Col. 4:10 is a testimony that Mark was restored and stablished after having forsaken Paul and Barnabas. We find him not with Barnabas, but with Paul, who had so gravely judged his fault. "Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee" (Prov. 9:8). Let us imitate our Lord in His pity toward those who have erred from His way; thus we best discountenance their sins, and help them to make the confession that obtains forgiveness from God. Carnal severity hardens the heart which might be won by heavenly tenderness and compassion. In the fellowship of saints' assemblies are many joys and many comforts. It is not, however, a bed of roses; for it is in the intercourse of that fellowship that the infirmities and faults of believers especially appear. In the church's best state there was always the flesh to be subdued, and Satan resisted. Hence "forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you, even also do ye" (Col. 3:13). Judgments of offences should be such as to commend themselves to the common conscience. All are accountable to God for those judgments. The love of Christ filling our hearts, we shall be keen-sighted to discern, whether in ourselves or others, whatsoever pleases not the Lord. This love, and this love only, will enable us to maintain the order and discipline of the house of God, so as to be approved by the Son of God, the Lord of His own house. We shall thereby, while observing the laws of Christ as to offending brethren, be raised above the fear of man that bringeth a snare; and, what is higher still, be free of false love, which spares the rod when God would have us smite. Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness (Ps. 141:5). "Faithful are the wounds of a friend" (Prov. 27:6). The Servants of the Lord Whatever carnal titles of honour men may give to professed ministers of the Gospel, the conscience of the unregenerate will not account them holy men of God unless they be such of a truth. For those who are to exercise any office in the church—that of evangelist, pastor,—it is not knowledge and utterance only which are needed; but also, and above all, grace and an unblameable conversation. Whilst they be harmless as doves in regard to carnal policy, they should be wise as serpents in respect of spiritual wisdom and prudence, so as to "cut off occasion from them which desire occasion." (2 Cor. 11:12.) It was a small thing with Paul to be judged by the saints at Corinth. Whatever their judgments, he is intent on doing them good, and holds on his course, glorifying God. He labours to restore them to a sound heart and mind. "We do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying: for I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would." (2 Cor. 12:19.20.)