A53704:803
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 remainder of his Discourse on this Head, consists in a lepid Dramatical Oration, framed and feigned for one of his Opposers; wherein he makes him undertake the patronage of Schism before Cyprian and Austin. The Learned Person intended is very well able to defend and vindicate himself, which I suppose also he will do. In the mean time I cannot but say two things.
The remainder of his Discourse on this Head, consists in a lepid Dram•tical Oration, framed and feigned for one of his Opposers; wherein he makes him undertake the patronage of Schism before Cyprian and Austi•. The Learned Person intended is very well able to defend and vindicate himself, which I suppose also he will do. In the mean time I cannot but say two things.
(1.) That the Imposition on him of extenuating the Guilt of any real Schism, is that which none of his Words do give the least countenance unto.
(2.) That the Doctors attempt in his feigned Oration to accommodate, his Principles, or Ours, unto the case of the Donatists for their Justification, (the weakness whereof is evident to every one who knows any thing of the case of the Donatists,) is such an instance of the Power of Interest, a design to maintain a Cause, causelessly undertaken, by all manner of Artifices and Pretences, prevailing in the minds of men otherwise Wise and Sober, as is to be lamented.