A53704:564
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.
Chapter 11: Of Conformity and Communion in Parochial Assemblies.
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. Notwithstanding this Standard of Truth, Differences in important Doctrines, wherein the Edification of the Souls of Men are highly concerned, do abound among them, who manage the public Profession of the Church; I shall not urge this any farther by Instances, in general it cannot modestly be denied. Neither is this spoken to abridge Ministers of Churches of their due Liberty, in their Management of the Truths of the Gospel. For such a Liberty is to be granted, as
3. Notwithstanding this Standard of Truth, Differences in important Doctrines, wherein the Edification of the Souls of Men are highly concerned, do abound among them, who mannage the publick Profession of the Church; I shall not urge this any farther by Instances, in general it cannot modestly be denied. Neither is this spoken to abridge Ministers of Churches of their due Liberty, in their Mannagement of the Truths of the Gospel. For such a Liberty is to be granted, as
(1.) Ariseth from the distinct Gifts that men have received. For unto every one is Grace given according to the Measure of the Gift of Christ; Ephes. 4.7. As every Man hath received the Gift, so minister the same one to another, as Good stewards of the manifold Grace of Gad, 1 Pet. 4.10.
(2.) As followeth on that Spiritual Wisdom which Ministers receive in great variety, for the Application of the Truths of the Gospel unto the Souls and Consciences of Men. Hereon great variety in public Church-Administrations will ensue, but all unto Edification.