A53704:289
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.
4thly. It is a visible particular Congregation alone that is intended. For (1.) As unto the Church, in other acceptations of that name, either for the Catholic• invisible Church, or for the whole Body of professed Believers throughout the world, it is utterly impossible that this D•ty should be observed towards it, as is manifest unto all. (2.) We have proved that the first and most proper signification of the word is of a single congregation, assembling together for its Duties and Enjoyments. Where ever therefore the Church in general is mentioned, without the Addition of any thing or circumstance, that may lead unto another signification; it must be interpreted of such a Particular Church or Congregation. (3.) The Persons intended, offending, ⟨p. 76⟩and offended must belong unto the same society unto whom the Address is to be made; or else the one party may justly decline the Judicatory applied unto, and so frustrate the Process. And it must be such a Church, as unto whom they are known in their Circumstances, without which it is impossible, that a right judgment in sundry cases, can be made in point of Offence. (4) It is a Church of an easy Address; Go tell the Church; which supposeth that free and immediate a• cess, which all the Members of a Church have unto that whole Church whereof they are members. Wherefore (5) It is said, [Greek or Hebrew] ▪ tell the Church; not a Church, but the Church; namely, whereunto thou and thy Brother do belong. (6) One end of this Direction is, that the offending and the offended parties may continue together in the Communion of the same Church, in Love without Dissimulation; which thing belongs unto a particular Congregation. (7) The meaning is not tell the Diocesan Bishop; for whatever Church he may have under his Rule, yet is not he himself a Church. Nor is it (8) the Chancellors Court that our Saviour intended. Be it what it will, it is a disparagement unto all Churches, to have that name applied thereunto. Nor, Lastly, Is it a Presbytery or Association of the Elders of many particular Congregations, that is intended. For the Power claimed in such associated Presbyteries, is with respect unto what is already in, or before particular Congregations, which they have not either Wisdom or Authority, as is supposed, finally to order and determine.