A53704:418
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.
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.
It cannot well be denied, but that the present pretences and pleas of some to reduce all things in the practice of Religion into the power and disposal of the Civil Magistrate, are full of offence and scandal. It seems to be only a design and contrivance, to secure Mens secular Interests under every way of the profession of Christian Religion, true or false, which may have the advantage of the Magistrates Approbation. By this device, Conscience is set at liberty from concerning itself in an humble diligent enquiry into the mind of God, as unto what is its duty in his Worship. And when it is so with the Conscience of any, it will not be much concerned in what it doth attend unto or observe. What is in Divine things done or practised solely on the Authority of the Magistrate, is immediately and directly Obedience unto him, and not unto God.
It cannot well be denyed, but that the present pretences and pleas of some to reduce all things in the practice of Religion into the power and disposal of the Civil Magistrate, are full of offence and scandal. It seems to be only a design and contrivance, to secure Mens secular Interests under every way of the profession of Christian Religion, true or false, which may have the advantage of the Magistrates Approbation. By this device, Conscience is set at liberty from concerning itself in an humble diligent enquiry into the mind of God, as unto what is its duty in his Worship. And when it is so with the Conscience of any, it will not be much concerned in what it doth attend unto or observe. What is in Divine things done or practised solely on the Authority of the Magistrate, is immediately and directly Obedience unto him, and not unto God.
Whatever therefore the Supreme Power in any place may do, or will be pleased to do, for the accommodation of the outward state of the Church, and the exercise of its Rule, unto the Political Government of a People or Nation, yet these two things are certain.