Testimony of Scripture-Corruptions fatal to unity-Testimony of Irenæus -Unity, of the heart; and promoted by the early persecutions. Clement-Basil-Faustus-Heresy-Zonarius-Ecclesiastical idea of Schism -The ecclesiastical spirit-Schism as an ecclesiastical sin-Views of Cyprian, Irenæus, the African Synod, Origen-Levitical notions-Tertul- lian-Cyprian-Use of the term Schism in modern times; and according to recent statements-Oxford Tracts Treatise on the Church of Christ.' SECT. IV.-Inferences from the Scripture doctrine of schism An evil existing among professed Christians-Strictly between members of the same church-May exist between persons of different congregations, or denominations-A disruption of the bond of love-May exist where there is no separation-The spirit of Schism may be found where there is no external disorder-When separation becomes Schism? must be determined by circumstances-Uncharitable separation-External necessity-Excom- munication Voluntary separation-Chillingworth - Baxter-Inference that diversity of practice among Christian churches, with regard to modes of government and worship, is not necessarily connected with Schism-Denominational Christianity-Early separations-Gnostics-Ebio- nites-Novatians-Donatists-Estimate of uniformity. A levelling, democratical spirit-Opposition to church discipline-Want of charity between different classes of society, in a christian church-Love of domination-Personal and family quarrels-A litigious spirit-Back- biting and scandal-False doctrine-Want of mutual concession in refe- rence to the appointment of ministers-Ministerial faults and delinquen- cies-A dissatisfied temper-A restless unsettled spirit- A meddlesome When Christians of different denominations regard each other in the spirit of open hostility-Jealousies and unholy rivalries between christian socie- ties-A narrow, bigoted, sectarian spirit-Spirit of party proselytism- Angry public controversy-Treating denominational peculiarities with marked contempt-Censoriousness-A condemnatory, presumptuous, ana- thematizing spirit-The attempt to lower the tone of the doctrine of Christ -The imposition of terms of communion, which are not prescribed in the New Testament, as conditions of salvation-The attempt to tyrannize over Zeal for the truth-Promoting unity-Concern for the purity of the church CHAPTER IV. THE EVIL CONSEQUENCES OF SCHISM 423 Injurious to personal religion-Fatal to the prosperity of particular churches-The grand source of mischief in the church universal-A notorious dishonor to religion -Tends to encourage infidelity-Prevents the conversion of the world-May lead to political convulsions-Accessary to the perdition of souls. CHAPTER V. THE SINFULNESS OF SCHISM 437 Condemned in the Scriptures-Rebellion against Christ-Grieves the Holy Spirit-Associated with the prevalence of sin-Pride-A presumptuous sin-Hypocrisy-Gross injustice towards good men-A sin seldom repented of-An accumulation of sinful dispositions. CHAPTER VI. THE CURE OF SCHISM 453 SECT. I.-The Cure more immediately in connexion with personal considerations 455 Personal religion-Prayer-Study of the Scriptures-Example of eminent men-Cultivation of brotherly love. SECT. II.-Cure of Schism as relates to the existing position of different denominations 466 Contemplation of the existing divisions of the church-Promoting brotherly union between Christians of different denominations, as far as the existing constitutions of churches will allow-(Testimonies from the Reformed Churches)-All theoretical objections to such union as is practicable under the present regulations of churches, should be brought to the test of scripture (The Established Church-Apostolical Succession.) SECT. III.-Cure of Schism as 'related to changes in the economy of christian churches Strict communion-The Church of England-Conclusion. 537 |