N01201:228
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 shall give the World an Account how the matter was acted. Some of the Elders in the Synod had drawn up a Conclusion, ⟨p. 94⟩That persons should make a Relation of the work of Gods Spirit upon their hearts, in order to coming into full Communion. Some others of the Elders objected against it, and after some discourse it was agreed to have a dispute on that question, Whether those Professors of Religion as are of good Conversation, are not to be admitted to full Communion, provided that they are able to Examine themselves, and discern the Lords body. Mr. Mather held the Negative; I laboured to make good the Affirmative: The result was, That they blotted out that clause of Making a Relation of the work of Gods Spirit, and put in the room of it, The Making a Profession of their Faith and Repentance; and so I Voted with the Rest, and am of the same judgment still; yet this Vote is mentioned as condemning my Opinion.
What can we suppose to be the reason, that Divines in reckoning up those benefits that flow from Effectual Calling, take no notice of a right to the Lords Supper, they reckon Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Peace of Conscience, Joy in the Holy Ghost, Assurance of Gods Love, &c. ⟨p. 95⟩But I meet with none that reckon a right to the Lords-Supper among those benefits: I can give no other reason than this, That it is not accounted of by them a peculiar Privilege of those that are Effectually Called; but the Privilege of visible Believers: neither would Pastors of Churches satisfy their Consciences, to forbear warning of such as were convinced that they were in a Natural Estate, to refrain coming to the Lords Supper, if they did judge it to be a Sinful and Dangerous thing for them to come.
What can we suppose to be the reason, that Divines in reckoning up those benefits that flow from Effectual Calling, take no notice of a right to the Lords Supper, they reckon Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Peace of Conscience, Joy in the Holy Ghost, Assurance of Gods Love, &c.