A90287:143
A review of the true nature of schism, with a vindication of the Congregational…A review of the true nature of schisme, with a vindication of the Congregationall…
A review of the true nature of schism, with a vindication of the Congregational churches in England, from the imputation thereof unjustly charged on them by Mr D. Cawdrey, preacher of the Word at Billing in Northampton-shire. / By John Owen D.D.A review of the true nature of schisme, with a vindication of the Congregationall churches in England, from the imputation thereof unjustly charged on them by Mr D. Cawdrey, preacher of the Word at Billing in Northampton-shire. / By John Owen D.D.
Oxford: printed by Henry Hall printer to the University for Thomas 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.
the present pretended want of capacity from the non-assistance of the magistrate, whilst perfect liberty for Reformation is given, and the work in its several degrees encouraged, ⟨p. 155⟩will be found to be a sad plea for some, when things come to be tried out by the rule of the Gospel. And for our divisions I confess I begin to discover somewhat more by whom they are fomented, then I did four days ago: for the matter it self. I desire our Reverend Author to take notice, that I judg every church capable of a reduction to its primitive institution, which, all outward hinderances being removed, and all assistances granted, that are necessary for reformation according to the Gospel, may be reduced into the form and order appointed unto a particular church by Jesus Christ; and where any society is not so capable, let them call themselves what they please, I shall advise those therein, who have personally a due right to the privileges purchased for them by Jesus Christ, in the way of their administration by him appointed, to take some other peaceable course to make themselves partakers of them; and forgiving this advise I neither dread the anger nor Indignation of any man living ⟨p. 160⟩in the world: And so I suppose by this time the Author knows what is become of his, quod erat demonstrandum; and here in room of it I desire him to accept of this return.
the present pretended want of capacity from the non-assistance of the magistrate, whilest perfect liberty for Reformation is given, and the worke in its severall degrees incouraged, ⟨p. 155⟩will be found to be a sad plea for some, when things come to be tryed out by the rule of the Gospell. And for our divisions I confesse I begin to discover somewhat more by whom they are fomented, then I did four daies agoe: for the matter it selfe. I desire our Reverend Author to take notice, that I judg every church capable of a reduction to its primitive institution, which, all outward hinderances being removed, and all assistances granted, that are necessary for reformation according to the Gospell, may be reduced into the forme and order appointed unto a particular church by Jesus Christ; and where any society is not so capable, let them call themselves what they please, I shall advise those therein, who have personally a due right to the priviledges purchased for them by Jesus Christ, in the way of their administration by him appointed, to take some other peaceable course to make themselves partakers of them; and forgiving this advise I neither dread the anger nor Indignation of any man living