A53704:495
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.) That Holiness, Love, and Usefulness, be openly avowed as the Design and Interest of the Church. But they are all so comprised in the General Head of Discipline, as that I shall not in particular insist upon them.
(3.) That Holiness, Love, and Usefulness, be openly avowed as the Design and Interest of the Church. But they are all so comprized in the General Head of Discipline, as that I shall not in particular insist upon them.
From what hath been thus declared, it will appear on the other hand, what Church it is that a Discipline of Christ, who takes due care of his own Edification and Salvation, ought in Duty to join himself unto in complete Communion. To Answer this Enquiry, is the End of all those Discourses and Controversies which have been about the Notes of the true Church. I shall briefly determine concerning it, according to the Principles before Evinced.
From what hath been thus declared, it will appear on the other hand, what Church it is that a Discipline of Christ, who takes due care of his own Edification and Salvation, ought in Duty to joyn himself unto in compleat Communion. To Answer this Enquiry, is the End of all those Discourses and Controversies which have been about the Notes of the true Church. I shall briefly determine concerning it, according to the Principles before Evinced.
1. It must be such a Church as wherein all the Fundamental Truths of the Gospel are believed, owned, and professed, without Controversy, and those not borne withal by whom they are denied or opposed. Without this a Church is not the Ground and Pillar of Truth, it doth not hold the Head, it is not built on the Foundation of the Prophets and Apostles. Neither is it sufficient, that those things are generally professed or not denied. A Church that is filled with wranglings and contentions about fundamental or important Truths of the Gospel, is not of choice to be joined unto. For these things subvert the Souls of Men, and greatly impede their Edification. And although both among distinct Churches, and among the Members of the same Church, mutual