A53704:238
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.
Whereas therefore the Lord Christ in the Exercise of his Right and Power on the grant of the Father of a perpetual visible Kingdom in this World; and the Discharge of his own promise; hath (1) Appointed the ordinary Offices which he will have continue in his Church by an unalterable Institution; (2) Ordained that Persons shall be called and set apart unto those Offices, and for the Discharge of that Work and those Duties, which he hath declared to belong thereunto; (3) Furnished them with Gifts and Abilities for this Work, and declared what their spiritual Qualifications and moral Endowments ought to be; (4) Made it the Duty of Believers, to observe all his Institutions and Commands, whereof those which concern the Erection and Continuance of this Church-State are the principal; and (5) Hath in their so doing, or their Observance of all his Commands, promised his presence with them, by which as by a Charter of Right he hath conveyed unto them, an Interest in all the Power, Privileges, and Promises that belongs unto this State; it is evident that its perpetual continuation, depends hereon; and is secured hereby. He hath not left this great concernment of his Glory unto the Wills of men, or any Order they shall think meet to appoint.
Whereas therefore the Lord Christ in the Exercise of his Right and Power on the grant of the Father of a perpetual visible Kingdom in this World; and the Discharge of his own promise; hath (1) Appointed the ordinary Offices which he will have continue in his Church by an unalterable Institution; (2) Ordained that Persons shall be called and set apart unto those Offices, and for the Discharge of that Work and those Duties, which he hath declared to belong thereunto; (3) Furnished them with Gifts and Abilities for this Work, and declared what their spiritual Qualifications and moral Endowments ought to be; (4) Made it the Duty of Believers, to observe all his Institutions and Commands, whereof those which concern the Erection and Continuance of this Church-State are the principal; and (5) Hath in their so doing, or their Observance of all his Commands, promised his presence with them, by which as by a Charter of Right he hath conveyed unto them, an Interest in all the Power, Priviledges, and Promises that belongs unto this State; it is evident that its perpetual continuation, depends hereon; and is secured hereby. He hath not left this great concernment of his Glory unto the Wills of men, or any Order they shall think meet to appoint.