A92138:671
The divine right of church-government and excommunication
The divine right of church-government and excommunication: or a peaceable dispute for the perfection of the holy scripture in point of ceremonies and church government; in which the removal of the Service-book is justified, the six books of Tho: Erastus against excommunication are briefly examined; with a vindication of that eminent divine Theod: Beza against the aspersions of Erastus, the arguments of Mr. William Pryn, Rich: Hooker, Dr. Morton, Dr. Jackson, Dr. John Forbes, and the doctors of Aberdeen; touching will-worship, ceremonies, imagery, idolatry, things indifferent, an ambulatory government; the due and just powers of the magistrate in matters of religion, and the arguments of Mr. Pryn, in so far as they side with Erastus, are modestly discussed. To which is added, a brief tractate of scandal ... / By Samuel Rutherfurd, Professor of Divinity in the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Published by authority.The divine right of church-government and excommunication: or a peacable dispute for the perfection of the holy scripture in point of ceremonies and church government; in which the removal of the Service-book is justifi'd, the six books of Tho: Erastus against excommunication are briefly examin'd; with a vindication of that eminent divine Theod: Beza against the aspersions of Erastus, the arguments of Mr. William Pryn, Rich: Hooker, Dr. Morton, Dr. Jackson, Dr. John Forbes, and the doctors of Aberdeen; touching will-worship, ceremonies, imagery, idolatry, things indifferent, an ambulatory government; the due and just powers of the magistrate in matters of religion, and the arguments of Mr. Pryn, in so far as they side with Erastus, are modestly discussed. To which is added, a brief tractate of scandal ... / By Samuel Rutherfurd, Professor of Divinity in the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Published by authority.
London: printed by John Field for Christopher Meredith, 1646
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Ans. This is as much against Christs words, as against us; may not many whose sins are bound in heaven, and against whom the Pastors denounce exclusion out of heaven, repent in the end of their life, and die devoutly? Ergo, The very threatenings of the Gospel must be wind▪ and by these, none are excluded from Heaven. 2. Excommunication is but a conditional excluding out of Heaven▪ if men repent, the condition not being placed, Nihil ponitur in esse, they are saved; though it may fall out that they want the external relaxation of the Church, not through their own fault, but by some external providence insuperable to them.
Ans. This is as much against Christs words, as against us; may not many whose sins are bound in heaven, and against whom the Pastors denounce exclusion out of heaven, repent in the end of their life, and die devoutly? Ergo, The very threatnings of the Gospel must be wind▪ and by these, none are excluded from Heaven. 2. Excommunication is but a conditionall excluding out of Heaven▪ if men repent, the condition not being placed, Nihil ponitur in esse, they are saved; though it may fall out that they want the externall relaxation of the Church, not through their own fault, but by some externall providence insuperable to them.
But it is to beg the Question, to say, Those that are justly Excommunicated, and seek not to be reconciled to the Church, do repent and die devoutly. Beza saith, Pastors should give food to the hungry sheep, though they know not the moment when they do repent. Erastus Replieth, Then give Word and Sacraments to those who seek them.
But it is to beg the Question, to say, Those that are justly Excommuniated, and seek not to be reconciled to the Church, do repent and die devoutly. Beza saith, Pastors should give food to the hungry sheep, though they know not the moment when they do repent. Erastus Replyeth, Then give Word and Sacraments to those who seek them.