Discourses, or, Sermons on several Scriptures

First, ¹I ought not to reprove my Brother, if I have no certain knowledge of his Offence. And therefore those who upon a blind Rumour, or groundless Suspicion, hastily conclude him guilty, and so fill their Mouths with Reproofs, show themselves to be very much in love with this Office, and are a company of impertinent busy-bodies, who start their Arrow before ever they see the Mark. We must first be certainly informed, either upon our Personal Knowledge, or upon the undoubted Testimonies of credible Witnesses, that he is Guilty; otherwise in going about to show him his Fault, we shall but show our own Folly, and Credulity, our Reproofs will be but Slanders, and our Charity in offering the Cure, will not be half so great, as our uncharitableness in believing the Disease.

First, ¹I ought not to reprove my Brother, if I have no certain knowledg of his Offence. And therefore those who upon a blind Rumour, or groundless Suspicion, hastily conclude him guilty, and so fill their Mouths with Reproofs, shew themselves to be very much in love with this Office, and are a company of impertinent busy-bodies, who start their Arrow before ever they see the Mark. We must first be certainly informed, either upon our Personal Knowledg, or upon the undoubted Testimonies of credible Witnesses, that he is Guilty; otherwise in going about to shew him his Fault, we shall but shew our own Folly, and Credulity, our Reproofs will be but Slanders, and our Charity in offering the Cure, will not be half so great, as our uncharitableness in believing the Disease.

1. 1We must not reprove without knowledge of the Offence.We must not reprove without knowledg of the Offence.

Secondly, It is not necessary for me to reprove, where I have reason to conclude that others of more Prudence and Interest in the Party, either have already, or else will more effectually perform it: For otherwise it will appear that we do not so much seek his Emendation, as to be Ostentatious of our own Zeal and Forwardness. And besides, too many Reprovers may, instead of reforming, rather irritate and provoke: Only here, beware thou dost not retract this ingrateful Office, upon slight Pretences, nor think thy self excused, because others are bound to do it. But consider seriously in thine own Conscience, whether thou thinkest they will be faithful enough in performing it, or more dextrous than thou art in managing it; or that their Reproof