A53704:104
An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches.…
An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches. The first part with an answer to the discourse of the unreasonableness of separation written by Dr. Edward Stillingfleet, Dean of Pauls, and in defence of the vindication of non-conformists from the guilt of schism / by John Owen.An enquiry into the original, nature, institution, power, order and communion of evangelical churches. The first part with an answer to the discourse of the unreasonableness of separation written by Dr. Edward Stillingfleet, Dean of Pauls, and in defence of the vindication of non-conformists from the guilt of schisme / by John Owen.
London: printed by J. Richardson for Nath. Ponder, 1681
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Secondly, That we refuse a compliance with that Rule, in some one Instance or other, of what therein, he hath himself appointed. Unless one or the other be proved, and that strictly and directly, not pretended so to be, by perpetual Diversions from the things in Question, no vehement Assertions of any of us to be Schismatics, nor Aggravations of the Guilt of Schism, will signify any thing in this Cause.
Secondly, That we refuse a compliance with that Rule, in some one Instance or other, of what therein, he hath himself appointed. Unless one or the other be proved, and that strictly and directly, not pretended so to be, by perpetual Diversions from the things in Question, no vehement Assertions of any of us to be Schismaticks, nor Aggravations of the Guilt of Schisme, will signifie any thing in this Cause.
But that our Principle herein, is according unto Truth, we are fully persuaded. There is a Rule of Christs giving, which whosoever walk according unto, Peace shall be on them and Mercy, as on the whole Israel of God. Gal. 6.16. And we desire no more, no more is needful unto the Peace and Unity of the Church; And this Rule whatever it be, is of his giving and Appointment. No Rule of Mens Invention or Imposition, can by its Observance secure us of an Interest in that Peace and Mercy, which is peculiar unto the Israel of God. God forbid we should entertain any such Imagination. We know well enough men may be through Conformists, ⟨p. 49⟩to such Rules, unto whom as unto their present state and condition, neither Peace nor Mercy do belong; For there is no Peace to the Wicked. He who hath directed and commanded the end of Church Unity and Peace, hath also appointed the Means and Measures of them. Nothing is more disagreeable unto, Nothing more inconsistent with the Wisdom, Care, and Love of Christ unto his Church, than an Imagination, that whereas he strictly enjoins Peace and Unity in his Church, he hath not himself appointed the Rules, Bounds, and Measures of them, but left it unto the Will and Discretion of Men. As if his Command unto his Disciples had been, Keep Peace and Unity in the Church, by doing and observing whatever some men under a Pretence of being the Guides of the Church shall make necessary unto that End; Whereas it is plainly otherwise, namely, that we should so keep the Peace and Unity of the Church, by doing and observing all whatever that he commands us. And besides we strictly require, that some one Instance be given us, of a Defect in the Rule given by Christ himself, which must be supplied by humane Additions, to render it complete for the End of Church Peace and Unity. In vain have we desired, in vain may we for ever expect, any Instance of that kind.