A53704:479
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.
2. Where there […] any Church taught or allowed, a Mixture of Doctrines or Opinions, that are prejudicial unto Gospel▪ Holiness or Obedience, no man that takes due care of his Salvation can join himself unto it. For the Original▪ Rule and Measure of all Church Communion, is agreement in the Doctrine of Truth. Where therefore there is either not a stable Profession of the same Doctrine in all substantial Truths of the Gospel, but an uncertain sound is given, some saying one thing, some another; or that Opposition is made unto any Truths, of the importance before mentioned; None can be bound or obliged to hold Communion with it; nor can incur any blame by refraining from it. For it is the Duty of a Christian in all things, [Greek or Hebrew]; And to join with such a Church, would (1.) Stain their Profession; (2.) Hinder their Edification; (3.) Establish a new Rule of Communion unknown to the Scriptures; namely, besides Truth; as might easily be manifested.
2. Where there 〈…〉 any Church taught or allowed, a Mixture of Doctrines or Opinions, that are prejudicial unto Gospel▪ Holiness or Obedience, no man that takes due care of his Salvation can joyn himself unto it. For the Original▪ Rule and Measure of all Church Communion, is agreement in the Doctrine of Truth. Where therefore there is either not a stable Profession of the same Doctrine in all substantial Truths of the Gospel, but an uncertain sound is given, some saying one thing, some another; or that Opposition is made unto any Truths, of the importance before men••oned; None can be bound or obliged to hold Communion with it; nor can incur any blame by refraining from it. For it is the Duty of a Christian in all things, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉; And to joyn with such a Church, would (1.) Stain their Profession; (2.) Hinder their Edification; (3.) Establish a new Rule of Communion unknown to the Scriptures; namely, besides Truth; as might easily be manifested.