A90276:79
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 incumbent upon him,1 who would have me to go farther in the description of this evil, then as formerly stated, to evince from Scripture, another notion of the name or thing, then that given, which when he hath done, he shall not find me refractory. ⟨p. 56⟩In the mean time I shall both consider what may be objected against that, which hath been delivered, and also discuss the present state of our divisions on the usual principles, and common acception of Schism; if first I may have leave to make some few inferences, or deductions from what hath already been spoken, and as I hope, evinced.
It is incumbent upon him,1 who would have me to goe farther in the description of this evill, then as formerly stated, to evince from Scripture, another notion of the name or thing, then that given, which when he hath done, he shall not find me refractory. ⟨p. 56⟩In the meane time I shall both consider what may be objected against that, which hath been delivered, and also discusse the present state of our divisions on the usuall principles, and common acception of Schisme; if first I may have leave to make some few inferences, or deductions from what hath already been spoken, and as I hope, evinced.
- 1§. 40.
On supposition that the Church of Rome is a Church of Christ,1 it will appear to be the most Schismatical Church in the World. I say or supposition that it is a Church, and that there is such a thing, as a Schismatical Church, (as perhaps a Church may from its intestine differences, be so not unfitly denominated) that is, the state and condition thereof. The Pope is the head of their Church, several nations of Europe are members of it. Have we not seen that head taking his flesh in his teeth, tearing his body and his limbs to pieces? Have some of them thought on any thing else, but, arise Peter, kill and eat, all their days! Have we not seen this goodly head, in disputes about Peters Patrimony, and his own Jurisdiction, wage war, fight, and shed blood, the blood of his own members? Must we believe Armies raised, and battles fought,