A90276:300
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.
2. Nor shall I consider, 1whether perpetuity be a property of the Church of Christ in this sense; that is, not whether a Church that was once so, may cease to be so, which it is known I plead for in the instance of the Church of Rome, not to mention ⟨p. 211⟩others; but whether by virtue of any promise of Christ, there shall always be somewhere in the world, a visible Church, visibly celebrating his Ordinances. Luc. 1. 33. He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his Kingdom there shall be no end; is pleaded to this purpose. But that any more, but the spiritual reign of Christ in his Catholic Church, is there intended, is not proved▪ Mat. 16. 18. upon this Rock will I build my Church, is also urged; but to intend any but true Believers, and that as such, in that promise, is wholly to enervate it, and to take away its force and efficacy. Mat. 18. 18, 20. declares the presence of Christ with his Church where ever it be, not that a Church in the regard treated of, shall be. To the same purpose are other expressions in the Scripture. As I will not deny this in General; so I am unsatisfied as to any particular instance for the making of it good.
2. Nor shall I consider, 1whether perpetuity be a property of the Church of Christ in this sence; that is, not whether a Church that was once so, may cease to be so, which it is known I plead for in the instance of the Church of Rome, not to mention ⟨p. 211⟩others; but whether by vertue of any promise of Christ, there shall alwayes be somewhere in the world, a visible Church, visibly celebrating his Ordinances. Luc. 1. 33. He shall raigne over the house of Jacob for ever, and of his Kingdome there shall be no end; is pleaded to this purpose. But that any more, but the spirituall raigne of Christ in his Catholick Church, is there intended, is not proved