A53704:569
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.
5. Evangelical Discipline is neither observed, nor attainable in these Parochial Assemblies; nor is there any Relief provided by any other means for that Defect. This hath in general been spoken unto before; but because it belongs in an especial manner unto the Argument now in hand, I shall yet farther speak unto it. For to declare my Mind freely, I do not judge that any man can incur the Guilt of Schism, who refrains from the Communion of the Church, wherein the Discipline of the Gospel is either wholly wanting, or is perverted into Rule and Domination which hath no countenance given unto it in the Word of Truth. And we may Observe.
5. Evangelical Discipline is neither observed, nor attainable in these Parochial Assemblies; nor is there any Releif provided by any other means for that Defect. This hath in general been spoken unto before; but because it belongs in an especial manner unto the Argument now in hand, I shall yet farther speak unto it. For to declare my Mind freely, I do not judge that any man can incur the Guilt of Schisme, who refraines from the Communion of the Church, wherein the Discipline of the Gospel is either wholly wanting, or is perverted into Rule and Domination which hath no countenance given unto it in the Word of Truth. And we may Observe.
1. The Discipline of the Church is that alone for which any Rule or Authority is given unto it or exercised in it. Authority is given unto the Ministers of the Church, to dispense the Word, and administer the Sacraments; which, I know not why, some call the Key of Order. But the only End why the Lord Christ hath given Authority, or Rule, or Power for it unto the Church, or any in it, it is for the Exercise of Discipline, and no other. Whatever Power, Rule, Dignity, or Preeminence is assumed in the Churches, not merely for this End, is Usurpation and Tyranny.
1. The Discipline of the Church is that alone for which any Rule or Authority is given unto it or exercised in it. Authority is given unto the Ministers of the Church, to dispense the Word, and administer the Sacraments; which, I know not why, some call the Key of Order. But the only End why the Lord Christ hath given Authority, or Rule, or Power for it unto the Church, or any in it, it is for the Exercise of Discipline, and no other. Whatever Power, Rule, Dignity, or Preheminence is assumed in the Churches, not meerly for this End, is Usurpation and Tyranny.