N01201:210
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.
The minor is evident from hence: That doctrine that has a direct tendency to discourage many godly Men from doing their duty, and the means of their comfort, and to make their attending of their duty to be a torment to them, is not according to the Scripture. For one great design in the Scripture is to encourage godly men to do their duty: but this doctrine has quite another tendency.
There be many godly men, that are not assured of their Conversion: but are exercised with many fears about their Sincerity: though Grace be visible, yet several Persons that have it do not certainly know it. Grace may be so counterfeited, and false hearts may go so far ⟨p. 87⟩in Religion, that many godly men are held down with great Suspicions that they are not godly, especially at times. Hence godly men are advised to give all diligence to make their Calling & Election sure, 2 Pet. 1.10. And this doctrine has two bad effects upon them.
1. It makes them neglect the Lords Supper. It is their duty to attend it: it is one of the holy appointments of Jesus Christ; and we owe this Service to Christ to show forth his Death, and give our testimony before the world, to the virtue of his blood, which is an honour and glory to him; and this Service is of great consequence to our selves to draw forth the actings of faith, to strengthen our comfort and to quicken us in a way of Obedience: but several as choice Persons for godliness as any, so far as men can judge, have been so discouraged by this doctrine, that they have neglected the Lords Supper; and continued at least for some time in the Omission of this Ordinance.