A53732:379
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. WHETHER a Man may be ordained a Pastor or a Minister, without Relation unto any particular Church, so as to be invested with Office-Power thereby.
IT is usually said, that a Man may be Ordained a Minister unto, or of the Catholic Church, or to Convert Infidels, although he be not related unto any particular Flock or Congregation.
IT is usually said, that a Man may be Ordained a Minister unto, or of the Catholick Church, or to Convert Infidels, although he be not related unto any particular Flock or Congregation.
I SHALL not at present discuss sundry things about the power and way of Ordination which influence this Controversy, but only speak briefly unto the thing it self: And,
1. IT is granted, that a Man endowed with Spiritual Gifts for the Preaching of the Gospel, may be set apart by Fasting and Prayer unto that Work, when he may be orderly called unto it in the Providence of God. For, (1.) Such an one hath a Call unto it materially in the Gifts which he hath received, warranting him unto the exercise of them for the Edification of others, as he hath occasion,