A53704:440
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.
9. This Position of Truth is abused by Interest and Pride; an enclosure of it being made by them, who of all Christians in the world can lay the least and weakest claim unto it; namely, the Church of Rome. For they are so far from being that Catholic Church, out of which there is no Salvation, and wherein none can perish, like the Ark of Noah, that it requires the highest charity to reckon them unto that visible professing Church, whereof the greatest part may perish; and do so undoubtedly.
9. This Position of Truth is abused by Interest and Pride; an enclosure of it being made by them, who of all Christians in the world can lay the least and weakest claim unto it; namely, the Church of Rome. For they are so far from being that Catholick Church, out of which there is no Salvation, and wherein none can perish, like the Ark of Noah, that it requires the highest charity to reckon them unto that visible professing Church, whereof the greatest part may perish; and do so undoubtedly.
10. Our enquiry is, what truth there is in this Assertion, ⟨p. 154⟩with respect unto these particular Churches or Societies for the celebration of Gospel-worship and Discipline, whereof we treat. And I say,
1. No Church, of what denomination soever, can lay a claim unto this Privilege, as belonging unto itself alone. This was the ancient Donatism; They confined Salvation unto the Churches of their Way alone. And after many false charges of it on others, it begins really to be renewed in our days. For some dispute, that Salvation is confined unto that Church alone, wherein there is a Succession of Diocesan Bishops; which is the height of Donatism. The Judgments and Determinations made concerning the Eternal Salvation or Damnation of Men, by the measures of some differences among Christians about Churches, their State and Order, are absurd, foolish, and impious, and for the most part used by them, who sufficiently proclaim, that they know neither what it is to be saved, nor do use any diligence about the necessary means of it. Salvation depends absolutely on no particular Church-state in the world; he knows not the Gospel, who can really think it doth. Persons of Believers are not for the Church, but the Church is for them: if the Ministry of Angels be for them who are Heirs of Salvation, much more is the Ministry of the Church so. If a man be an Adulterer, an Idolater, a Railer, a hater & scoffer of Godliness; if he choose to live in any known sin, without Repentance, or in the neglect of any known duty; if he be ignorant and profane; in a word, if he be not born again from above, be he of what Church he will, and whatsoever place he possess therein, he cannot be saved. And on the other side, if a man believe in Christ Jesus, that is, know him in his Person, Offices, Doctrine and Grace, trust unto him for all the ends of the wisdom and love of God towards Mankind in him; if he endeavour