A53732:374
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.
1. I DO not believe it is in the power of any Church really to confer the Pastoral Office by virtue of any Ordination whatever, unto any who are openly and evidently destitute of all those previous Qualifications which the Scripture requireth in them who are to be called unto this Office. There is indeed a Latitude to be allowed in judging of them in times of necessity and great penury of able Teachers; so that Persons in holy Ministry, design the Glory of God and the Edification of the Church, according to their Ability. But otherwise there is a nullity in the pretended Office.
1. I DO not believe it is in the power of any Church really to conferr the Pastoral Office by virtue of any Ordination whatever, unto any who are openly and evidently destitute of all those previous Qualifications which the Scripture requireth in them who are to be called unto this Office. There is indeed a Latitude to be allowed in judging of them in times of necessity and great penury of able Teachers; so that Persons in holy Ministry, design the Glory of God and the Edification of the Church, according to their Ability. But otherwise there is a nullity in the pretended Office.
2. WHERE any such are admitted through ignorance or mistake, or the Usurpation of undue Power over Churches, in imposing Ministers on them, there is not an absolute nullity in their Administrations, until they are discovered and convicted by the Rule and Law of Christ. But if on evidence hereof, the people will voluntarily adhere unto them, they are partakers of their Sins, and do what in them lies to Un-Church themselves.
2. WHERE any such are admitted through ignorance or mistake, or the Usurpation of undue Power over Churches, in imposing Ministers on them, there is not an absolute nullity in their Administrations, until they are discovered and convicted by the Rule and Law of Christ. But if on evidence hereof, the people will voluntarily adhere unto them, they are partakers of their Sins, and do what in them lies to Vn-Church themselves.