CXI propositions concerning the ministry and government of the ChurchCXI propositions concerning the ministerie and government of the Church

Seeing then in the holy Supper, that is in the receiving the Sacramental Elements (which is here distinguished from the Prayers and Exhortations accompanying that action) the benefits of the Gospel are not first received, but for them being received are thanks given; neither by partaking thereof doth God bestow the very spiritual life, but doth preserve, cherish and perfect that life; and seeing the Word of God is accounted in the manner of letters patents, but Sacraments like seals, (as rightly the Helvetian Confession saith, Chap. 19.) it plainly followeth that those are to be kept back from the Lords Supper, which by their fruits and manners do prove themselves to be ungodly or impenitent, and strangers or aliens from all communion with Christ▪ Nor are the promises of Grace sealed to any other then to those to whom these promises do belong, for otherwise the seal annexed should contradict and gainsay the letters patents; and by the visible Word those should be loosed and remitted, which by the audible Word are bound and condemned: But this is such an absurdity, as ⟨p. 9⟩that if any would, yet he cannot smooth or heal it with any plaster.

Seeing then in the holy Supper, that is in the receiving the Sacramentall Elements (which is here distinguished from the Prayers and Exhortations accompanying that action) the benefits of the Gospel are not first received, but for them being received are thanks given; neither by partaking thereof doth God bestow the very spirituall life, but doth preserve, cherish and perfect that life; and seeing the Word of God is accounted in the manner of letters patents, but Sacraments like seals, (as rightly the Helvetian Confession saith, Chap. 19.) it plainly followeth that those are to be kept back from the Lords Supper, which by their fruits and manners doe prove themselves to be ungodly or impenitent, and strangers or alients from all communion with Christ Nor are the promises of Grace sealed to any other then to those to whom these promises doe belong, for otherwise the seal annexed should contradict and gainsay the letters patents; and by the visible Word those should bee loosed and remitted, which by the audible Word are bound and condemned: But this is such an absurdity, as