A53732:169
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.
THIS Wisdom is a Spiritual Gift (1 Cor. 12.9.) whereby the Officers of the Church are enabled to make a due application of all ⟨p. 41⟩the Rules and Laws of Christ, unto the Edification of the Church and all the Members of it.
UNTO the attaining of this Wisdom, are required, (1.) Fervent Prayer for it, Jam. 1.5. (2.) Diligent study of the Scripture, to find out and understand the Rules given by Christ unto this purpose, Ezra 7.6, 7, 9. 1 Tim. 2.14, 15. (3.) Humble waiting on God for the Revelation of all that it is to be exercised about, Ezek. 43.11. (4.) A conscientious exercise of the skill which they have received. Talents traded with duly will increase. (5.) A continual sense of the account which is to be given of the discharge of this great trust, being called to rule in the House of God, Heb. 13.17.
UNTO the attaining of this Wisdom, are required, (1.) Fervent Prayer for it, Jam. 1.5. (2.) Diligent study of the Scripture, to find out and understand the Rules given by Christ unto this purpose, Ezra 7.6, 7, 9. 1 Tim. 2.14, 15. (3.) Humble waiting on God for the Revelation of all that it is to be exercised about,