Christ's Kingdom and the Magistrate's Power

The complete title of the earlier editions of the following sermon indicates the design of the author, -- "Concerning the Kingdom of Christ, and the Power of the Civil Magistrate about the things of the Worship of God." It was preached to the Parliament on October 13, 1652, "a day of solemn humiliation." The sermon breathes a spirit weary of the lengthened confusion which had distracted the land. The principles contained in it raise questions as important in themselves, and as fresh in interest now, as in the days when Owen lived and preached. Whatever may be thought of his views on the relation of the magistrate to the church, this sermon, in which his judgment is declared on this topic of paramount and engrossing moment, has evidently been prepared with unusual care.