A53732:715
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. SUCH a procedure is contrary unto the nature and end of this Sentence. For it is Corrective and Instructive, not properly punishing and vindictive. The sole end of it, with respect whereunto it hath its Efficacy from Divine Institution, is the Humiliation, Repentance and Recovery of the Sinner. And if this be attained before, the infliction of this Sentence is contrary to the nature and end of it.
3. SUCH a proceedure is contrary unto the nature and end of this Sentence. For it is Corrective and Instructive, not properly punishing and vindictive. The sole end of it, with respect whereunto it hath its Efficacy from Divine Institution, is the Humiliation, Repentance and Recovery of the Sinner. And if this be attained before, the infliction of this Sentence is contrary to the nature and end of it.
IT will be said, that it hath another end also; namely, the preservation of the purity of the Church, and the vindication of its Honour and Reputation, wherein it suffers by the scandalous offences of any of its Members. Whereunto, I say, (1.) No Church is or can be made impure by them whom Christ hath purged; as he doth all those who are truly penitent. (2.) It is no Dishonour unto any Church to have Sinners in it, who have evidenced sincere Repentance. (3.) The present offence and scandal may be provided against by an Act of Rectoral Prudence, in causing the offending Person to abstain from the Lords Table for a Season.
V. IT is Enquired, (Fifthly) Whether such as voluntarily, causelessly and disorderly, do leave the Communion of any Church whereof they are Members, though not guilty of any scandalous immoralities, ma• and ought to be Excommunicated?