A53704:240
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.
But as was said, the inward Instinct of Believers, from the same Principles of Faith, Love, and all the Graces of the Spirit, in them all, doth efficaciously lead and incline them unto their joint exercise in Societies, unto the Glory of Christ, and their own Edification, or increase of the same Graces ⟨p. 52⟩in them. When this appears to be under the Guidance of the Commands of Christ, as unto the ways of Communion lead unto, and to consist in a compliance therewithal; they find themselves under an indispensable Obligation unto it Nor hath the Lord Christ left them liberty to make a Composition for their outward Peace, and to purchase Quietness, with foregoing any part of their Duty herein.
But as was said, the inward Instinct of Believers, from the same Principles of Faith, Love, and all the Graces of the Spirit, in them all, doth efficaciously lead and incline them unto their joynt exercise in Societies, unto the Glory of Christ, and their own Edification, or encrease of the same Graces ⟨p. 52⟩in them. When this appears to be under the Guidance of the Commands of Christ, as unto the ways of Communion lead unto, and to consist in a compliance therewithal; they find themselves under an indispensible Obligation unto it Nor hath the Lord Christ left them liberty to make a Composition for their outward Peace, and to purchase Quietness, with foregoing any part of their Duty herein.
This therefore I say, is a Means and Cause on the part of Believers themselves of the continuation of this Church-State. For this Instinct of Believers, leading them unto Communion, which is an Article of our Faith, in conjunction with the Law and Commands of Christ, giving direction how, and in what ways it is to be attained, and exercised, binds and obliges them unto the continuation of this State; and the decay of this inward Principle in them that profess Christian Religion, hath been the great and almost only ground of its neglect.