A53732:868
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. 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, Act. 15.
HENCE it is evident, that in and after such Synods, it is in the power of Churches concerned, humbly to consider and weigh, (1.) The evidences of the Presence of Christ in them, from the manner, causes and ends of their Assembling, and from their Deportment therein. (2.) What regard in their Constitutions and Determinations there hath been unto the Word of God, and whether in all things it hath had its due preeminence. (3.) How all their Determinations have been educed from its Truth, and are confirmed by its Authority.
HENCE it is evident, that in and after such Synods, it is in the power of Churches concerned, humbly to consider and weigh, (1.) The evidences of the Presence of Christ in them, from the manner, causes and ends of their Assembling, and from their Deportment therein. (2.) What regard in their Constitutions and Determinations there hath been unto the Word of God, and whether in all things it hath had its due preheminence. (3.) How all their Determinations have been educed from its Truth, and are confirmed by its Authority.
WITHOUT a due exercise of judgment, with respect unto these things, none can be obliged by any Synodical Determinations; seeing without them, and on the want of them, many Assemblies of Bishops who have had the outward Appearance and Title of Synods or Councils, have been Dens of Thieves, Robbers, Idolaters, managing their Synodical Affairs with fury, wrath, horrible craft, according to their Interests, unto the Ruin of the Church; such were the Second Ephesine, the Second at Nice, and that at Trent, and others not a few.