A53704:237
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 3: The Continuation of a Church-State and of Churches unto the end of the world; what are…
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. It depends on the Communication of Spiritual Gifts, for the Work of the Ministry, in this Church-State, as is expressly declared; Ephes. 4.8.11, 12, 13, 14, 15. The continuation of the Church as unto the Essence of it, depends on the Communication of saving Grace. If Christ should no more give of his Grace and Spirit unto men, there would be no more Church in the World, as unto its internal Form and Essence. But the continuation of the Church as it is Organical, that is, a Society Incorporated according unto the mind of Christ, with Rulers and Officers, for the Authoritative Administration of all its concerns, especially for the Preaching of the Word and Administration of the Sacraments, depends on the Communication of Spiritual Gifts and Abilities. And if the Lord Jesus Christ should with-hold the Communication of Spiritual Gifts, this Church-State must cease. An Image of it may be Erected, but the true Church State will fail; for that will hold no longer, but whilst the whole Body, fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh increase of th• Body, and the edifying of it self in Love. Ephes. 4.16. whilst it holds the Head, &c. Col. 2.19. such dead lifeless Images are many Churches in the World. But this Communication of Spiritual Gifts unto the use of his Disciples, to the end of the World, the Lord Christ hath taken the charge of on himself, as he is Faithful in the Administration of his Kingly Power. Ephes. 4.18.11, 12, 13, 14.
4. It depends on the Communication of Spiritual Gifts, for the Work of the Ministry, in this Church-State, as is expresly declared; Ephes. 4.8.11, 12, 13, 14, 15. The continuation of the Church as unto the Essence of it, depends on the Communication of saving Grace. If Christ should no more give of his Grace and Spirit unto men, there would be no more Church in the World, as unto its internal Form and Essence. But the continuation of the Church as it is Organical, that is, a Society Incorporated according unto the mind of Christ, with Rulers and Officers, for the Authoritative Administration of all its concerns, especially for the Preaching of the Word and Administration of the Sacraments, depends on the Communication of Spiritual Gifts and Abilities. And if the Lord Jesus Christ should with-hold the Communication of Spiritual Gifts, this Church-State must cease. An Image of it may be Erected, but the true Church State will fail; for that will hold no longer, but whilst the whole Body, fitly joyn'd together, and compacted by that which every joynt supplieth according to the effectual working in the measure of every part maketh encrease of th Body, and the edifying of it self in Love.