A53704:866
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.
I Answer,
(1.) If any did in those times plead for separate Congregations, let them answer for themselves, I was none of them. They did indeed plead for distinct Congregations, exempt in some few things, from a penal Rule, then endeavoured by some to be imposed on all. But there was no such difference nor restraint of Communion between any of them, as it is at present between us and Parochial Churches.
(2.) It is very possible that there may be other reasons of forbearing a conjunction in some acts of Church Rule, which was all that was pleaded for by the dissenting Brethren, then those which are alleged against total Communion with Parochial Churches in Worship, Order and Discipline.
(2.) It is very possible that there may be other reasons of forbearing a conjunction in some acts of Church Rule, which was all that was pleaded for by the dissenting Brethren, then those which are alledged against total Communion with Parochial Churches in Worship, Order and Discipline.