Wesley Corpus

3. In order to this, may they not, (1.) Briefly repeat what you spoke, and what he answered (2.) Enlarge upon, open, and confirm the reasons which you had given (3.) Give weight to your reproof, showing how just, how kind, and how seasonable it was And, lastly, enforce the advices and persuasions which you had annexed to it And these may likewise hereafter, if need should require, bear witness of what was spoken. 4. With regard to this, as well as the preceding rule, we may observe that our Lord gives us no choice, leaves us no alternative, but expressly commands us to do this, and nothing else in the place of it. He likewise directs us when to do this; neither sooner nor later; namely, after we have taken the first, and before we have taken the third step. It is then only that we are authorized to relate the evil another has done, to those whom we desire to bear a part with us in this great instance of brotherly love. But let us have a care how we relate it to any other person, till both these steps have been taken. If we neglect to take these, or if we take any others, what wonder if we are burdened still For we are sinners against God, and against our neighbor; and how fairly soever we may color it, yet, if we have any conscience, our sin will find us out, and bring a burden upon our soul.