N01147:74
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.
pretends to be a Presbyterian, I wish he were so, one like the Presbyterian, I wish he were so, one like the Presbyterians of the Union in London,& I should have no contest with him, as to the Question now before us. But sure I am, that his Notions are some of them as Contrary to the Presbyterian Principles as any thing can be. Nor are there any Men in the World who have Written more Strenuously against that Error of the Sacraments being a Converting Ordinance, then Presbyterians have done. Mr. Gillespy a Famous Presbyterian in Scotland, has by twenty Arguments Proved that the Sacrament is not by Divine Institutions a Converting, but a Confirming Ordinance. Mr. S. has been heard saying that those Arguments were weak Childish things. A greater deference to so Learned and holy a Man would better have become him. Mr. Baxter (whom the World must acknowledge to be a Man of a great Acumen) was as able to Judge of the strength of an Argument as Mr. S. Yet he has defended Mr. Gillespies ⟨p. 44⟩Twenty Arguments against Mr. Prins Exceptions, Mr. Gataker a most Learned Presbyterian has proved (and confirmed his Assertion by a Cloud of Witnesses among the Ancients) the Sacraments are not Converting Ordinances. Mr. Vines was also a Learned Presbyterian, who in his Treatise of the Lords Supper demonstrates, that it is not a Converting Ordinance. For thus he reasoneth.
1. No effects can be ascribed to this Sacrament which fall not under the signification of it, they do not Exhibit any grace, but what they signify or figure out the sign and the Thing signified are not such Strangers, as that one thing be signified, and another wrought: But the Conversion of a Sinner is not signified in the Sacrament, or Sealed. There is no outward Element that sets it forth to us. Bread, and Wine speak Nourishment, but not the giving Life. Does Bread and Wine give life to one that is Dead; Meat is not set before Dead Folks.
1. No effects can be ascribed to this Sacrament which fall not under the signification of it, they do not Exhibit any grace, but what they signifie or figure out the sign and the Thing signified are not such Strangers, as that one thing be signified, and another wrought: But the Conversion of a Sinner is not signified in the Sacrament, or Sealed. There is no outward Element that sets it forth to us. Bread, and Wine speak Nourishment, but not the giving Life. Does Bread and Wine give life to one that is Dead; Meat is not set before Dead Folks.