Motive 4.
The fourth Motive, is from the weaknesse and insuffiency of the objections that are brought against this practice; To which we shall now (God assisting us) return distinct, and we hope, satisfactory Answers.
The Objections are:
Object. 1.
Many who are well inclined, object their own timorousness: And have jealousies that the Minister will propound such hard and unusual questions, as they shall not on a sudden be able to answer.
Answ. 1.
The Questions to be propounded by the Eldership to persons, before they come to the Lords Table, are for the substance of them contained in the Ordinance of Parliament, of the 20th of October, 1643. the particulars thereof being the fundamentalls of Religion, contained usually in most Catechismes, which persons of the meanest capacity ought to understand.
2. We doubt not but the Ministers with the Elders, will make it their serious Endeavours, to deal with all persons in all Prudence, meeknesse, tendernesse, and love, as the condition of those that come before them shall require; They being not insensible of their own weaknesse, will take heed of Discouraging the meanest, or Quenching the smoaking flax, well knowing, That they are not to Lord it over Gods heritage, but to promote their growth, and to be Helpers of their joy.
Object. 2.
Why may not people be now admitted to the Sacrament, without examination, as well as before the Elders were chosen?