And unto whom such directions▪ were given and duties Enjoined in them, us suppose not only Liberty and Ability to judge for themselves in all matters of Faith and Obedience, but also an especial Interest in the Order and Discipline of the Church, those who were to say to Archippus ⟨p. 28⟩their Bishop, take heed to the Ministry which thou hast received in the Lord that thou fulfil it. Col 4.17. Unto whom of all sorts it is Commanded that they should Examine and Try Antichrists, Spirits, and false Teachers, that is all sorts of Heretics, Heresies, and Errors. 1 Joh. chap. 2.3. &c That people who even in following Ages adhered unto the Faith and the Orthodox profession of it, when almost all the Bishops were became Arian Heretics. This principle of the Reformation in Vindication of the Rights, Liberti•s and Privileges of the Christian People to judge and choose for themselves in matters of Religion, to join freely in those Church Duties which are required of them, without which the work of it had never been carried on, we do abide by and maintain. Yea, we meet with no Opposition more fierce then upon the account of our ass•rting the Liberties and Rights of the People in reference unto Church Order and Worship. But I shall not be afraid to say, that as the Reformation was begun and carried or, on this principle: So when this People shall through an apprehension of their Ignorance, Weakness, and Unmeetness to judge in matters of Religion, for themselves, and their own duty, be kept and debarred from it; or when through their own sloth, negligence, and viciousness they shall be really uncapable to manage their own Interest in Church Affairs, as being fit only to be Governed ⟨p. 29⟩if not as Brute Creatures, yet as Mute persons and that these things are improved by the Ambition of the Clergy engrossing all things in the Church to themselves, as they did in former Ages, if the Old Popedom do not return, a New one will be Erected as bad as the other Thus far Dr. Owen.
And unto whom such directions▪ were given and duties Enjoyned in them, us suppose not only Liberty and Ability to judge for themselves in all matters of Faith and Obedience, but also an especial Interest in the Order and Discipline of the Church, those who were to say to Archippus ⟨p. 28⟩their Bishop, take heed to the Ministry which thou hast received in the Lord that thou ful•fill it. Col 4.17. Unto whom of all sorts it is Commanded that they should Examine and Try Antichrists, Spirits, and false Teachers, that is all sorts of Hereticks, Heresies, and Errors. 1 Joh. chap. 2.3. &c That people who even in following Ages adhered unto the Faith and the Orthodox profession of it, when almost all the Bishops were became Arian Hereticks. This principle of the Reformation in Vindication of the Rights, Liberti•s and Priviledges of the Christian People to judge and choose for themselves in matters of Religion, to joyn freely in those Church Duties which are required of them, without which the work of it had never been carryed on, we do abide by and maintain. Yea, we meet with no Opposition more fierce then upon the account of our ass•rting the Liberties and Rights of the People in reference unto Church Order and Worship. But I shall not be afraid to say, that as the Reformation was begun and carryed or, on this principle: So when this People shall through an apprehension of their Ignorance, Weakness, and Vnmeetness to judge in matters of Religion, for themselves, and their own duty, be kept and debarred from it; or when through their own sloath, negligence, and viciousness they shall be really uncapable to manage their own Interest in Church Affairs, as being fit only to be Governed ⟨p. 29⟩if not as Bruit Creatures, yet as Mute persons and that these things are improved by the Ambition of the Clergy ingrossing all things in the Church to themselves, as they did in former Ages, if the Old Popedome do not return, a New one will be Erected as bad as the other Thus far Dr. Owen.
