A53704:377
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 6: Congregational Churches alone suited unto the ends of Christ in the Institution of his…
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. This Objection lies not at all against the thing itself; namely, that all Churches of Divine Institution are Congregational, which alone at present is pleaded ⟨p. 124⟩for; but against the gathering of such Societies, or Congregations, in that state of things which now prevails amongst us. But whereas this depends on Principles not yet declared and confirmed, the consideration of this part of the Objection must be referred unto another place. I shall only say at present, that it is the greatest and most powerful engine in the hand of Satan, and men of corrupt Secular Interests, to keep all Church-Reformation out of the world.
But if the way itself be changed (which alone, as absolutely considered, we at present defend) that change must be managed with respect unto some Principles contrary unto Love and its due exercise, which it doth assert and maintain, or some practices that it puts men upon of the same nature and tendency. But this hitherto hath not been attempted, at least not effected
3. We do not find that a joint participation of the same Ordinances at the same time, within the same walls, is in itself either an Effect, or Evidence, or Duty of Gospel-Love, or any means for the preservation or promotion of it. For it was diligently observed in the Papacy, when all true Evangelical Love, Faith and Worship were lost. Yea, this kind of Communion and Conjunction, added unto an implicit dependence on the Authority of the Church, was substituted in their room, and multitudes were contented with them, as those which did bestead them in their neglect of all other Graces and their exercise. And I wish it were not so among others, who suppose they have all the Love that is required of them, if they are freed from such scandalous variances with their Neighbours, as should make them unfit for the Communion.