A53732:725
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.
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?
Answ. 1. THE manner of some to run over the Words, I Admonish you a First, Second, and Third time, so immediately to make way for the Sentence of Excommunication, is that wherein Men are greatly to be pitied for their Ignorance of the nature of those things which they take on themselves to Act, Order, and Dispose of, that we ascribe it not unto worse and more evil Causes.
2. THE nature of the thing it self, requires a considerable Season or space of Time, between solemn Admonition and Excommunication. For the end and design of the former is the Repentance and Recovery of the Offender. Nor doth its Efficacy thereunto depend on, or consist in the actual giving of it; but as other moral Causes which may Work gradually, upon occasional Advantages. Want of Light, some present Exasperation and Temptation, may seem to frustrate a present Admonition, when they do but suspend its present Efficacy, which it may afterwards obtain on the Conscience of the Offender.