A53704:486
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.
(3.) It is of the same Importance that Persons so called, do take heed unto their Ministry that they fulfil it, that they give themselves unto the Word and Prayer, that they labour continually in the Word and Doctrine, and all those other Duties which in the Scripture are prescribed unto them; and this not only as unto the Matter of them, but as unto the Manner of their performance with Zeal, Love, Compassion and Diligence. Where there is a great Defect in any of these things, on what Pretence soever it be; Where Men esteem themselves exempted from this Work, or not obliged unto it; when they suppose that they may discharge their Office at a cheaper rate, and with less trouble, as unto their present Interest, by such ways as I shall not here express, No Man is, no Man can be obliged to confine his Church Communion, unto such a Ministry.
(3.) It is of the same Importance that Persons so called, do take heed unto their Ministry that they fulfil it, that they give themselves unto the Word and Prayer, that they labour continually in the Word and Doctrine, and all those other Duties which in the Scripture are prescribed unto them; and this not only as unto the Matter of them, but as unto the Manner of their performance with Zeal, Love, Compassion and Diligence. Where there is a great Defect in any of these things, on what Pretence soever it be; Where Men esteem themselves exempted from this Work, or not obliged unto it; when they suppose that they may discharge their Office at a cheaper rate, and with less trouble, as unto their present Interest, by such wayes as I shall not here express, No Man is, no Man can be obliged to confine his Church Communion, unto such a Ministry.
(4.) It is required that they be Examples, unto the Flock, in the Expression of the Nature and Power of the Doctrine which they Preach, in their Conversation, especially in Zeal, Humility, Self-denial, and readiness for the Cross.