A90287:18
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.
How far these and the like considerations might be a relief unto my thoughts, in my fears of further controversial engagements, having the pressure of more business upon me than any one man I know of my Calling in the whole nation, I leave it to the judgment of them who love truth and peace. But what little confidence I ought in the present posture of the ⟨p. 9⟩minds of men, to have placed in any or all of them, the discourse under Consideration hath instructed me: That any one thing hath fallen out according to my expectations and conjectures, but only its being a product of the men, of the persuasion owned therein, I am yet to seek. The truth is I cannot blame my Adversary viis et modis to make good the opposition he is engaged in; it concerns him and his advisers beyond their interest in the appearing skirts of this Controversy. Perhaps also an adjudged necessity of endeavouring a disreputation to my person and writings, was one ingredient in the undertaking. If so, the whole frame was to be carried on by correspondent medium's. But let the principles and motives to this discourse be what they will, it is now made public, there being a warmer zeal acting therein, then in carrying on some other things, expected from the same hand.
How farre these and the like considerations might be a releife unto my thoughts, in my feares of further controversiall ingagements, having the pressure of more business upō me than any one mā I know of my Calling in the whole nation, I leave it to the judgment of them who love truth and peace. But what litle confidence I ought in the present posture of the ⟨p. 9⟩minds of men, to have placed in any or all of them, the discourse vnder Consideration hath instructed me: That any one thing hath fallen out according to my expectations and conjectures, but only its being a product of the men, of the perswasion owned therin, I am yet to seeke. The truth is I cannot blame my Adversary viis et modis to make good the opposition he is ingaged in; it concernes him and his advisers beyond their interest in the appearing skirts of this Controversy. Perhaps also an adjudged necessity of indeavoring a disreputation to my person and writings, was one ingredient in the undertaking. If so, the whole frame was to be carried on by correspondent medium's. But let the principles and motives to this discourse be what they will, it is now made publick, there being a warmer zeale acting therin, then in carrying on some other thinges, expected from the same hand.