[334] Gal. vi. 1-4; James iii. 1-3.
Quest. XCV. Must the pastors examine the people before the sacrament?
Answ. 1. Regularly they should have sufficient notice after they come to age that they own their baptismal covenant, and that they have that due understanding of the sacrament and the sacramental work, and such a christian profession as is necessary to a due participation.
2. But this is fitliest done at their solemn transition out of their infant church state into their adult: and it is not necessarily to be done every time they come to the Lord's table (unless the person desire help for his own benefit); but only once, before their first communicating: if it be the satisfaction of the pastor or church that is intended by it.
Quest. XCVI. Is the sacrament of the Lord's supper a converting ordinance?
Answ. You must distinguish, 1. Between the conversion of infidels without the church, and of hypocrites within it. 2. Between the primary and the secondary intention of the institutor. 3. Between the primary duty of the receiver, and the event. And so I conclude,
1. That God did not command ministers to give infidels the Lord's supper to convert them to christianity.
2. He requireth us to give it to none but those that profess themselves converted from infidelity and a state of wickedness, and to none that profess not true saving faith and repentance.
3. God never commanded or allowed any infidel to demand or receive it to his conversion.
4. God commandeth the pastors of the church to deliver it to hypocrites, (who at the heart are infidels, or impenitent and ungodly,) if they profess faith and repentance, and desire or require it.[335]