s supper, were 
familiarly explained, that they might understand, 
as far as possible, the engagement into which they 
were desirous to enter, and the observances con- 
nected therewith. 
' The Lord’s supper, or sacrament, we regarded 
as analogous to the passover, symbolical of the 
death of Christ as a propitiation or sacrifice, of 
which event it was commemorative; that it was 
designed to perpetuate the remembrance of His 
death, even to the end of time, and was to be in 
faith participated by all who build their hopes of 
admission to the heavenly state on His atonement. 
Having been for some months engaged weekly 
in imparting this kind of instruction to those who 
had expressed their desire to receive the ordinance 
of the Lord’s supper, the month of May was se- 
lected for forming the church. Sixteen individuals, 
’ who in the judgment of charity we had every rea- 
son to believe were sincere Christians, then met 
us, and, after imploring the blessing of the great 
Head of the cliurch, offering a suitable address, 
and receiving their declaration of faith in Christ, 
and desire to enjoy the privileges of christian 
fellowship, a voluntary association was formed, the 
right-hand of fellowship was given, and they recog- 
nized each other as members of the first church 
of Christ in Huahine. 
We did not present any creed or articles of faith 
for their subscription on this occasion. Sensible 
of the insufficiency of all mere human writings, 
however excellent, to restrain the mind, or control 
the opinions of men, we thought it best to dispense 
with them, lest the bare assent, or subscription to 
certain articles of faith, or doctrines of truth, 
