A53732:819
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.
INSTEAD hereof to erect a Machine, the Spring and Centre of whose motions are unknown, any other, I mean, but external force compacted by the Iron joints and bands of humane Laws, edifying it self by the power of Offices and Officers, foreign unto the Scripture, acting with Weapons that are not Spiritual, but Carnal, and mighty through him whose Work it is to cast the Members of the Church of Christ into Prison, as unto an outward Conformity, is to forsake the Scripture and follow our own Imagination.
INSTEAD hereof to erect a Machine, the Spring and Center of whose motions are unknown, any other, I mean, but external force compacted by the Iron joints and bands of humane Laws, edifying it self by the power of Offices and Officers, foreign unto the Scripture, acting with Weapons that are not Spiritual, but Carnal, and mighty through him whose Work it is to cast the Members of the Church of Christ into Prison, as unto an outward Conformity, is to forsake the Scripture and follow our own Imagination.
THE outward Acts of Communion among Churches, proceeding from this love, and the obligation that is on them to promote their mutual Edification, may be referred unto the Two Heads of Advice and Assistance.
CHURCHES have Communion unto their mutual Edification, by Advice in Synods or Councils, which must in this place be considered.