Fides Catholica, or, The doctrine of the Catholick Church in eighteen grand ordinances referring to the Word, sacraments and prayer, in purity, number and nature, catholically maintained, and publickly taught against hereticks of all sorts : with the solutions of many proper and profitable questions sutable to to [sic] the nature of each ordinance treated of / by Wil. Annand ...

SECT. I.

The nature of this ordinance partly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from what alrea∣dy hath been spoken, yet for orders sake take this discrip∣tion,

1 It is a reproving of the vices of our brother, 2. In love and meeknesse, To reclaim him from his sin, and reduce him to the obedience of God.

1 A reproving of the vices of our brother,] Admonition supposes transgression, and where sin is found reproof ought not to be wanting, but it is the vices of our B••other, by which we understand the Christian, for others would but blaspheme the name of Jesus for whose sake they are admonished to return and repent. For▪

• 1 The Scripture says a Brother, Levit. 19.17: and Mat. 18.15. one of the ••am•• blood with me, begotten, by the word of truth•• whereby •• also was begotten in•••• a ••ively hope•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• 2 Others would be apt •••• blas••heme the holy name of Christ should a ••urke be admonished to renounce his erro••s in matter of fact, or the Jew his in regard that the Law of Christ is against them, he would but like a swine turn again•• and rent you.
• ...

• 3 Solomon, adviseth his Son, not to reprove a scorner, Prov. 9.8. and Christ counselleth the same, Mat. 7.6. those persons who after many admonitions remains incorrigible, and mocks at religion when they are desired to be holy, are dogs and swine, and he that reproves them may get to himself a blot.

2 In love and me••knesse] herein lies the manner of ad∣motion, according to that doctrine, of that great Ga••aliel of the Church, St. Paul, Gal. 6.1. but of this hereafter.

3 To reclaim him, &c.] here is the end both of publick and private teaching, admonition hath amendment, for its ob∣ject and its aime, if it be received it may turn the offender from his sin to God, by mortification; if it be slighted it may turn the sinner out of the Church by excommunication; Of which hereafter.