A53732:711
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.
2. BUT whereas the Enquiry is made concerning Sins, either in their own Nature or in their Circumstances, great and of disreputation unto the Church: I Answer,
IF Repentance be evidenced unto the Consciences of the Rulers of the Church to be sincere, and proportionable unto the Offence in its outward Demonstration, according unto the ⟨p. 224⟩Rule of the Gospel, so as that they are obliged to judge in Charity, that the Person sinning is pardoned and accepted with Christ, as all sincerely penitent Sinners are undoubtedly; the Church cannot proceed unto the Excommunication of such an Offender. For,
1. IT would be publicly to reject them whom they acknowledge that Christ doth receive. This nothing can warrant them to do; yea, so to do is to set up themselves against Christ, or at least to make use of his Authority against his Mind and Will. Yea, such a Sentence would destroy it self; for it is a Declaration that Christ doth disapprove them, whom he doth approve.
1. IT would be publickly to reject them whom they acknowledge that Christ doth receive. This nothing can warrant them to do; yea, so to do is to set up themselves against Christ, or at least to make use of his Authority against his Mind and Will. Yea, such a Sentence would destroy it self; for it is a Declaration that Christ doth disapprove them, whom he doth approve.