A53704:483
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.
There are four things that are necessary Fundamentals unto the Order of the Church, on the Part of the Ministry.
(1.) That all the Ministers or Officers of it, be duly chosen by the Church it self, and solemnly set apart in the Church unto their Office, according unto the Rule and Law of Christ. This is Fundamental unto Church Order, the Root of it, from whence all other Parts of it do Spring. And it is that which is [Greek or Hebrew] or expressly provided for in the Scripture, as we shall see. If there be a Neglect herein, and no other Relation required between Ministers, Elders, Rulers, Bishops, and the Church, but what is raised and created by Ways and Rules of mens appointment; or if there be a Temporary disposal of Persons into a discharge of that Office, without a solemn Call, Choice, Ordination, and Separation unto the Office itself and its work, the Law of Christ is violated, and the Order of the Church disturbed in its Foundation.
(1.) That all the Ministers or Officers of it, be duely chosen by the Church it self, and solemnly set apart in the Church unto their Office, according unto the Rule and Law of Christ. This is Fundamental unto Church Order, the Root of it, from whence all other Parts of it do Spring. And it is that which is 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 or expresly provided for in the Scripture, as we shall see. If there be a Neglect herein, and no other Relation required between Ministers, Elders, Rulers, Bishops, and the Church, but what is raised and created by Wayes and Rules of mens appointment; or if there be a Temporary disposal of Persons into a discharge of that Office, without a solemn Call, Choice, Ordination, and Separation unto the Office itself and its work, the Law of Christ is violated, and the Order of the Church disturbed in its Foundation.