On Dissension and Schism

or what one calls an atheism rejection of established religious belief, like the Gospel, and it is entirely opposed to the Reformation; it is neither inclined toward Luther, nor Calvin, nor Menno referring to Menno Simons, founder of the Mennonites, and it is almost hateful to their particular followers. And for this reason, upon their insistence, even though he had already moved to Leiden with his household, eager for the preaching office, he was driven away from his profession and undertaking. Hear an opinion on such matters from David Pareus, an accomplished Calvinist in the Electoral Palatinate, from the epistle inscribed: "To D. Conrad Vorstius, Theologian of the Academy at London."

XVII. Statement of Pareus regarding Conr. Vorstius.

When you sent me your theses or concluding arguments in the year 97 1597 regarding the Savior Jesus Christ and regarding predestination or providence, you wish to remember how respectfully and sincerely I shared my opinion and judgment with you: although I understood that the foundation and stronghold of faith regarding the death and merit of Christ was being diminished, you still seemed to me more rigorous in citing the reasons you bring forward to God the Almighty regarding the condemnation and rejection of men. After this, you continued to theologize secretly based on Socinus referring to Faustus Socinus, founder of Socinianism, which denied the divinity of Christ. We have not ceased to warn you fraternally, both in person and in writing: but you promised everything. After that, the Arminian schism began, with which you have unhappily mixed yourself.