An appeal to the learned. Being a vindication of the right of visible saints…

If these things which I have Written be impartially considered, it will appear that Mr. Mather has not proved any mistake in the Sermon, that he has showed so much zeal against; indeed Mr. Mather has in a manner given the case. (1.) By owning that the Church ought to receive Unregenerate men, provided they are Godly to rational Charity. (2.) That it is the duty of persons to come to the Lords-Supper, if after Examination they cannot but hope, that there is a good work begun in them.

If these things which I have Written be impartially considered, it will appear that Mr. Mather has not proved any mistake in the Sermon, that he has shewed so much zeal against; indeed Mr. Mather has in a manner given the case. (1.) By owning that the Church ought to receive Unregenerate men, provided they are Godly to rational Charity. (2.) That it is the duty of persons to come to the Lords-Supper, if after Examination they cannot but hope, that there is a good work begun in them.

I will conclude this defence, of my Self, and my Sermon against which Mr. Mather has Written, with my assurance of my Brethren in the Ministry, and all good Men, That I differ from none of them in a strict Opinion of the Straightness of the Gate, and Narrowness of the Way that leads to Life; nor of the Necessity of Sincere Repentance, true Faith and Obedience, to all the Commandments of the Gospel, in all such as Expect Salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, of which the Participation in the Sacraments of the New-Testament of themselves, give no Assurance, as is evident from our Saviours answer at the Great Day to such as challenge, to have Eaten and Drank in his Presence; yet am well assured, they are the Ordinances and path of Life, in which every Christian ought to walk; and I dare not my self, as one of the Stewards in Gods House, refuse his Bread to such as regularly demand it, upon the Terms mentioned in this small Tract, in which I am well confirmed by the Practice of so many Protestant Churches; nor am I at all Startled by ⟨p. 97⟩any mans Opinion to the contrary. All Protestants agree that there is no Infallibility at Rome; and I know no body pretends to any else since the Apostles days; nor do I fear the Athenian accusation of Novelty any more than the great Apostle, and because we must all answer for our selves to our Great Master, I am contented, and hope I live daily in a Preparation for that Account. In the mean time, I will carry it as I ought to all good men of another Opinion, least I be found beginning to beat my Fellow-Servant, when my Lord shall come; being well assured, That if a strict discipline be maintained in the Churches of Christ, all Unworthy Communicants will be far more easily convinced and reformed, than if I should refuse them what is their just due, and thereby Scandalize them, to their Offence, and it may be to their Ruin.