A90287:145
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.
I shall not digress to a recharge upon this Reverend Author, and those of the same profession with him, as to their mistakes and miscarriages in the work of Reformation, nor discuss their ways and principles, wherein I am not satisfied as to their procedure: I yet hope for better things, then to be necessitated to carry on the defensative of the way wherein I walk by opposing theirs. It is true that he who stands upon mere defence, is thought to stand upon none at all: but I wait for better things from men, then their hearts will yet allow them, to think of. I hope the Reverend Author thinks, that as I have reasons wherewith I am satisfied as to my own way, so I have those that are of the same weight with me against him. But what ever he may surmise I have no mind ⟨p. 162⟩to foment the divisions that are amongst us; hence I willingly bear all his imputations without retortion. I know in part how the case is in the world. The greatest chargers have not always the most of truth; witness Papists, Lutherans, Prelatists, Anabaptists. I hope I can say in sincerity, I am for peace; though others make themselves ready for war.
I shall not digresse to a recharge upon this Reverend Author, and those of the same profession with him, as to their mistakes and miscarriages in the work of Reformation, nor discusse their waies and principles, wherein I am not satisfied as to their proceduce: I yet hope for better things, then to be necessitated to carry on the defensative of the way wherein I walk by opposing theirs. It is true that he who stands upon meer defence, is thought to stand upon none at all: but I wait for better things from men, then their hearts will yet allow them, to think of. I hope the Reverend Author thinks, that as I have reasons wherewith I am satisfied as to my own way, so I have those that are of the same weight with me against him. But what ever he may surmise I have no mind ⟨p. 162⟩to foment the divisions that are amongst us; hence I willingly bear all his imputations without retortion. I know in part how the case is in the world. The greatest chargers have not alwaies the most of truth; witnesse Papists, Lutherans, Prelutists, Anabaptists. I hope I can say in sincerity, I am for peace; though others make themselves ready for war.