By Robert Roberts
The friends of Christ are not allowed, in the present state, to employ coercive measures in any form. The execution of the judgment written is a prerogative in reserve for such only as come through the present probation with divine approval. Meanwhile, we are allowed to use the defensive weapon of non-association where there is non-compliance with the precepts of Christ. "Excommunication" is an ordinance of the Apostacy. Ecclesial withdrawal is of apostolic prescription.
--April, 1898
There is is much woolly thinking and writing on this subject, especially among those who--advocating loose fellowship--desire to frighten the simple with the bogey of the mortal responsibility for "excommunicating" anyone. The very idea is orthodoxy.
--G.V. Growcott
