A53732:393
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.
YET it cannot be denied, but that there may be just causes of the Removal of a Pastor from one Congregation unto ⟨p. 114⟩another: For, whereas the end of all particular Churches is to promote the Edification of the Catholic Church in general; where, in any especial instance, such a removal is useful unto that end, it is equal it should be allowed. Cases of this nature may arise from the consideration of Persons, Places, Times, and many other Circumstances that I cannot insist on in particular. But that such removals may be without offence, it is required that they be made, (1.) With the free consent of the Churches concerned. (2.) With the advice of other Churches, or their Elders, with whom they walk in Communion. And of Examples of this kind, or of the Removal of Bishops or Pastors from one Church to another in an orderly manner, by Advice and Counsel for the good of the whole Church, there are many instances in the Primitive Times. Such was that of Gregory Naz. removed from Casima to Constantinople, though I acknowledge it had no good success,
YET it cannot be denied, but that there may be just causes of the Removal of a Pastor from one Congregation unto ⟨p. 114⟩another: For, whereas the end of all particular Churches is to promote the Edification of the Catholick Church in general; where, in any especial instance, such a removal is useful unto that end, it is equal it should be allowed. Cases of this nature may arise from the consideration of Persons, Places, Times, and many other Circumstances that I cannot insist on in particular. But that such removals may be without offence, it is required that they be made, (1.) With the free consent of the Churches concerned. (2.) With the advice of other Churches, or their Elders, with whom they walk in Communion. And of Examples of this kind, or of the Removal of Bishops or Pastors from one Church to another in an orderly manner, by Advice and Counsel for the good of the whole Churth, there are many instances in the Primitive Times. Such was that of Gregory Naz. removed from Casima to Constantinople, though I acknowledge it had no good success,