N01201:73
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.
3. That it is Gods will that such as are in the judgment of rational Charity Believers, be admitted to the Lords Supper, tho' they be Unregenerate: God allows his Church to accept of such Unregenerate men as carry themselves so, that there is reason to look upon them to be Saints, he would not have his Church to admit those that are profane, that would be a great offence to him; but the Apostles did receive those that were to Charity Believers, and Churches now ought to receive such, what-ever they be in reality. From these things it is most apparent that the Lords Supper may be looked on a Converting Ordinance, for Church Members that carry orderly, yet not for profane Persons.
3. That it is Gods will that such as are in the judgment of rational Charity Believers, be admitted to the Lords Supper, tho' they be Unregenerate: God allows his Church to accept of such Unregenerate men as carry themselves so, that there is reason to look upon them to be Saints, he would not have his Church to admit those that are prophane, that would be a great offence to him; but the Apostles did receive those that were to Charity Believers, and Churches now ought to receive such, what-ever they be in reality. From these things it is most apparent that the Lords Supper may be looked on a Converting Ordinance, for Church Members that carry orderly, yet not for prophane Persons.
Mr Mather argues that if the Lords Supper be a converting Ordinance, then it should be administered to profane. Persons, ⟨p. 29⟩may he not with as good reason argue, that if it be an Ordinance for the strengthening of Grace, it should be administered to such Godly men as have fallen into Scandalous transgressions, for they need to have their Grace strengthened.
Mr Mather argues that if the Lords Supper be a converting Ordinance, then it should be administred to prophane. Persons, ⟨p. 29⟩may he not with as good reason argue, that if it be an Ordinance for the strengthning of Grace, it should be administred to such Godly men as have fallen into Scandalous transgressions, for they need to have their Grace strengthened.