N01147:102
A dissertation, wherein the strange doctrine lately published in a sermon, the tendency of…
A dissertation, wherein the strange doctrine lately published in a sermon, the tendency of which, is, to encourage unsanctified persons (while such) to approach the holy table of the Lord, is examined and confuted. With an appendix, showing what Scripture ground there is to hope, that within a very few years there will be a glorious reformation of the church throughout the world. / By I. Mather, D.D. ; [Six lines of Scripture texts]A dissertation, wherein the strange doctrine lately published in a sermon, the tendency of which, is, to encourage unsanctified persons (while such) to approach the holy table of the Lord, is examined and confuted. With an appendix, shewing what Scripture ground there is to hope, that within a very few years there will be a glorious reformation of the church throughout the world. / By I. Mather, D.D. ; [Six lines of Scripture texts]
Boston: printed by B. Green for Benj. Eliot, 1708
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
THE Cardinal Argument which Mr. S. his Discourse mainly turns upon, is taken from the Law of the Passover. Such Persons, (he says) as might Lawfully come to the Passover, may also if they have Knowledge to Discern the Lords body: (he intends no more than a doctrinal discerning, or he says nothing) come to the Lords Supper. But Unregenerate Persons might come to the Passover, therefore to the Lords Supper. Answ. Negatur Major omnino. The first Proposition is denied. The Passover was appointed for the National Church of Israel. A Learned (p)Doctor in Subjects of this Nature, has ⟨p. 74⟩Evinced, That the Church under the Gospel is Congregational, and not National. When there was a National Church, there was a Worship for the whole Nation, as a Nation to come unto. If a National Church is of Divine Institution under the New-Testament, then there must be National Officers. This will bring us to an High Priest. A late (q)Apostate Independent Anabaptist, who is turned a Zealous Conformist, & become Osor sui Ordinis, as Apostates use to be, thinks that the Christian Church should for Orders sake be under an High Priest. This will infallibly bring us to the Pontiff at Rome. So then this Argument from the Passover, which was Proper to the Israelitish Nation, does not demonstrate what it has been produced for. Although' Gospel Mysteries were Typified by the Passover, Nevertheless, it was Instituted in Special to be a Commemoration of a wonderful Deliverance to that Nation, on which account the whole Nation were to observe it. But to reason from thence, that therefore all who are called Christians, should come to the Lords Supper, is inconsequent Argumentation. But if Mr. S. had reasoned thus, the whole Nation of Israel being ⟨p. 75⟩the Subjects of a Redemption out of Egypt, they and they only might eat the Passover, which was Instituted as a Commemoration of that Redemption. In like manner, the holy Nation of true Believers, being the Peculiar People, who are the Subjects of the Redemption of Christ, all & only they have a right to Partake of the Lords Supper, which was Instituted to be a Commemoration of that blessed Redemption; his Argument would have been Sound & Solid, and Gospel Truth: But what does his arguing Prove, as by him Propounded!