A53732:863
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 Persons whom the Authority pleaded, may affect, are of Two sorts. (1.) Such as have their proper Representatives present in such Synods, who are directly concerned in its conciliary determinations. (2.) Such as have no such Representatives in them, who can be no otherwise concerned but in the Doctrine materially considered, declared in them.
WHEREFORE the ground of any Churches receiving, complying with, or obeying the Determinations and Decrees of Synods must be; either, (1.) The evidence of Truth, given unto those Determinations by the Synod from the Scripture; or, (2.) The Authority of the Synod it self affecting the Minds and Consciences of those concerned.
IN the First way, wherein the Assent and Obedience of Churches is resolved ultimately into the evidence of Truth from the Scripture, upon the judgment which they make thereof, not only the discovery of Truth is to be owned, but there is an Authoritative Proposal of it by virtue of the promised presence of Christ in them, if duly sought and regarded; whence great Respect and Reverence is due unto them.
THE Power of a Synod for the execution of its Decrees, respects either, (1.) The Things or Doctrines declared; and is recommendatory of them on its Authority from the presence of Christ; or, (2.) Persons; to Censure, Excommunicate or punish those who receive them not.