may be established. And if he will not hear them, tell it to the church; but if he will not hear the church, let him be to thee as an Heathen man and a Publican._ I. 1. First, _If thy brother shall sin against thee, go and tell him of his fault, between thee and him alone_. The most literal way of following this first rule, where it is practicable, is the best. Therefore if thou seest with thine own eyes a brother, a fellow Christian commit undeniable sin, or hearest it with thine own ears, so that it is impossible for thee to doubt the fact, then thy part is plain: take the very first opportunity of going to him: and if thou canst have access, _tell him of his fault between thee and him alone_. Indeed great care is to be taken, that this is done in a right _spirit_, and in a right _manner_.――The success of a reproof greatly depends on the spirit wherein it is given. Be not therefore wanting in earnest prayer to God, that it may be given in a lowly spirit: with a deep, piercing conviction, that it is God alone who maketh thee to differ, and that if any good be done by what is now spoken, God doth himself. Pray, that he would guard thy heart, inlighten thy mind, and direct thy tongue to such words as he may please to bless. See that thou speak in a meek as well as a lowly spirit: for _the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of_ God. If he be _overtaken in a fault_, he can no otherwise be _restored_ than _in the spirit of meekness_. If he _opposes_ the truth, yet he cannot be _brought to the knowledge_ thereof, but by _gentleness_. Still speak in a spirit of tender love, _which many waters cannot quench_. If love is not conquered, it conquers all things: who can tell the force of love? Love can bow down the stubborn neck, The stone to flesh convert; Soften and melt and pierce and break An adamantine heart. Confirm then your love toward him, and you will thereby _heap coals of fire upon his head_.