A53704:135
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.
It is not Praise-worthy to abide in these contests beyond Necessity.
This Discourse indeed of the Reverend Author is increased into so large a Volume, as might justly discourage any from undertaking the Examination of it, who hath any other necessary Duties to attend unto. But if there be separated from it, the consideration of Stories of Things and Persons long since past, wherein we are not concerned, with the undue Application of what was written by some of the Ancients against the Schisms in their days, unto our present Differences; as also the Repetition of a Charge that we do not refrain Communion from the Parochial Churches on the Grounds and Reasons, which we know to the contrary that we do; with the Report and Quotations of the Words and Sayings of Men, by whose Judgement we are not determined; with frequent Diversions from the Question, by attempting Advantages from this or that passage or Expression in one or another; and the Rhetorical Aggravations of things that might be plainly expressed, and quickly issued; and the controversy may be reduced into a narrower Compass.
This Discourse indeed of the Reverend Author is encreased into so large a Volume, as might justly discourage any from undertaking the Examination of it, who hath any other necessary Duties to attend unto. But if there be separated from it, the consideration of Stories of Things and Persons long since past, wherein we are not concerned, with the undue Application of what was written by some of the Antients against the Schismes in their days, unto our present Differences; as also the Repetition of a Charge that we do not refrain Communion from the Parochial Churches on the Grounds and Reasons, which we know to the contrary that we do; with the Report and Quotations of the Words and Sayings of Men, by whose Judgement we are not determined; with frequent Diversions from the Question, by attempting Advantages from this or that passage or Expression in one or another; and the Rhetorical Aggrevations of things that might be plainly expressed, and quickly issued; and the controversie may be reduced into a narrower Compass.