A43343:82
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 if this difference of apprehension relate to Worship, or Communion, and the Modes or Terms thereof, these cannot but be a strong inclination to separate in whole or in part according as the difference of apprehension is, for do what we can as long as we are rational ⟨p. 24⟩creatures the understanding will have the directing of the will.
Now surely this separation, (if we must call it so, or rather) this variety and diversity of Worship and Communion may be managed without Schism, provided Christian Love and Charity be kept entire notwithstanding.
Now surely this separation, (if we must call it so, or rather) this variety and diversity of Worship and Communion may be manag'd without Schism, provided Christian Love and Charity be kept entire notwithstanding.
For can any imagine that a difference of apprehension in regard of Worship and Discipline should be more Schismatical than difference of apprehension in Doctrine, since of the two Doctrinal Truths seem more Essential to Christianity.
But to come a little closer. The meetings of the Dissenters (though now blessed be God permitted and allowed by the Law of the Land, yet) are commonly charged with being Schismatical, the great out-cry is, that we leave the Church and the unthinking mobile who are so well taught as to know no other Churches but the public places of worship, are easily induced to believe it, as if 'twere Schism to worship God any where else, let the worship there be what it will.