The Duty of Constant Communion as a Response to the Book of Common Prayer
Considering this as a command of God, he that does not communicate as often as he can has no piety; considering it as a mercy, he that does not communicate as often as he can has no wisdom. John Wesley, The Duty of Constant Communion In 1788 John Wesley published a communion sermon first written 55 years earlier for students at Oxford. “ The Duty of Constant Communion ” encourage readers to receive the Lord’s Supper as frequently as possible. The sermon has a simple outline: Christian should take communion as frequently as possible because: Christ commands it There are great benefits to it Don’t miss an opportunity to receive communion because: You don’t believe that you are worthy to receive it. You don’t have time to prepare. You might be tempted to treat it less reverently. You tried it and didn’t get anything out of it. The church only requires it 3 times each year. Several of Wesley’s arguments have a particular focus ...