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

and in sum, in their whole walk, both amongst themselves, and towards others of all sorts, which we may hint at in some particular instances: As, 1. that their conversations be then grave, sober, holy, denied, &c. and eminent in all that is called for from private Christians, at such a time. For, as their carriages are more observed than others, So do spots upon them more discernably appear, and when appearing, are more ready to stumble and harden others. It is for this, that a Minister is to show himself a pattern and as a copy or example to the Believer, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, &c. as it is, 1 Tim. 4. 12. Upon this ground also are they at such a time to flee youthful lusts of contentions, strife, and such like, even when these seem to follow them; and on the contrary, to pursue righteousness, faith, charity, peace, &c. even when these seem to flee from them, as it is, 2 Tim. 2. 22. Both which places relate ⟨p. 51⟩especially to perilous times, as the scope in the preceding words doth hold forth. And if this be not in Ministers, what can be expected amongst the people? and without this, can their carriage or public Ministry have weight to this end? 2. Ministers would be watchful, not only over sins, but even over offences, yea, even over passive offences, lest any by themselves, or any other be offended, which was our Lords way and the practice of the Apostles, as in the places cited. For, to be offended, is an infirmity and sickness, even when the offence is merely taken; and for a Minister not to be affected with that, doth hold forth a most unministerial cruel disposition; that is spoken of by the Apostle as a great part of the care of the Church, 2 Corinth. 11. 28, 29. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is offended, and I burn you? The hearing of a persons stumbling, ought to stound and will stound the heart of a sympathizing Minister, as if it were a fire in his bosom. And were this one thing in vigour, to wit, native sympathy with those that are offended, it would usher-in all other directions: This would make Ministers pray much to have it prevented, as our Lord doth, Joh. 17▪ and Paul doth,