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What can be done in such a case?

Note 1.—On the New Testament theory of church government, the action of this individual local church is final. There is no power either civil or ecclesiastical, that can reverse its decision or punish it for wrong-doing. It may make mistakes, but no human tribunal has authority to compel it to confess or correct them.

Note 2.—Councils, if appealed to for redress, have no authority; they are simply, always, and everywhere advisory—that, and nothing more. They can express an opinion, and give advice; but they have no authority to issue decrees, and would have no power to enforce them if they should.[1]

Note 3.—Any person who believes himself wronged by church action has the inalienable right to appeal to the church for a new hearing, and, failing in this, to ask the counsel and advice of brethren, should he see fit to do so.

Now observe—If an excluded member believes himself unjustly dealt by, and wishes redress the following is the proper course for him to pursue: