A53732:748
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 outward manner of the Restoration of such a person consists, in, (1.) His Testification of his Repentance unto the satisfaction of the Church. (2.) The express Consent of the Church unto his Reception. (3.) His renewed Engagement in the Covenant of the Church, whereby he is re-instated, or ⟨p. 231⟩jointed again in the Body, in his own proper place. In all which the Elders, by their Authority, are to go before the Church.
2. THE outward manner of the Restauration of such a person consists, in, (1.) His Testification of his Repentance unto the satisfaction of the Church. (2.) The express Consent of the Church unto his Reception. (3.) His renewed Ingagement in the Covenant of the Church, whereby he is re-instated, or ⟨p. 231⟩jointed again in the Body, in his own proper place. In all which the Elders, by their Authority, are to go before the Church.
ALL sorts of persons do now condemn the Opinions of the Novatians, in refusing the Re-admission of lapsed Sinners into the Church upon Repentance. But there may be an Evil observed amongst some, leading that way, or unto what is worse: And this is, that they seek not after the Recovery of those that are Excommunicated, by Prayer, Admonition, Exhortation in a spirit of Meekness and Tenderness; but are well satisfied that they have quitted themselves of their Society. It is better never to Excommunicate any, than so to carry it towards them when they are Excommunicated. But there is a sort of Men, unto whom if a Man be once an Offender, he shall be so for ever.