A53704:712
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.
It is true they imposed on, or charged the Consciences of men, with the observance of all the Institutions and Commands of Christ, but of other things none at all.
The last things which he endeavours an Answer unto on this occasion lies in those words. The Jewish Christians were left unto their own Liberty, provided they did not impose on others; and the Dissenters at this day desire no more then the Gentile Church did (viz.) not to be imposed on to observe those things which they are not satisfied it is the Mind of Christ, should be imposed on them. So is my sense, in the places referred unto, reported, Nor shall I contend about it, so as that the last Clause be change; for my Words are not, they are not satisfied it is the Mind of Christ, that they should be imposed on them; but they were not satisfied it is the Mind of Christ they should Observe. This respects the things themselves, the other only their Imposition. And one Reason against the Imposition opposed, is that the things themselves imposed, are such as the Lord Christ would not have us observe; because not appointed by himself.
But hereunto he answers two things.