A53671:321
A brief instruction in the worship of God, and discipline of the churches of…
A brief instruction in the worship of God, and discipline of the churches of the New Testament, by way of question and answer with an explication and confirmation of those answers.
London : s.n., 1667
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Secondly, In case they find the offence pretended not to be a real offence indeed contrary to the rule of the Gospel, or that it is not aright grounded, as to the evidence of it, but taken up upon prejudice, or an over-easy credulity, contrary to the law of that love which is required amongst Church-members, described 1 Cor. 13. and commanded as the great means of the edification of the Church and preservation of its union, then to convince the brother offended of his mistake, and with him to satisfy the person pretended to be the offender, that no breach or schism may happen among the members of the same body.
Secondly, In case they find the offence pretended not to be a reall offence indeed contrary to the rule of the Gospel, or that it is not aright grounded, as to the evidence of it, but taken up upon prejudice, or an over-easie credulity, contrary to the law of that love which is required amongst Church-members, described 1 Cor. 13. and commanded as the great means of the edification of the Church and preservation of its union, then to convince the brother offended of his mistake, and with him to satisfie the person pretended to be the offender, that no breach or schism may happen among the members of the same body.
Thirdly, Being satisfied of the crime and testimony, they are to associate themselves with the offended Brother in the same work and duty, that he himself ⟨p. 200⟩had before discharged towards the offender.
Ninthly, Because there is no determination how often these private admonitions are to be used in case of offence, it is evident from the nature of the thing it self, that they are to be reiterated; first the one, and then the other, whilst there is any ground of hope, that the ends of them may be obtained through the blessing of Christ, the Brother gained, and the offence taken away. Neither of these then is to be deserted, or laid aside, on the first, or second attempt, as though it were performed only to make way for somewhat farther; but it is to be waited on with prayer and patience, as an ordinance of Christ appointed for attaining the end aimed at.