A53732:733
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.
VII. IT may be farther Enquired, Whether a Man may be Excommunicated for Errors in matters of Faith, or false Opinions about them?
Answ. 1. THE Case is so plainly and positively stated, Rev. 2.2, 6, 15, 16, 20. 1 Tim. 1.19, 20. Tit. 3.10, 11. and other places, that it needs no farther Determination. Wherefore,
2. IF the Errors intended, are about or against the Fundamental Truths of the Gospel, so as that they that hold them, cannot hold the Head, but really make Shipwreck of the Faith, no pretended usefulness of such Persons, no peaceableness as unto outward deportment, which, Men guilty of such Abominations, will frequently cover themselves withal, can countenance the Church in forbearing after due Admonition, to cut them off from their Communion. The nature of the evil, the danger that is from it unto the whole Church, as from a Gangrene in any Member, unto the Body, the Indignation of Christ expressed against such pernicious Doctrines, the opposition of them to the building of the Church on the Rock, which in most of them is opposed, to render a Church altogether inexcusable, who omit their Duty herein.
2. IF the Errors intended, are about or against the Fundamental Truths of the Gospel, so as that they that hold them, cannot hold the Head, but really make Shipwrack of the Faith, no pretended usefulness of such Persons, no peaceableness as unto outward deportment, which, Men guilty of such Abominations, will frequently cover themselves withal, can countenance the Church in forbearing after due Admonition, to cut them off from their Communion. The nature of the evil, the danger that is from it unto the whole Church, as from a Gangrene in any Member, unto the Body, the Indignation of Christ expressed against such pernicious Doctrines, the opposition of them to the building of the Church on the Rock, which in most of them is opposed, to render a Church altogether inexcusable, who omit their Duty herein.