N01147:34
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.
IN Mr. Stoddard's Sermon on Exodus xii. 47, 48. lately Published, there are many Passages which have given Offence to the Churches in New England, as being contrary to the Doctrine which they have learned from the Scriptures, and from those blessed Servants of the Lord, who were the Instruments in the hand of Christ in building Sanctuaries ⟨p. 2⟩for His Name, in this part of the Earth. But there are Especially two Heterodox Assertions therein; One is, That Sanctification is not a necessary qualification to Partaking in the Lords Supper. The other is, That the Lords Supper is a Converting Ordinance; Consequently, That Persons who know themselves to be in an Unregenerate Estate, may & ought to approach unto the Holy Table of the Lord, whilst they remain in their Sins. For the right Stating of the controversy, we must remember that the Question is not (as some of Mr. S. his Arguings do insinuate) Whether the Church must certainly know that those whom they admit to their Communion are Sincere in their Profession of Faith, and Repentance; for God only knows the hearts of all men. Nor is the Question, Whether a Christian must have Assurance of his being in a good Estate before his Partaking; for that Ordinance is appointed for true tho' weak Believers, that so their Faith may be Strengthened. And there are many weak but true Believers, who have not Assurance, and for them with due Preparation to attend upon the Lord in this holy Institution, is the way to obtain Assurance. Nor is the Question, Whether Persons Orthodox in Judgment, and not Scandalous in their Conversation, are not to be Esteemed as true Believers: ⟨p. 3⟩To Affirm that would not be an Error comparable to Mr. S. his Positions. I conceive more than that, or then a mere Negative Righteousness, is requisite as a sufficient ground for Rational Charity, to conclude that there is a Work of Saving Grace wrought in the Soul: The Scripture acknowledgeth none to be Righteous, but such as Positively do Righteousness, 1 Job. 3. 7. And Mr. S. himself complains of those who judge men to be Converted because […] carry themselves Civilly & Religiously. But the Question is, Whether God requires Unsanctified Persons while such, to come to his Table; and Consequently, Whether the Church may admit into their Holy Communion in Special Ordinances, such as are not in the judgment of rational Charity, true Believers?