A53732:330
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.
A CHURCH not complete in Order cannot be complete in Administrations; because the Power of Administrations depends upon the Power of Order proportionably. That is, the Power of the Church depends upon the Being of the Church. Hence the first Duty of a Church without Officers, is to obtain them according to Rule. And to endeavour to complete Administrations, without an antecedent completing of Order, is contrary unto the Mind of Christ, Act. 14.23. Tit. 1.5. That thou shouldst set in Order the things that are wanting, and Ordain Elders in every Church. The practice therefore proposed is irregular and contrary to the Mind of Christ.
A CHURCH not compleat in Order cannot be compleat in Administrations; because the Power of Administrations depends upon the Power of Order proportionably. That is, the Power of the Church depends upon the Being of the Church. Hence the first Duty of a Church without Officers, is to obtain them according to Rule. And to endeavour to compleat Administrations, without an antecedent compleating of Order, is contrary unto the Mind of Christ, Act. 14.23. Tit. 1.5. That thou should'st set in Order the things that are wanting, and Ordain Elders in every Church. The practice therefore proposed is irregular and contrary to the Mind of Christ.
THE Order of the Church is Two Fold; as Essential, as Organical. The Order of the Church as Essential, and its Power thence arising, is, First for its Preservation. Secondly for its Perfection. (1.) For its Preservation, in Admission and Exclusion of Members. (2.) For its Perfection, in the Election of Officers.