A90287:45
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 examination and confutation hereof, merely for my own particular satisfaction, with what diligence, and sincerity I was able, I engaged in. What progress I made in that undertaking, I can manifest unto any, by the discourses on that subject, and animadversions on that book yet abiding by me. In ⟨p. 36⟩the pursuit and management of this work, quite besides, and contrary to my expectation, at a time, and season wherein I could expect nothing on that account but ruin in this world, without the knowledge or advice of, or conference with any one person of that judgment, I was prevailed on to receive that and those principles, which I had thought to have set my self in an opposition unto. And indeed this way of impartial examining all things by the word, comparing causes with causes, and things with things, laying aside all prejudicate respects unto persons, or present Traditions, is a course that I would admonish all to beware of, who would avoid the danger of being made independents. I cannot indeed deny, but that it is possible I was advantaged in the disquisition of the truth I had in hand, from my former embracing of the principles laid down in the treatise insisted on; now being by this means settled in the Truth, which I am ready to maintain to this Reverend and learned Author, if he, or any other suppose they have any advantage ⟨p. 37⟩hereby against me, as to my reputation, which alone is sought in such attempts as this: or if I am blameably liable to the charge of inconstancy, and inconsistency with my own principles, which he thought meet to front his book withal, hereupon I shall not labour to devest him of his apprehension, having abundant cause to rejoice in the rich grace of a merciful and tender father, that men seeking occasion to speak evil of so poor a worm, tossed up and down in the midst of innumerable temptations, I should be found to fix on that, which I know will be found my rejoicing in the day of the Lord Jesus.
The examination and confutation hereof, meerly for my owne particular satisfaction, with what diligence, and sincerity I was able, I ingag'd in. What progresse I made in that undertaking, I can manifest unto any, by the discourses on that subject, and animadversions on that book yet abiding by me. In ⟨p. 36⟩