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

2. This difference of proceeding, would rather be in ⟨p. 65⟩the manner and circumstances of proceeding in reference to some offences, than in dispensing with what seemeth to be material; or, it would be in such offences where there is no settled rule, and wherein Church-officers have more latitude: as for instance, some offences are of that public nature that usually they are followed with a public reproof; such cannot be conveniently past-by in any ordinary conceivable case, suppose it be fornication, or some such thing; yet, in the manner of citing and dealing with the person, or expressing or timing of the reproof, there may be condescending; but to omit it altogether, would hazard the casting loose of that Ordinance of public reproof, which would mar the edification of the Church more than advantage any particular party: Other offences again, are more occasional▪ in reference to which, there is no definite law, or practice; suppose it be speaking, reproachful words of some persons, Officers, or others, in such there is more liberty to condescend which way may be most convincing to the party. Lastly, in trying what may be most edifying, we are not to look to one end alone, to wit, the persons particular good only, or the public good only, &c. but to put all together, and to try how jointly they may be best attained.

2. This difference of proceeding, would rather be in ⟨p. 65⟩the manner and circumstances of proceeding in reference to some offences, than in dispensing with what seemeth to be materiall; or, it would be in such offences where there is no settled rule, and wherein Church-officers have more latitude: as for instance, some offences are of that publick nature that usually they are followed with a publick reproof; such cannot be conveniently past-by in any ordinary conceivable case, suppose it be fornication, or some such thing; yet, in the manner of citing and dealing with the person, or expressing or timeing of the reproof, there may be condescending; but to omit it altogether, would hazard the casting loose of that Ordinance of publick reproof, which would mar the edification of the Church more than advantage any particular party: Other offences again, are more occasional▪ in reference to which, there is no definit law, or practice; suppose it be speaking, reproachfull words of some persons, Officers, or others, in such there is more liberty to condescend which way may be most convincing to the party. Lastly, in trying what may be most edifying, we are not to look to one end alone, to wit, the persons particular good only, or the publick good only, &c. but to put all together, and to try how joyntly they may be best attained.