A53704:706
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.
He adds from my Paper or as my sense, the Apostles gave Rules inconsistent with any determining Rule, (viz.) of mutual Forbearance; Rom. 14. But then, saith he, the meaning must be, that whatever Differences happen among Christians, there must be no Determination either way: But this is directly contrary to the Decree of the Apostles at Jerusalem, upon the Difference that happened in the Christian Churches. But they are not my Words which he reports. I said not, that the Apostles gave Rules inconsistent with any determining Rule; but with such a Rule, and the Imposition of the things contained in it, on the Practise of men, in things not determined (that is whilst Differences about them do continue) as he contends for. And
He addes from my Paper or as my sense, the Apostles gave Rules inconsistent with any determining Rule, (viz.) of mutual Forbearance; Rom. 14. But then, saith he, the meaning must be, that whatever Differences happen among Christians, there must be no Determination either way: But this is direstly contrary to the Decree of the Apostles at Hierusalem, upon the Difference that happened in the Christian Churches. But they are not my Words which he reports. I said not, that the Apostles gave Rules inconsistent with any determining Rule; but with such a Rule, and the Imposition of the things contained in it, on the Practise of men, in things not determined (that is whilst Differences about them do continue) as he contends for. And
(1.) Notwithstanding this Rule of Forbearance given by the Apostle expressly, Rom. 14. Yet as unto the Right and Truth in the things wherein men are at difference, every private Believer, is to determine of them so far as he is able in his own Mind, Every one is to be fully persuaded in his own Mind in such things, so far as his own Practise is concerned.
(1.) Notwithstanding this Rule of Forbearance given by the Apostle expresly,