Ratio disciplinae fratrum Nov-Anglorum. A faithful account of the discipline professed and practised; in…

Name: Ratio disciplinae fratrum Nov-Anglorum. A faithful account of the discipline professed and practised; in…
Author: Cotton Mather

Ratio disciplinae fratrum Nov-Anglorum. A faithful account of the discipline professed and practised; in the churches of New-England. : With interspersed and instructive reflections on the discipline of the primitive churches. : [Seven lines from Ezekiel]

Cotton Mather 1663–1728Boston: printed for S. Gerrish, 1726

[2], iv, 10, 207, [5] p. ; 18 cm. (8vo) · 57k words · Evans 2775

Title page typeset from the transcription.

We Proceed unto the Methods and Customs, IN THE CHURCHES OF New-Eng… › Article 5: ARTICLE V. The Administration of the Holy Supper.

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.

[ Earlier:227–242 of 557

:227p. 85

Some eminent Pastors (and some of their Churches) are of the Apprehension; That the Terms of Communion are an Ordinance of Christ, and must have a Word of Institution to Warrant them. And according to the Gospel, Orthodoxy in the Profession of the Truths of the Christian Religion, under which is comprised a Knowledge of these Truths, and this attended with a Conversation that becomes the Gospel of Christ, is that which is the Ground of reputing them to be Believers, and Receiving them into our Fellowship; and whatsoever more is required as a Test, is Supra Statutum. Yet there are some things, which though not regularly Required, may without Sin be Complied withal.

Some eminent Pastors (and some of their Churches) are of the Apprehension; That the Terms of Communion are an Ordinance of Christ, and must have a Word of Institution to Warrant them. And according to the Gospel, Orthodoxy in the Profession of the Truths of the Christian Religion, under which is comprized a Knowledge of these Truths, and this attended with a Conversation that becomes the Gospel of Christ, is that which is the Ground of reputing them to be Believers, and Receiving them into our Fellowship; and whatsoever more is required as a Test, is Supra Statutum. Yet there are some things, which though not regularly Required, may without Sin be Complied withal.

:228p. 85–86

Others apprehend, That nothing short of a Probable and Credible Profession of a Justifying Faith, qualifies for the Eucharist; where the Benefits of that Faith are sealed unto us: And, That in many a Man, of a Conversation free from Vice in the Opinion of the Neighbours, a good Examination may render it not probable and credible unto a Rational Charity, that he has yet attained unto a Justifying Faith. And, that therefore the Candidates of the Communion should be Examined, not only about their Knowledge, and their Belief, and a Conversation free from Scandal, but also about their Experimental Piety. Because it appears unto them the Law of Christ, That Communicants at the Table of the Lord, should be such as can and will Examine themselves; The Pastors thus persuaded, that they may do the part of Porters to the House of GOD, Examine ⟨p. 86⟩

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