25.Owen's great Discourse

Owen’s greatDiscourse Concerning the Administration of Church-Censures In Owen’s Discourse Concerning the Administration of Church-Censures, he applies Acts 15 to the exercise of connectional ecclesiastical discipline. "On the part of other Churches,"

Owen there explains (XVI:230f), "a Church may either causelessly or...with just cause, cast out or withdraw communion from...a number of their Members.... This whole order and practice are grounded on especial warrant and approbation, recorded Acts 15....

"The occasion there mentioned, fell out in the providence of God.... The practice upon it, was guided by the Holy Ghost that it might be an example and rule for the Churches of Christ in cases of a like concernment unto them in all ages, and so have the force and warranty of an institution; as it was in the case that gave occasion unto Deacons, Acts vi." In that case, "a matter of fact wherein was some disorder, rectified by a practice answering the necessity of the Church, became an institution for order in all future ages." (Cf. the "Deacons" also in Php 1:1 & 1Ti 3:8-13.) At the later Jerusalem General Assembly (Acts 15), "in that Synod...the truth was searched out anid the mind or the Holy Ghost searched into by reasonings...and the consideration of Scripture testimonies whereby they were guided in their conclusion and determination.... That wherein many Churches are concerned...should be considered, advised upon and determined by more Churches holding communion together and meeting for that purpose by their Messengers" alias their Commissioners.

"To deny an institution of so great necessity to the peace and edification of the Churches  will give great countenance unto men who, supposing such defects, are ready to supply them with their own inventions." Thus Dr. Owen. What a good description of the "inventions" of ’Independency’!