ECCLESIASTICAL POWER.
But the proper effect of the ecclesiastical power, or the keys of the kingdom of heaven is wholly spiritual; for the act of binding and loosing, of retaining and remitting sins, doth reach to the soul and conscience itself (which cannot be said of the act of the civil power): and as unjust excommunication is void, so ecclesiastical censure, being inflicted by the ministers of Christ and His stewards according to His will, is ratified in heaven (Matt. xviii. 18), and therefore ought to be esteemed, and acknowledged in like manner as inflicted by Christ Himself.—George Gillespie’s One Hundred and Eleven Propositions (No. 74).
EVIL REPORTS.
The longer I live the more I feel the importance of adhering to the rule which I have laid down for myself in relation to such matters. 1. To hear as little as possible whatever is to the prejudice of others. 2. To believe nothing of the kind till I am absolutely forced to it. 3. Never to drink into the spirit of one who circulates an ill report. 4. Always to moderate, as far as I can, the unkindness which is expressed towards others. 5. Always to believe that, if the other side were heard, a very different account would be given of the matter.—Carus’ Life of Simeon.