N01201:33
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.
Here our Reverend Author informs us, That the Jewish Masters tell us, that their Fathers were very strict in admitting of Proselytes, they say they admitted no Proselytes in Davids time, least they should join themselves to his People out of fear; nor in Solomons time, least they should come because of the great Prosperity that Israel then had.
To which I may Answer in the Apostles words, 1 Tim. 1.4. Neither give beed to fables. If it were really so it was utterly cross to the institution of God: Exod. 12.47, 48. but undoubtedly the thing is utterly false: David mentions the Proselytes in his time, as a great body of People: Psal. 115.12, 13. He will bless the house of Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, be will bless them that fear the Lord. By them that fear the Lord, we are to understand the Proselytes. So Psal. 135.19, 20. Bless the Lord O house of Israel, bless the Lord O house of Aaron, bless the Lord O house of Levi: Ye that fear the Lord, bless the Lord. Proselytes in the Old Testament are called Fearers of ⟨p. 12⟩God, in the New-Testament, they are called Worshippers of God: Act. 16.14. And Solomon in his Prayer, 1 King. 8.41, 42. Saith, That the stranger shall come from afar Country, for Gods Name sake, hearing of his Great Name, and his Strong Hand.