A53732:674
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.
WHAT farther belongeth unto this Head of Church-Rule or Order shall be spoken unto in the Resolution of some Cases or Enquiries, wherein also some Things only mentioned already, shall be more fully explained.
I HAVE made some enquiry before, whether Excommunication be an act of Authority and Jurisdiction in the Officers of the Church, or an act of Power in the Fraternity of the Church. But for the sake of some by whom it is desired, I shall a little more distinctly enquire after the Truth herein; though I shall alter nothing of what was before laid down. And,
1. IT is certain, it hath been proved, and I now take it for granted, That the Lord Christ hath given this Power unto the Church. Wherefore in the exercise of this Power, both the Officers and Members of the Church are to act according unto ⟨p. 217⟩their respective Interests. For that Exercise of Power in the Church towards any, which is not an act of Obedience unto Christ, in them that exercise it, it is in it self null. There is therefore no Distinction or Distribution of Power in the Church, but by the interposition of especial Duty.