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Title page of The inexcusableness of neglecting the worship of God, under a pretence of being in…, 1708The inexcusableness of neglecting the worship of God, under a pretence of being in…Solomon Stoddard, 1708

The Inexcusableness OF NEGLECTING THE Worship of GOD, under a pretence of being in an Unconverted Condition.

pp. 1–2851 passagespart 1 of 2

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.

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The Inexcusableness OF NEGLECTING THE Worship of GOD, under a pretence of being in an Unconverted Condition.

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Exodus XII. 47, 48. All the Congregation of Israel shall keep it. And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, let all his Males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it: and he shall be as one that is born in the land: for no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof.

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IN this Chapter we have the Institution of the Passover, and the several Laws and Ordinances, that were to be attended in the celebration of it. Two of which are set down in these Verses: First, v. 47. All the Congregation of Israel shall keep it. This must be understood with its exceptions. ⟨p. 2⟩Those that were Unclean, were not to keep it until they were cleansed: Numb. 9. 13. The man that is clean & is not in a journey, and forbeareth to keep the Passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from his People. Another exception was of the Females: Women were not bound to go to the place which God should choose, where the Passover was to be kept: Exod. 23. 17. Three times in the year shall all thy Males appear before the Lord God. Yet when they were present they were bound to keep it. Exod. 12. 4. If the household be too little for the Lamb, let him & his neighbour next unto his house, take it according to the number of the souls. Most probably also, they that were cut off from their People by a sentence of Excommunication, were not to keep it. Secondly, v. 48. The stranger is allowed to keep it upon two conditions. (1) That he did desire it. Sometimes strangers that dwelt among them, became proselytes and did desire to keep this Ordinance as they were not to be compelled, so they were not to be rejected, if they desired it in an orderly way. (2) That all his Males were circumcised. Circumcision was a token of God's Covenant, when they were circumcised, they were incorporated, and became as those, who were born in the Land, and enjoyed equal privileges with natural Israelites.

The Inexcusableness OF NEGLECTING THE Worship of GOD, under a pretence of being in an Unconverted Condition.

pp. 1–2851 passagespart 1 of 2

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.

:15p. 1

The Inexcusableness OF NEGLECTING THE Worship of GOD, under a pretence of being in an Unconverted Condition.

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The whole Congregation whether sincerely Godly or not, were to keep the Passover: Sanctifying Grace is an inestimable blessing, far beyond all the common gifts of the Spirit; it is the very Life of the Soul, it fits it to serve God & to enjoy communion with him; and Sanctifying Grace is necessary to Salvation: without holiness no man can see the face of God: Yea, Sanctifying Grace is necessary to the acceptable attendance of every duty of Worship; if men were not holy their offerings were not acceptable, nor their Sacrifices sweet to God: but Sanctifying Grace is not necessary to the lawful attending of any duty of Worship: if men be not holy, yet it is lawful for them to attend any duty of Worship: No duty of Worship is forbidden to men, because they are destitute of Sanctifying Grace. From the beginning of the World to this day, Men were never forbidden any duty of Worship, for want of Sanctifying Grace. Sanctifying Grace is necessary unto the right discharge of moral duties, as well as instituted: but it is not necessary unto the lawful attending of Moral duties, or the lawful attending of Instituted duties; and as men may not excuse themselves from moral duties from the want of Grace, so they may not excuse themselves from any duty of Worship.

The whole Congregation whether sincerely Godly or not, were to keep the Passover: Sanctifying Grace is an inestimable blessing, far beyond all the common gifts of the Spirit; it is the very Life of the Soul, it fus it to serve God & to enjoy communion with him; and Sanctifying Grace is necessary to Salvation: without holiness no man can see the face of God: Yea, Sanctifying Grace is necessary to the acceptable attendance of every duty of Worship; if men were not holy their offerings were not acceptable, nor their Sacrifices sweet to God: but Sanctifying Grace is not necessary to the lawful attending of any duty of Worship: if men be not holy, yet it is lawful for them to attend any duty of Worship: No duty of Worship is forbidden to men, because they are destitute of Sanctifying Grace. From the beginning of the World to this day, Men were never forbidden any duty of Worship, for want of Sanctifying Grace. Sanctifying Grace is necessary unto the right discharge of moral duties, as well as instituted: but it is not necessary unto the lawful attending of Moral duties, or the lawful attending of Instituted duties; and as men may not excuse themselves from moral duties from the want of Grace, so they may not excuse themselves from any duty of Worship.

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2. Hearing of the Word. Men must assemble themselves on the Sabbath to hear the Word. Lev. 23. 3. The seventh day is a Sabbath of rest an boly convocation. Ungodly men must do it in order to their Conversion: The Word of God is the Means of Conversion: Jam. 1. 18. Of his own will begat he us by the word of truth. The word of God teaches men to turn to God: it holds forth Conviction, Warning, Encouragement & Direction. Rom. 10. 14. How shall they believe on him, of whom they have not heard. The word of God is the means of Regeneration: Psal. 19. 7. The law of the Lord is perfect Converting the Soul. Therefore Ministers must Preach the Word to all sorts of men, good & bad, Christ Preached to the Multitude, Mat. 5. 1, 2. So did John the Baptist, so the Apostles: And it is spoken of as a very bad thing for men to withdraw themselves from the assemblies of the People of God: Heb. 10. 25. Yea it is lawful to Preach the word of God to the Heathen: there was a temporary command to the Disciples, that they should ⟨p. 6⟩not go into the way of the Gentiles, Mat. 10. 5. But afterward they were commanded, to teach all Nations, Mat. 28. 19. And go into all the world and Preach the Gospel to every Creature; and if it be lawful to Preach to them, it is lawful for them to hear it.

2. Hearing of the Word. Men must assemble themselves on the Sabbath to hear the Word. Lev. 23. 3. The seventh day is a Sabbath of rest an boly convocation. Ungodly men must do it in order to their Conversion: The Word of God is the Means of Conversion: Jam. 1. 18. Of his own will begat he us by the word of truth. The word of God teaches men to turn to God: it holds forth Conviction, Warning, Incouragement & Direction. Rom. 10. 14. How shall they believe on him, of whom they have not heard. The word of God is the means of Regeneration: Psal. 19. 7. The law of the Lord is perfect Converting the Soul. Therefore Ministers must Preach the Word to all sorts of men, good & bad, Christ Preached to the Multitude, Mat. 5. 1, 2. So did John the Baptist, so the Apostles: And it is spoken of as a very bad thing for men to withdraw themselves from the assemblies of the People of God: Heb. 10. 25. Yea it is lawful to Preach the word of God to the Heathen: there was a temporary command to the Disciples, that they should ⟨p. 6⟩not go into the way of the Gentiles, Mat. 10. 5. But afterward they were commanded, to teach all Nations, Mat. 28. 19. And go into all the world and Preach the Gospel to every Creature; and if it be lawful to Preach to them, it is lawful for them to hear it.

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3. Preaching of the Word: It is upon all accounts most desirable, that Preachers should be Godly men, and Caeteris Paribus, they that are Converted themselves are most likely to be instruments of the Conversion of Sinners, and the Edification of Saints. Yet it is lawful for men in a natural condition to Preach the Word Christ Jesus sent out Judas to Preach the Gospel as well as the other Disciples: Mat. 10. 7. It was the work of the Priests and Levites to Preach to the People of Israel: Deut. 33. 10. They shall teach Jacob thy law, and Israel thy judgments. But we have no reason to think that they were all Godly. God gave extraordinary gifts in the Primitive times to some that were not Godly, to fit them for Preachers, 1 Cor. 13. 11. If I speak with the tongue of Men & Angels, and have not charity, &c. Christ directed the People to attend on the Preaching of the Scribes & Pharisees. The Scribes & Pharisees, set in Moses seat; whatsoever therefore they bid you observe, that observe and do. And Paul rejoiced in some mens Preaching of Christ, though they did it with a bad spirit, Phil. 1. 18.

3. Preaching of the Word: It is upon all accounts most desireable, that Preachers should be Godly men, and Caeteris Paribus, they that are Converted themselves are most likely to be instruments of the Conversion of Sinners, and the Edification of Saints. Yet it is lawful for men in a natural condition to Preach the Word Christ Jesus sent out Judas to Preach the Gospel as well as the other Disciples: Mat. 10. 7. It was the work of the Priests and Levites to Preach to the People of Israel: Deut. 33. 10. They shall teach Jacob thy law, and Israel thy judgments. But we have no reason to think that they were all Godly. God gave extraordinary gifts in the Primitive times to some that were not Godly, to fit them for Preachers, 1 Cor. 13. 11. If I speak with the tongue of Men & Angels, and have not charity, &c. Christ directed the People to attend on the Preaching of the Scribes & Pharisees. The Scribes & Pharisees, set in Moses seat; whatsoever therefore they bid you observe, that observe and do. And Paul rejoyced in some mens Preaching of Christ, though they did it with a bad spirit, Phil. 1. 18.

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2. The Passover: This was a memorial of the Angels passing over the houses of the Israelites, when the first born of the Egyptians were slain, Exod. 12. 27. which was a Type of our Redemption ⟨p. 8⟩by Christ; therefore Christ is called our Passover: 1 Cor. 5. 7. Christ our Passover is Sacrificed for us. And it was lawful for men to partake of the Passover who were not Regenerated, for it was Gods appointment that the whole Congregation should keep it: Exod. 12. 47. At the time of the first Institution there were very few Godly among them, for they are called an evil Generation. And so at many other times; yet God threatens those that under any pretence did neglect to celebrate the Passover, if they were clean and not in a Journey, Numb. 9. 13. And Hezekiah sent to invite the People of Ephraim & Manasseh, and other Tribes to celebrate the Passover, tho' they had lived in Idolatry for some Ages, 2 Chron. 30. 1. And Hezekiah sent to all Israel & Judah, & wrote letters also to Ephraim & Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the Passover to the Lord God of Israel. And Jesus Christ himself partook of the Passover along with Judas: Luk. 22. 13, 14. They made ready the Passover, and when the hour was come, he sat down and the twelve Apostles with him.

2. The Passover: This was a memorial of the Angels passing over the houses of the Israelites, when the first born of the AEgyptians were slain, Exod. 12. 27. which was a Type of our Redemption ⟨p. 8⟩by Christ; therefore Christ is called our Passover: 1 Cor. 5. 7. Christ our Passover is Sacrificed for us. And it was lawful for men to partake of the Passover who were not Regenerated, for it was Gods appointment that the whole Congregation should keep it: Exod. 12. 47. At the time of the first Institution there were very few Godly among them, for they are called an evil Generation. And so at many other times; yet God threatens those that under any pretence did neglect to celebrate the Passover, if they were clean and not in a Journey, Numb. 9. 13. And Hezekiah sent to invite the People of Ephraim & Manasseb, and other Tribes to celebrate the Passover, tho' they had lived in Idolatry for some Ages, 2 Chron. 30. 1. And Hezekiah sent to all Israel & Judah, & wrote letters also to Ephraim & Manasseb, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to keep the Passover to the Lord God of Israel. And Jesus Christ himself partook of the Passover along with Judas: Luk. 22. 13, 14. They made ready the Passover, and when the hour was come, he sat down and the twelve Apostles with him.

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3. Offering of Sacrifice: Many times the whole Congregation of Israel offered Sacrifices to the Lord, 1 Chron. 29. 20, 21. Though multitudes of them were in a natural condition. Any one of the People of Israel had his liberty as he saw occasion to bring his Sacrifice to the Lord, Lev. 1. 2. Yea not only the People of Israel, but the Strangers among them, had a liberty to bring their ⟨p. 9⟩Sacrifices, Lev. 22. 18, 19. Whoever he be of the house of Israel, or of the Strangers in Israel that will offer his oblation for all his Vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the Lord, for a burnt offering: Ye shall offer it at your own will, a male without blemish. And in many cases the People of Israel were bound to bring their offerings. So the Sin-offerings for Sins of Ignorance, Lev. 4. The trespass offerings for Sins wittingly committed, Lev. 6. 10. So when they were cleansed from the Leprosy; and in many other cases: they indeed did it in a very provoking way because they lived in wickedness, Jer. 6. 20. He tells them, their offerings were not acceptable, nor their Sacrifices sweet to him. But it was lawful for them, whether Regenerate or Unregenerate to bring their Sacrifices.

3. Offering of Sacrifice: Many times the whole Congregation of Israel offered Sacrifices to the Lord, 1 Chron. 29. 20, 21. Though multitudes of them were in a natural condition. Any one of the People of Israel had his liberty as he saw occasion to bring his Sacrifice to the Lord, Lev. 1. 2. Yea not only the People of Israel, but the Strangets among them, had a liberty to bring their ⟨p. 9⟩Sacrifices, Lev. 22. 18, 19. Wheever he be of the house of Israel, or of the Strangers in Israel that will offer his oblation for all his Vows, and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer unto the Lord, for a burnt offering: Ye shall offer it at your own will, a male without blemish. And in many cafes the People of Israel were bound to bring their offerings. So the Sin-offerings for Sins of Ignorance, Lev. 4. The trespass offerings for Sins wittingly committed, Lev. 6. 10. So when they were cleansed from the Leprosy; and in many other cases: they indeed did it in a very provoking way because they lived in wickedness, Jer. 6. 20. He tells them, their offerings were not acceptable, nor their Sacrifices sweet to him. But it was lawful for them, whether Regenerate or Unregenerate to bring their Sacrifices.

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1. Baptism. In Adult persons, it is needful that there be a profession of Faith & Repentance, morally sincere, in order to their being Baptised. Mat. 3. 6. They were baptised of John in Jordan, confessing their Sins: So the Eunuch before his Baptism, made confession of Christ: Act. 8. 37. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. But Baptism may be administered to those who are not Regenerate: It is not to be imagined that all that were Baptised by John were Regenerate, or judged by him to be so; If Regeneration had been necessary unto Baptism, Christ would not have committed that Work to his Disciples, who were then exceeding raw, Job. 4. 1, 2. The Pharisees heard that Jesus made & baptized more Disciples ⟨p. 11⟩then John, though Jesus himself baptised not but his Disciples So there were multitudes Baptised by Philip in Samaria; and Simon Magus among the rest, Act. 8. 12, 13. And it is the appointment of God that the Children of his visible People, should be Baptised, who are generally at that time in a natural condition. If Unregenerate Persons might not be Baptised, the Pharisees would not have been blamed for neglecting Baptism: they would have been excused, as not prepared for it: but they are condemned for not being Baptized, Luk. 7. 30. The Pharisees & Lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, not being Baptized of him.

1. Baptism. In Adult persons, it is needful that there be a profession of Faith & Repentance, morally sincere, in order to their being Baptised. Mat. 3. 6. They were baptised of John in Jordan, confessing their Sins: So the Eunuch before his Baptism, made confession of Christ: Act. 8. 37. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. But Baptism may be administred to those who are not Regenerate: It is not to be imagined that all that were Baptised by John were Regenerate, or judged by him to be so; If Regeneration had been necessary unto Baptism, Christ would not have committed that Work to his Disciples, who were then exceeding raw, Job. 4. 1, 2. The Pharisees heard that Jesus made & baptized more Disciples ⟨p. 11⟩then John, though Jesus himself baptised not but his Disciples So there were multitudes Baptised by Philip in Samaria; and Simon Magus among the rest, Act. 8. 12, 13. And it is the appointment of God that the Children of his visible People, should be Baprised, who are generally at that time in a natural condition. If Unregenerate Persons might not be Baptised, the Pharisees would not have been blamed for neglecting Baptism: they would have been excused, as not prepared for it: but they are condemned for not being Baptized, Luk. 7. 30. The Pharisees & Lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, not being Baptized of him.

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2. The Lords Supper: No Scandalous person may be admitted to Baptism, neither may any Scandalous person be admitted to the Lords. Supper; but those that are not Scandalous may partake of it, tho' they are not Regenerate. Such persons as might lawfully come to the Passover, may also if they have Knowledge to discern the Lords-body, lawfully come to the Lords-Supper, for they are alike figures; the Passover was a type of Christ to dye; the Lords-Supper is a representation of Christ who has dyed: It is lawful for Unregenerate men to celebrate the Memory of the death of Christ, which is a great encouragement & comfort unto them; and so they do in this Ordinance: It is lawful for Unregenerate men to give a Solemn Testimony to the virtue of the death of Christ, and show it forth; ⟨p. 12⟩and so they do in this Ordinance, 1 Cor. 11. 26. Ye show forth the Lords Death till be come. That which God teaches us in this Ordinance, is very needful for Unregenerate men to learn; namely the insufficiency of all other things besides the death of Christ for Salvation, and the all-sufficiency of Christ for Salvation: that which we profess in this Ordinance is very fit for Unregenerate men to profess; namely the need of Christ, and saving virtue of his blood: as it may be of great advantage to natural men to hear Gods Promise in the Covenant of Grace. So to see God setting his Seal to the Covenant of Grace. If it be lawful for all the Adult Members of the Church to partake of the Lords-Supper, then it is lawful for some Unregenerate men to do it: but it is lawful for all the Adult Members of the Church to do it: this was the practice in the primitive Church, 1 Cor. 10. 17. We are all partakers of that one bread: If it be lawful for the Church to require Unregenerate persons to come to the Lords Supper, then it is lawful for them to come; but it is lawful for the Church to require all its Adult Members to keep the Covenant with God: If it be lawful for an Ungenerate man to be in Covenant with God, it is lawful for them to come to the Lords Supper, for if it be lawful for them to be in Covenant, it is lawful for them to keep Covenant: If Sanctification were a necessary qualification to partaking in the Lords Supper, than it would be a very Sinful. ⟨p. 13⟩thing for any unsanctified person to come, tho' he hoped he was Godly, tho' he was confident of his Godliness.

2. The Lords Supper: No Scandalous person may be admitted to Baptism, neither may any Scandalous person be admitted to the Lords. Supper; but those that are not Scandalous may partake of it, tho' they are not Regenerate. Such persons as might lawfully come to the Passover, may also if they have Knowledge to discern the Lords-body, lawfully come to the Lords-Supper, for they are alike figures; the Passover was a type of Christ to dye; the Lords-Supper is a representation of Christ who has dyed: It is lawful for Unregenerate men to celebrate the Memory of the death of Christ, which is a great incouragement & comfort unto them; and so they do in this Ordinance: It is lawful for Unregenerate men to give a Solemn Testimony to the vertue of the death of Christ, and shew it forth; ⟨p. 12⟩and so they do in this Ordinance, 1 Cor. 11. 26. Ye shew forth the Lords Death till be come. That which God teaches us in this Ordinance, is very needful for Unregenerate men to learn; namely the insufficiency of all other things besides the death of Christ for Salvation, and the alsufficiency of Christ for Salvation: that which we profess in this Ordinance is very fit for Unregerate men to profess; namely the need of Christ, and saving vertue of his blood: as it may be of great advantage to natural men to hear Gods Promise in the Covenant of Grace. So to see God setting his Seal to the Covenant of Grace. If it be lawful for all the Adult Members of the Church to partake of the Lords-Supper, then it is lawful for some Unregenerate men to do it: but it is lawful for all the Adult Members of the Church to do it: this was the practice in the primitive Church, 1 Cor. 10. 17. We are all partakers of that one bread: If it be lawful for the Church to require Unregenerate persons to come to the Lords Supper, then it is lawful for them to come; but it is lawful for the Church to require all its Adult Members to keep the Covenant with God: If it be lawful for an Ungenerate man to be in Covenant with God, it is lawful for them to come to the Lords Supper, for if it be lawful for them to be in Covenant, it is lawful for them to keep Covenant: If Sanctification were a necessary qualification to partaking in the Lords Supper, than it would be a very Sinful. ⟨p. 13⟩thing for any unsanctifyed person to come, tho' he hoped he was Godly, tho' he was consident of his Godliness.

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3. Officiating in the work of the Gospel Ministry: If a man do know himself to be Unregenerate, yet it is lawful for him to administer Baptism and the Lords Supper. The blessing of this Ordinance does not depend upon the Piety of him that doth administer it. Christ knew Judas to be Unregenerate, yet he let him as well as the rest of the Disciples to administer Baptism: Joh. 4. 2. Jesus baptized not but his Disciples. If men be destitute of Regenerating Grace, yet they may administer Gods Ordinances in such a manner as may be for the glory of God, and the Edification of his People. It is most ⟨p. 14⟩desirable upon all accounts that they who Officiate in the work of the Ministry, be holy and gracious men: but men that are destitute of Grace are not prohibited in the word of God to administer the Ordinances of God, if such may Preach surely they may administer Sacraments. Paul speaks of Preaching as a greater work than administering. Baptism, 1 Cor. 1. 17. And we may argue that it is greater than administering the Lords Supper.

3. Officiating in the work of the Gospel Ministry: If a man do know himself to be Unregenerate, yet it is lawful for him to administer Baptism and the Lords Supper. The blessing of this Ordinance does not depend upon the Piety of him that doth administer it. Christ knew Judas to be Unregenerate, yet he let him as well as the rest of the Disciples to administer Baptism: Joh. 4. 2. Josus baptized not but his Disciples. If men be destitute of Regenerating Grace, yet they may administer Gods Ordinances in such a manner as may be for the glory of God, and the Edification of his People. It is most ⟨p. 14⟩desirable upon all accounts that they who Officiate in the work of the Ministry, be holy and gracious men: but men that are destitute of Grace are not prohibited in the word of God to administer the Ordinances of God, if such may Preach surely they may administer Sacraments. Paul speaks of Preaching as a greater work than administring. Baptism, 1 Cor. 1. 17. And we may argue that it is greater than administring the Lords Supper.

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1. There is no certain, knowledge who have Sanctifying Grace. If we should be limited by God, so that we might admit none to Church fellowship, but such as have Sanctifying Grace, we should be under extreme difficulties & great scruples of Conscience; for if we make the most exact search, we should often be very much mistaken, and in danger to accept of some that were not sincere, and to reject some that were sincere. There is no certain rule given in the Scripture to the guides of the Church, whereby they can distinguish Saints from Hypocrites; neither do many Persons know what to make of themselves: Some that are Godly have many fears whether their hearts be right in the sight of God: which is implied in that Precept, 2 Pet. 1. 10. Give all diligence to make your Calling and your Election sure. And many Hypocrites have a great confidence that they are Saints, Joh. 9. 40. Are we blind also? It is not ⟨p. 15⟩to be imagined that God would give a Rule to his People that is impracticable: If that were the Rule that only Godly men, were to be admitted to communion in the Church, there is not knowledge enough upon Earth in order to the practice of it: the Church through their ignorance must wholly forbear acting: for their knowledge of other mens Piety is but a supposition, 1 Pet. 5. 12. By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I suppose. And particular Persons, would never be able to attend that Rule for want of the knowledge of themselves; some would exclude themselves, and others would obtrude themselves contrary to it, so that the Rule would come to nothing. Gods Rules are such that no man has any just cause to object against them: but if this were the Rule that Godly men only might enjoy Ordinances; the Church might object, that it is Gods prerogative to know the hearts of men, and we are utterly uncapable to attend that Rule.

1. There is no certain, knowledge who have Sanctifying Grace. If we should be limited by God, so that we might admit none to Church fellowship, but such as have Sanctifying Grace, we should be under extream difficulties & great scruples of Conscience; for if we make the most exact search, we should often be very much mistaken, and in danger to accept of some that were not sincere, and to reject some that were sincere. There is no certain rule given in the Scripture to the guides of the Church, whereby they can distinguish Saints from Hypocrites; neither do many Persons know what to make of themselves: Some that are Godly have many fears whether their hearts be right in the sight of God: which is implyed in that Precept, 2 Pet. 1. 10. Give all diligence to make your Calling and your Election sure. And many Hypocrites have a great considence that they are Saints, Joh. 9. 40. Are we blind also? It is not ⟨p. 15⟩to be imagined that God would give a Rule to his People that is impracticable: If that were the Rule that only Godly men, were to be admitted to communion in the Church, there is not knowledge enough upon Earth in order to the practice of it: the Church through their ignorance must wholly forbear acting: for their knowledge of other mens Piety is but a supposition, 1 Pet. 5. 12. By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I suppose. And particular Persons, would never be able to attend that Rule for want of the knowledge of themselves; some would exclude themselves, and others would obtrude themselves contrary to it, so that the Rule would come to nothing. Gods Rules are such that no man has any just cause to object against them: but if this were the Rule that Godly men only might enjoy Ordinances; the Church might object, that it is Gods prerogative to know the hearts of men, and we are utterly uncapable to attend that Rule.

:39p. 15–16¶2

2. It is needful that others should attend duties of Worship, that the Worship of God may be carried on. In the flourishing times of the Church, that will hold, Mat. 20. 16. Many are called and few are chosen: but there be degenerate times, when Religion runs very low among the People of God; and at such a time, there is a great scarcity of Godly men, Psal. 12. 1. The Godly man ceaseth, the faithful fail from among the Children of men. Isai. 53. 1. Who hath believed our Report, ⟨p. 16⟩and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed. It may be there may be but two or three sometimes in a Parish: in some Countries especially Godly men are very thin sown: and if the rest must be excluded from any part of the Worship of God, how can it be carried on, how can they show forth the Lords Death till he come? Yea if none but holy men must Officiate in the Church; they would be necessitated many times to be destitute of Ministers: in some Countries especially it would be a difficult thing to find men qualified with Sanctifying Grace. Sometimes there is a great scarcity of Godly Magistrates: Jer. 5. 1. Run to and fro through the Streets of Jerusalem, and see now & know and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth Judgment, that seeketh the truth, and I will pardon it. So many times there is a great scarcity of Godly Ministers: Mat. 23. 3. Do not after their works, for they say and do not.

2. It is needful that others should attend duties of Worship, that the Worship of God may be carryed on. In the flourishing times of the Church, that will hold, Mat. 20. 16. Many are called and few are chosen: but there be degenerate times, when Religion runs very low among the People of God; and at such a time, there is a great scarcity of Godly men, Psal. 12. 1. The Godly man ceaseth, the faithful fail from among the Children of men. Isai. 53. 1. Who hath believed our Repors, ⟨p. 16⟩and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed. It may be there may be but two or three sometimes in a Parish: in some Countrys especially Godly men are very thin sown: and if the rest must be excluded from any part of the Worship of God, how can it be carryed on, how can they shew forth the Lords Death till he come? Yea if none but holy men must Officiate in the Church; they would be necessitated many times to be destitute of Ministers: in some Countrys especially it would be a difficult thing to find men qualifyed with Sanctifying Grace. Sometimes there is a great scarcity of Godly Magistrates: Jer. 5. 1. Run to and fro through the Streets of Jerusalem, and see now & know and seek in the broad places thereof, if ye can find a man, if there be any that executeth Judgment, that seeketh the truth, and I will pardon it. So many times there is a great scarcity of Godly Ministers: Mat. 23. 3. Do not after their works, for they say and do not.

:40p. 16–17¶3

3. This is very useful that men may obtain Sanctifying Grace. If men have it not now yet it will be a wonderful Mercy if they can obtain it before they dye: and the attending duties of Worship is very serviceable to that end. Thereby they are in the way to be gained, Psal. 29. 9. In his Temple doth every one speak of his glory. It is a blessed thing to be waiting upon God, Prov. 8. 34. Blessed is the man that beareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. ⟨p. 17⟩The giving of Converting Grace is not Timitted to any one Ordinance. Prayer is very serviceable that way, Prov. 2. 3. If thou criest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding. So the Hearing of the Word is very serviceable. The entrance of God's Word giveth light. So the Sacraments are very useful for Conversion: God teaches us in Baptism that we are naturally polluted, and that we need to be cleansed by the blood of Christ. God in the Lords Supper in vites us to come to Christ, makes an affecting representation of his Sufferings for our Sins, testifies the Sufficiency of Christ: confirms the truth of the Covenant of Grace, teaches us that the Promise of Salvation to those that believe in Christ is certain; all Sacraments are Seals of the Covenant, as circumcision was: Rom. 4. 11.

3. This is very useful that men may obtain Sanctifying Grace. If men have it not now yet it will be a wonderful Mercy if they can obtain it before they dye: and the attending duties of Worship is very serviceable to that end. Thereby they are in the way to be gained, Psal. 29. 9. In his Temple doth every one speak of his glory. It is a blessed thing to be waiting upon God, Prov. 8. 34. Blessed is the man that beareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. ⟨p. 17⟩The giving of Converting Grace is not Timitted to any one Ordinance. Prayer is very serviceable that way, Prov. 2. 3. If thou cryest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding. So the Hearing of the Word is very serviceable. The entrance of God's Word giveth light. So the Sacraments are very useful for Conversion: God teaches us in Baptism that we are naturally polluted, and that we need to be cleansed by the blood of Christ. God in the Lords Supper in vites us to come to Christ, makes an affecting representation of his Sufferings for our Sins, testifies the Sufficiency of Christ: confirms the truth of the Covenant of Grace, teaches us that the Promise of Salvation to those that believe in Christ is certain; all Sacraments are Seals of the Covenant, as circumcision was: Rom. 4. 11.

:46p. 19–20

Consider 1. Those who discourage Persons from coming to it, because Unconverted, do in their zeal make others to cease from fearing the Lord. As the Reubenites and Gaditer did argue in some what alike case, Josh. 22. 23, 24. The neglecting outward Worship is the way to neglect inward Worship. Staying from Ordinances is not the way to fit men for Ordinances: the neglecting of the Sacrament is the way to make the Country grow profane. Gods Ordinances are the means to advance Religion. If they neglect Prayer, it would hinder them from fearing the Lord; if they neglect Hearing the Word; if they neglect Baptism; so likewise if they neglect the Lords Supper: it will prove no advantage to Religion to neglect any of God's Ordinances; the solemn attending ⟨p. 20⟩of Gods Ordinances lead men into a sense of the need of Christ, and benefit of Christ. The limiting of the Lords Supper to a small number, has a tendency to nourish carnal confidence in them that are admitted, and to nourish profaneness in them that are excluded.

Consider 1. Those who discourage Persons from coming to it, because Unconverted, do in their zeal make others to cease from fearing the Lord. As the Reubenites and Gaditer did argue in some what alike case, Josh. 22. 23, 24. The neglecting outward Worship is the way to neglect inward Worship. Staying from Ordinances is not the way to fit men for Ordinances: the neglecting of the Sacrament is the way to make the Country grow prophane. Gods Ordinances are the means to advance Religion. If they neglect Prayer, it would hinder them from fearing the Lord; if they neglect Hearing the Word; if they neglect Baptism; so likewise if they neglect the Lords Supper: it will prove no advantage to Religion to neglect any of God's Ordinances; the solemn attending ⟨p. 20⟩of Gods Ordinances lead men into a sence of the need of Christ, and benefit of Christ. The limitting of the Lords Supper to a small number, has a tendency to nourish carnal considence in them that are admitted, and to nourish prophaneness in them that are excluded.

:47p. 20¶2

2. There can be no sufficient reason assigned, why those who are destitute of Sanctifying Grace, should be debarred from the Lords Supper. The holiness of the Ordinance can be no reason: for circumcision and the Passover were holy Ordinances, yet many Unregenerate Persons did partake of them. Baptism is an holy Ordinance, yet it may be administered to Unregenerate men: the signification of the Lords Supper can be no reason, it signifies Christ as Suffering for our Sins; the Bread is the sign of his Body, and the Wine the sign of his Blood. So the Water in Baptism, is a sign of the Blood of Christ, yet may be applied to Unregenerate Persons. The sign of Christ crucified is of great use to put them in mind of Christ's Sufferings for us: Its being a Seal of the Covenant is no reason, it is of great use to them to see God Sealing his Covenant. As it is of use for God to declare his Covenant, so to see God Sealing his Covenant: the Testimony that is given to Christ in this Ordinance can be no reason, it is very fit that they as well as others should show forth his Death.

2. There can be no sufficient reason assigned, why those who are destitute of Sanctifying Grace, should be debarred from the Lords Supper. The holiness of the Ordinance can be no reason: for circumcision and the Passover were holy Ordinances, yet many Unregenerate Persons did partake of them. Baptism is an holy Ordinance, yet it may be administred to Unregenerate men: the signification of the Lords Supper can be no reason, it signifies Christ as Suffering for our Sins; the Bread is the sign of his Body, and the Wine the sign of his Blood. So the Water in Baptism, is a sign of the Blood of Christ, yet may be applyed to Unregenerate Persons. The sign of Christ crucifyed is of great use to put them in mind of Christ's Sufferings for us: Its being a Seal of the Covenant is no reason, it is of great use to them to see God Sealing his Covenant. As it is of use for God to declare his Covenant, so to see God Sealing his Covenant: the Testimony that is given to Christ in this Ordinance can be no reason, it is very fit that they as well as others should shew forth his Death.

:48p. 20–21¶3

3. Many that judge that Persons should be Converted before they come to the Sacrament, do run into a ⟨p. 21⟩great fault, viz. they persuade Persons that they are Converted before they are: they are zealous against mens coming to the Lords-Supper in an Unconverted condition, yet advise & encourage such persons to come under a notion that they are Converted; if persons do but carry civilly & religiously, they think they are Converted, and urge them to join to the Church; hereby abundance of wrong is done; men are greatly hardened in a natural Estate: and they are laid under great Temptation to flatter themselves, as if the bitterness of death were past: this is a means to prevent many mens Conversion; if men are made to believe that they are Godly before they be, that is like to prove a mighty impediment unto their Conversion, they don't lye open to the threatenings of the Word, they think others spoken to, and they pity them; but they are not sensible of their own danger: Joh. 9. 41. Because you say, you see, therefore your sin remaineth.

3. Many that judge that Persons should be Converted before they come to the Sacrament, do run into a ⟨p. 21⟩great fault, viz. they perswade Persons that they are Converted before they are: they are zealous against mens coming to the Lords-Supper in an Unconverted condition, yet advise & incourage such persons to come under a notion that they are Converted; if persons do but carry civilly & religiously, they think they are Converted, and urge them to joyn to the Church; hereby abundance of wrong is done; men are greatly hardned in a natural Estate: and they are laid under great Temptation to flatter themselves, as if the bitterness of death were past: this is a means to prevent many mens Conversion; if men are made to believe that they are Godly before they be, that is like to prove a mighty impediment unto their Conversion, they don't lye open to the threatnings of the Word, they think others spoken to, and they pity them; but they are not sensible of their own danger: Joh. 9. 41. Because you say, you see, therefore your sin remaineth.

:49p. 21–22¶4

4. If none that are destitute of Sanctifying Grace may come, than two sorts of Persons that do come should stay away. First, such persons as are in a natural condition, yet have got a confidence that they are Converted: there are many such. Prov. 30. 12. There is a Generation that are pure in their own eyes, yet are not cleansed from their filthiness: But there is no way to keep them from it, the Church can't keep them from it, because they are visible Saints: and their own Consciences will not forbid ⟨p. 22⟩them, because they are confident that they are Converted. And Secondly, there is another sort that should forbear, viz. Such Godly men as do not know that they are Converted. If a man be Godly, yet how can he with a good Conscience come to an Ordinance, peculiar to Godly men, when he don't know himself to be Godly: if only Saints are allowed to come, he must know himself to be a Saint, before he can know that he is allowed of God to come. As if a man has power to Sell nothing but what is his own, then he must know a thing to be his own before be can sell it with a good Conscience. Or if a Church have power to censure only Scandalous persons, then they must know a man to be Scandalous before they can with a good Conscience censure him. So in this case, if the Sacrament be only for Godly men, they don't know that they have any right to it, until they know that they are Godly.

4. If none that are destitute of Sanctifying Grace may come, than two sorts of Persons that do come should stay away. First, such persons as are in a natural condition, yet have got a confidence that they are Converted: there are many such. Prov. 30. 12. There is a Generation that are pure in their own eyes, yet are not cleansed from their filthiness: But there is no way to keep them from it, the Church can't keep them from it, because they are visible Saints: and their own Consciences will not forbid ⟨p. 22⟩them, because they are confident that they are Converted. And Secondly, there is another sort that should forbear, viz. Such Godly men as do not know that they are Converted. If a man be Godly, yet how can he with a good Conscience come to an Ordinance, peculiar to Godly men, when he don't know himself to be Godly: if only Saints are allowed to come, he must know himself to be a Saint, before he can know that he is allowed of God to come. As if a man has power to Sell nothing but what is his own, then he must know a thing to be his own before be can sell it with a good Conscience. Or if a Church have power to consure only Scandalous persons, then they must know a man to be Scandalous before they can with a good Conscience censure him. So in this case, if the Sacrament be only for Godly men, they dont know that they have any right to it, until they know that they are Godly.

:54p. 25¶9

9. We have no cause to wonder to find some Divines of our own Nation, and some of other Nations to deny that the Supper is a Converting Ordinance. I find Wendiline, a great Divine in his disputations against the Lutherans acknowledging again & again, that the Sacraments may instrumentally begin Faith in Adult Persons; & in another place, saying, That the Sacraments of confirmation; he means the Passover, and the Lords-Supper may organically begin Faith. Yet there be a great many Divines that do deny this. But this is not to be wondered at, seeing they hold, That Elect Infants that have federal holiness, have at the same time the internal grace of Regeneration. Thus Voetius Statu. Elect. Unte. Conv. And he says, That Dr. Burges does prove by many Divines, that Elect Infants have an initial & seminal Regeneration upon their Baptism; if it were so, no doubt but their actual Conversion would be in early days, before they come to that Age, when persons are wont to be admitted to the Lords Supper.

9. We have no cause to wonder to find some Divines of our own Nation, and some of other Nations to deny that the Supper is a Converting Ordinance. I find Wendiline, a great Divine in his disputations against the Lutherans acknowledging again & again, that the Sacraments may instrumentally begin Faith in Adult Persons; & in another place, saying, That the Sacraments of confirmation; he means the Passover, and the Lords-Supper may organically begin Faith. Yet there be a great many Divines that do deny this. But this is not to be wondred at, seeing they hold, That Elect Infants that have faederal holiness, have at the same time the internal grace of Regeneration. Thus Voetius Statu. Elect. Unte. Conv. And he says, That Dr. Burges does prove by many Divines, that Elect Infants have an initial & seminal Regeneration upon their Baptism; if it were so, no doubt but their actual Conversion would be in early days, before they come to that Age, when persons are wont to be admitted to the Lords Supper.

The Inexcusableness OF NEGLECTING THE Worship of GOD, under a pretence of being in an Unconverted Condition.

Reformers309

Puritans1,782

Westminster Assembly24

Evangelicals36

The Inexcusableness OF NEGLECTING THE Worship of GOD, under a pretence of being in an Unconverted Condition.