Answ. 2.
Because; 1. Before Elders were chosen, and the foundation of Church-Government begun to be laid, the Church of England was in point of Church Government in an unreformed condition: But now (blessed be God) in a way of Reformation. And we have in our Nationall Covenant, sworn to endeavour a reformation in Church-Government, according to the Word of God. In pursuance of that Covenant, there are many Ordinances of Parliament, to require it; and accordingly it is practised in many Congregations; and shall we still persist in our old unreformed way?
2. The Promiscuous admission of all sorts of Persons heretofore without examination tended much to the Prophanation of the Lords Supper, and was a great scandall in our Church, Hazarded the souls of thousands, occasioned separations from our Churches, brought the judgments of God upon the Kingdome, and was no small griefe to godly Ministers, &c. But now God having provided a further Remedy, we ought not only, not to oppose it, but to submit to it, with all readiness and thankfulness.
Object. 3.
Will you have the Ancient men of a Congregation, that have for divers years been partakers of the Sacrament, come now in their Old Age to be Examined; will you have Noblemen, and Rich men, and Aldermen, &c.
Answ. 1.
We have formerly declared, That the Presbyteriall Government doth not precisely require of those that come to the Sacrament, That they should first be Examined by Questions and Answers: But if any man shall make a good profession of his Faith, in a continued discourse, without being asked any Questions, it will be accepted, as well as if they were Examined by particular Questions.
2. We have likewise shewed the Reason why Ancient men and women, that have formerly been admitted, are required to submit to Examination, before they can be again admitted, &c. We have intreated you, to distinguish between a Church-reforming in Discipline, and reformed: When a Church is once reformed, and members admitted by Examination of the Eldership, there will never be any necessity of coming afterwards to Ministers and Elders, for re-admission; (unless it be in case of excommunication.) But in a Church reforming, as ours is, when all sorts have formerly been admitted, without any Distinction, then Old men must be willing to give an account, as well as young men, and rich men, as well as poor: Because,
1. Old men and rich men are found to be ignorant, and to prophane the Sacrament, as well as young men, and poor men.
2. In Gospell-administrations God is no respecter of persons; neither must his Officers be, if they would be found faithfull in their places; It is not gray hairs, nor silken coats; but knowledg, faith, repentance, love and thankefulness, will qualifie a man for the Sacrament.