N01147:73
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.
There were in the midst of Antichrist's reign, when the Church and true Christianity all Europe over was overwhelmed with Popish Darkness, holy Churches in Bohemia. A late (w)Excellent Writer, who has made notable enquiries and discoveries in Apocalyptical Mysteries, supposeth that the Bohemian Churches are in special intended, by the Hundred Forty Four Thousand, who stood with the Lamb on Mount Zion, being the first Fruits unto God; a large harvest of Professors of the true Religion being to appear a Hundred Years after them. These Bohemian Churches made great Conscience not to admit Persons into their Communion, except they were in the Judgment of rational charity Godly Persons. Comenius, (x)who had reason to know it, giveth us an account how very strict they were in admissions to the Lords Supper, requiring not only a Profession of Christianity, but Sincere repentance appearing in the Fruits of it. The ⟨p. 42⟩Reformation which began in Germany by Luther, was at first very Imperfect: All forts of Persons were admitted to the Sacrament; Luther was at first much disaffected towards the strict Discipline of the Bohemian Churches: But afterward he changed his Judgment, and greatly admired the Gospel Order among them. This was a change for the better, tho' Popish Authors have sufficiently abused him for it. Many of the most Eminent Reformers were for a strict Discipline respecting Admissions to the Lords Table. Calvin began it in Geneva, (y)although' he thereby made some of the greatest men in the City to become his Enemies. Beza (z)laments the remissness of the Protestant Churches in this matter, and adviseth that the Persons admitted to the Lords Table should be Men with Converted Hearts. Bucer (a)finds fault with the English Congregations for their want of due care therein, and that Persons who had been Baptised, were admitted to the Lords Supper before they were duly qualified. He insists on it, that there should be manifest signs of Repentance in them before they Partake at the Lords Table. Chamior,