A53732:728
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. 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.
3. IT being a Church Admonition that is intended; it is the Duty of the Church to abide in Prayer and waiting for the Fruit of it according to the appointment of Christ. And herein the case may possibly require some long time to be spent.
4. NO present appearance of Obstinacy or impenitence under Admonition, (which is usually pleaded) should cause an immediate procedure unto Excommunication. For, (1.) It is contrary unto the distinct Institution of the one, and the other; wherein the former is to be allowed its proper Season for its Use and Efficacy. (2.) It doth not represent the patience and forbearance of Christ towards his Church and all the Members of it. (3.) It is not suited unto the Rule of that Love which hopeth all things, beareth all things, &c. (4.) All grounds of hope for the Recovery of Sinners by Repentance, are to be attended unto, so as to defer the ultimate Sentence.
4. NO present appearance of Obstinacy or impenitence under Admonition, (which is usually pleaded) should cause an immediate proceedure unto Excommunication. For, (1.) It is contrary unto the distinct Institution of the one, and the other; wherein the former is to be allowed its proper Season for its Use and Efficacy. (2.) It doth not represent the patience and forbearance of Christ towards his Church and all the Members of it. (3.) It is not suited unto the Rule of that Love which hopeth all things, beareth all things, &c. (4.) All grounds of hope for the Recovery of Sinners by Repentance, are to be attended unto, so as to deferr the ultimate Sentence.