A53732:865
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.
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.
THESE things being premised, the just Power of Synods may be positively and negatively declared in the two following Assertions.
1. THE Authority of a Synod declaring the mind of God from the Scripture in Doctrine, or giving Counsel as unto practice Synodically unto them whose proper Representatives are present in it, whose Decrees and Determinations are to be received and submitted unto on the evidence of their Truth and Necessity, as recommended by the Authority of the Synod from the promised Presence of Christ among them, is suitable unto the Mind of Christ, and the Example given by the Apostles,