Of schism the true nature of it discovered and considered, with reference to the…Of schisme the true nature of it discovered and considered, with reference to the…

and it is all one unto them, whether they are in the right or wrong. But we may possibly in the issue state it upon another foot of account.

In the mean time it cannot be denied,¹ but that their vigorous adhering to the advantage, which they have made to themselves (a thing to be expected from men wise in in their Generation) hath exposed some of them, whom they have wrongfully accused, to a contrary evil; whilst in a sense of their own innocency, they have insensibly slipped (as is the manner of men) into slight and contemptible thoughts of the thing ⟨p. 8⟩it self whereof they are accused. Where the thing in question is but a name or term of reproach, invented amongst men, this is incomparably the best way of defence. But this contains a crime; and no man is to set light by it. To live in Schism, is to live in Sin; which unrepented of, will ruin a mans Eternal condition; Every one charged with it must either desert his station, which gives foundation to his charge, or acquit himself of the crime, in that station. This latter is that, which in reference to my self, and others, I do propose: assenting in the gross to all the Aggravations of this sin, that with any pretence from Scripture or Reason are heaped on it.

In the meane time it cannot be denyed,¹ but that their vigorous adhearing to the advantage, which they have made to themselves (a thing to be expected from men wise in in their Generation) hath exposed some of them, whom they have wrongfully accused, to a contrary evill; whilst in a sence of their own innocency, they have insensibly slipt (as is the manner of men) into slight and contemptible thoughts of the thing ⟨p. 8⟩it selfe whereof they are accused. Where the thing in question is but a name or terme of reproach, invented amongst men, this is incomparably the best way of defence. But this containes a crime; and no man is to set light by it. To live in Schisme, is to live in Sinne; which unrepented of, will ruine a mans Eternall condition; Every one charged with it must either desert his station, which gives foundation to his charge, or acquit himselfe of the crime, in that station. This latter is that, which in reference to my selfe, and others, I doe propose: assenting in the grosse to all the Aggravations of this sinne, that with any pretence from Scripture or Reason are heaped on it.