A53704:265
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.
2. The joint celebration of all Gospel Ordinances and Worship, is the great and principal End of the Evangelical Church State. How far this is directed unto by the Law of Nature was before declared. Man was made for Society in things natural and civil, but especially in things Spiritual, or such as concern the Worship of God. Hereon depends the n•cess••y of particular Churches, or Societies for Divine ⟨p. 63⟩Worship. And this is declared to be the End of the Churches instituted by Christ. Act. 2 42. 1 Cor. 11.20 1 Cor. 5.4, 5. 1 Tim. 2.1, 2. as also of the Institution of Officers in the Church, for the Solemn Administration of the Ordinances of this Worship. And the Reasons of this Appointment are intimated in the Scripture; as (1) That it might be a way for the joint Exercise of the Graces and Gifts of the Spirit; as was in general before mentioned. The Lord Christ g•ves both his Grace and his Gifts in great variety of measures. Ephes. 4.7. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given unto every man to profit withal; 1 Cor. 12.7, 8. He gives neither of them unto any merely for themselves. Saving Grace is firstly given for the good of him that receives it; but respect is had in it unto the good of others; and the Lord Christ expects such an exercise of it, as may be to others advantage. And the first End of Gifts is the Edification of others; and all that do receive them are thereby, and so far, Stewards of the manifold Grace of God. 1 Pet. 4.10. Wherefore for the due exercise of these Gifts and Graces unto his Glory, and their proper ends, he hath appointed particular Congregations, in whose Assemblies alone, they can be duly exercised, (2) Hereby all his Disciples are mutually edified; that is, increased in Light, Knowledge, Faith, Love, Fruitfulness in Obedience, and conformity unto himself. This the Apostle affirms to be the especial End of all Churches, their Offices, Officers, Gifts, and Order.