2. Here also let it be observed, that this, and no other, is the third step which we are to take: and that we are to take it in its order, after the other two; not before the second, much less the first; unless in some very particular circumstance. Indeed in one case, the second step may co-incide with this: they may be, in a manner, one and the same. The elder or elders of the church, may be so connected with the offending brother, that they may set aside the necessity, and supply the place of the _one or two_ witnesses. So that it may suffice to tell it to them, after you have told it to your brother, _between you and him alone_. 3. When you have done this, you have delivered your own soul. _If he will not hear the church_, if he persist in his sin, _let him be to thee as an Heathen man and a Publican_. You are under no obligation to think of him any more: only when you commend him to God in prayer. You need not speak of him any more, but leave him to his own master. Indeed you still owe to him, as to all other Heathens, earnest, tender good-will. You owe him courtesy, and as occasion offers, all the offices of humanity. But have no friendship, no familiarity with him; no other intercourse than with an open Heathen. 4. But if this be the rule by which Christians walk, which is the land where the Christians live? A few you may possibly find scattered up and down, who make a conscience of observing it. But how very few? How thinly scattered upon the face of the earth? And where is there any body of men, that universally walk thereby? Can we find them in _Europe_? Or, to go no farther, in _Great Britain_ or _Ireland_? I fear not: I fear we may search these kingdoms throughout, and yet search in vain. Alas for the Christian world! Alas for Protestants, for reformed Christians! _O who will rise up with me against the wicked? Who will take_ God’s _part_ against the evil-speakers? Art _thou the man_? By the grace of God wilt thou be one, who art not carried away by the torrent? Art thou fully determined, God being thy helper, from this very hour, to set a watch, a continual _watch before thy mouth, and keep the door of thy lips_? From this hour wilt thou walk by this rule, _speaking evil of no man_? If thou seest thy brother do evil, wilt thou _tell him of his fault between thee and him alone_? Afterwards _take one or two_ witnesses, and then only _tell it to the church_? If this be the full purpose of thy heart, then learn one lesson well. _Hear evil of no man_: if there were no hearers, there would be no speakers of evil. And is not (according to the vulgar proverb) the receiver as bad as the thief? If then any begin to speak evil in thy hearing, check him immediately. Refuse to hear the voice of the charmer, charm he never so sweetly: let him use ever so soft a manner, so mild an accent, ever so many professions of good-will, for him whom he is stabbing in the dark, whom he smiteth under the fifth rib.