_Answ._ In the resolving of this, while some have barely affirmed, and others denied, for want of distinguishing, they have said worse than nothing. It is necessary that we distinguish, 1. Between the forgiving of an enemy, and of a stranger, and of a neighbour, and of a brother, as such. 2. Between the several penalties to be remitted (as well as revenges to be forborne). And so briefly the case must be thus resolved. _Prop._ I. An enemy, a stranger, and a neighbour, as such, must be forgiven (in the cases before asserted) though they ask not forgiveness, nor say, I repent: for, 1. Many other scriptures absolutely require it. 2. And forgiving them as such, is but the continuing them in our common charity, as men, or neighbours; that is, our not endeavouring to ruin them, or do them any hurt, and our hearty desiring and endeavouring their good, according to their capacities or ours; and thus far we must forgive them. _Prop._ II. A brother also must be thus far forgiven, though he say not, I repent; that is, we must love him as a man, and wish and endeavour his good to our power. _Prop._ III. A brother as a brother, is not to be so forgiven, as to be restored to our estimation and affection, and usage of him as a brother, either in spiritual account, or intimate special love and familiarity, as long as he is impenitent in his gross offences; and that is, till he turn again and say, I repent. A natural brother is still to be loved as a natural brother. For that kind of love dependeth not on his honesty or repentance. But, 1. A brother in a religious sense, 2. Or a bosom, familiar friend, are both unfit for to be received in these capacities, till they are penitent for gross offences; therefore the church is not to pardon the impenitent, in point of communion, nor particular christians to pardon them in their esteem and carriage; nor am I bound to take an unfit person to be my bosom friend to know my secrets: therefore if either of these offend, I must not forgive them, that is, by forgiveness continue them in the respect and usage of this brotherhood, till they repent; and this (first especially) is the brother mentioned in the text. _Quest._ IV. Is it lawful to sue a brother at law? The reason of the question is, from the words of the apostle Paul, 1 Cor. vi. 7, "There is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?" _Answ._ 1. Distinguish betwixt going to law before heathens, or other enemies to the christian religion, and before christian magistrates. 2. Between going to law in malice for revenge, and going merely to seek my right, or to seek the suppression and reformation of sin. 3. Between going to law when you are bound to forgive, and when you are not. 4. And between going to law in haste and needlessly, and going to law as the last remedy, in case of necessity, when other means fail.