A53704:579
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.
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.
Unto this Discipline either as unto its Right or Exercise there is no Pretence in Parochial Assemblies, yea it is expresly 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.
It will be said that this defect is supplied, in that the Administration of Church Discipline is committed unto others, namely, the Bishops and their Officers, that are more meet and able for it, than the Ministers and People of Parochial Assemblies. What therefore is wanting in them, is supplied fully another way, so that no Pretence ⟨p. 222⟩can be taken from hence, for refraining Communion in them. But it will be said,
It will be said that this defect is supplyed, in that the Administration of Church Discipline is committed unto others, namely, the Bishops and their Officers, that are more meet and able for it, than the Ministers and People of Parochial Assemblies. What therefore is wanting in them, is supplied fully another way, so that no Pretence