A53704:253
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 4: The Especial Nature of the Gospel Church-State appointed by Christ.
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.
THE Principal Enquiry which we have thus far prepared the way unto, and whereon all that ensues unto it doth depend, is concerning the especial Nature of that Church-State, Rule, and Order, which the Lord Christ hath Instituted under the Gospel, of what sort and kind it is. And hereunto some things must be premised.
1. I design not here to oppose, nor any way to consider such Additions as men may have judged necessary to be added unto that Church-State which Christ hath appointed, to render it, in their apprehension, more useful unto its ends, than otherwise it would be. Of this sort there are many things in the World, and of a long season have been so. But our present Business is to prove the Truth, and not to disprove the conceits of other men. And so far as our Cause is concerned herein, it shall be done by it self, so as not to interrupt us in the declaration of the Truth.
2. Whereas there are great contests about Communion with ⟨p. 59⟩Churches, or Separation from them, and mutual charges of Impositions and Schisms thereon, they must be all regulated by this Enquiry; namely, what is that Church State which Christ hath prescribed. Herein alone is Conscience concerned as unto all Duties of Ecclesiastical Communion. Neither can a cha•ge of Schism be managed against any, but on a supposition of Sin, with respect unto that Church-State and Order which Christ hath appointed. A Dissent from any thing else, however pretended to be useful, yea advantageous unto Church Ends, must come under other prudential considerations. All which shall be fully proved, and vindicated from the exceptions of Dr. St.