the mystical temple of god 650 several or of a community, becomes known to more persons, it is usually fiercely defended; some prefer to suffer the loss of their salvation, even though very imprudently, than of their good name. They can be turned away from this evil by wise admonitors. On this point therefore heavenly Wisdom leaves us an excellent rule, saying: “If your brother sins [against you], go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that ‘every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell the Church. If he refuses to listen even to the Church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.” (Mt 18:15-17). Just see how gently and cautiously we must proceed in fraternal correction! Some correct themselves, when they hear their own shortcomings being rebuked in others; some unless they see their faults, do not acknowledge them, and believe that others are to be corrected in them; some are made worse by frequent admonition; some eagerly desire to be admonished even in the smallest things. And so to these this saying applies: “He who rebukes a man gets more thanks in the end than one with a flattering tongue” (Prov 28:23). And deservedly so! For why should we avoid rebuke, let alone admonition, when it is “better to be rebuked by a wise man than to be deceived by the flattery of fools” (Eccl 7:5) [LV]? Why should we avoid rebuke, since “open rebuke is better than hidden love” (Prov 27:5-6) [LV]? Why should we avoid rebuke, since “better are the wounds of a friend than the deceitful kisses of an enemy” (Prov 27:6) [LV]? I return again to the prudence of a rebuke, and I do not speak ineptly. One must have a regard for the nature of those to be rebuked, and their character; the occasion and method must be wisely applied; indeed one must most fervently pray to God for the obstinate and destitute of grace, that He may accomplish with His light what exceeds our prudence or authority, since sometimes with this light He converts the most wicked into the most holy. Here prayer helps more than harsh rebuke or severe blame. Thus it was very well said: “One should patiently suffer
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