Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

Suppose the stories to be true, or founded in truth, what benefit does
society or the church ever derive from this underhand detailing? None.
There are but few cases ever occurring, where the misunderstanding
between the members of the church of Christ should be brought before
two witnesses, much less before the church: but there are some such, and
our Lord orders us to treat these with the greatest caution and
forbearance.
All the above, with the whole family of defamers, false accusers,
calumniators, detracters, destroyers of the good reputation of others,
traducers, and libellers, however they may rank here, shall have one lot
in the eternal world; none of them shall become residents on the hill of
God's holiness; and should not here be permitted to sojourn in his
tabernacle, or militant church. Reader, pray God to save thee from the
spirit and conduct of these bad men; have no communion with them,
drive them from thy door, yet labour to convert them if thou canst. But if
they will still continue as disturbers of the peace of society, of the
harmony of families, and of the union of Christ's church, let them be to
thee as heathen men and publicans; the basest, the lowermost, the most
dejectcd, most underfoot, and downtrodden vassals of perdition.
There are busybodies, impertinent meddlers with other people's
business; prying into other people's circumstances and domestic affairs;
magnifying or minifying, mistaking or underrating, every thing; newsmongers
and telltales; an abominable race, the curse of every
neighbourhood where they live, and a pest to religious society.
Do not open your ear to the tale-bearer, to the slanderer, who comes to
you with accusations against your brethren, or with surmisings and evil
speakings. These are human devils; they may be the means of making you
angry, even without any solid pretence; therefore give them no place, that
you may not be angry at any time. But if, unhappily, you should be
overtaken in this fault, let not the sun go down upon your wrath; go to
your brother, against whom you have found your spirit irritated, tell him
what you have heard, and what you fear; let your ears be open to receive