A53732:331
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.
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.
NO part of this Power which belongs to the Church as essentially considered, can be delegated, but must be acted by the whole Church. They cannot delegate Power to some to admit Members, so as it should not be an Act of the whole Church. They cannot delegate Power to any to Elect Officers; nor any thing else which belongs to them as a Church essentially. The Reason is; Things that belong unto the essence of any thing, belong unto it formally as such, and so cannot be transferred.
THE Church therefore cannot delegate the Power and Authority inquired after, should it be supposed to belong to the Power of Order, as the Church is essentially considered; which yet it doth not.
IF the Church may delegate or substitute others for the discharge of all Ordinances whatsoever, without Elders or Pastors, then it may perfect the Saints, and complete the Work of the Ministry without them, which is contrary to