A61661:107
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.
This Ordinance hath a proper tendency to draw sinners to Christ; in this Ordinance there is a particular Invitation to sinners, to come to Christ for Pardon, here is an affecting Representation of the Virtue of Christs sufferings, here is a Seal whereby the Truth of the Gospel is confirmed, all which are very proper to draw sinners to Christ.
If the Lords Supper be only for the strengthening of Saints, then they who are not Saints do profane the Ordinance, when they do partake, and it is not Lawful for them to partake, and then they that do not know themselves to be Saints, don't know that it is Lawful for them to partake, and so far as any Man hath scruples about his Saintship, he must proportionably have scruples about the Lawfulness of his Participation, and so Sacrament Days which should be Days of Comfort, will become Days of Torment.
All other Ordinances are appointed for Regeneration, Prayer, hearing the Word, Baptism; so likewise the censures are, that the Soul may be saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus; they are to further Mens Regeneration, in case they be not Converted already, and it would be strange if the Lords Supper alone should not be appointed for that end, whereas it hath a proper tendency thereunto, and many that come to that Ordinance by the appointment of Christ, stand in as much need of it, as those that partake of other Ordinances.