A53704:788
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. It ought also to be proved, that the Separation which is charged on us, is of the same nature with that charged on them of old, for otherwise we cannot be said to give any Countenance unto what they did. For it is known they so separated from all other Churches in the World, as to confine the Church of Christ unto their own Party, to condemn all others, and to deny Salvation unto all that abode in their Communion, which the Donatists did with the greatest fierceness. This was that which if any thing, did truly and properly constitute them Schismatics; as it doth those also, who deny at this day, Church State and Salvation, unto such Churches as have not Diocesan Bishops. Now there is no Principle in the World that we do more abhor. We grant a Church state unto all, however it may be defective or corrupted, and a possibility of Salvation unto all their Members, which are not gathered in pernicious Errors, overthrowing the Foundation, nor Idolatrous in their Worship, and who have a lawful Ministry with sufficient means for their Edification, though low in its Measures and Degrees. We judge none but with respect unto our own Duty, as unto the Impositions attempted to be laid on us, and the Acts of Communion required of us; ⟨p. 313⟩which we cannot avoid; Nor can any man else, let him pretend what he will to the contrary, avoid the making of a Judgment for himself in these things, unless he be brutish, These things are sufficient to evidence that there is not the least countenance given unto the ancient Schisms by any Principles of ours; yet I shall add some farther Considerations on the Instances he gives unto the same Purpose.
3. It ought also to be proved, that the Separation which is charged on us, is of the same nature with that charged on them of old, for otherwise we cannot be said to give any Countenance unto what they did. For it is known they so separated from all other Churches in the World, as to confine the Church of Christ unto their own Party, to condemn all others, and to deny Salvation unto all that abode in their Communion, which the Donatists did with the greatest fierceness. This was that which if any thing, did truely and properly constitute them Schismaticks; as it doth those also, who deny at this day, Church State and Salvation, unto such Churches as have not Diocesan Bishops. Now there is no Principle in the World that we do more abhor. We grant a Church state unto all, however it may be defective or corrupted, and a possibility of Salvation unto all their Members, which are not gathered in pernicious Errors, overthrowing the Foundation, nor Idolatrous in their Worship, and who have a lawful Ministry with sufficient means for their Edification, though low in its Measures and Degrees. We judge none but with respect unto our own Duty, as unto the Impositions attempted to be laid on us, and the Acts of Communion required of us;