A53704:490
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.
(1.) That the Discipline of Christ be duly exercised in it, according unto his Mind, and by the Rules of his Prescription. There never was any Sect, Order, or Society of Men in the World, designed for the Preservation and Promotion of Virtue and things Praise-Worthy, but they had Rules of Discipline proper unto the Ends of their Design, to be observed in and by all that belong unto them. Where the Erection of such Societies is continued in the World, as it is much in the Papacy, both their Constitution, and their Conversation, depend on the especial Rules of Discipline which they have framed unto themselves. And this is done by them in great ⟨p. 185⟩Variety; for being ignorant of the Discipline of the Gospel, and so esteeming it insufficient unto their Design, they have made no end of coining Rules unto themselves. To suppose that our Lord Jesus Christ, who in this Church state according unto his infinite Wisdom, hath erected the most perfect Society for the most perfect Ends, of Religion, of Obedience towards God, of Love and Usefulness among our selves, hath not appointed a Discipline, and given Rules concerning its Administration, for the Preservation of that Society, and the attaining of those Ends, is highly injurious unto his Honour and Glory.
(1.) That the Discipline of Christ be duely exercised in it, according unto his Mind, and by the Rules of his Prescription. There never was any Sect, Order, or Society of Men in the World, designed for the Preservation and Promotion of Vertue and things Praise-Worthy, but they had Rules of Discipline proper unto the Ends of their Design, to be observed in and by all that belong unto them. Where the Erection of such Societies is continued in the World, as it is much in the Papacy, both their Constitution, and their Conversation, depend on the especial Rules of Discipline which they have framed unto themselves. And this is done by them in great ⟨p. 185⟩Variety; for being ignorant of the Discipline of the Gospel, and so esteeming it insufficient unto their Design, they have made no end of coyning Rules unto themselves. To suppose that our Lord Jesus Christ, who in this Church state according unto his infinite Wisdom, hath erected the most perfect Society for the most perfect Ends, of Religion, of Obedience towards God, of Love and Usefulness among our selves, hath not appointed a Discipline, and given Rules concerning its Administration, for the Preservation of that Society, and the attaining of those Ends, is highly injurious unto his Honour and Glory.