A53704:436
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.
5. There is a double joining unto the Church; (1.) That which is, as unto total Communion in all the duties and privileges of the Church, which is that whereof we treat. (2.) An adherence unto the Church, as unto the means of Instruction and Edification to be attained thereby. So persons may adhere unto any Church, who yet are not meet, or free on some present consideration, to confederate with it, as unto total Communion; see Act. 5.13, 14. And of this sort in a peculiar manner, are the Baptized Children of the Members of the Church. For although they are not capable of performing Church-Duties, or enjoying Church•priviledges in their tender years; nor can have a right unto total Communion, before the testification of their own voluntary consent thereunto, and choice thereof; yet are they in a peculiar manner under the care and inspection of the Church, so far as the outward administration of the Covenant in all the means of it, is committed thereunto; and their duty it is, according ⟨p. 153⟩to their capacity, to attend unto the Ministry of that Church whereunto they do belong.
5. There is a double joyning unto the Church; (1.) That which is, as unto total Communion in all the duties and priviledges of the Church, which is that whereof we treat. (2.) An adherence unto the Church, as unto the means of Instruction and Edification to be attained thereby. So persons may adhere unto any Church, who yet are not meet, or free on some present consideration, to confederate with it, as unto total Communion; see Act. 5.13, 14. And of this sort in a peculiar manner, are the Baptized Children of the Members of the Church. For although they are not capable of performing Church-Duties, or enjoying Church•priviledges in their tender years; nor can have a right unto total Communion, before the testification of their own voluntary consent thereunto, and choice thereof; yet are they in a peculiar manner under the care and inspection of the Church, so far as the outward administration of the Covenant in all the means of it, is committed thereunto; and their duty it is, according ⟨p. 153⟩