A53704:200
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.
3dly, As unto this Constitution of the Gospel-Church-State, the Scripture assigneth in an especial manner, Faithfulness unto the Lord Christ; Heb. 3.3, 4, 5. This Power is originally in God himself. It belongs unto him alone, as ⟨p. 31⟩the great Sovereign of all his Creatures. Unto Christ as Mediator, it was given by the Father, and the whole of it entrusted with him. Hence it follows, that in the Execution of it, he hath respect unto the Mind and Will of God, as unto what he would have done and ordered, with respect whereunto this Power was committed unto him. And here his Faithfulness takes place, exerted in the Revelation of the whole Mind of God in this matter, instituting, appointing, and commanding all that God would have so ordained, and nothing else. And what can any man do, that cometh after the King.
3dly, As unto this Constitution of the Gospel-Church-State, the Scripture assigneth in an especial manner, Faithfulness unto the Lord Christ; Heb. 3.3, 4, 5. This Power is originally in God himself. It belongs unto him alone, as ⟨p. 31⟩the great Soveraign of all his Creatures. Unto Christ as Mediator, it was given by the Father, and the whole of it intrusted with him. Hence it follows, that in the Execution of it, he hath respect unto the Mind and Will of God, as unto what he would have done and ordered, with respect whereunto this Power was committed unto him. And here his Faithfulness takes place, exerted in the Revelation of the whole Mind of God in this matter, instituting, appointing, and commanding all that God would have so ordained, and nothing else. And what can any man do, that cometh after the King.
Hereunto there is added on the same Account, the Consideration of his Wisdom, his Love, and Care, for the good of his Church, which in him were ineffable and inimitable. By all these things was he fitted for his Office, and the work that was reserved for him, so as that he might in all things have the Preheminency. And this was to make the last and only full, perfect, complete Revelation of the Mind and Will of God, as unto the State, Order, Faith, Obedience, and Worship of the Church. There was no Perfection in any of these things, until he took this work in hand. Wherefore it may justly be supposed, that he hath so perfectly stated, and established all things concerning his Churches and Worship therein, being the last Divine Hand, that was to be put to this Work; and this his Hand;