N01147:75
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.
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.
2. This Sacrament by the Institution of it, Presupposeth those that reap the benefits of it to be Converts, and in Grace, to have Faith in Christ, and to be living Members, And if this is presupposed by this Ordinance, then it is not first wrought ⟨p. 45⟩by it. They are Children whose Bread this is: Living Members, and not Wooden Legs that are capable of this benefit.
3. The Word is the only Instrument to beget Faith. And therefore men without Faith may be invited to Hear the Word. If they come not With Faith, they may come Far Faith. If they come Unclean, they may yet come to be Cleansed: But the Lords Supper is not of that Nature. It supposeth some Foundation laid by the Word, that it may have Effect. The Converting Ordinance must go before the Confirming. Thus Mr. Vines. To that Objection, that a man may possibly be Converted at the Lords Supper, he answers; That it is possible that a man may be Converted by some words uttered at the Ordination of a Minister; but will any one thence infer, that Ordination is a Converting Ordinance.