A53704:296
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. These Churches were such, as that the Apostles appointed in them Ordinary Elders and Deacons, that might administer all Ordinances unto the whole Church, and take care of all the poor. Act. 14.23. chap. 20.28. Now the Care, Inspection and Labour of Ordinary Officers, can extend itself no further than unto a particular Congregation. No man can administer all Ordinances unto a Diocesan Church. And this ordaining Elders in every Church, is the same with ordaining them in every City, Tit. 1.5. that is in every Town wherein there was a Number converted unto the Faith; as is evident from Act. 14.23. And it was in Towns and Cities ordinarily that the Gospel was first preached, and first received. Such Believers being congregated and united in the Profession of the same Faith and subjection unto the Authority of Christ, did constitute such a Church-State as it was the Will of Christ, they should have Bishops, or Elders and Deacons ordained amongst them; and were therefore as unto their State, such Churches as he owned,
2. These Churches were such, as that the Apostles appointed in them Ordinary Elders and Deacons, that might administer all Ordinances unto the whole Church, and take care of all the poor. Act. 14.23. chap. 20.28. Now the Care, Inspection and Labour of Ordinary Officers, can extend itself no further than unto a particular Congregation. No man can administer all Ordinances unto a Diocesan Church. And this ordaining Elders in every Church, is the same with ordaining them in every City, Tit. 1.5. that is in every Town wherein there was a Number converted unto the Faith; as is evident from Act. 14.23. And it was in Towns and Cities ordinarily that the Gospel was first preached, and first received. Such Believers being congregated and united in the Profession of the same Faith and subiection unto the Authority of Christ, did constitute such a Church-State as it was the Will of Christ, they should have Bishops, or Elders and Deacons ordained amongst them; and were therefore as unto their State, such Churches as he owned,