It appears then, that there are two suppers recorded in the scriptures, the one enjoined by Moses, and the other by Jesus Christ.

The first of these was of a ceremonial nature, and was confined exclusively to the Jews:  for to Gentile converts who knew nothing of Moses, or whose ancestors were not concerned in the deliverance from Egyptian bondage, it could have had no meaning.

The latter was of a spiritual nature.  It was not limited to any nation.  It had been enjoyed by many of the Patriarchs.  Many of the Gentiles had enjoyed it also.  But it was essentially necessary for all Christians.

Now the question is, whether Jesus Christ, when he celebrated the passover, instituted any new supper, distinct from that of the passover, and which was to render null, and void, (as it is the tendency of ceremonies to do) that which he enjoined at Capernaum, to be observed as an ordinance by the Christian world.

The Quakers are of opinion that no institution of this kind can be collected from Matthew, Mark, or John. [186]St. Matthew mentions the celebration of the passover supper in the following manner:  “And as they were eating, Jesus took bread and blessed it, and brake it, and gave to his disciples, and said, take, eat, this is my body.”

[Footnote 186:  Mat. 26. 26.]

“And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, drink ye all of it.”

“For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.”

“But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my father’s kingdom.”

St. Mark gives an account so similar to the former, that it is unnecessary to transcribe it.  Both mention the administration of the cup; both the breaking and giving of the bread; both the allusion of Jesus to his own body and blood; both the idea of his not drinking wine any more but in a new kingdom; but neither of them mention any command, nor even any insinuation by Jesus Christ to his disciples, that they should do as he did at the passover supper.

St. John, who relates the circumstance of Jesus Christ washing the feet of his disciples on the passover night, mentions nothing even of the breaking of bread, or of the drinking of the wine upon that occasion.

As far therefore as the Evangelists Matthew, Mark, and John, are concerned, it is obvious, in the opinion of the Quakers, that Christians have not the least pretence, either for the celebration of the passover, or of that which they usually call the Lord’s Supper; for the command for such a supper is usually grounded on the words, “do this in remembrance of me.”  But no such words occur in the accounts of any of the Evangelists now cited.