A53732:171
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.
HOW much this Wisdom hath been neglected in Church Government; yea, how much it is despised in the World, is evident unto all. It is skill in the Canon Law, in the proceedings of vexatious Courts, with the Learning, Subtlety and Arts which are required thereunto, that is looked on as the only skill to be exercised in the Government of the Church. Without this a Man is esteemed no way meet to be employed in any part of the Church Government. And according as any do arrive unto a dexterity in this Polity, they are esteemed eminently useful. But these things belong not at all unto the Government of the Church appointed by Christ; nor can any sober Man think in his Conscience that so they do. What is the use of this Art and Trade, as unto political ends, we enquired. Nor is the true wisdom required unto this end, with the means of attaining of it, more despised, more neglected by any sort of Men in the World, than by those whose pretences unto Ecclesiastical Rule and Authority would make it most necessary unto them.
HOW much this Wisdom hath been neglected in Church Government; yea, how much it is despised in the World, is evident unto all. It is skill in the Canon Law, in the proceedings of vexatious Courts, with the Learning, Subtilty and Arts which are required thereunto, that is looked on as the only skill to be exercised in the Government of the Church. Without this a Man is esteemed no way meet to be employed in any part of the Church Government. And according as any do arrive unto a dexterity in this Polity, they are esteemed eminently useful. But these things belong not at all unto the Government of the Church appointed by Christ; nor can any sober Man think in his Conscience that so they do. What is the use of this Art and Trade, as unto political ends, we enquired. Nor is the true wisdom required unto this end, with the means of attaining of it, more despised, more neglected by any sort of Men in the World, than by those whose pretences unto Ecclesiastical Rule and Authority would make it most necessary unto them.
TWO things follow on the supposition laid down.