The way of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The way of churches…The vvay of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The vvay of churches…

If he acknowledge the fact, but do not acknowledge the sinfulness of it, but stand stiffly to justify it, then the Brother first offended telleth the Church of it, to wit, in Gods way. He telleth the Elders, who are the mouth of the Church, that by them it may be presented before the Church, and the cause heard and examined, and judged by them. Then one of the Elders, either by himself, or calling forth the Brother offended, declareth the offence given to him by such a Brother, and what course he took with him (according to the Rule of Christ) to heal his Brother. First by private admonition, but so he prevailed not to bring him to a sight and sense of his sin; then how he took a Brother or two more to assist him in the work, but neither so could he or they prevail with him; which they being present, do openly testify before the Lord and his Church: And so by the mouth of two or three, the word of his accusation is established before the Church.

If he acknowledge the fact, but doe not acknowledge the sinfulnesse of it, but stand stifly to justifie it, then the Brother first offended telleth the Church of it, to wit, in Gods way. He telleth the Elders, who are the mouth of the Church, that by them it may be presented before the Church, and the cause heard and examined, and judged by them. Then one of the Elders, either by himselfe, or calling forth the Brother offended, declareth the offence given to him by such a Brother, and what course he tooke with him (according to the Rule of Christ) to heale his Brother. First by private admonition, but so he prevailed not to bring him to a sight and sense of his sinne; then how he tooke a Brother or two more to assist him in the worke, but neither so could he or they prevaile with him; which they being present, doe openly testifie before the Lord and his Church: And so by the mouth of two or three, the word of his accusation is established before the Church.

The Church being thus informed of the estate and carriage of the offence, the Elders do labour in public with the offender to convince him, both of his sin and impenitency under it, notwithstanding all the faithfulness, and love of his Brethren, in seeking to heal his spirit in private. It is free also for any of the Brethren (leave and liberty being first desired and obtained of the Elders) to help forward the conviction by any words of wisdom and zeal which God shall put into their mouths; wherein if the convictions and persuasions of the Church do prevail to any kindly humiliation of the offender in the acknowledgement of his sin before the Lord and his Church; the offender is gained, the sin is subdued, others discouraged from the like offence, and the Church is satisfied.