A53704:151
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.
1. For many Ages, such things alone were proposed unto the world, and imposed on it, for the only Church, as were from Hell rather than from Heaven, at least from Men, and those none of the best: For all men in these Western parts of the world, were obliged to believe and profess on the penalties of Eternal and Temporal Destruction, that the Pope of Rome and those depending on him, were the only Church in the World. If this should be granted, as it was almost universally in some Ages, and in this is earnestly contended for, there would be a thousand evidences to prove that the institution of Churches is not from Heaven, but from Men. Whether the inventions of men in the mystery of iniquity be to be received again or no, men of secular Wisdom and Interest may do well to consider; but he must be blind and mad and accursed in his mind and understanding, who can ⟨p. 3⟩think of receiving it as from Heaven, as a Divine Institution. But I have treated of this subject in other Discourses.
2. The Name, Pretence and presumed power of the Church or Churches, have been made and used as the greatest Engine for the promoting and satisfying the Avarice, Sensuality, Ambition, and cruelty of men, that ever was in the world. Never any thing was found out by men or Satan himself, so fitted, suited, and framed to fill and satisfy the lusts of multitudes of men, as this of the Church hath been, and yet continues to be: For it is so ordered, is of that make, constitution and use, that corrupt men need desire no more for the attainment of Wealth, Honour, Grandeur, Pleasure, all the ends of their Lusts spiritual or carnal, but a share in the Government and power of the Church; nor hath an interest therein been generally used unto any other ends. All the Pride and Ambition, all the flagitious lives in Luxury, Sensuality, Uncleanness, Incests, &c. of Popes, Cardinals, Prelates, and their Companions, with their hatred unto, and oppression of Good men, arose from the advantage of their being reputed the Church. To this very day, the Church here and there as it is esteemed, is the greatest means of keeping Christian Religion in its power and purity out of the world; and a temptation to multitudes of men, to prefer the Church before Religion, and to be obstinate in their oppositions unto it. These things being plain and evident unto wise men, who had no share in the conspiracy, nor the benefit of it, how could they think that this Church-State was from Heaven and not of Men.