A53704:587
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.
If there be ⟨p. 226⟩any who cannot comply with this Constitution of things relating unto the Ministry, because it is a Part of their Profession of the Gospel which they are to make in the World, which yet really consists only in an avowed subjection unto the Commands of Christ, they can be no way obnoxious unto any charge of Schism upon their refusal so to do, For a Schism that consists in giving a Testimony unto the Institutions of Christ, and standing fast in the Liberty wherewith he hath made Disciples free, is that whose Guilt no man need to fear.
If there be ⟨p. 226⟩any who cannot comply with this Constitution of things relating unto the Ministry, because it is a Part of their Profession of the Gospel which they are to make in the World, which yet really consists only in an avowed subjection unto the Commands of Christ, they can be no way obnoxious unto any charge of Schisme upon their refusal so to do, For a Schisme that consists in giving a Testimony unto the Institutions of Christ, and standing fast in the Liberty wherewith he hath made Disciples free, is that whose Guilt no man need to fear.
5. What remaineth of those Reasons whereon those who cannot comply with the Conformity under Consideration, are cleared in point of Conscience from any Obligation thereunto, and so from all Guilt of Schism whatever; belongs unto the Head of Impositions on their Consciences and Practise which they must submit unto. These being such as many whole Books have been written about, the chief whereof have no way been answered, unless railings and scoffings with contempt, and fierce Reproaches with false Accusations, may pass for Answers, I shall not here again insist upon them. Some few things of that Nature I shall only mention, and put an end unto this Dispute.
5. What remaineth of those Reasons whereon those who cannot comply with the Conformity under Consideration, are cleared in point of Conscience from any Obligation thereunto, and so from all Guilt of Schisme whatever; belongs unto the Head of Impositions on their Consciences and Practise which they must submit unto. These being such as many whole Books have been written about, the chief whereof have no way been answered, unless railings and scoffings with contempt, and fierce Reproaches with false Accusations, may pass for Answers, I shall not here again insist upon them. Some few things of that Nature I shall only mention, and put an end unto this Dispute.