A53704:576
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 Authority of it, is only a Power and Liberty to act, and ministerially exercise the Authority of Christ himself. As unto those by whom it is exercised, it is in them an Act of Obedience unto the Command of Christ; but with respect unto its Object the Authority of Christ is exerted in it. That which is exercised on any other Warranty or Authority, (as none can exert the Authority of Christ, but by virtue of his own Institutions) whose Acts are not Acts of Obedience unto Christ, whatever else it be, it belongs not unto the Discipline of Evangelical Churches.
1. The Authority of it, is only a Power and Liberty to act, and ministerially exercise the Authority of Christ himself. As unto those by whom it is exercised, it is in them an Act of Obedience unto the Command of Christ; but with respect unto its Object the Authority of Christ is exerted in it. That which is exercised on any other Warranty or Authority, (as none can exert the Authority of Christ, but by vertue of his own Institutions) whose Acts are not Acts of Obedience unto Christ, whatever else it be, it belongs not unto the Discipline of Evangelical Churches.
2. As unto the Manner of its Administration, as it is that which the Lord Christ hath appointed to express his Love, Care, and Tenderness towards the Church. Hence the Acts of it which are corrective are called lamenting or bewailing of them towards whom they are exercised; 2 Cor. 12.20. Whatever therefore is done in it that is not expressive of the Love, Care, Patience, and Holiness of Christ, is dishonourable unto him.
2. As unto the Manner of its Administration, as it is that which the Lord Christ hath appointed to express his Love, Care, and Tenderness towards the Church. Hence the Acts of it which are corrective are called lamenting or bewailing of them towards whom they are exercised; 2 Cor. 12.20. Whatever therefore is done in it that is not expressive of the Love, Care, Patitience, and Holiness of Christ, is dishonourable unto him.