Thread: Communion tokens

here
Did not know this. I wanted to pass on the information.

I've heard about communion tokens. From a Curt Daniels lecture in the 75-hour series on Calvinism.

He covers almost everything.

Is this a question of pro or con or just for informational purposes?

Interesting that lead was used.

Originally Posted by Southern Presbyterian

Is this a question of pro or con or just for informational purposes?

I was passing on the info. Discuss all you want brethren.

I do wonder why they used tokens instead of just informing the folks they were admitted to the table. I just came across the information so I have not thought much about it.

Presumably it was because they didn't want to risk someone "sneaking" past without having actually been approved, requiring each person to turn over their token--though why someone couldn't just borrow/steal someone else's, I'm not sure.

Originally Posted by Skyler

Presumably it was because they didn't want to risk someone "sneaking" past without having actually been approved, requiring each person to turn over their token--though why someone couldn't just borrow/steal someone else's, I'm not sure.

Or create counterfeits.

Originally Posted by Whitefield

Originally Posted by Skyler

Presumably it was because they didn't want to risk someone "sneaking" past without having actually been approved, requiring each person to turn over their token--though why someone couldn't just borrow/steal someone else's, I'm not sure.

Or create counterfeits.

Presumably that would be too much effort for such a person to go to, merely to attend a sacrament at the local church.

It seems to me that this is going a far bit beyond Scripture. Guarding the table is needful and Paul instructed that this be done by admonishment. He did not say, "Mint ye tokens for the admittance to the table." [or two token, if you will]

Originally Posted by LAYMAN JOE

I do wonder why they used tokens instead of just informing the folks they were admitted to the table.

In the Scottish communion season many people would come from other districts and the communions were attended by large numbers which did not allow for careful personal attention; hence the use of the token in admitting people to the table. They indicate the conscientious concern of the Session to oversee the communion, and obviously required the people to use the tokens with discretion.

I actually appreciate the impetus behind them. I don't think it would work today, nor would I want to see it implemented. But I believe it is incumbent on the pastor(s) to protect others from eating and drinking judgment on themselves. And yet I also believe it would be wrong to deny to the table one of Christ's sheep who could worthily partake. So I've often been perplexed about how the table ought to be properly fenced. Though we (pastors/elders) try to get around to any visitors prior to the service, someone could slip through, particularly if they arrive late. So we fence with a verbal warning/exhortation. But ultimately that leaves it to the conscience of the individual whether or not he or she will partake. I've often wondered whether or not that is sufficient protection on my part.

I know that if someone counterfeited a token , I'd be in the clear. But am I in the clear with just a warning? I honestly don't know. Like I said. I'm not in favor of the tokens, but I appreciate the idea behind them ... very much actually.

These tokens certainly would explain less frequent celebrations of the Lord's Supper. Can you imagine having to get around to everyone personally each week or even month?!?!

Originally Posted by Skyler

Originally Posted by Whitefield

Originally Posted by Skyler

Presumably it was because they didn't want to risk someone "sneaking" past without having actually been approved, requiring each person to turn over their token--though why someone couldn't just borrow/steal someone else's, I'm not sure.

Or create counterfeits.

Presumably that would be too much effort for such a person to go to, merely to attend a sacrament at the local church.

It was a joke.

Originally Posted by Whitefield

Originally Posted by Skyler

Originally Posted by Whitefield

Or create counterfeits.

Presumably that would be too much effort for such a person to go to, merely to attend a sacrament at the local church.

It was a joke.

I was uncertain owing to the lack of a smiley in your post. Therefore, I answered seriously, so as not to risk laughing at a serious post.

However, with your permission, I will now laugh at you:

Pastor Matthew has hit the nail on the head with the history of communion tokens. The Session would issue their own members with a token and they would hand it in at the service they visited.
They are still used by some Presbyterian churches in Scotland to this day. Usually at the Saturday preparatory service after the service has ended all intending communicants will be asked to remain for a few minutes. The Session will be constituted, there will be prayer made for those who come to the Table on the following morning and the Pastor will distribute to each person a token as they leave. At the communion service as we take our seats an elder will be present to receive the token.
Now supposing you turn up on Sunday morning with no token, you will be given one at the door.
Personally, I don't think it has any value in our current situation. However, some people receive benefit from it and I am sure that is why it continues in some congregations. The original situation where people travel to other congregations Communion has more or less passed, and besides the crowds aren't so great.
Some larger congregations in the Free Church of Scotland will issue membership cards to their own members and an elder will visit prior to communion. The card will be handed back in at some point in the communion service, either in the offering plate or to an elder at the door. I think the Church of Scotland also does this.
A number of congregations will have in addition to the Communion season, Communion services where no preparatory services have taken place. On these occasions neither tokens or cards will be used.

This seems to me to go way beyond 1 Cor. 11:27-32.

Originally Posted by Rich Koster

Interesting that lead was used.

It was not always lead that was used. I have brass, bronze, aluminum, and unidentified white metal Communion tokens in addition to lead and pewter. I have Church of Scotland, assorted Presbyterian, a few Congregational and even a couple of Scottish Episcopal Church Communion tokens.

I think it was called "Fencing the Table" as coined by the Scottish who abided by it...

Someone correct me if I'm wrong

still, interesting..

Originally Posted by ewenlin

I think it was called "Fencing the Table" as coined by the Scottish who abided by it...

Someone correct me if I'm wrong

still, interesting..

I can understand "fencing the table" by giving a strong warning from 1 Cor. 11:28. But I find no biblical or confessional warrant for examining a person each time before communion and issuing them a metal token.

I think what they did was to issue the tokens on a prior service to those who are members to be used at the communion the next day.. I'm trying to find the info for this still =(

There are factors that they had to deal with probably at that time which warrent-ed such practices? I stand to be corrected...

Ewen

I clicked on the home page link and found this gem. Bible Gum "One to Chew, One to Share."

I am thinking of the modern equivalent being a plastic membership card that could be swiped on a computer inside the door which would bring up all your communion history and any flagged reasons why the elders think you should not take it etc... with a complex sign up form with lots of boxes and "refer to question 22a" splashed throughout.

hahaha wouldn't that be the day... =p

Originally Posted by Whitefield

I can understand "fencing the table" by giving a strong warning from 1 Cor. 11:28. But I find no biblical or confessional warrant for examining a person each time before communion and issuing them a metal token.

I think the same warrant would be the warrant behind examining them at all. For one thing, it's fulfilling the positive side of the 6th commandment. The shepherds are to protect the sheep. Bear in mind that you don't have to be an unbeliever to unworthily partake.

I'm NOT arguing for the tokens. Just throwing my at your post.

Originally Posted by chbrooking

I think the same warrant would be the warrant behind examining them at all. For one thing, it's fulfilling the positive side of the 6th commandment. The shepherds are to protect the sheep. Bear in mind that you don't have to be an unbeliever to unworthily partake.

If this is a 6th commandment issue and under the requirement of a shepherd protecting the sheep (both solemn responsibilities), would you say that a pastor is to personally examine each communicant prior to each celebration of the Lord's supper?

The clearest statement in the Scriptures to this matter says this examination (and responsibility) is the responsibility of the communicant (1 Cor. 11:28 - ἑαυτον).

It was John Calvin who first saw the usefulness of tokens in such a system. He wrote, “Each person should receive tokens of lead for those of his household who were instructed; and the strangers who might come, on giving testimony of their faith, should also receive tokens, and those who had none should not be admitted to the tables”.

Presbyterian Church Communion Tokens

“Calvin therefore implemented the use of the table token in 1560. . .”

“Called to Confess” by Cornels Harinck






Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Originally Posted by Gesetveemet

It was John Calvin who first saw the usefulness of tokens in such a system. He wrote, “Each person should receive tokens of lead for those of his household who were instructed; and the strangers who might come, on giving testimony of their faith, should also receive tokens, and those who had none should not be admitted to the tables”.

This is not directed at you Gesetveemet, but at the linked page.

This is one of my pet peeves: why go to the trouble of quoting Calvin and not cite the source? I like to collect quotes and snippets, but refuse to use them unless there is a way to check the original.

I searched for the source before I posted but could not find it either. The bottom quote is supplied with the book reference.

Originally Posted by Gesetveemet

“Calvin therefore implemented the use of the table token in 1560. . .”

“Called to Confess” by Cornels Harinck

Originally Posted by Gesetveemet

I searched for the source before I posted but could not find it either. The bottom quote is supplied with the book reference.

Originally Posted by Gesetveemet

“Calvin therefore implemented the use of the table token in 1560. . .”

“Called to Confess” by Cornels Harinck

I wonder if Harinck cites the source.

I wonder if Harinck cites the source.

Negative

Originally Posted by Gesetveemet

I wonder if Harinck cites the source.

Negative

I guess I could say:

It was John Calvin who first saw the usefulness of helium over hydrogen in filling balloons. “Hydrogen explodeth much, but helium is peaceful”. Calvin therefore implemented the use of helium in 1560.

I am making fun not of tokens, etc. but of the lack of references in a quote.

From "Scotch Communion Services"by Rev William Milroy.(1881)
"After the benediction (after saturday morning service)the members of the Session are requested by the pastor to come forward in front of the pulpit, the Session is formally constituted by prayer, and "tokens" of admission to the Lord's table are distributed to intending Communicants.The use of tokens dates back to the first Reformation, and serves quietly to secure the exclusion of the unworthy....."
It is still the normal practice in the Free Church (continuing )The Free Church, and the Free Presbyterian Church , and probably in some ,at least of the Church of Scotland

The first suggestion for tokens used in fencing the table came from John Calvin and Peter Viret to the Council of Geneva on the 30th January 1560. The first use of tokens in Scotland was in St. Andrews on the 2nd May 1588. The use of tokens has a reformed history within the Presbyterian church.

Scottish and early America Presbyterian also practiced the use of communion tokens to facilitate the fencing of the Lord's table. The elders would hand out the tokens at a prior service to those deemed adequately preparted. Upon coming to the Lord's Table the tokens were collected before sitting at the table.

The use of tokens, from "The Code: The Book of Government
and Order of the RPC of Ireland";

==========QUOTE========================
9.10. The Lord's Supper shall be observed at least twice a
year. The Session in each congregation shall determine how
often the ordinance shall be observed and shall administer it
in a constituted capacity.

9.11. Public intimation of the date for observance of the
Lord's Supper shall be made in advance. Preparation
services shall be held at convenient times.
Intending communicants shall be furnished with tokens.
Session, acting on its previous judgement of the fitness of
each applicant, shall distribute the tokens [emphasis mine],
and many grant permission to visiting believers whose
profession and practice are known to them, to partake of the
Lord's Supper.

9.12. On the day on which the ordinance is to be observed,
after an appropriate sermon:-

(1) the Session shall be called forward;
(2) the minister shall read the scriptural authority for
observance of the sacrament, e.g. 1 Corinthians 11:23-28;
(3) the minister shall "Fence the Table" from an
appropriate portion of Scripture, and read the Terms of
Membership; solemn words of warning shall be spoken to
intending communicants urging them to careful self-
examination and deep searching of heard lest they should ear
and drink unworthily and so sin against "the body and blood
of the Lord"; words of loving invitation and encouragement
shall be given to those who are conscious of their sinfulness,
are truly repentant, place their trust on the atonement and
intercession of Jesus Christ, love Him as their Saviour, desire
to commemorate His death and pledge themselves anew to
His service;
(4) when the communicants have taken their places at
the Table and the tokens have been collected [ emphasis
mine], the minister shall take the bread and give thanks after
the example of Jesus Christ, and shall proceed to break the
bread and distribute the bread and wine as symbols of the
body and blood of Jesus Christ;
(5) a suitable address should be given to the
communicants while seated at the Table.

9.13. A Service of Thanksgiving should be held at a
convenient time following the observance of the Lord's
Supper, during which the minister may review the services
connected with the observance of the ordinance and deliver
such concluding appeals and exhortations as may appear
suitable.

9.14. In special circumstances, the Session may administer
the Lord's Supper in the home but there shall be public
intimation beforehand, and the administration shall be
preceded by the preaching of the Word.

-----An American Presbyterian Paper Token------

Originally Posted by ewenlin

I think it was called "Fencing the Table" as coined by the Scottish who abided by it...

Was that an intentional or unintentional pun?

Originally Posted by yeutter

Originally Posted by Rich Koster

Interesting that lead was used.

It was not always lead that was used. I have brass, bronze, aluminum, and unidentified white metal Communion tokens in addition to lead and pewter. I have Church of Scotland, assorted Presbyterian, a few Congregational and even a couple of Scottish Episcopal Church Communion tokens.

I thank you for more info. It may seem weird, but I enjoy looking at old Church articles. Are you a collector or did a family member hand this collection down to you?

Originally Posted by Rich Koster

Originally Posted by yeutter

Originally Posted by Rich Koster

Interesting that lead was used.

It was not always lead that was used. I have brass, bronze, aluminum, and unidentified white metal Communion tokens in addition to lead and pewter. I have Church of Scotland, assorted Presbyterian, a few Congregational and even a couple of Scottish Episcopal Church Communion tokens.

I thank you for more info. It may seem weird, but I enjoy looking at old Church articles. Are you a collector or did a family member hand this collection down to you?

I am a collector. I did not inherit them. I am a German American. We Germans did not go in for communion tokens much. I have a couple of hundred. I always have some for sale if somone needs one for Sabbath School instruction or some other purpose.

I own several Scottish communion tokens. They are still used by the Glasgow congregation of which my wife was a member when she lived in Scotland.

I am often bothered by the failure to fence the Lord’s table in American Presbyterian congregations. In a smaller congregation, the elders should know all the members personally and make an effort to speak with visitors. We do at SRPC. However, the pastor and elders have an obligation to guard the table, for the protection of both illicit communicants and the congregation.

I agree, fencing the table is something which should be done. How it is done is not the issue. In the early eastern liturgies there would be a portion of the service which included the reading of scripture and the singing of psalms, then before the recitation of the creed, the sub deacon would cry out, "the doors, the doors." At that time all the catechumans and those under suspension would leave. It was only then that the communion liturgy would begin

Originally Posted by yeutter

I agree, fencing the table is something which should be done. How it is done is not the issue. In the early eastern liturgies there would be a portion of the service which included the reading of scripture and the singing of psalms, then before the recitation of the creed, the sub deacon would cry out, "the doors, the doors." At that time all the catechumans and those under suspension would leave. It was only then that the communion liturgy would begin

Sounds like for them 1 Cor. 11:28 wasn't enough.

My wife shared with me what it was like at the service the night before communion in her Glasgow Free Church Continuing congregation. At some point, those who were to receive their communion tokens were asked to remain while the others left. She spoke of the pain of seeing those leave who were not to be included in the next day’s communion. But, then she realized this was nothing compared to the separation to occur at the great white throne judgment.

-----Added 5/5/2009 at 12:42:23 EST-----

Originally Posted by Whitefield

Sounds like for them 1 Cor. 11:28 wasn't enough.

1 Cor. 11:29-30-

For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.

-is sufficient reason to go beyond self examination. Elders are given authority to bind and loose.

I'm sure glad I don't need a lead token to get into heaven.

-----Added 5/5/2009 at 12:46:49 EST-----

Elders are given authority (where?) to bind and loose (what?).