Tell him his fault alone
But how rarely should we condemn or judge one another? At least, how soon would that evil be remedied, were we to walk by that clear and express rule which our Lord himself has taught us? If your brother shall trespass against you (or if you hear or believe that he has), go and tell him of his fault between you and him alone (Matthew 18:15). This is the first step you are to take. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established (Matthew 18:16). This is the second step. If he neglects to hear them, tell it to the church: either to the overseers of it or to the whole congregation. You have then done your part. Then think of it no more, but commend the whole to God.
1771 text
14. But how rarely should we condemn or judge one another, at least, how soon would that evil be remedied, were we to walk by that clear and express rule, which our Lord himself has taught us? If thy brother shall trespass against thee, (or if thou hear, or believe that he hath) go and tell him of his fault, between him and thee alone. This is the first step thou art to take. But if he will not hear, take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established. This is the second step. If he neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church; either to the overseers thereof, or to the whole congregation. Thou hast then done thy part. Then think of it no more, but commend the whole to God.
About this text
Rendered in modern English, to be read and heard. Open the 1771 text under each part to check the claims and the scripture.
Rendered in modern English. The 1771 panel is his own Pine printing of the Works. It is public domain.
Catalogue & scope
Sermon 30 in the 1771 Works. Matthew 7:1-12.
This is an AI-assisted study translation. Source fidelity and completeness have not been independently certified. It is not a complete critical edition.