A53732:279
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.
NOW this Choice or Election doth not communicate a Power from them that choose unto them that are chosen, as though1 such a Power as that whereunto they are called, should be formally inherent in the choosers, antecedent unto such choice. For this would make those that are chosen to be their Minister only; and to act all things in their Name, and by virtue of Authority derived from them. It is only an Instrumental, Ministerial means to enstate them in that Power and Authority which is given unto such Officers by the Constitution and Laws of Christ, whose Ministers thereon they are. These Gifts, Offices, and Officers, being granted by Christ unto the Churches, Ephes. 4.12. where-ever there is a Church called according to his Mind, they do in and by their Choice of them, submit themselves unto them in the Lord, according unto all the Powers and Duties wherewith they are by him entrusted, and whereunto they are called.
NOW this Choice or Election doth not communicate a Power from them that choose unto them that are chosen, as though1 such a Power as that whereunto they are called, should be formally inherent in the choosers, antecedent unto such choice. For this would make those that are chosen to be their Minister only; and to act all things in their Name, and by virtue of Authority derived from them. It is only an Instrumental, Ministerial means to enstate them in that Power and Authority which is given unto such Officers by the Constitution and Laws of Christ, whose Ministers thereon they are. These Gifts, Offices, and Officers, being granted by Christ unto the Churches, Ephes. 4.12. where-ever there is a Church called according to his Mind, they do in and by their Choice of them, submit themselves unto them in the Lord, according unto all the Powers and Duties wherewith they are by him intrusted, and whereunto they are called.
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