A53704:264
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.
1. The professed Subjection of the Souls and Consciences of Believers unto his Authority, in their Observance of his Commandments. He requireth that all who are baptized into his Name, be taught to do, and observe all things whatever he commanded. Matth. 28.18, 19, 20. And God is to be Glorified not only in their Subjection, but in their professed Subjection unto the Gospel of Christ. 2 Cor. 19.13. Having given an express charge unto his Disciples, to make public Profession of his Name, and not to be deterred from it by shame or fear of any thing that may befall them on the account thereof, and that on the Penalty of his disowning them before his Heavenly Father, Matth. 8.33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, Matth. 10.33; He hath appointed this Church-State, as the way and means whereby they may jointly, and visibly make profession of this their Subjection to him, Dependence on him, and Freedom in the Observation of all his commands. He will not have this done, singly, and personally only, but in Society and conjunction. Now this cannot be done in any Church-State imaginable, wherein the Members of the Church cannot meet together for this end, which they can only do in such a Church as is Congregational.
1. The p•ofessed Subjection of the Souls and Consciences of Believers unto his Authority, in their Observance of his Commandments. He requireth that all who are baptized into his Name, be taught to do, and observe all things whatever he commanded. Matth. 28.18, 19, 20. And God is to be Glorified not only in their Subjection, but in their professed Subjection unto the Gospel of Christ. 2 Cor. 19.13. Having given an express charge unto his Disciples, to make publick Profession of his Name, and not to be deterred from it by shame or fear of any thing that may befal them on the account thereof, and that on the Penalty of his disowning them before his Heavenly Father, Matth. 8.33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38,