A53704:316
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 5: The Sate of the First Churches after the Apostles to the end of the Second Century.
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. Supposing that any of them might have many Elders or Presbyters in them, as it is apparent that most of them had, yea all that are mentioned in the Scripture had so; Act. 11.30. chap. 14.23. chap. 15.6, 22, 23. chap. 16.4. chap. 20.17, 18. chap. 21.18. Phil. 1.1.1. Tim. 5.17. Tit. 1.5. they might, and some of ⟨p. 87⟩them did choose out some one endued With especial Gifts, that might in some sort preside amongst them, and who had quickly the name of Bishop appropriated unto him. This Practice is thought to have had its Original at Alexandria, and began generally to be received in the 3 Century: But this changed not the State of the Church; though it had no divine Warrant to authorise it. For this Order may be agreed unto among the Elders of a particular Congregation, and Sundry things may fall out, inclining unto the reception of it. But from a distinct mention (if any such there be) in the Writings of the second Century of Bishops and Presbyters to fancy Metropolitical and Diocesan Churches, is but a pleasant Dream.
1. Supposing that any of them might have many Elders or Presbyters in them, as it is apparent that most of them had, yea all that are mentioned in the Scripture had so; Act. 11.30. chap. 14.23. chap. 15.6, 22, 23. chap. 16.4. chap. 20.17, 18. chap. 21.18. Phil. 1.1.1. Tim. 5.17. Tit. 1.5. they might, and some of ⟨p. 87⟩them did choose out some one endued With especial Gifts, that might in some sort preside amongst them, and who had quickly the name of Bishop appropriated unto him. This Practice is thought to have had its Original at Alexandria, and began generally to be received in the 3 Century: But this changed not the State of the Church; though it had no divine Warrant to authorise it. For this Order may be agreed unto among the Elders of a particular Congregation, and Sundry things may fall out, enclining unto the reception of it. But from a distinct mention (if any such there be) in the Writings of the second Century of Bishops and Presbyters to fancy Metropolitical and Diocesan Churches, is but a pleasant Dream.