A90276:21
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.
I have considered and endeavoured,1 to search into the bottom of the two general ways, fixed on respectively by sundry Persons for the compassing of peace, and union among Christians, but in one nation, with the issue and success of them in several places: namely, that of enforcing uniformity by a secular power on the one side, as was the case in this Nation not many years ago, (and is yet liked by the most,) being a suitable judgement for the most,) and that of Toleration on the other, which is our present condition. Concerning them both I ⟨p. 13⟩dare say; that though men of a good zeal, and small Experience, or otherwise on any account full of their own Apprehensions, may promise to themselves much of peace, Union, and Love, from the one or the other, (as they may be severally favoured by men of different interests in this world, in respect of their conducinges to their ends,) yet that a little Observation of Events, if they are not able to consider the causes of things, with the light and posture of the minds of men in this Generation, will unburden them of the trouble of their expectations. It is something else, that must give peace unto Christians, then what is a product of the prudential considerations of men.
I have considered and endeavoured,1 to search into the bottome of the two generall wayes, fixed on respectively by sundry Persons for the compassing of peace, and union among Christians, but in one nation, with the issue and successe of them in severall places: namely, that of enforcing uniformity by a secular power on the one side, as was the case in this Nation not many yeares agoe, (and is yet liked by the most,) being a suitable judgemement for the most,) and that of Toleration on the other, which is our present condition. Concerning them both I ⟨p. 13⟩dare say; that though men of a good zeale, and small Experience, or otherwise on any account full of their own Apprehensions, may promise to themselves much of peace, Union, and Love, from the one or the other, (as they may be severally favoured by men of different interests in this world, in respect of their conducinges to their ends,) yet that a little Observation of Events, if they are not able to consider the causes of things, with the light and posture of the minds of men in this Generation, will unburden them of the trouble of their expectations. It is something else, that must give peace unto Christians, then what is a product of the prudentiall considerations of men.