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I. CHRISTIAN REPROOF SHOULD ALWAYS BE BASED ON A CERTAIN CONVICTING. Mere hearsay insufficient; general rumour unreliable. Inquisitorial curiosity different from faithful watchfulness.

II. CHRISTIAN REPROOF SHOULD BE THOROUGH AND EFFECTIVE. A cutting rebuke need not be unkind. Sarcasm, satire, scorn — these are unbecoming a Christian teacher. Soft words break hard hearts; warmth melts, while coldness freezes.

III. CHRISTIAN REPROOF SHOULD BE FOR THE SINNER'S GOOD — "That they may be sound in the faith." Wrong motives: —

1. To save appearances.

2. To maintain dignity.

3. To gratify revenge.Right motives: —

1. To save the purity of the Church.

2. To prevent the spread of contagion.

3. To restore to spiritual life and privilege.

(F. Wagstaff.)

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KJV: One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.

WEB: One of them, a prophet of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons."