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2. Second step.—If this shall fail, then the offended member must take one or two of the brethren with him as witnesses, seek an interview with the offender, and, if possible, by their united wisdom and piety, remove the offense and harmonize the difficulty. “But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established.”

3. Third step.—If this step should prove unavailing, then the offended member must tell the whole matter to the church, and leave it in their hands to be disposed of, as to them may seem wisest and best. “And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the church.” He has done his duty and must abide by the decision of the body which assumes this responsibility.

4. The result.—If this course of kindly Christian labor proves finally ineffectual, and the offender shows himself incorrigible, excision must follow. He must be cut off from fellowship in the church whose covenant he has broken, and whose authority he disregards. “And if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man, and a publican.” However painful the act, the church must be faithful to its duty, and to its God.