Munus triplex in the English separatist tradition, 1580 to 1620, with particular attention to Henry Barrow and Henry Ainsworth
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Date
25/06/2016Author
Gessner, Timothy Craig
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Abstract
This study explores the use of the doctrine of the offices of Christ (prophet, priest,
and king) in the literature of the English separatists Henry Barrow (c.1550-1593) and
Henry Ainsworth (1569-1622). No study to date explores the English separatists’ use
of the doctrine in ecclesiological debates. During the period 1580 to 1620 the
doctrine was more commonly referenced when discussing soteriology. Barrow and
Ainsworth provide some of the clearest expressions of the doctrine of the offices of
Christ in separatist works and their steadfastness in those beliefs in light of
opposition make them good candidates for this research.
This study sets out to answer the question: what was the significance of participation
by the elect in the offices of Christ as used in Barrow and Ainsworth’s writings? This
research focuses on the theology of Barrow and Ainsworth and does not consider the
social or experiential aspects of their professed beliefs. This study provides a detailed
analysis of the writings of Barrow and Ainsworth particularly noting their use of the
offices of Christ in discussions of the visible church. It then examines the
relationship of Barrow and Ainsworth’s Christology and ecclesiology, expressed
through the offices of Christ, in their understanding of the visible church. Finally,
this research compares their usage with works published in England from 1580 to
1620, considering whether their usage was distinct.
Its findings challenge the traditional historiographical suggestions that purity, polity,
discipline, and covenant were the central themes of Barrow and Ainsworth’s
ecclesiology. This research suggests that, for Barrow and Ainsworth, the visible
church was the visible expression of Christ on earth and the continuation of his
earthly ministry begun at the incarnation. They believed that the visible church was
the result of union with Christ, not the means of it. Through union with Christ, all the
elect participated in Christ’s offices. Barrow and Ainsworth’s understanding of the
visible church incorporated their understanding of Christ’s continuing work
expressed in his offices of prophecy, priesthood, and kingship. Christ was
immediately present in his visible church, working in the elect and through the elect
as prophets, priests, and kings. The visible elect, when gathered, became the body of
Christ on earth and as his body they continued the work of prophecy, priesthood, and
kingship that he had begun.