N01201:71
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.
1. The efficacy of the Lords Supper does depend upon the blessing of God. What ever tendency Ordinances have in their own nature to be Serviceable to men, yet they will not prevail any further than God doth bless them. The weapons of our warfare are mighty through God, 2 Cor. 10.4. It is God that teaches men to profit, and makes them profitable and serviceable to mens Souls.
2. There is reason to hope for a divine blessing on the Lords Supper, when it is administered to those that it ought to be administered unto. Gods blessing is to be expected in Gods way: if men act according to their own humours & fancies, ⟨p. 28⟩and don't keep in a way of Obedience, it is presumption to expect Gods blessing. Mat. 15.9. In vain do they worship me teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of men: but when they are admitted to the Lords Supper that God would have to be admitted, there is ground to hope that he will make it profitable.
2. There is reason to hope for adivine blessing on the Lords Supper, when it is administred to those that it ought to be administred unto. Gods blessing is to be expected in Gods way: if men act according to their own humours & phansies, ⟨p. 28⟩and don't keep in a way of Obedience, it is presumption to expect Gods blessing. Mat. 15.9. In vain do they worship me teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of men: but when they are admitted to the Lords Supper that God would have to be admitted, there is ground to hope that he will make it profitable.