A53732:745
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.
4. THE Ends of this prohibition are, (1.) To testify our Condemnation of the Sin, and disapprobation of the person guilty of it, who is Excommunicated. (2.) The Preservation of our selves from all kinds of participation in his Sin. (3.) To make him ashamed of himself, that if he be not utterly profligate and given up unto total Apostasy, it may occasion in him thoughts of returning.
4. THE Ends of this prohibition are, (1.) To testifie our Condemnation of the Sin, and disapprobation of the person guilty of it, who is Excommunicated. (2.) The Preservation of our selves from all kinds of participation in his Sin. (3.) To make him ashamed of himself, that if he be not utterly profligate and given up unto total Apostasie, it may occasion in him thoughts of returning.
X. HOW ought persons Excommunicated to be received into the Church upon their Repentance?
Answ. 1. AS unto the internal manner; with all readiness and cheerfulness; with, (1.) Meekness, to take from them all Discouragement and disconsolation, Gal. 6.1. (2.) With Compassion, and all means of Relief and Consolation, 2 Cor. 2.7. (3.) With Love in all the demonstrations of it, Vers. 8. (4.) With Joy, to represent the Heart of Christ towards Repenting Sinners.
Answ. 1. AS unto the internal manner; with all readiness and chearfulness; with, (1.) Meekness, to take from them all Discouragement and disconsolation,