A43343:54
A brief enquiry into the true nature of schism
A brief enquiry into the true nature of schism: or a persuasive to Christian love and charity. Humbly submitted to better judgments; by M.H. Licensed Jan. 8. 1689/90
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1690
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.
Now what he means by the Schism in the body is plain from the Antithesis in the following words—but that the members should have the same care one for another, So that when the members care not one for another, when the Eye saith to the hand, I have no need of thee, v. 21. When there is not a sympathy and fellow-feeling among Christians v. 26. here's Schism.
That's Schism which breaks or slackens the bond by which the members are knit together.
Now that Bond is not an Act of Uniformity in point of Communion in the same Modes and Ceremonies, but true Love and Charity, in point of affection, 'Tis Charity that is the bond of perfectness, Col. 3. 14. 'Tis the Unity of the Spirit that is the bond of peace, Eph. 4. 3. And Schism is that which breaks this Bond.
Now from all this laid together, I draw out this description of Schism, which according to my present apprehensions is the true Scripture notion of it.