A53704:776
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.
These are the Premises whereon we proceed in all that we do; and they are so far from being Obstructive of the Peace and Union of the Protestant Churches, as that without them, they will never be promoted nor attained. And I do beg of this Worthy Person that he would not despise these things, but know assuredly, that nothing would be so effectual to procure the Union he desireth, as an Universal Reformation of all sorts of Persons, according unto the Rule and Law of Christ, which it may be, no man hath greater Ability and Opportunity in conjunction for, than himself. For woe be unto us, if whilst we contend about outward Peace in smaller things, we neglect to make Peace with ⟨p. 306⟩God, and so expose our selves and the whole Nation unto his desolating Judgement, which seem already to be impendent over us.
These are the Premises whereon we proceed in all that we do; and they are so far from being Obstructive of the Peace and Union of the Protestant Churches, as that without them, they will never be promoted nor attained. And I do beg of this Worthy Person that he would not despise these things, but know assuredly, that nothing would be so effectual to procure the Union he desireth, as an Ʋniversal Reformation of all sorts of Persons, according unto the Rule and Law of Christ, which it may be, no man hath greater Ability and Opportunity in conjunction for, than himself. For wo be unto us, if whilst we contend about outward Peace in smaller things, we neglect to make Peace with ⟨p. 306⟩God, and so expose our selves and the whole Nation unto his desolating Judgement, which seem already to be impendent over us.
The third Absurdity which he chargeth on our Practise is, that it will justify the ancient Schisms which have been always condemned in the Christian Church; and in the management of this Charge, he proceedeth, if I mistake not, with more then ordinary vehemency and severity, though it be a Matter wherein we are least of all concerned.