A53732:724
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. SUPPOSING Persons so departing from particular Congregations, (1.) To be free from scandalous Sins. (2.) That they depart quietly without attempting Disorder or Confusion in the Church. (3.) That they do actually join themselves unto the Communion of some Church, whose Constitution, Principles and Worship they do approve, whereby their visible Profession is preserved; the Church may not justly proceed unto their Excommunication: It may suffice to declare, that such Persons have on their own accord forsaken the Communion of the Church, are no more under its Watch or Care; neither is the Church further obliged towards them, but as unto Christian Duties in general.
6. AS for those whose departure is as voluntary and causeless so accompanied with other evils, such as are Revilings, Reproaches and false Accusations, as is usual in such Cases, they may be proceeded against as obstinate Offenders.
6. AS for those whose departure is as voluntary and causless so accompanied with other evils, such as are Revilings, Reproaches and false Accusations, as is usual in such Cases, they may be proceeded against as obstinate Offenders.
VI. THE Sixth Enquiry is, What Time is to be given after solemn Admonition before actual Excommunication?