The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

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.

XI. OUR last Enquiry shall be, Whether Excommunication may be regular and valid, where the matter of Right is dubious and disputable? As many such cases may fall out, especially with respect unto the occasions of Life, and mutual Converse; or when the matter of Fact is not duly proved by positive Witnesses, on the one hand, and is denied on the other.

Answ. 1. THE foundation of the Efficacy of Excommunication, next and under its Divine Institution, lies in the Light and Conviction of the Consciences of them that are to be Excommunicated. If these are not affected with a sense of Guilt, as in dubious cases they may not be, the sentence will be of no Force nor Efficacy.