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

If it be asked further, what one is to do in such a¹ case when the matter is lawful and it be withal doubtful whether it can be offensive or scandalous to any? Answ. 1. Beside the consideration of the thing, we would also consider circumstances of time, person, occasion, &c. 2. We would try what an action, so circumstantiated, hath formerly been thought of in the case of others in former times; Yea, 3. what use to be our own thoughts of such actions in other persons, if we have not counted them offensive in them? for often men more impartially judge, especially of what is offensive, in the persons of others ⟨p. 31⟩than in themselves. 4. The conscience would be reflected on what it saith; for often there is a murmuring in the conscience, which showeth its suspicion, that such a thing is offensive and hurtful, before it be acted, which is yet often born down by the impetuousness of mens inclination. 5. Others that may be more impartial, would be tried; yea, the thoughts of these that we supposed to be the least tender of us are not to be neglected, for often they are most impartial in judging what is offensive. These things may have the more weight to sway one in their determination, because the trial runneth not to know what is duty, or lawful in it self, but whether or not such a lawful practice may be done or forborne without wronging the spiritual estate of any. 6. If it continue yet doubtful whether it be offensive or not, the same rule is to be followed, as if it were doubted whether it were lawful or not? to wit, It is to be abstained from, because as he that doubteth of the lawfulness of a thing, cannot do it in faith, because he knoweth not but it may be sinful; So neither can he that doubteth whether a lawful thing be expedient or not, do it with persuasion, because he knoweth not but it may be scandalous to some, and so cannot but be sinful to him. Lastly, pains would be taken rightly to inform others, and to rectify them that they may not take offence at things lawful in themselves.

If it be asked further, what one is to do in such a¹ case when the matter is lawfull and it be withall doubtfull whether it can be offensive or scandalous to any? Answ. 1. Beside the consideration of the thing, we would also consider circumstances of time, person, occasion, &c. 2. We would try what an action, so circumstantiated, hath formerly been thought of in the case of others in former times; Yea, 3. what use to be our own thoughts of such actions in other persons, if we have not counted them offensive in them? for often men more impartially judge, especially of what is offensive, in the persons of others