Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1840 edition. Excerpt: ...of June 1571. TO THE READER. Albeit that in the Book of Discipline the causes as well of public repentance as of excommunication are sufficiently expressed; yet because the form and order are not set forth, that every church and minister may have assurance that they agree with others in proceeding, it is thought expedient to draw that order which universally within this realm shall be observed. And, first, we must understand what crimes be worthy of excommunication, and what of public repentance. In the first it is to be noted, that all crimes that by the law of God deserve death deserve also The Second Book of Discipline, which is still part of the canonical law of the Church. a a & & 124 ORDER OF EXCOMMUNICATION excommunication from the society of Christ his Church, whether the offender be papist or protestant; for it is no reason that under pretence of diversity of religion open impiety should be suffered in the body of Christ Jesus; and therefore wilful murderers, adulterers, lawfully convicted sorcerers, witches, conjurers, charmers, and givers of drinks to destroy children, and open blasphemers, as if any renounce God, deny the truth and the authority of his holy word, railing against his blessed sacraments, --such, we say, ought to be excommunicated from the society of Christ's Church, that their impiety may be holden in greater horror, and that they may be the more deeply wounded, perceiving themselves abhorred of the godly. Against such open malefactors the process may be summoned; for the crime being known, advertisement ought to be given to the superintendent of that diocese, either by the minister or by such as can best give information of that fact; except in reformed towns and other places where the ministry is..
