A53704:570
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.
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.
2. The outward means appointed by Jesus Christ; for the Preservation of his Churches, in Order, Peace, and Purity, consists in this Discipline. He doth by his Word give Directions and Commands for this end, and it is by Discipline alone that they are executed. Wherefore without it, the Church cannot live in its Health, Purity, and Vigour; the Word and Sacraments are its Spiritual Food, whereon its Life doth depend. But without that Exercise and Medicinal Applications unto its Distempers, which are made by Discipline, it cannot live an healthy, vigorous, fruitful Life, in the things of God.
2. The outward means appointed by Jesus Christ; for the Preservation of his Churches, in Order, Peace, and Purity, consists in this Discipline. He doth by his Word give Directions and Commands for this end, and it is by Discipline alone that they are executed. Wherefore without it, the Church cannot live in its Health, Purity, and Vigor; the Word and Sacraments are its Spiritual Food, whereon its Life doth depend. But without that Exercise and Medicinal Applications unto its Distempers, which are made by Discipline, it cannot live an healthy, vigorous, fruitful Life, in the things of God.