A53704:767
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.
3. Considering the Agreement in all fundamental Articles of Faith between these Churches thus at Difference, and of what great use their Union might be, unto the Protestant Religion, both as unto its Spiritual and Political Interest in this World, the effecting of such an Union among them, hath been attempted by many. Private Persons, Princes, Colloquies or Synods of some of the Parties at variance have sedulously engaged herein. I wish they had never missed it, in stating the nature of that Union which in this case is alone desirable and alone attainable; Nor in the Causes of that disadvantageous Difference that was between them. For hence it is come to pass, that although some Verbal Compositions have sometimes by some been consented unto, yet all things continue practically amongst them, as they were from the Beginning. And there are yet Persons who are managing Proposals for such an Union, with great Projection in point of Method for the compassing of it, and stating of the Principles of Agreement, some whereof I have by me. But the present state of things in Europe, with the Minds of Potentates not concerned in these things, leave little encouragement for any such Attempt, or expectation of any Success.
3. Considering the Agreement in all fundamental Articles of Faith between these Churches thus at Difference, and of what great use their Union might be, unto the Protestant Religion, both as unto its Spiritual and Political Interest in this World, the effecting of such an Union among them, hath been attempted by many. Private Persons, Princes, Colloquies or Synods of some of the Parties at variance have sedulously ingaged herein. I wish they had never missed it, in stating the nature of that Ʋnion which in this case is alone desireable and alone attainable; Nor in the Causes of that disadvantagious Difference that was between them. For hence it is come to pass, that although some Verbal Compositions have sometimes by some been consented unto, yet all things continue practically amongst them, as they were from the Beginning. And there are yet Persons who are mannaging Proposals for such an Union, with great Projection in point of Method for the compassing of it, and stating of the Principles of Agreement, some whereof I have by me. But the present state of things in Europe, with the Minds of Potentates not concerned in these things, leave little encouragement for any such Attempt, or expectation of any Success.