A53704:693
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.
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.
6. For what is added about gathering of Churches, it shall be considered in its proper place. But as unto the Application of these things unto the present Case, there lies in the bottom of them, such an unproved Presumption of their being the Church, that is, according unto Divine Institution (for in their being so in any other sense we are not concerned) of their Church Power and Authority, by whom such Orders and Rules are made as we can by no means admit of.
I can more warrantably give this as the Apostles Rule, than that of our Author; What you have attained unto in the Knowledge of the Doctrine and Mysteries of the Gospel, walk together in holy Communion of Faith and Love; but take heed that you multiply not new Causes of Divisions and Differences by inventing and imposing new Orders in Divine Worship, or the Rule of the Church, casting them out, who agree with you in all things of divine Revelation and Institution.
I can more warrantably give this as the Apostles Rule, than that of our Author; What you have attained unto in the Knowledge of the Doctrine and Misteries of the Gospel, walk together in holy Communion of Faith and Love; but take heed that you multiply not new Causes of Divisions and Differences by inventing and imposing new Orders in Divine Worship, or the Rule of the Church, casting them out, who agree with you in all things of divine Revelation and Institution.
He adds from my Words; If the Rule reach our Case, it must be such as requires things to be observed, as were never divinely appointed, as National Churches, Ceremonies and Modes of worship; to which he Replies; And so this Rule doth in Order unto Peace, require the Observation of such things, which although they be not particularly commanded of God, yet are enjoined ⟨p. 271⟩