The dying man's testament to the Church of Scotland, or, A treatise concerning scandal…

2. Assert. Yet in other things there ought to be ⟨p. 26⟩great respect had to offence, and men ought to be swayed accordingly in their practice, as the former reasons clear; As, first, If the matter be of light concernment in it self, as how mens gestures are in their walking, (suppose in walking softly, or quickly, with cloak or without) men ought to do, or abstain as may prevent the construction of pride, lightness, &c. or give occasion to others in any of these; of such sort are salutations in the very manner of them: of this sort was women's praying with their head uncovered amongst the Corinthians, it being then taken for an evil sign; yet, if it be necessary, there is nothing little, as Moses will not leave an hoof, Exod. 10. nor Mordecai bow his knee to Haman, because that it looked like fanning on an accursed enemy: Of this sort also are offences in the fashions of clothes, as some mens wearing of ribbands, and such like, which being of small concernment, ought certainly to be regulated by offence. Secondly, If it be indifferent, that is, in the matter thereof, such as may be done, or forborne; as eating or not eating such a meat for such a time, (for although no action is indifferent when it is done, because the circumstances of end, motive and manner, do determine them either to be good or bad, as they are agreeable or disagreeable to the Law when they are done, yet some actions in themselves are such) in these actions a Christian ought to do or abstain accordingly, as his doing or not doing may edify or give offence; yea, in such things he may be for ever restrained, according to that word of Paul's, 1 Cor. 8. 13. I had rather not eat flesh while the world standeth, than by my meat make my brother to offend. This is to become all things to all men for their gaining, 1 Cor. 9. when our practice in such things is conformed to others edification rather than our own inclination or light; And thus many things, which we are persuaded are lawful, and that we desire to do, are to be forborne out of conscience, conscience, I say, not our ⟨p. 27⟩own, but of some others that have not such clearness, as