A53704:577
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.
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.
3. The Object of it, as it is Susceptive of Members, is professed Believers; and as it is corrective, it is those who stubbornly deviate from the Rule of Christ, or live in disobedience to his Commands. Wherefore the general End of its Institution, is to be a Representation of the Authority, Wisdom, Love, Care, and Patience of Christ towards his Church, with a Testimony unto the certainty, Truth, and Holiness of his future Judgment. The especial nature of it, shall be afterwards considered.
Unto this Discipline either as unto its Right or Exercise there is no Pretence in Parochial Assemblies, yea it is expressly forbidden unto them. Whereas therefore it is a Matter of so great importance in itself, so subservient unto the Glory of Christ, so useful and necessary unto the Edification of his Disciples, so weighty a Part of our Professed Subjection unto him, without which no Church can be continued in Gospel Purity, Order and Peace; the total want or neglect of it, is a sufficient cause for any man who takes care of his own Salvation, or is concerned in the Glory and Honour of Christ, to refrain the Communion of those Churches, wherein it is so wanting or neglected, or at least not to confine himself thereunto.