Seven treatises containing such direction as is gathered out of the Holy Scriptures, leading…Seuen treatises containing such direction as is gathered out of the Holie Scriptures, leading…

But this is to be observed generally, that in all these kinds of meetings, whatsoever the persons be, we leave no ill example among them, which as an ill savour, may cast such a rank smell in the company that it procure as well shame and sorrow to us, as hurt and offence to those which are present, and reproach to their profession, as also an emboldening of the bad to be worse. And thus much for the use of our company in the which we have no necessary dealings about the things of this life.¹ To the which I will add the §Dduties of our reproving, exhorting and comforting one another, seeing these are religious actions practised in company, though there be but two that meet together. And first for reproving or admonishing of a Christian, who hath given offence and justly deserveth to be rebuked: we must be sure that the fault is committed by him, and not charge him upon bare report,² much less for that which is no sin (though in our conceit it be so) but a thing indifferent:³ and we must beware that we be not justly to be charged with the like offence; for then we take away the grace and force of our reprehension,⁴ unless it be known that we do warily decline such sins our selves: and with a mind to reclaim him and turn him from his sin in love §Ethough it prick, seeing the wounds of a lover are faithful,⁵ & he that telleth the truth shall find more favour at length then he that flattereth: and for a private offence, privately; though if it be open and well known, it maybe in the company of many and more sharply, as the offence is greater and the person,⁶ one that may be more offensive, as a minister; always labouring that it may appear, that God findeth the fault and reproveth, and not we who are but his instruments to do his will. But this age hath most boldly,