A90276:68
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.
It is most usually said to be a sin against Charity, as Heresy is against Faith. Heresy is a sin against Faith (if I may so speak) both as it is taken for the doctrine of Faith, which is to be believed, and the assent of the mind whereby we do believe. He that is a Heretic (I speak of him in the usual acception of the word, and the sense of them, who make this comparison, in neither of which I am satisfied) rejects the doctrine of faith; and denies all assen• unto it. Indeed he doth the former by doing the latter. But is Schism so a sin against Charity? doth it supplant, and root out Love out of the heart? is it an affection of the mind attended with an inconsistency therewith? I much question it.
It is most usually said to be a sinne against Charity, as Heresie is against Faith. Heresie is a sinne against Faith (if I may so speake) both as it is taken for the doctrine of Faith, which is to be believed, and the assent of the mind whereby we doe believe. He that is a Heretick (I speake of him in the usuall acception of the word, and the sence of them, who make this comparison, in neither of which I am satisfied) rejects the doctrine of faith; and denyes all assen• unto it. Indeed he doth the former by doing the latter. But is Schisme so a sinne against Charity? doth it supplant, and root out Love out of the heart? is it an affection of the minde attended with an inconsistency therewith? I much question it.
The Apostle tells us,1 that love is the bond of perfection Col. 3. 14. because in the several and various ways whereby it exerts it self, it maintains and preserves notwithstanding all hinderances and opposition, that perfect and beautiful order, which Christ hath appointed amongst his Saints, wherein men by Schism are kept off, and withheld from the performance of any of those offices and duties of love, which ⟨p. 50⟩