5. Because that a case of discipline undertaken under excitement is almost certain to be wrongly conducted. Even if the result reached be just and right, the method by which it is reached is likely to be unwise, unjust, and oppressive to individuals, possibly producing more serious and more lasting evils than it has removed. _Offenses_ calling for discipline are usually considered as of _two_ classes: _private_ or personal, and _public_ or general. These terms do not very accurately express the nature of the offenses, but they are in common use, and capable of being understood. In the administration of _corrective discipline,_ the following rules and principles constitute a correct and Scriptural course of proceeding: PRIVATE OFFENSES _Private offenses_ pertain to personal difficulties between individuals, having no direct reference to the church as a body, and not involving the Christian profession at large. In such cases, the course prescribed by our Saviour (Matt. 18:15-17) is to be strictly followed, without question or deviation. 1. _First step._--The member who considers himself injured must go to the offender, tell him his grief, and between themselves alone, if possible, adjust and settle the difficulty. "If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault, between thee and him alone." This must be done, not to charge, upbraid, or condemn the offender, but to win him. "If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother." 2. _Second step._--If this shall fail, then the offended member must take one or two of the brethren with him as witnesses, seek an interview with the offender, and, if possible, by their united wisdom and piety, remove the offense and harmonize the difficulty. "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established." 3. _Third step._--If this step should prove unavailing, then the offended member must tell the whole matter to the _church,_ and leave it in their hands to be disposed of, as to them may seem wisest and best. "And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church." He has done his duty and must abide by the decision of the body which assumes this responsibility. 4. _The result._--If this course of kindly Christian labor proves finally ineffectual, and the offender shows himself incorrigible, excision must follow. He must be cut off from fellowship in the church whose covenant he has broken, and whose authority he disregards. "And if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man, and a publican." However painful the act, the church must be faithful to its duty, and to its God. NOTE 1.--While this Divine rule makes it obligatory on the offended member to go to the offender and seek a reconciliation, yet much more is it obligatory on the offender who knows that a brother is grieved with him, to seek such an one, and try to remove the difficulty.