When we are conscious of having offended or injured a brother, what is our duty? Matt. v: 23, 24. With what parable does Jesus enforce this duty? 25, 26. How does it bear on the case? Ans.--The parable is taken from an adversary at law, who has a just complaint against you, as the offended brother has; and agreeing with the adversary represents repairing the wrong done to your brother; while the punishment inflicted by order of the judge represents the eternal punishment of those who refuse to repair the wrong done.

      What does James say on the subject of confessing faults? Jas. v: 16. Does he mean that you shall confess to everybody, or that you shall confess to him against whom the fault is committed? Suppose the fault is not against a particular person, but against the church as a whole, to whom should the confession be made? Does this passage require confession to the priest, as the Roman Catholics teach? On what condition will God forgive our offenses? I Jno. i: 9.

      When a brother has trespassed against us what are we to do? Matt. xviii: 15. What is the object of going? In what manner therefore must we approach him? If, after a proper effort, you fail to gain the brother, what must you do next? 16. What is the object of taking one or two more with you? Is it merely to have their testimony, or is it also to bring their influence to bear on the [98] offender? Ans.--The remark in the next verse, "if he shall neglect to hear them," shows that it is the latter also. If these two efforts fail what is next to be done? 17.

      What does Jesus say to show the fearfulness of offending a brother? Matt. xviii: 6. Will the fate here indicated befall him who makes proper amends for offenses given? What does Jesus say about the continuance of offenses in the church? 7. Why is it that they must needs be? Ans.--Because Christians are so imperfect that they will occasionally offend one another. What does Jesus proceed to say about the sacrifice one should give rather than to give offense? 8, 9.

      Note.--The word translated "offend thee" in the two verses, means "cause thee to offend."

      Is it right for one brother to go to law against another? I Cor. vi: 1-7. Before whom should these difference be settled? 1-4. In the fourth verse, does Paul mean that we shall always set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church, or that we shall do this rather than to go to law? What class of persons in the church are to be preferred for this purpose? 5. What facts does Paul state, to show that the saints are competent to judge? 2, 3. Do you know what he refers to in these statements? Is it necessary to know in order to see the force of his argument?

      Suppose that a brother has a claim on another, and either party refuses to let brethren decide it, what should be done? Ans.--The church should take action against the one who refuses, for disobeying the word of God. Suppose that a brother has a claim against another, and the brethren all refuse to act as arbitrators in the case, what [99] may he then do? Ans.--In that case the church refuses to do her duty, and the brother has no alternative but to lose his claim or go to law. Suppose the debt is acknowledged, but the brother refuses or neglects to pay? Ans.--He should be excluded from the church, and then he may be sued at law. Suppose the church refuses or neglects to exclude him? Ans.--Then the church commits a sin, and the claimant may go to law if he chooses to do so; for in this case he does not sue a brother, but one who has forfeited his rights to that title.

[FBL 98-100]