A53704:269
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 Preservation of the Doctrine of the Gospel in its Purity, and Obedience unto the Commands of Christ in its Integrity. For the First; the Scripture is full of Predictions, all confirmed in the Event, that after the days of the Apostles, there should be various Attempts to wrest, corrupt, and pervert the Doctrine of the Gospel, and to bring in pernicious Errors and Heresies. To prevent, or reprove, and remove them, is no small Part and Duty of the Ministerial Office in the Dispensation of the Word▪ But whereas those who taught such perverse things, did for the most part arise at first in the Churches themselves; Act. 20.30. 2 Pet. 2.1. 1 John 2.19. as the Preaching of the Word was appointed for the rebuke of the Doctrines themselves, so this Discipline was ordained in the Church with respect unto the Persons of them by whom they were taught, Rev. 2.2.14▪20. 3 Joh. 8.9. Gal. 5.12. And so also it was with respect unto Schisms and Divisions that might fall out in the Church. The way of suppressing things of this Nature by external force, by the Sword of Magistrates, in Prisons, Fines, Banishments, and Death, was not then thought of, nor directed unto by the Lord Jesus Christ; but is highly dishonourable unto him, as though the ways of his own appointment, were not sufficient for the Preservation of his own Truth, but that his Disciples must betake themselves unto the secular Powers of this World who for the most part are wicked, Profane, and ignorant of the Truth, for that end.
1. The Preservation of the Doctrine of the Gospel in its Purity, and Obedience unto the Commands of Christ in its Integrity. For the First; the Scripture is full of Predictions, all confirmed in the Event, that after the days of the Apostles, there should be various Attempts to wrest, corrupt, and pervert the Doctrine of the Gospel, and to bring in pernitious Errors and Heresies. To prevent, or reprove, and remove them, is no small Part and Duty of the Ministerial Office in the Dispensation of the Word But whereas those who taught such perverse things, did for the most part arise at first in the Churches themselves;