A53704:733
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.
The Rule before laid down that all things lawful are to be done for the Churches Peace, taking in the supposition on which it proceeds, is as sufficient to establish Church Tyranny, as any Principle made use of by the Church of Rome, notwithstanding its plausible Appearance. And that here insinuated of the Unlawfulness of Separation from any Church in the World, (for that which hath pernicious Errors in Doctrine, and Idolatry in Worship, destroying its Being, is no Church at all) is as good Security unto Churches, in an Obstinate Refusal of Reformation, when the Souls of the People are ruined amongst them for the want of it, as they need desire. And I confess I suspect such Principles as are evidently suited unto the security of the Corrupt Interests of any sort of Men.
The Rule before laid down that all things lawful are to be done for the Churches Peace, taking in the supposition on which it proceeds, is as sufficient to establish Church Tyranny, as any Principle made use of by the Church of Rome, notwithstanding its plausible Appearance. And that here insinuated of the Ʋnlawfulness of Separation from any Church in the World, (for that which hath pernicious Errors in Doctrine, and Idolatry in Worship, destroying its Being, is no Church at all) is as good Security unto Churches, in an Obstinate Refusal of Reformation, when the Souls of the People are ruined amongst them for the want of it, as they need desire. And I confess I suspect such Principles as are evidently suited unto the security of the Corrupt Interests of any sort of Men.
I say therefore, (1.) That though a Church, or that which pretends itself on any Grounds so to be, do not profess any heinous Error in Doctrine, nor be guilty of Idolatrous Practise in Worship, destroying its Nature and Being, yet there may be sufficient Reasons to refrain from its Communion in Church Order and Worship, and to join in or with other Churches for Edification: That is, that where such a Church is not capable of Reformation, ⟨p. 285⟩or is obstinate in a Resolution not to reform itself, under the utmost Necessity thereof; it is lawful for all or any of its Members, to reform themselves, according to the Mind of Christ, and commands of the Gospel.