NOTE 11.--The church will exercise is legitimate authority, and vindicate its honor and rectitude in the administration of discipline, even though the member should regard such discipline as unjust or oppressive. NOTE 12.--Nothing can be considered a just and reasonable cause for discipline, except what is forbidden by the letter of the spirit of Scripture. And nothing can be considered a sufficient cause for disfellowship and exclusion, except what is clearly contrary to Scripture, and what would have prevented the reception of the person into the church, had it been known to exist at the time of his reception. +CHAPTER VI+ CASES OF APPEAL Cases of difficulty and discipline do sometimes occur, so aggravated in their nature or so complicated in their treatment that it is found impossible to make a satisfactory settlement by ordinary methods; especially so if discipline has ended in exclusion. The excluded member will be almost sure to think he has been dealt with unjustly, and will wish for some redress; and if the case has been of long standing and much complicated, he will be equally sure to have others sympathize with him and condemn the action of the church. Now, although the _presumption_ is that the church has done right, and is justified in its action, the _possibility_ is that the church has done wrong, and is censurable for its action. What can be done in such a case? NOTE 1.--On the New Testament theory of church government, the action of this individual local church is final. There is no power either civil or ecclesiastical, that can reverse its decision or punish it for wrong-doing. It may make mistakes, but no human tribunal has authority to compel it to confess or correct them. NOTE 2.--Councils, if appealed to for redress, have _no authority;_ they are simply, always, and everywhere _advisory_--that, and nothing more. They can express an opinion, and give advice; but they have no authority to issue decrees, and would have no power to enforce them if they should.[1] NOTE 3.--Any person who believes himself wronged by church action has the inalienable right to appeal to the church for a new hearing, and, failing in this, to ask the counsel and advice of brethren, should he see fit to do so. _Now observe_--If an excluded member believes himself unjustly dealt by, and wishes redress the following is the proper course for him to pursue: 1. Apply to the church which excluded, and ask a rehearing. State to them the grounds of his complaint and the evidence on which he thinks he can satisfy them, if a fair opportunity for being heard be given him. 2. If they refuse him a rehearing, let him appeal to them to unite with him in calling a _mutual council,_ before which the whole case shall be placed, all parties to abide by its decision.