A53732:689
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.
3. THE Church it self may be divided on these considerations, so as that lasting differences may be occasioned ⟨p. 220⟩among them, which the omission of the Sentence might prevent.
FOR Answer hereunto, some things must be premised. As,
1. HERE is no supposition of any thing sinful or morally evil in the Church, its Officers, or any of its Members, by refusing to omit the pronouncing of this Sentence. Whether there be any Sin in giving occasion unto the troubles mentioned, to be avoided by an omission of Duty, is now to be enquired into.
2. WE must suppose, (1.) That the cause of Excommunication be clear and evident, both as unto the merit of the Fact, and the due Application of it unto the Person concerned; so as that no Rational indifferent Man shall be able to say, that it is meet that such an one should be continued a Member of such a Society; as it ought to be, where-ever Excommunication is administered. (2.) That sufficient Time and space of Repentance, and for giving satisfaction unto the Church (whereof afterwards) hath been allowed unto the Person after Admonition. (3.) That the Church doth really suffer in Honour and Reputation by tolerating such a scandalous Offender among them.