N01147:64
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.
CHAP. V.
The Fifth Argument Produced. That if the Lords Supper were appointed to be a Converting Ordinance, it ought not to be with-held from the Profanest Men in the World. The oddness of that Nation, that the Sacrament is appointed to be a Converting Ordinance to Church Members, and to no body else but a Church Member. Mr. Gillespy, Judgeth this to be an Irrational conceit. Church censure is appointed for the recovery of a fallen Brother, rather then for the Conversion of an Unconverted Person.
The Fifth Argument Produced. That if the Lords Supper were appointed to be a Converting Ordinance, it ought not to be with-held from the Profanest Men in the World. The oddness of that Nation, that the Sacrament is appointed to be a Converting Ordinance to Church Members, and to no body else but a Church Member. Mr. Gillespy, Judgeth this to be an Irrational conceit. Churchcensure is appointed for the recovery of a fallen Brother, rather then for the Conversion of an Unconverted Person.
Another Argument which is a clear Confutation of what Mr. S. affirms, is this, If the Lords Supper is a Converting Ordinance, then Profane Persons ought to be admitted to partake of it. For we may not withhold from the Profanest Person in the World that which is appointed to be the means of his Conversion. Nay, the more Wicked any are, the greater reason there is that the means of Conversion should be applied unto them. Therefore it is that the Gospel is to be Preached unto the worst of Sinners, yea, to Publicans the worst of men, and to Harlots the worst of Women, because that is an Ordinance appointed for Conversion, Mat. 21. 31. But such are not to be admitted to the Lords Supper. Mr. S. ⟨p. 34⟩