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The New Queres.
Folio 51, Of the Vindication propounded to the Honourable PARLIAMENT and ASSEMBLY.
Quere 1.
WHether a bare Excommunication or Suspension from the Sacrament, not backed with Authority of the Civil Magistrate, be not like to prove an im∣potent, and invalid, and ineffectual means? Whe∣ther it be not a far better way, in point of Conscience and Prudence, to admit scandalous persons to the Sacrament, not actually excommunicated, though they thereby eat and drink judgement to themselves, then to deprive any to whom it real∣ly belongs?
Antiquere 1.
Whether is there any excommunication or no? For the Vindication questions it, in calling it an invalid thing; and if so, How can any such thing be setled at all as an Ordinance in the Church?
Whether ought Authority to joyn it self with any thing so questionable as the Vindication would have it? Since nothing hath proved more fatal.
Whether excommunication being granted, be any such bare thing, as the Vindication speaks on, so impotent, invalid, and in∣effectual, without being Authorized from a power from men?