A53704:134
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.
Story, but merely as a necessary Part of the Defence of their own Innocency, charge the same guilt of giving occasion unto the growth, increase and danger of Popery in this Nation, on the Episcopal Party, I know not now, how they could be well blamed for it, nor what will be done of that kind. For they who will take Liberty to speak what they please, must be content sometimes to hear what will displease. For my part I had rather if it were possible, that these things at present might be omitted, and that all those who are really united in opposition unto Popery, as I am assured in particular that this Reverend Author and I am, would rather consider how we might come out of the danger of it wherein we are, then at present to contest how we came unto it. This I speak seriously, and that under the consideration of this Discourse, which upon the Account of sundry Mistakes in Matter of Fact, of great Defects in point of Charity, with a design to expose others unto reproach for their great Crimes, of being willing to be a little freed from being beaten, fined, punished and imprisoned, by their means, and on their Accounts, is as apt to excite new Exasperations, and to provoke the Spirits of them concerned, as any I have read of late. However the Defence of our own Innocency must not be forsaken. But Cumque superba foret Babylon spolianda Trophaeis.
Story, but meerly as a necessary Part of the Defence of their own Innocency, charge the same guilt of giving occasion unto the growth, encrease and danger of Popery in this Nation, on the Episcopal Party, I know not now, how they could be well blamed for it, nor what will be done of that kind. For they who will take Liberty to speak what they please, must be content sometimes to hear what will displease. For my part I had rather if it were possible, that these things at present might be omitted, and that all those who are really united in opposition unto Popery, as I am assured in particular that this Reverend Author and I am, would rather consider how we might come out of the danger of it wherein we are, then at present to contest how we came unto it. This I speak seriously, and that under the consideration of this Discourse, which upon the Account of sundry Mistakes in Matter of Fact, of great Defects in point of Charity, with a design to expose others unto reproach for their great Crimes, of being willing to be a little freed from being beaten, fined, punished and imprisoned, by their means, and on their Accounts, is as apt to excite new Exasperations, and to provoke the Spirits of them concerned, as any I have read of late. However the Defence of our own Innocency must not be forsaken. But Cumque superba foret Babylon spolianda Trophaeis.