Cup of blessing] the cup of wine upon which a blessing was pronounced. We bless] i.e. consecrate by thanksgiving and prayer.

Communion of the blood 'of Christ] In 1 Corinthians 11 St. Paul presents the Eucharist under the aspect of a memorial of Christ's death; here under that of communion with Him; hence our term 'Holy Communion' for this Sacrament. Partaking of the Cup bestows spiritual communion with Christ, helping those who have faith to receive more and more of His spirit and influence. So partaking of the Bread brings the same spiritual blessings. Both form one act of communion, the only difference being that while partaking of the Cup their thoughts are fixed on Christ's Blood shed for many, and while partaking of the Bread, upon His broken Body. We break] following Christ's own institution (Matthew 26:26). The Church is spoken of as doing what was actually done by its president (Acts 20:11).

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