A53732:751
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.
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.
2. A CASE wherein there is a difference in the judgment of good and wise Men about it, is to be esteemed such a dubious Case as is exempted from this Censure. Nothing is to be admitted here to take place, but what is reprovable by natural Light, and the concurrent Judgment of them that fear God.
3. IF the case be about such a Right or Wrong, in pretended Fraud, Over-reaching, or the like, as is determinable by ⟨p. 232⟩Civil-Laws, the Church is no judge in such Cases; unless it be by way of Arbitration, 1 Cor. 6.