A53704:212
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.
4. How it is derogatory unto the Glory of the Scripture, as unto its Perfection, shall be elsewhere declared.
8. There is no more required to give Authority obliging the Consciences of all that do believe, unto any Institution, or Observation of Duty, or Acts of Rule in the Church, but only that it is made evident in the Scripture to be the Mind and Will of Christ. It is not necessary that every thing of this Nature should be given out unto us in form of a Law or precise Command, in express words. It is the Mind and Will of Christ that immediately affects the Consciences of Believers unto Obedience, by what way or means soever, the knowledge of it be communicated unto them in the Scripture, either by express words, or by just consequence from what is so expressed. Wherefore;
8. There is no more required to give Authority obliging the Consciences of all that do believe, unto any Institution, or Observation of Duty, or Acts of Rule in the Church, but onely that it is made evident in the Scripture to be the Mind and Will of Christ. It is not necessary that every thing of this Nature should be given out unto us in form of a Law or precise Command, in express words. It is the Mind and Will of Christ that immediately affects the Consciences of Believers unto Obedience, by what way or means soever, the knowledge of it be communicated unto them in the Scripture, either by express words, or by just consequence from what is so expressed. Wherefore;
9. The Example and Practice of the Apostles in the Erection of Churches, in the Appointment of Officers and Rulers in them, in directions given for their Walking, Order, Administration of Censures and all other holy things, are a sufficient Indication of the Mind and Will of Christ about them. We do not say, that in themselves they are Institutions and Appointments, but they infallibly declare what is so, or the Mind of Christ concerning those things. Nor can this be questioned without a denial of their Infallibility, Faithfulness, and Divine Authority.