A90276:86
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.
But we have forsaken the Church of Rome. But Gentlemen, show first how we were ever of it. No man hath lost that which he never had; nor hath left the place or station wherein he never was. Tell me when or how we were members of your Church? We know not your language, you are Barbarians to us. It is impossible we should assemble with you. But your Forefathers left that Church, and you persist in their evil. Prove that your Forefathers were ever of your Church in any communion instituted by Christ, and you say somewhat. To desert a mans station, and relation, which he had on any other account, good, or bad, is not Schism; as shall farther be manifested.
But we have forsaken the Church of Rome. But Gentlemen, shew first how we were ever of it. No man hath lost that which he never had; nor hath left the place or station wherein he never was. Tell me when or how we were members of your Church? We know not your language, you are Barbarians to us. It is impossible we should assemble with you. But your Forefathers left that Church, and you persist in their evill. Prove that your Forefathers were ever of your Church in any communion instituted by Christ, and you say somewhat. To desert a mans station, and relation, which he had on any other account, good, or bad, is not Schisme; as shall farther be manifested.
Upon the same principle,1 a plea for ⟨p. 67⟩freedom from the charge of any Church, real, or pretended, as National, may be founded, and confirmed; either we are of the National Church of England, (to give that instance) or we are not; if we are not, and are exempted by our Protestation, as before; whatever we are, we are not Schismatics; if we are fatally bound unto it, and must be members of it, whether we will or no, being made so we know not how, and continuing so we know not why, show us then what duty, or office of Love is incumbent on us, that we do not perform? Do we not join in external acts of worship in Peace with the whole Church? Call the whole Church together, and try what we will do? Do we not join in every Congregation in the Nation? This is not charged on us; nor will any say, that we have right so to do, without a Relation to some particular Church in the Nation; I know where the sore lies. A National Officer, or Officers with others acting under them in several subordinations, with various distributions of power, are the Church intended. A non-submission to their rules and constitutions, is the Schism we are guilty of.