A53704:331
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.
But for the sake of them, who may endeavour to reduce any Church-state into its Primitive Constitution, that they may be cautioned against that great Evil which this Church, in the exercise of their supposed liberty f•ll into, I cannot but transcribe a few of those excellent words which are used plentifully with cogent Reasons in this Epistle against it.1 [Greek or Hebrew]. It is shameful, beloved, exceeding ⟨p. 96⟩shameful which is reported of you, that the most firm and ancient Church of the Corinthians, should for the sake of one or two persons, seditiously tumultuate against their Elders. And herein he proceeds to declare the dreadful scandal that ensued thereon, both among Believers and Infidels. The Instruction also which he adds hereunto, is worthy the remembrance of all Church Members, [Greek or Hebrew]. It is blessed Advice for all Church-Members that he gives; Let a man be faithful, let him be powerful in knowledge or the Declaration of it; let him be wise to judge the Words or Doctrines; let him be chaste or pure in his works; the greater he seems to be, the more humble he ought to be: that so the Church may have no trouble by him nor his Gifts. But to return.
But for the sake of them, who may endeavour to reduce any Church-state into its Primitive Constitution, that they may be cautioned against that great Evil which this Church, in the exercise of their supposed liberty f•ll into, I cannot but transcribe a few of those excellent words which are used plentifully with cogent Reasons in this Epistle against it.1 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. It is shameful, beloved, exceeding ⟨p. 96⟩shameful which is reported of you, that the most firm and antient Church of the Corinthians, should for the sake of one or two persons, seditiously tumultuate against their Elders. And herein he proceeds to declare the dreadful scandal that ensued thereon, both among Believers and Infidels. The Instruction also which he adds hereunto, is worthy the remembrance of all Church Members, . It is blessed Advice for all Church-Members that he gives; Let a man be faithful, let him be powerful in knowledge or the Declaration of it; let him be wise to judge the Words or Doctrines; let him be chast or pure in his works; the greater he seems to be, the more humble he ought to be: that so the Church may have no trouble by him nor his Gifts. But to return.