Page:The Swedenborg Library Vol 3.djvu/217

flesh of Christ is given to eat and his blood to drink; and that bread and wine take their place. Who can from this think otherwise than that it is holy merely because of its being commanded by the Lord.

But as this statement of the origin of its holiness does not enter the understanding, but the memory only, and as there is no evidence of such origin apparent in the elements or symbols of this sacrament, therefore some observe it from a confidence that through it their sins are forgiven; some because they believe that it sanctifies; some because it strengthens their faith, and thus also promotes salvation. But those who think lightly of it, observe it because they have been accustomed to do so from childhood; and some, because they see no reason in it, neglect it. But the impious turn away from it, saying to themselves, What is it but a ceremony impressed with holiness by the clergy? For what is there in it but bread and wine? And what is it but a fiction that the body of Christ which hung upon the cross, and his blood which was then poured out, are distributed to the communicants with the bread and wine? And so on.

THE SOUL'S MEAT AND DRINK.

Every man in Christendom imbued with religion may know, or if he does not he may learn, that there is natural nourishment and spiritual nourishment; and that natural nourishment is for the body, but spiritual