A90276:224
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.
To press an example of former days,1 as binding unto duty, or convincing of evil, in respect of any now, without stating the whole substratum of the business, and complete cause, as it was in the days and seasons, wherein the example was given, we judge it not equal. Yet although none can with ingenuity press me with the crime they were guilty of, unless they can prove themselves to be instated in the very same condition, as they were against whom that crime was committed, which I am fully assured none in the world can; the communion of the Catholic Church then pleaded for, being in the judgement of all an effect of mens free liberty, and choice, now pressed as an issue ⟨p. 164⟩of the Tyranny of some few; yet I shall freely deliver my thoughts concerning the Donatists, which will be comprehensive also of those other, that suffer with them in former and after ages, under the same imputation.
To presse an example of former dayes,1 as binding unto duty, or convincing of evill, in respect of any now, without stating the whole substratum of the businesse, and compleat cause, as it was in the dayes and seasons, wherein the example was given, we judge it not equall. Yet although none can with ingenuity presse me with the crime they were guilty of, unlesse they can prove themselves to be instated in the very same condition, as they were against whom that crime was committed, which I am fully assured none in the world can; the communion of the Catholick Church then pleaded for, being in the judgement of all an effect of mens free liberty, and choice, now pressed as an issue ⟨p. 164⟩of the Tyranny of some few; yet I shall freely deliver my thoughts concerning the Donatists, which will be comprehensive also of those other, that suffer with them in former and after ages, under the same imputation.
- 1§. 15.