A90276:203
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…
Of schism the true nature of it discovered and considered, with reference to the present differences in religion. / By John Owen D.D.Of schisme the true nature of it discovered and considered, with reference to the present differences in religion. / By John Owen D.D.
Oxford: printed by L.L. for T. Robinson, 1657
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.
Some have said, and do yet say, that the Church in this sense, is a Visible, Organical, Political body. That its visible is confessed, both its matter and farm bespeaks visibility, as an unseparable Adjunct of its subsisting. That it is a body also in the general sense wherein that word is used, or a society of men embodied by the profession of the same Faith, is also granted. Organical, in this business, is an ambiguous term. The use of it is plainly Metaphorical taken from the members, instruments and Organs of a natural body. Because Paul hath said that in one body there are many members, ⟨p. 147⟩as eyes, feet, hands, yet the body is but one; so is the Church: It hath been usually said, that the Church is an Organical body: What Church Paul speaks of in that place is not evident: but what he alludes unto, is. The difference he speaks of, in the individual persons of the Church, is not in respect of Office, Power, and Authority; but gifts or graces, and usefulness on that account; such an Organical body we confess the Church Catholic visible to be; in it are persons endued with variety of gifts and graces for the benefit and ornament of the whole.
Some have sayd, and doe yet say, that the Church in this sence, is a Visible, Organicall, Politicall body. That its visible is confessed, both its matter and farme bespeakes visibility, as an unseparable Adjunct of its subsisting. That it is a body also in the generall sence wherein that word is used, or a society of men embodyed by the profession of the same Faith, is also granted. Organicall, in this businesse, is an ambiguous terme. The use of it is plainly Metaphoricall taken from the members, instruments and Organs of a naturall body. Because Paul hath said that in one body there are many members, ⟨p. 147⟩as eyes, feet, hands, yet the body is but one; so is the Church: It hath been usually said, that the Church is an Organicall body: What Church Paul speakes of in that place is not evident: but what he alludes unto, is. The difference he speaks of, in the individuall persons of the Church, is not in respect of Office, Power, and Authority; but gifts or graces, and usefullnesse on that account; such an Organical body we confesse the Church Catholick visible to be; in it are persons indued with varietie of gifts and graces for the benefit and ornament of the whole.