A53704:195
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.
Chapter 2: The Especial Original of the Evangelical Church-State.
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.
2. As unto the Dignity and Honour of the Rulers of the Church, the subject of so many Ecclesiastical Laws, they are in the first place, to be desired themselves, to remember the Example of Christ himself in his Personal Ministry here on Earth. Matth. 20.28. Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his Life a Ransom for many. With the Rule prescribed by him thereon; ver. 25, 26, 27. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, ye know that the Princes of the Gentiles exercise Dominion over them, and they that are great, exercise Authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you; but whosoever shall be great among you, let him be your Minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant. With the Occasion ⟨p. 28⟩of the Instruction given therein unto his Apostles, ver. 24. And when the Ten heard it, they were moved with Indignation against the two Brethren. As also the Injunction given them by the Apostle Peter, on whom, for their own Advantage, some would fasten a Monarchy over the whole Church; 1 Epist. 5.2, 3. Feed the Flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy Lucre, but of a ready Mind; Neither as being Lords over God's Heritage; but being Ensamples to the Flock. And the blessed expressions of the Apostolical State by Paul; 1 Cor. 4.1. Let a man so account of us, as of the Ministers of Christ, and Stewards of the Mysteries of God. 2 Cor. 1.24. Not for that we have Dominion over your Faith, but are helpers of your Joy. 2 Cor. 4, 5. For we preach not our selves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and our selves your Servants for Jesus sake; It may prepare their Minds for the right Management of that Honour which is their due. For (2) There is in, and by the Constitution of Christ, and his express Laws, an Honour and Respect due unto those Church Guides, which he hath appointed, abiding in the Duties which he requireth. If men had not been weary of Apostolical Simplicity and Humility, if they could have contented themselves with the Honour and Dignity annexed unto their Office, and Work by Christ himself; they had never entertained pleasing Dreams, of Thrones, Preheminencies, Chief Sees, secular Grandeur and Power, nor framed so many Laws and Canons about these things, turning the whole Rule of the Church into a Worldly Empire.