Matthew 18:15

In these words our Saviour gives us an excellent rule for the duty of fraternal correction, or brotherly admonition.

Where note, 1. That brotherly reproof and admonition is. duty incumbent upon church members.

2. That it may be administered successfully, it must must be administered privately and prudently.

3. When private admonition prevails not, Christ has appointed church-governors, to execute church-censures on the obstinate and irreclaimable.

4. Persons justly falling under the censures of the church, and rightly excommunicated, are to be looked upon as obstinate and contumacious offenders, and the members of the church to shun society and conversation with them: If he neglect to hear the Church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man, and as. publican was among Jews; wholly neglected, and not thought fit to be conversed with.