A61661:104
The doctrine of instituted churches explained and proved from the word of God
The doctrine of instituted churches explained and proved from the word of God by Solomon Stoddard ...
London: printed for Ralph Smith, 1700
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Answ. They may and ought to come, tho they know themselves to be in a Natural Condition; this Ordinance is instituted for all the Adult Members of the Church who are not scandalous, and therefore must be attended by them; as no Man may neglect Prayer, or hearing the Word, because he cannot do it in Faith, so he may not neglect the Lords Supper.
The Lords Supper is Instituted to be a means of Regeneration, it is not appointed for the Converting of Men to the Christian Religion, for only such as are Converted may partake of it; but it is not only for the strengthening of Saints, but a means also to work saving Regeneration.
There be many, according to the Ordinance of Christ, to be admitted to the Lords Supper, who are not Regenerate, Matth. 25.1,2. The Kingdom of Heaven is like ten Virgins, five of them were Wise, and five Foolish, and it can have no other immediate end respecting these, but their Conversion; the end of all Ordinances is salvation, and therefore to these Men it must be Regeneration, for without it, they cannot be saved.