A53732:151
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.
Chapter 3: Of the Polity, Rule, or Discipline of the Church in General.
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. WHERE-ever there are two or three of these Believers, (the smallest number) Right and Power is granted unto them, actually to meet together in the name of Christ, for their mutual Edification, whereunto he hath promised his presence among them, Matth. 18.19, 20. To meet and to do any thing in the name of Christ; as to exhort, instruct and admonish one another, or to pray together, as v. 19. there is an especial Right or Power required thereunto. This is granted by Jesus Christ unto the least number of consenting Believers. And this is a second preparation unto the communication of Church Power. Unto the former, Faith only is required, unto this, Profession with mutual consent unto, and agreement in the Evangelical Duties mentioned, are to be added.
3. WHERE the number of Believers is increased, so as that they are sufficient as unto their number to observe and perform all Church Duties in the way and manner prescribed for their performance, they have Right and Power granted unto them, to make a joint solemn Confession of their Faith, especially as unto the Person of Christ and his Mediation, Matth. 16.16, 18. as also to give up themselves unto him and to one another, in an holy Agreement or Confederation to do and observe all things whatever that he hath Commanded. Hereon, by virtue of his Laws in his Institutions and Commands, he gives them power to do all things in their Order which he grants unto his Church, and enstates them in all the Rights and Privileges thereof. These Believers, I say, thus congregated into a Church State, have immediately by virtue thereof, power to take care that all things be done among them, as by the Lord Christ they are Commanded to be done, in and by his Church.
3. WHERE the number of Believers is encreased, so as that they are sufficient as unto their number to observe and perform all Church Duties in the way and manner prescribed for their performance, they have Right and Power granted unto them, to make a joint solemn Confession of their Faith, especially as unto the Person of Christ and his Mediation,