A53704:345
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. He declares the conversion of men unto the Faith, as the foundation of all their Church-order and Worship. [Greek or Hebrew]. As many as are persuaded and do believe the things to be true, which are taught and spoken by us, and take upon themselves that they are able to live according to that Doctrine, they are taught to seek of God by fasting and prayer, the pardon of their fore-going sins; and we also do join together with them, in fasting and prayer for that end. And herein (1.) The only means of Conversion which he insists upon, is the Preaching of the Word, or Truth of the Gospel; wherein they especially insisted on the Doctrine ⟨p. 107⟩of the Person and Office• of Christ, as appears throughout his whole Apology. (2.) This preaching of the Word, or Declaration of the Truth of the Gospel unto the Conversion of the Hearers be doth not confine unto any especial sort of persons, as •e doth afterwards that Administration of the holy things in the Church; but speaks of it in general, as the work of all Christians that were able for it, as doth the Apostle, 1 Cor. 14.24, 25. (3.) Those who were converted did two things. (1.) They professed their Faith or Assent unto the Truth of the Doctrine of the Gospel. (2.) They took it on themselves, to live according to the Rule of it, to do and observe the things commanded by Jesus Christ, as he appointed they should, Math. 28.18, 19. (4.) To lay a sure and comfortable foundation of their future profession, they were taught to confess their former sins, and by earnest prayer with fastings to seek of God the pardon and forgiveness of them. And (5.) Herein, (such was their love and zeal) those who had been the means of their Conversion, joined with them for their comfort and edification. It is well known how this whole process is lost, and on what account it is discontinued. But whether it be done so unto the Advantage of Christian Religion, and the good of the Souls of Men, is well worth a strict enquiry.
1. He declares the conversion of men unto the Faith, as the foundation of all their Church-order and Worship. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. As many as are perswaded and do believe the things to be true, which are taught and spoken by us, and take upon themselves that they are able to live according to that Doctrine, they are taught to seek of God by fasting and prayer, the pardon of their fore-going sins; and we also do joyn together with them, in fasting and prayer for that end. And heein (1.) The only means of Conversion which he insists upon, is the Preaching of the Word, or Truth of the Gospel; wherein they especially insisted on the Doctrine