N01147:35
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.
This being the Question, I maintain the Negative.
My first Argument shall be that which being Cleared, may be Instar Omnium; it is this, Assertions which are contrary to many Scriptures, ought not to be received by the Churches. But the impleaded Assertions are contrary to many Scriptures. I begin with a Scripture, which is like a flaming Sword to keep all Unregenerate Persons from daring to approach unto the Holy Table of the Lord: It is in, Mat. 22. 11, 12. And when the King came in to see the Guests, he saw there a man ⟨p. 4⟩which had not on a Wedding Garment; and he faith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither, not having a Wedding Garment? And he was speechless. When it is said, How camest thou in hither? It is as much to say, Thou art a bold Intruder, thou oughtest not to be here. It is then Evident, that they who come to the Lords Table without a Wedding Garment, are Guests more bold than welcome. The Church is the House where the Marriage Feast is […]. 'Tis true, that the Servants were […] added to Invite all; but (as our Great Cotton (a)observes) they were not commanded, to bring all into the House; but such as in Obedience to the Invitation put on the Wedding Garment. Otherwise the Servants themselves would displease the Lord by bringing in such unmeet Guests to his Holy Table. As he was offended with the Guest that presumed to come without the Wedding Garment, so he must needs be offended with the Servants for affronting him with such a Guest, had not they who are not able to discern as their Lord can, thought him to be adorned with that Garment. Could the Guest have said, The Servants found me in my Rags, and commanded me in their Lords Name to ⟨p. 5⟩come; if they had not also required him to put on the Wedding Garment in order to his coming to their Lords Table, he would not have been speechless. For he might have said, I was commanded to come; and therefore why am I taxed for coming? The scope of the Parable is (as Mr. Baxter