A30189:540
An answer to two treatises of Mr. John Can, the leader of the English…An answer to two treatises of Mr. Iohn Can, the leader of the English…
An answer to two treatises of Mr. John Can, the leader of the English Brownists in Amsterdam the former called, A necessity of separation from the Church of England, proved by the Nonconformists principles : the other, A stay against straying : wherein in opposition to M. John Robinson, he undertakes to prove the unlawfulness of hearing the ministers of the Church of England ... / by the late learned, laborious and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, John Ball.An answer to two treatises of Mr. Iohn Can, the leader of the English Brownists in Amsterdam the former called, A necessitie of separation from the Church of England, proved by the Nonconformists principles : the other, A stay against straying : wherein in opposition to M. Iohn Robinson, he undertakes to prove the unlawfulnesse of hearing the ministers of the Church of England ... / by the late learned, laborious and faithfull servant of Jesus Christ, John Ball.
London: printed by R.B., 1642
Chapter 3 › Section 3 › ANSWER.Chapter 3 › Section 3 › ANSVVER.
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.
But here it must be noted, that the power of government must be considered, either in respect of the substance of it, or the orderly manner of administration, as was said before. And a thing or office is called Antichristian in two respects. First, as whatsoever is not of Christ is Antichristian; in which sense, they of the Separation call all stinted Liturgies Antichristian. ⟨p. 46⟩Secondly, as that which is derived from the authority and headship of the great Antichrist of Rome, and dependeth upon him as his own institution, is Antichristian. And to apply these things to the purpose; if we take the word Antichristian, in the first signification, the true Church of God may be under Antichristian government, in respect of the manner of dispensation of the censures, that is, the dispensation of the censures may be committed to such persons as are not instituted, approved, and set apart of Christ for that purpose, and in such manner. As if it be committed to an usurped power over the Brethren, or to some few of many, or to such as be ignorant, profane, or the like.
But here it must be noted, that the power of government must be considered, either in respect of the substance of it, or the orderly manner of administration, as was said before. And a thing or office is called Antichristian in two respects. First, as whatsoever is not of Christ is Antichristian; in which sense, they of the Separation call all stinted Liturgies Antichristian. ⟨p. 46⟩Secondly, as that which is derived from the authoritie and headship of the great Antichrist of Rome, and dependeth upon him as his owne institution, is Antichristian. And to apply these things to the purpose; if we take the word Antichristian, in the first signification, the true Church of God may be under Antichristian government, in respect of the manner of dispensation of the censures, that is, the dispensation of the censures may be committed to such persons as are not instituted, approved, and set apart of Christ for that purpose, and in such manner. As if it be committed to an usurped power over the Brethren, or to some few of many, or to such as be ignorant, prophant, or the like.