N01147:90
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. VIII.
Mr. S. his Arguments brought under Examination. Most of them do as strongly Prove, That Scandalous Unregenerate Persons may be admitted to the Lords Supper, as that Non-Scandalous ones may. The Objection of Johns Baptism considered. Baptismal Regeneration an Error. A Minister that knows himself to be Unregenerate ought not to Administer the Lords Supper, whilst in his present State. The Example of Judas no Demonstration. It cannot be Proved that he was admitted to the Lords Supper.
Mr. S. his Arguments brought under Examination. Most of them do as strongly Prove, That Scandalous Unregenerate Persons may be admitted to the Lords Supper, as that Non-Scandalous ones may. The Objection of Johns Baptism considered. Baptismal Regeneration an Error. A Minister that knows himself to be Unregenerate ought not to Administer the Lords Supper, whilest in his present State. The Example of Judas no Demonstration. It cannot be Proved that he was admitted to the Lords Supper.
Having Proved the Negative, (notwithstanding, Affirmanti in cumbit probatio) in ⟨p. 65⟩the Question before us, it remains that we take into consideration what Mr. S. does allege for his new Tenet, he confesseth that Scandalous Unregenerates ought not to be admitted to the Lords Supper, which is a good confession so far as it goeth. Yet most of his objections against the Doctrine commonly received in the Churches, do as much enforce the admission of Scandalous as of Non-Scandalous Unregenerates to the Sacred Table, as in the Sequel of our Discourse will appear. He pretends (page 10) that it is not to be imagined that all Baptised by John were Regenerate, or judged by him to be so. But with what reason does he confirm his Assertion? With none at all. Why might not John judge all the Persons by him Baptised as Regenerate? I doubt not but John had more Charity for his Disciples then Mr. S. seems to have, considering that those Baptised by him confessed their Sins, and Professed Repentance, and brought forth fruits meet for Repentance: He would have been uncharitable in not judging them to be Regenerate,