A53732:111
The true nature of a Gospel church and its government
The true nature of a Gospel church and its government ... by the late pious and learned minister of the Gospel, John Owen ...
London: printed for William Marshall, 1689
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. THAT by his Word or Law he hath granted Powers and Privileges unto this Church, and prescribed Duties unto all belonging unto it, wherein, they can have no concernment who are not incorporated into such a Church.
3. THAT therefore, he doth Require and Command all his Disciples to join themselves in such Church Relations, as we have proved; warranting them so to do, by his Word and Command: Wherefore,
4. THIS joining of themselves, whereon depends all their interest in Church Powers and Privileges, all their obligation unto Church Duties, is a voluntary Act of the obedience of Faith, unto the Authority of Christ, nor can it be any thing else.
5. HEREIN do they give themselves unto the Lord, and to one another, by their Officers, in a peculiar manner, according to the Will of God, 2 Cor. 8.5.