A53732:621
The true nature of a Gospel church and its government
The true nature of a Gospel church and its government ... by the late pious and learned minister of the Gospel, John Owen ...
London: printed for William Marshall, 1689
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Chapter 10: Of EXCOMMUNICATION.Chapter 10: Of EXCOMMVNICATION.
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.
CHAP. X. Of EXCOMMUNICATION.
CHAP. X. Of EXCOMMVNICATION.
THE Power of the Church towards its Members (for it hath nothing to do with them that are without) may be referred unto Three Heads, (1.) The Admission of Members into its Society. (2.) The Rule and Edification of them that belong unto it. (3.) The Exclusion out of its Society of such as obstinately refuse to live and walk according unto the Laws and Rules of it. And these things belong essentially and inseparably unto every free Society, and are comprehensive of all Church-Power whatever.
THE Second of these hath been treated of in the Discourse concerning Church Offices and Rule. And all that belongs unto the first of them, is fully declared in the Chapters of the Essential Constituent parts of Gospel Churches, namely their Matter and Form. The Third must be now spoken, unto which is the Power of Excommunication.
THERE is nothing in Christian Religion, about which the contest of Opinions hath been more fierce than this of Excommunication, most of them proceeding evidently from false Presumptions and secular Interests. And no greater instance can be given of what the Serpentine wits of Men engaged by the desire of Domination and Wealth, and assisted by opportunities may attain unto. For whereas, as we shall see immediately, there is nothing more plain, simple, and more exposed unto the common understanding of all Christians, yea of all