A Brief and Pithy Sum of the Christian Faith

First what is excommunication? We call excommunication ^aa sentence whereby ⟨image 140⟩the ecclesiastical Seniors after lawful knowledge of the cause, doth declare in the name and authority of God and his holy word, that such or such, one or many be justly excluded and separated from the company or communion of the Saints that is to say the Church of God, & by consequent delivered to satan, forasmuch as without the Church there is no salvation: yet not to continue for ever, but so long as they continue unreformed, and until that they have satisfied for the slander or offence given.

First what is excommunication? We cal excōmunication ^aa sentence wherby ⟨image 140⟩the ecclesiasticall Seniors after lawfull knowledge of the cause, dooth declare in the name and authoritie of God and his holy word, that such or such, one or many be iustlye excluded and seperated from ye company or communion of the Saynts that is to say ye Church of God, & by consequent delyuered to sathan, for asmuch as without the Church there is no saluation: yet not to continue for euer, but so long as they continue vnreformed, and vntil that they haue satisfied for the slander or offence geuen.

1. a1. Cor. 9.

Secondly, it must be understand that such a power is not grounded upon man, for man hath no manner of power over the soul, but by the authority of God, who useth them in the Church as organs and instruments by whom he speaketh, & therefore it is not to be doubted, but such sentences be ratified and confirmed in heaven. For as much as Jesus Christ hath so said and promised to all his church in the person of his xii. Apostles, under the name of keys of the