N01201:102
An appeal to the learned. Being a vindication of the right of visible saints…
An appeal to the learned. Being a vindication of the right of visible saints to the Lords Supper, though they be destitute of a saving work of God's spirit on their hearts: against the exceptions of Mr. Increase Mather. / By Solomon Stoddard, Pastor of Northampton. ; [Two lines from Daniel]
Boston: printed by B. Green for Samuel Phillips, 1709
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. If we take communicating worthily in the Apostles sense, 1 Cor. 11.29. For discerning the Lords body, it is not impossible for them to communicate worthily; they may understand the nature of the Ordinance very well, and be able to instruct others in it.
2. If we take communicating worthily in his sense, for exercising Faith & other Graces, at the time of participation, it is not impossible for those that came to the Ordinance in an Unregenerate condition to partake worthily. God may give them Grace at that time. Mr. Timson who was bred up under Mr. Robert Bolton, and wrote two Books judiciously upon this Subject, to the good acceptance of many Godly and Learned men, received the first impression of Gods Grace at this Ordinance. ⟨p. 40⟩As Mr. John Humphrey gives the Account. And indeed all men when they come to the Lords Supper, depend upon the help of God for communicating in Faith; if God don't assist Godly men, it is impossible for them to do it; and if God do not change the hearts of natural men, it is impossible for them to do it. But one and the other must lie in Gods way and so wait upon him for his Grace.
2. If we take communicating worthily in his sense, for exercising Faith & other Graces, at the time of participation, it is not impossible for those that came to the Ordinance in an Unregenerate condition to partake worthily. God may give them Grace at that time. Mr. Timson who was bred up under Mr. Robert Bolton, and wrote two Books judiciously upon this Subject, to the good acceptance of many Godly and Learned men, received the first impression of Gods Grace at this Ordinance. ⟨p. 40⟩As Mr. John Humphry gives the Account. And indeed all men when they come to the Lords Supper, depend upon the help of God for communicating in Faith; if God don't assist Godly men, it is impossible for them to do it; and if God do not change the hearts of natural men, it is impossible for them to do it. But one and the other must ly in Gods way and so wait upon him for his Grace.