3. But whereas the principal end of all particular churches is edi- fication, there maybe many just and sufficient reasons why a person may remove himself from the constant communion of one church unto that of another; and of these reasons he himself is judge, on whom it is incumbent to take care of his own edification above all other things. Nor ought the church to deny unto any such per- sons their liberty, desired peaceably and according unto order.
4. It was declared before that where any persons guilty of, and VOL. XVI. 12
178 TRUE NATURE OF A GOSPEL CHURCH.
under admonition for, any scandalous sin do withdraw from the communion of any church, their so doing is no impediment unto a further procedure against them.
5. Whereas there are amongst us churches, or those which are so esteemed in the consciences of men, so far differing in principles and practices as that they have not entire communion with one another in all parts of divine worship, it may be inquired, Whether, if a 'man leave a church of one sort to join xuith one of another, as sup- 2)ose he leave a select congregation to join in a parochial church constantly and totally, he may he justly excommunicated for so doing without the consent of the church whereunto he did belong?
Ans. 1. It is certain, on the one hand, that if any man leave the communion of parochial assemblies to join himself unto a select con- gregation, those who have power over those parishes will make no question whether they shall excommunicate him or no in their way. But,—
2. Supposing persons so departing from particular congregations, — (1.) To be free from scandalous sins; (2.) That they depart quietly, without attempting disorder or confusion in the church; (3.) That they do actually join themselves unto the communion of some church, whose constitution, principles, and worship, they do approve, whereby their visible profession is preserved, — the church may not justly "pro- ceed unto their excommunication ; it may suffice to declare that such persons have, of their own accord, forsaken the communion of the church, are no more under its watch and care, neither is the church further obliged towards them, but as unto Christian duties in general.
6, As for those whose departure is, as voluntary and causeless, so accompanied with other evils, such as are revilings, reproaches, and false accusations (as is usual in such cases), they may be proceeded against as obstinate offenders.
The SIXTH inquiry is, What time is to he given after solemn ad- monition, before actual excommunication ?
Ans. 1. The manner of some, to run over the words, " I admonish you a first, second, and third time," so immediately to make way for the sentence of excommunication, is that wherein men are greatly to be pitied, for their ignorance of the nature of those things which they take on themselves to act, order, and dispose of, — that we ascribe it not unto worse and more evil causes.
2. The nature of the thiug itself requires a considerable season or space of time between solemn admonition and excommunication : for the end and design of the former is the repentance and recovery of the offender; nor doth its efficacy thereunto depend on or consist in the actual giving of it, but it is as other moral causes, which may work gradually upon occasional advantages. Want of light, some present exasperation and temptation, may seem to frustrate a present
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admonition, when they do but suspend its present efficacy, which it may afterward obtain on the conscience of the offender.
3. It being a church- admonition that is intended, it is the duty of the church to abide in prayer and waiting for the fruit of it, ac- cording to the appointment of Christ ; and herein the case may pos- sibly require some long time to be spent.
4. No present appearance of obstinacy or impenitence under ad- monition (which is usually pleaded) should cause an immediate pro- cedure unto excommunication ; for, — (1.) It is contrary unto the distinct institution of the one and the other, wherein the former is to be allowed its proper season for its use and efficacy. (2.) It doth not represent the patience and, forbearance of Christ towards his church and all the members of it. (3.) It is not suited unto the rule of that love which " hopeth all things, beareth all things," etc. (4.) All grounds of hope for the recovery of sinners by repentance are to be attended unto, so as to defer the ultimate sentence.
"Nulla unquam de morte hominis cunctatio longa est." — Juy. Sat. vi. 220.
5. If new sins are added, of the same or any other kind, unto former scandals, whilst persons are under admonition, it is an indica- tion of the necessity of a procedure.
Seventhly. It may be further inquired, Whether a man may be excommunicated for errors in matters of faith, or false opinions about them?
A ns. 1. The case is so plainly and positively stated. Rev, ii. 2, 6, 14, 15, 20, 1 Tim. i. 19, 20, Tit. iii. 10, 11, and other places, that it needs no further determination. Wherefore, —
2. If the errors intended are about or against the fundamental truths of the gospel, so a-s that they that hold them cannot "hold the Head," but really make " shipwreck of the faith," no pretended use- fulness of such persons, no peaceableness as unto outward deportment, which men guilty of such abominations will frequently cover them- selves withal, can countenance the church in forbearing, after due admonition, to cut them off from their communion. The nature of the evil, the danger that is from it unto the whole church, as from a gangrene in any member unto the body, the indignation of Christ expressed against such pernicious doctrines, the opposition of them to the building of the church on the Rock, which in most of them is opposed, do render a church altogether inexcusable who omit their duty herein.