The glory of a true church, and its discipline displayed wherein a true gospel-church…The glory of a true church, and its discipline display'd wherein a true gospel-church…

XVI. Another disorderly Practice is this; viz. When a Member shall suggest, and seem •o insinuate into the minds of other Members some evil against their Pastor,¹ yet will not declare what it is;² and may only be evil Surmisings,³ & out of Prejudice; and yet refuses to acquaint the Pastor with what it is: This is very abominable,⁴ and a palpable violation of the Rule of the Gospel, and Duty of Members to their Minister. Such a person ought to be severely rebuked, and if he confess not his Evils, and manifesteth unfeigned Repentance, to be dealt with farther. Moreover, it is a great evil ⟨p. 52⟩in another to hear such base▪ Insinuations, and neither rebuke the Accuser, and so discharge his Duty, nor take two or three more to bring the Person to Repentance.⁵ If he deal thus by a private Brother, it is a great Evil, but far worse to an Elder, whose Name and Honour, ought with all Care and Justice, to be kept up, as being more Sacred.

XVI. Another disorderly Practice is this; viz. When a Member shall suggest, and seem •o insinuate into the minds of other Members some evil against their Pastor,¹ yet will not declare what it is;² and may only be evil Surmisings,³ & out of Prejudice; and yet refuses to acquaint the Pastor with what it is: This is very abominable,