Debate: Protestant Antidote to Modern Disunity (3/5) Protestant Fundamentals of Separation and Unity — Greg Barrow

This is tape 3 of the Protestant antidote to modern schismatical disunity. Being chapter 4 of Greg Barrow's book the Covenanted Reformation Defended Against Contemporary Schismatics narrated by Larry Berger.

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Competent Understanding Required for Communion

We continue our reading quoting from the lengthy quote from the House of the Journal of the House of Commons concerning. The measure of understanding required to come to the Lord's Supper. Resolved etc.

That they have not a competent measure of understanding. Concerning the way and means to apply Christ and his benefits. Who did not know that Christ and his benefits are applied only by faith? That faith is the gift of God and that we have it not of ourselves.

But it is wrought in us by the Word and Spirit of God. Resolved etc. That they have not a competent measure of understanding in the nature and necessity of faith. Who do not know that faith is that grace whereby we believe and trust in Christ for remission of sins and life everlasting.

According to the promises of the gospel that whosoever believes not on the Son of God shall not see life, but shall perish eternally. Resolved etc. That they have not a competent measure of the knowledge of repentance who do not know.

That they who truly repent of their sins do see them. Sorrow from them and turn from them to the Lord and that except men repent they shall surely perish. Resolved etc. That they have not a competent measure of knowledge concerning a godly life.

Who do not know that a godly life is a life? Conscionably ordered according to the Word of God in holiness and righteousness without which no man shall see God. Resolved etc. That they have not a competent measure of understanding in the nature and use of the sacrament who know not.

That the sacraments are seals of the covenant of grace in the blood of Christ. That the sacraments of the New Testament are baptism and the Lord's Supper. That the outward elements in the Lord's Supper are bread and wine and do signify the body and blood of Christ crucified.

Which the worthy receiver by faith doth partake of in this sacrament. Which Christ hath likewise ordained for a remembrance of his death. That whosoever eats and drinks unworthily is guilty of the body and blood of the Lord and Therefore that everyone is to examine himself lest he eat and drink judgment to himself not discerning the Lord's body.

Resolved etc. That they have not a competent measure of understanding Concerning the condition of man after this life who do not know that the souls of the faithful after death Do immediately live with Christ in blessedness and that the souls of the wicked do immediately go into hell torments.

That there shall be a resurrection of bodies both of the just and the unjust at the last day. At which time all shall appear before the judgment seat of Christ to receive according to what they have done in the body whether it be good or evil and That the righteous shall go into life eternal and the wicked into everlasting punishment.

Resolved etc. That those who have a competent measure of understanding Concerning the matters contained in these eight articles shall not be kept back from the sacrament of the Lord's Supper for ignorance.

And again, that's from the Journal of the House of Commons volume 4 pages 113 and 114. J .R. DeWitt explains that the outcome of these resolutions resulted in the parliamentary ordinance issued six months later.

Parliamentary Standards for Admission and Discipline

Quote. At long last the first parliamentary ordinance for scandal appeared on 20 October 1645 under the title an ordinance of the Lords in Commons assembled in Parliament together with the rules and directions Concerning suspension from the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in cases of ignorance and scandal.

Here was given a statement of what constituted sufficiently competent understanding of the Christian religion so as to admit one to the Lord's table. A Statement which in fact amounted to a careful summary of the Reformed and Protestant faith.

There was no difficulty about that and indeed it had been ready since the preceding April. But the ordinance also contained a list of scandalous sins and a list of that sort cannot in the very nature of the case as both Parliament and Assembly perfectly well knew be anything like complete.

A great many things were proscribed. No Blasphemers incestuous persons adulterers drunkards swears worshipers of image cross images crosses or relics portrayers of the Trinity or any person thereof Duelers dancers gamers or breakers in in any other way of the Lord's Day brothel keepers.

Parents consenting to a child's marrying a papist any such child frequent frequenters of witchcraft. Insubordinate persons and so forth were not to be admitted to the sacrament and that's from DeWitt's just a venom page 188.

This ordinance was recorded in the Journal of the House of Lords volume 7 October 20 1645 pages 649 and 650 and the relevant portions of this ordinance read as follows. The 20th day of October an ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament together with the rules and directions Concerning suspension from the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in cases of ignorance and scandal.

Also the names of such ministers and such others that are appointed triers and judges of the ability of elders in the twelve classies within the province of London. Rules and directions concerning suspension from the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in case of ignorance.

All such persons who shall be admitted to the sacrament of the Lord's Supper Ought to know that there is a God that there is but one ever-living and true God maker of heaven and earth and Governor of all things that this only true God is the God whom we worship.

That this God is but one yet three distinct persons the Father Son and Holy Ghost all equally God. That God created man after his own image in knowledge righteousness and true holiness. That by one man sin entered into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men for that all have sinned.

That thereby they are all dead in trespasses and sins and are by nature the children of wrath and so liable to eternal death the wages of every sin. But there is but one mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus who was also overall God blessed forever.

Neither is there salvation in any other that he was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the Virgin Mary. That he died upon the cross to save his people from their sins. That he rose again the third day from the dead.

Ascended into heaven sits at the right hand of God and makes continual intercession for us of whose fullness we receive all grace necessary to salvation. That Christ and his benefits are applied only by faith that faith is the gift of God and that we have it not of ourselves.

But it is wrought in us by the Word and Spirit of God. That faith is that grace whereby we believe and trust in Christ for remission of sins and life everlasting. According to the promise of the gospel that whosoever believes not on the Son shall not shall not see life, but shall perish eternally.

That they who truly repented their sins do see them sorrow for them and turn from them to the Lord and that except men repent They shall surely perish. That a godly life is cautionably ordered according to the Word of God in holiness and righteousness without which no man shall see God.

That the sacraments are seals of the covenant of grace in the blood of Christ. That the sacraments of the New Testament are baptism and the Lord's Supper. That the outward elements in the Lord's Supper are bread and wine and do signify the body and blood of Christ crucified.

Which the worthy receiver by faith doth partake of in this sacrament. Which Christ hath likewise ordained for a remembrance of his death. That whosoever eats and drinks unworthily is guilty of the body and blood of the Lord and Therefore that everyone is to examine himself lest he eat and drink judgment to himself not discerning the Lord's body.

That the souls of the faithful after death do immediately live with Christ in blessedness and that the souls of the wicked do immediately Go into hell torments. That there shall be a resurrection of the bodies both of the just and unjust.

At the last day at which time all shall appear before the judgment seat of Christ to receive According to what they have done in the body whether it be good or evil and that the righteous shall go into life eternal and the wicked into everlasting punishment.

And It is further ordained by the Lords in Commons that those who have a competent measure of understanding concerning the matters contained in these articles shall not be kept back from the sacrament of the Lord's Supper for ignorance and.

That the examination and judgment of such persons as shall for their ignorance of the aforesaid points of religion Not be admitted to the sacrament of the Lord's Supper is to be in the power of the eldership of every congregation.

Scandalous Sins and Suspension from the Lord's Table

Rules and directions concerning suspension from the sacrament of the Lord's Supper in cases of scandal. This is still continuing the quote. The several and respective elderships shall have power to suspend from the sacrament of the Lord's Supper all Scandalous persons hereafter mentioned appearing to be such upon just proof made thereof In such manner as is by this present ordinance hereafter appointed and not otherwise until it be otherwise declared by both houses of Parliament.

How notoriously scandalous persons other than such as our hearing expressed Shall be kept from the sacrament of the Lord's Supper that is to say all persons that shall blasphemously speak or write anything of God his holy word or sacraments an incestuous person an adulterer a fornicator a drunkard a profane swearer or cursor.

One that hath taken away the life of any person maliciously all worshippers of images crosses crucifix or relics. All that shall make any images of the Trinity or of any person thereof. All religious worshippers of Saints angels or any mere creature.

Any person that shall profess himself not to be in charity with his neighbor. Any person that shall challenge any other person by word message or writing to fight or that shall accept such challenge and agree thereto.

Any person that shall knowingly carry on any such challenge by word message or writing. Any person that shall upon the Lord's Day use any dancing playing at dice or cards or any other game? Masking wake shooting bowling playing at football or stool ball.

Wrestling or that shall make or resort unto any plays interludes fencing bull baiting or bear baiting. Or that shall use hawking hunting or coursing fishing or fouling. Or that shall publicly expose any where's to sail other way otherwise than as is provided by an ordinance of Parliament on the 6th of April 1644.

Any person that shall travel upon the Lord's Day without reasonable cause. Any person that keepeth a known stews or brothel house. Or that shall solicit the chastity of any person for himself or any other.

Any person father or mother that shall consent to the marriage of their child to a papist or any person that shall marry a papist. Any person that shall repair for any advice unto any witch wizard or fortune-teller?

Any person that shall assault his parents or any magistrate minister or elder in the execution of his office? Any person that shall be legally attained of barratry forgery extortion or bribery and. The several and respective eldership shall have power likewise to suspend from the sacrament of the Lord's Supper all ministers that shall be duly proved to be guilty of any of the crimes aforesaid from giving or receiving the sacrament of the Lord's Supper and That again is from the Journal of the House of Lords volume 7 pages 649 650.

Historical Evidence from Reformed Catechisms

Based upon this overwhelmingly clear evidence any unbiased reader can readily determine that the Westminster Assembly Substantially authored and agreed with this portion of the ordinance of Parliament.

Notice that the degree of knowledge required for admission to the Lord's table far exceeded this simple profession of faith espoused by mr. Bacon also observed the multiplicity of items listed as terms of communion that is Uninspired beliefs and practices deduced from scripture for which willful or obstinate violation would result in admonition suspension from the Lord's table and excommunication.

Contrary to the judgment of the Westminster divines mr. Bacon says. Quote. This point in the six terms of communion seems like a reasonable place to put something about a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

After all in Acts 8 37 that was the only term of communion that Philip the evangelist seemed concerned to enforce from defense departed. And again Bacon says. Finally Paul teaches that females who have been baptized into Christ are also communicant members of the church and.

That's Bacon's book. What mean ye by this service. Appendix. A. How does mr. Bacon account for the difference between his position and that of the Westminster divines. Three furthermore the following list.

For a more complete list see Alexander Mitchell's catechisms of the Second Reformation pages 73 to 91 of catechism titles from 1580 to 1648 serves an instructive purpose Allowing us to accurately determine the intent of the ministers of the first and second reformations who originated these doctrines.

By the way, that book is available from Stillwater survival books. Notice the emphasis of the various authors upon the necessity of understanding the principal heads of religion prior to being admitted to the Lord's table.

From the title cited below it should be abundantly clear that these ministers required much more than a simple profession of faith for admission to communion and an extended quote here. A Catechism and plain instruction for children which prepare themselves to communicate in the Holy Supper Yielding therein openly a reason of their faith according to the order of the French Church at London written in French by Monsieur Fontaine Minister of the same church there and lately translated into English by TW London 1579.

It has at the end and quote advertisement. We are accustomed to give the Saturday going before the supper at the prayers To the end that every everyone may prepare himself as he ought to the worthy communicating and partaking thereof.

Another title. The foundation of Christian religion gathered into six principles. And it is to be learned of ignorant people that they may be fit to hear sermons with prophet and receive the Lord's Supper with Comfort Psalm 119 30 London 1595.

One of the earliest editions of Perkins catechism whose name is signed at the end of the preface. A Short catechism being a brief instruction of the ignorant before the receiving of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper by Mr. Obadiah Sedgwick, London.

A brief catechism so necessary and easy to be learned even by the simple sort that Whosoever cannot or will not attain to the same is not to be accounted a good Christian much less to be admitted to the supper of the Lord.

London 1582. A Preparation unto the way of life with a direction unto the right use of the Lord's Supper. Gathered by William Hopkinson preacher of the Word of God imprint and imprinted at London 1583.

Certain short questions and answers very Profitable and necessary for all young children and such as our desirous to be instructed in the principles of the Christian faith imprinted at London 1584. An Abridgment of the former treatise for the help of such as our desirous to learn by heart the chief principles of Christian religion.

Certain necessary instructions meet to be taught the younger sort before they come to be partakers of the Holy Communion. To this is appended certain articles very necessary to be known of all young scholars of Christ's school.

The first is that the end of our creation is to glorify God. A Short catechism for examination of communicants and so forth like number six modeled on Parliament's ordinance. London 1646 e 1185. Dash one.

A new catechism etc written by William good minister at Denton in Norfolk. One of the added members of the Westminster Assembly. London 1644. Like larger catechism Explains what communicants must do before receiving the Communion what after he has received and what at the time of receiving.

A Short catechism necessary to be learned by all such as come to the Holy Communion according to the late ordinance of Parliament. Humbly commended by the author for uniformity's sake to all the churches of England by J. Mayer or Meyer DD London 1646.

A Short and fruitful treatise of the prophet and necessity of catechizing that is of instructing the youth and ignorant persons in the principles and grounds Of the Christian religion by Robert Cawdry one of the ministers and preachers of the Word of God in the county of Rutland London 1580.

At the end of Cawdry's treatise is a copy of the injunction of the High Commissioners headed by Grindahl Archbishop of Canterbury and bearing the date of 1576. Quote that no youth be admitted to the Lord's Table or to be married or to be godfather or godmother for any child except they can answer.

The little catechism with additions. A Fruitful treatise of baptism and the Lord's Supper of the use and effect of them of the worthy and unworthy receivers of the same supper very necessary for all such as to be our as are to be admitted to the Lord's Table.

Wollgron London. A Short catechism very necessary for the plain understanding of the principal points of Christian religion meet to be practiced of all Christians before they be admitted to the Lord's Supper.

Richard Cox London 1620. A Catechism in brief questions and answers Containing such things as are to be known or had by all such as would partake of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper with comfort. By John jury sometime minister of the word in Tewksbury now pastor of st. Faith's London 1647.

The principles of Christian religion briefly set down in questions and answers very necessary and Profitable for all persons before they be admitted to the Lord's Supper by William Addersall London 1635.

Motives to godly knowledge with a brief instruction very necessary to be learned and understood of everyone Before he'd be admitted to partake of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Also a sweet comfort for a Christian being tempted.

London 1613. A light from Christ leading unto Christ by the star of his word or a divine directory to self-examination the better to prepare for a trial and Approbation of knowledge and their graces in such as by the minister and elders are to be admitted into a reformed church.

Communion to partake of soul cherishing virtue from Christ at the Lord's Table. Profitable for persons and families in private or congregations in public. By Emanuel Bourne ma of Ash over in the county of Darby preacher of the gospel to the congregation of st. sepulchre's Church, London.

A Short catechism wherein are briefly handled the fundamental principles of the Christian religion Needful to be known by all Christians before they be admitted to the Lord's Table. William gouge 1635.

And dr. Gouge was one of the eminent English Puritans Puritan Presbyterians in the Westminster Assembly. The Parliament's rules and directions concerning sacramental knowledge contained in an ordinance of the Lords of Commons of the 20th of October 1645 drawn into questions and answers by Robert Austin DD.

And again, all 19 of those references are cited from Alexander Mitchell's catechisms of the Second Reformation as reprinted by Stillwater survival books pages 73 to 91. For next I refer the reader to the Westminster annotations and commentary on the whole Bible.

Self-Examination and the Lord's Supper

We're commenting upon the self-examination required by God in first Corinthians 11 18 and 28. They say verse 18 that there be no divisions among you or Schisms to celebrate the Lord's Supper a right it is requisite that there not only be consent of doctrine but also of discipline and affections that it be not profaned.

And verse 28 examine himself Both concerning his spiritual state in general whether he be a true member of Christ's mystical body for none but such may eat his body and drink his blood and In special whether he be a fit guest for so holy and heavenly a table.

Whether he truly repent him of his sins have a lively faith in Christ Be in charity with his neighbors and is endued with a competent measure of knowledge to discern this heavenly food from other meat.

This examination of man's self is of necessity required in all that intend to receive communion and Therefore they ought not to be admitted to it which cannot examine themselves as children idiots and madmen who none of none of which can examine themselves and All such as either have no knowledge of Christ or no competent measure thereof though They profess the Christian religion and as from the Westminster annotations and commentary on the whole Bible.

By some of the Westminster divines and other Puritans gouge Gattacher and so forth. Again note that even though one professes the Christian religion these divines require quote a competent measure of knowledge and a consent of doctrine Discipline and affections prior to admitting one to the Lord's table.

Mere profession is not enough. It is also interesting to further observe that the comments of the Westminster annotations were Identical to the notes of the Geneva Bible upon this point. Evidently the Geneva and commentators also do not agree with mr. Bacon's position.

And since both of these works are so valuable I should comment here that the Westminster annotations as well as the King James Bible with the Geneva notes are all available now from Stillwater's revival books.

The annotations of John Diodati are also available and those are excellent. Number five the first book of discipline was one of the primary documents of Reformation in Scotland approved by the General Assembly in 1560.

The First Book of Discipline and Church Examination

This statement of church policy and discipline was designed to guide the Scottish Reformation of manners and practice to an ever-increasing uniformity. This early statement of Reformation principles exhibits the keen intellect and godly sincerity of its writers as they speak to the issue of ignorance at the Lord's table quote.

All ministers must be admonished to be more careful to instruct the ignorant than ready to satisfy their appetites and more sharp in examination than indulgent in admitting to that great mystery such as are ignorant of the use and virtue of the same and Therefore we think that the administration of the table ought never to be without that without that examination passed before.

Especially of those whose knowledge is suspect we think that none are apt to be admitted to that mystery who cannot formally say the Lord's Prayer the articles of the belief and Declare the sum of the law and that's the first and second books of discipline page 94 and those are also free on Stillwater's webpage.

This gives us a specific list of what the Church of Scotland required at the early stages of Reformation. This godly exhortation to be more sharp in examination than indulgent Speaks directly to the tendency of lax ministers who are more ready to satisfy the appetites of the people than instruct and protect the ignorant to formally say the Lord's Prayer the articles of belief and declare the sum of the law is far more than a simple profession of Faith.

And even at this earliest stage of Reformation we can see that these men were entirely at variance with the principles of mr. Bacon. Not even the most general statements of the first book of discipline will allow for the same doctrine as mr. Bacon promotes.

Six. Further specific evidence of the practice and understanding of the men of the second Reformation regarding admission to the Lord's table. Comes from the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland session 10 the second to the last day of May 1592.

Quote. For as much as at the special desire of the Kirk a form of examination before communion was penned and formed by their brother Mr. John Craig, which is now imprinted and allowed by the voice of the assembly.

Therefore it is thought needful that every pastor travail with his flock that they might buy the same book and read it in their families Whereby they may be better instructed and that the same be read and learned in doctor schools in place of the little catechism.

And that's from Alexander Peterkin the book of the Universal Kirk of Scotland. Peterkin was the editor. Page 359. David Calderwood adds. Quote this form of examination before the communion penned by. Mr. Craig was allowed by this assembly and ministers willed to recommend it to their flocks and to families and to be learned in lecture schools instead of catechism and That's from Calderwood's the true history of the Church of Scotland page 268.

The full text of this form of examination before communion can be found in appendix D it is also available for free on the Stillwaters revival books web page. A Careful reading of this examination reveals what a far cry.

Mr. Bacon's doctrine is from that of John Knox John Craig Robert Bruce who was moderator of the General Assembly of 1592 Andrew Melville Robert Rollock among many other early Scottish reformers. Notice also how much these men differ from acquiring a simple profession of faith such as that of the Ethiopian eunuch as the only term of communion as the reader examines the headings of the communion exam and Considers the extensive knowledge required by these 96 questions in appendix D.

He will see that the doctrine of mr Bacon is a far cry not only from the doctrine of the Church of Scotland But also from the truth of God's Word which they faithfully upheld. The heads of the form of examination before communion 96 questions.

One of our miserable bondage through Adam six questions. Two of our redemption by Christ nine questions. Three of our participation with Christ eleven questions. Four of the word seven questions. Five of our liberty to serve God twelve questions.

Six of the sacraments eleven questions. Seven of baptism ten questions. Eight of the supper nine questions. Nine of discipline five questions. Ten of the magistrate one question. Eleven of the table and special nine questions.

Twelve the end of our redemption two questions. Mr. Bacon arrogantly says he requires the simple profession of faith of the Ethiopian eunuch and of Peter. While the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland 1592 requires a form of examination that has 96 questions upon the major heads of doctrine.

This is hard evidence that cannot be ignored or explained away. Unless mr. Bacon wishes to equate a simple profession of faith with with this 96 question examination before communion He must admit that he and our Scottish reformers believe different things regarding terms of communion.

The practice of our modern churches in allowing almost anyone who makes a simple profession of faith to come to the Lord's table is A grievous sin against him who instituted this means of grace. Our modern malignants who like mr. Bacon upon pretense of superior wisdom and toleration teach that true communion can exist apart from the truth itself.

Forget that the wisdom that comes from above is first pure and then peaceable. We must protect ourselves from those who for the sake of peace and unity Assault us by their willingness to reduce the just requirements of God's Word to the lowest common denominator.

John Calvin comments quote. Teachers who discharge their duties honestly and sincerely are like builders who if they see a breach in a wall Instantly and carefully repair it for God indeed offers us peace and invites us to reconciliation by his own prophets.

But on this condition that they make war with their own lusts this then is one way of being at peace with God by becoming enemies to ourselves and Fighting earnestly against the depraved and vicious desires of the flesh.

But how do false prophets preach peace. Why so that miserable and abandoned men may sleep in the midst of their sins? We must diligently attend then to this difference that we may safely embrace the peace Which is offered us by the true prophets and be on guard against the snares of those who fallaciously flatter us with peace because under promise of reconciliation They foment hostilities between God and ourselves as from Calvin's commentary volume 12 pages 20 and 21.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure then peaceable gentle and easy to be entreated full of mercy and good fruits without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3 17 7. A commission of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland met in October of 1651 to write an article entitled causes of the Lord's wrath against Scotland the primary author being James Guthrie.

Latitudinarian Admission and the Wrath of God

Therein they explain the causes why the Lord was contending with the land and they offer advice on how to properly deal with Scotland's Significant guilt. In the following section they point out that a major cause of God's wrath upon the land stemmed from an unfaithful Latitudinarian admission to the Lord's table quote as.

To the other how the rule of the word and constitutions of this Kirk are kept in this particular. It needs not much be spoken the transgression being so palpable in common that they who run may read. These particular faults may be taken notice of in order to this point.

One to say nothing that in some places few or none at all are excluded for ignorance. But that persons being once come to such an age are admitted and being once admitted are never again excluded. There is in many congregations little or no care to examine or take any notice of the knowledge of all persons indifferently.

Something being done in reference to servants and those of the poorer sort. But masters and of families and those of the richer sort for the most part neglected taking it for granted as it were that they have knowledge when indeed many of them are grossly ignorant and Because of their ignorance to be debarred to that the bare repeating of the Lord's prayer the belief that is the Apostles Creed or ten commandments or Answering a question or two of the catechism by rote time as we say when nothing of the meaning is understood Is by many taken for knowledge sufficient and that's from the causes of the Lord's wrath against Scotland.

Taken from the works of Gillespie where it was published volume 2 page 16. Notice the similarity in language between the passages cited in the causes of the Lord's wrath and the first book of discipline in 1560 the Church of Scotland says.

Quote. We think that none are apt to be admitted to that mystery who cannot formally say the Lord's Prayer the articles of belief and declare the sum of the law. In 1651 this Commission to the General Assembly further defines what was meant by this statement.

Affirming that the bare repeating of the Lord's prayer the belief or ten commandments or answering a question or two of the catechism by rote time when nothing of the meaning is understood is Not considered adequate and is rather deemed a lamentable cause of God's wrath in Scotland.

Again, we see that the knowledge requirements of the Church of Scotland are far more than what mr Bacon or the majority of backslidden churches in the world today plead. By means of these proofs I have completed that which I had intended to establish by an examination of historical evidence the original intent of the framers of the Westminster standards as it pertains to the meaning of the word Ignorance has been clearly revealed.

From the documents of the first and second Reformation we may reasonably conclude the following. One the attitude of all faithful elders ought to be Be more careful to instruct the ignorant than ready to satisfy their appetites and more sharpened examination than indulgent from the first book of Discipline.

To all baptized persons when they come to age and discretion are not admitted to the Lord's table. But such only as either upon examination are found to have a competent measure of knowledge in the principles of religion.

That's from Henderson's government in order of the Church of Scotland page 39. 3 the bear repeating of the Lord's Prayer the articles of belief or ten commandments or Answering a question or two of the catechism by rote time when nothing of the meaning is understood is not considered adequate the causes of the Lord's wrath page 16.

For for as much as at the special desire of the Kirk a 96 question form of examination before communion Was penned and formed by their brother. Mr. John Craig, which is now imprinted and allowed by the voice of the Assembly as from the book of the Universal Kirk of Scotland page 359.

5 the Westminster Assembly Undoubtedly defined what they meant by the term ignorant when they answered the question of Parliament as to what constituted a competent measure of knowledge Necessary to worthily attend the Lord's table their answer displays their mutual agreement upon the need for elders to carefully examine the basic knowledge of prospective communicants prior to admitting them to communion.

6 an examination of the titles of the short catechisms of the first and second Reformation unquestionably indicates that their authors intended purpose was to use them as a means of instruction and a test of competent knowledge for the members of the church prior to admitting them to the Lord's Supper 7 according to the writers of the Westminster annotations, which are mr. Lay dr. Gouge Merrick Casabon Francis Taylor, dr. Reynolds. Mr. Smallwood. Mr. Gadiker. Mr. Pembleton. Dr. D Featley and so forth.

Even though one professes the Christian religion It is requisite that a competent measure of knowledge and a consent of doctrine discipline and affections Be ascertained by the eldership prior to admitting one to the Lord's table.

Mere profession is not enough. Mr. Bacon teaches something distinctly different from the Westminster larger catechism Mr. Bacon says. Quote. This point in the six terms of communion seems like a reasonable place to put something about a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

After all in Acts 8 37 that was the only term of communion that Philip the evangelist seemed concerned to enforce. Defense departed. Those who profess to uphold the Westminster standards while promoting a lax definition of the word ignorance are either ignorant themselves or blatantly dishonest about their commitment to their own profession.

Men who have taken vows to rule in the house of the Lord while failing to honor their commitment with Integrity should be withdrawn from until such time as they manifest their repentance. Mr. Bacon is such a man.

Heresy, Fundamental Truth, and Ecclesiastical Separation

Mr. Bacon's latitudinarian scheme falls directly under the definition of heresy penned by numerous Orthodox divines quote. I find the most learned Orthodox divines hold that there are substantial articles of faith that are not so great articles as the author's fundamentals and yet the maintaining and teaching errors contrary to any of these substantial articles is heresy and brings damnation as.

The learned mr. Rutherford in his examine Arminian mismi page 12 says though an article of faith be but super fundamental that is by evident necessary consequence deduced from the fundamental as a doctrine from a text an Error that is maintained and taught contrary to this consequential article of faith is damnable that is brings damnation.

Because whoever denieth the evident necessary consequent by the same reason he denies the antecedent. Which is a fundamental article beyond all controversy. And I would note here since it was so helpful when someone explained this to me.

This is not just a fundamental article of faith or taught in the scriptures. But this is a fundamental rule of logic called modus tolens. Which says if P then Q not Q therefore not P. And again? I found that to be very helpful as I've considered various arguments and thought I would share that here and Turretin holds the same in his institutes of elliptic theology part 1 page 56 in arguing against papists.