The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

Answ. 1. PERSONS may be falsely accused of, and charged with great Sins, the greatest of Sins, as well as those of a lesser Degree, and that both by particular Testimonies and ⟨p. 223⟩public Reports, as it was with the Lord Christ himself; which daily Experience confirms. Wherefore, all haste and precipitation like that of David in judging the Case of Mephibosheth, is carefully to be avoided, though they are pressed under the pretences of the greatness and notoriety of the Sin.

Answ. 1. PERSONS may be falsly accused of, and charged with great Sins, the greatest of Sins, as well as those of a lesser Degree, and that both by particular Testimonies and ⟨p. 223⟩publick Reports, as it was with the Lord Christ himself; which daily Experience confirms. Wherefore, all haste and precipitation like that of David in judging the Case of Mephibosheth, is carefully to be avoided, though they are pressed under the pretences of the greatness and notoriety of the Sin.

2. THERE is no individual actual Sin, but it is capable of great Aggravation or Alleviation from its Circumstances: These the Church is to enquire into, and to obtain a full knowledge of them, that all things being duly weighed, they may be affected with the Sin in a due manner, or after a goodly sort; which is essential unto the right administration of this Ordinance.

3. THIS cannot be done, without Personal Conference with the Offender, who is to be allowed to speak for himself. This Conference, in case guilt be discovered, cannot but have in it the nature of an Admonition, whereon the Church is to proceed, as in case of previous solemn admonition, in the Order, and according to the Rule which shall be immediately declared.