N01201:169
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.
Book 3: The Third BOOK. Arguments to prove that Sanctifying Grace is not necessary, in order to…
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.
I foresee that Mr. Mather will object against this, from his digression, p. 20, 21. viz. That these persons do belong to the visible Catholic, but not to any particular instituted Church, and he has Dr. Owen for his voucher.
I foresee that Mr. Mather will object against this, from his digression, p. 20, 21. viz. That these persons do belong to the visible Catholick, but not to any particular instituted Church, and he has Dr. Owen for his voucher.
But this will not bear Examination; it is as if he should say, That the Children of the Town, were Members of Mankind, and Members of the Common Wealth, but not Members of the Town where they ⟨p. 69⟩dwell: Is it agreeable to reason to think that the Church stands in relation to them, and is bound to see to their Education, and that they stand in no relation to the Church? How unreasonable is it to think, that a Multitude of men should be reckoned of the Common Wealth of Israel, and have some Privileges for themselves and Children, and yet be under no Ecclesiastical Government? is not this quite contrary to the practice of these Churches, who have been wont to call many to account for their Misdemeanours, who were the Children of the Church?
But this will not bear Examination; it is as if he should say, That the Children of the Town, were Members of Mankind, and Members of the Common Wealth, but not Members of the Town where they ⟨p. 69⟩dwell: Is it agreable to reason to think that the Church stands in relation to them, and is bound to see to their Education, and that they stand in no relation to the Church? How unreasonable is it to think, that a Multitude of men should be reckoned of the Common Wealth of Israel, and have some Priviledges for themselves and Children, and yet be under no Ecclesiastical Government? is not this quite contrary to the practice of these Churches, who have been wont to call many to account for their Misdemenours, who were the Children of the Church?