A53704:485
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.) That those who are called unto the Office of the Ministry be duly qualified, by their Endowment with Spiritual Gifts for the Discharge of their Duty, is fundamental unto the Ministry; That the Lord Jesus Christ doth still continue his Dispensation of Spiritual Gifts unto men, to fit and enable them unto the Office and Work of the Ministry; that if he doth not do so, or should at any time cease so to do, the whole Office of the Ministry must cease, and the Being of the Church with it; that it is altogether useless for any Churches or Persons to erect an Image of the Gospel Ministry by outward Rites and Ceremonies, without the enlivening form of these Spiritual Gifts, I have proved sufficiently in my Discourse of Spiritual Gifts and their continuance in the Church. Wherefore a Communication of Spiritual Gifts peculiarly enabling men unto the Work of the Ministry, antecedent unto their solemn Separation unto the Office, in some Good Measure, is absolutely necessary unto the due continuance of the Office and its Work; See Ephes. 4.7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. To suppose that the Lord Christ doth call and appoint men, unto a certain Office and Work in his Church, secluding all others from any Interest in the one or other, and yet not endow them with peculiar Gifts and Abilities for the discharge of that Office and Work, is to ascribe that unto him, which is every way, unbecoming his Wisdom and Grace, with his Love unto the Church. But when men look on all Church Order, as a lifeless Machine to be acted moved and disposed by External Rules, Laws, Canons and Orders, without respect unto the Actings of the Spirit of Christ going before in the Rule of his Word to enliven every part of it, the true Disciples of Christ will receive no advantage thereby.
(2.) That those who are called unto the Office of the Ministry be duely qualified, by their Endowment with Spiritual Gifts for the Discharge of their Duty, is fundamental unto the Ministry; That the Lord Jesus Christ doth still continue his Dispensation of Spiritual Gifts unto men, to fit and enable them unto the Office and Work of the Ministry; that if he doth not do so, or should at any time cease so to do, the whole Office of the Ministry must cease, and the Being of the Church with it; that it is altogether useless for any Churches or Persons to erect an Image of the Gospel Ministry by outward Rites and Ceremonies, without the enlivening form of these Spiritual Gifts, I have proved sufficiently in my Discourse of Spiritual Gifts and their continuance in the Church. Wherefore a Communication of Spiritual Gifts peculiarly enabling men unto the Work of the Ministry, antecedent unto their solemn Separation unto the Office, in some Good Measure, is absolutely necessary unto the due continuance of the Office and its Work; See