A53704:350
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.
6. The things that he ascribeth unto this Leader, to be done at this general meeting of the Church, every Lords day; were, (1.) That he prayed; (2.) That after the reading of the Scripture he preached. (3.) That he consecrated the Eucharist; the Elements of the Bread and Wine being distributed by the Deacons, unto the Congregation. (4.) That he closed the whole Worship of the day in prayer.
7. In the Consecration of the Sacramental Elements, he observes that the President prayed at large, giving thanks to God; [Greek or Hebrew]. So vain is the pretence of some, that in the Primitive times they consecrated the Elements by the Repetition of the Lords prayer only. After the participation of the Eucharist, there was a Collection made for the poor, as he describeth it at large; what was so gathered being committed to the Pastor, who took care for the distribution of it, unto all sorts of poor belonging unto the Church. Hereunto was added, as Tertullian observes, the Exercise of Discipline in their Assemblies, whereof we shall speak afterwards. The close of the Administration of the Sacrament, Justin gives us in these words, [Greek or Hebrew] ⟨p. 110⟩[Greek or Hebrew]. The Pastor again, according to his ability or power poureth forth or sends up prayers, the people all joyfully crying, Amen, &c. [Greek or Hebrew], that is, as Origen expounds the Phrase often used by himself, [Greek or Hebrew], lib. 8. ad Cels. according unto the present Ability given unto him.
7. In the Consecration of the Sacramental Elements, he observes that the President prayed at large, giving thanks to God; 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. So vain is the pretence of some, that in the Primitive times they consecrated the Elements by the Repetition of the Lords prayer only. After the participation of the Eucharist, there was a Collection made for the poor, as he describeth it at large; what was so gathered being committed to the Pastor, who took care for the distribution of it, unto all sorts of poor belonging unto the Church. Hereunto was added, as Tertullian observes, the Exercise of Discipline in their Assemblies, whereof we shall speak afterwards. The close of the Administration of the Sacrament, Justin gives us in these words,