A53732:729
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. 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.
Nulla unquam de morte hominis cunctatio longa est.