A53704:813
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.
2. There is a peculiar Obligation upon us, to seek the Peace and prosperity of the whole visible Church of Christ on Earth, and therein as we have Opportunity to do good unto the whole household of Faith. And considering what Differences, what Divisions, what Exasperations there are among Professors of the Name of Christ all the World over, to abide steadfast in seeking the Good of them all, and doing Good unto them, as we have opportunity, is as evident an indication of Gospel Love, as any thing else whatever can be.
2. There is a peculiar Obligation upon us, to seek the Peace and prosperity of the whole visible Church of Christ on Earth, and therein as we have Opportunity to do good unto the whole houshold of Faith. And considering what Differences, what Divisions, what Exasperations there are among Professors of the Name of Christ all the World over, to abide stedfast in seeking the Good of them all, and doing Good unto them, as wee have opportunity, is as evident an indication of Gospel Love, as any thing else whatever can be.
(3.) As unto particular Churches, there is an especial Obligation upon us, to preserve their Peace and Unity from our own voluntary consent, to walk in them in Obedience unto the Commands of Christ. Where this is not, we are left unto the general Obligation of seeking the Peace of all men, and of the whole professing Church in an especial manner, but have no other peculiar obligation thereunto. For being cast into Churches of this or that form, merely by humane Constitutions and Laws, or by inveterate Traditions, lays no new obligation upon any to seek their Peace and Unity; but whilst they abide in them, they are left unto the influence of other general Commands which are to be applied unto their present circumstances. For into what state or condition soever Christians are cast, they are obliged to live peaceably whilst they abide in it.
(3.) As unto particular Churches, there is an especial Obligation upon us, to preserve their Peace and Unity from our own voluntary consent, to walk in them in Obedience unto the Commands of Christ. Where this is not, we are left unto the general Obligation of seeking the Peace of all men, and of the whole professing Church in an especial manner, but have no other peculiar obligation thereunto. For being cast into Churches of this or that form, meerly by humane Constitutions and Laws, or by inveterate Traditions, lays no new obligation upon any to seek their Peace and Unity; but whilst they abide in them, they are left unto the influence of other general Commands which are to be applied unto their present circumstances. For into what state or condition soever Christians are cast, they are obliged to live peaceably whilst they abide in it.