A37042:197
The dying man's testament to the Church of Scotland, or, A treatise concerning scandal…
The dying man's testament to the Church of Scotland, or, A treatise concerning scandal divided into four parts ... : in each of which there are not a few choice and useful questions, very shortly and satisfyingly discussed and cleared / by ... Mr. James Durham ... who being dead (by this) yet speaketh ; and published by John Carstares ... ; to which is prefixed an excellent preface of famous Mr. Blair ... ; together with a table of the contents of the several chapters of each part.
Edinburgh: printed by Christopher Higgins, 1659
Part 2 › Chapter 6: Concerning what is to be accounted satisfaction, or satisfying.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
CHAP. VI. Concerning what is to be accounted satisfaction, or satisfying.
The great Question is, when a person doth appear and acknowledge his offence, and submit to a public rebuke, what is to be judged satisfying here, so, as a Church-judicatory may sist Process, and rest satisfied▪ and admit the person to Church-privileges, as if the former offence had not been? In answering of this, we shall, first, show what is not sati•sying. Secondly, what is not necessary to be enquired after by a Church-judicatory, for this ecclesiastic satisfaction. Thirdly, we shall show what is necessary and satisfying. Then, answer a Question or two, for absolving of this.
THe great Question is, when a person doth appear and acknowledge his offence, and submit to a publick rebuke, what is to be judged satisfying here, so, as a Church-judicatory may sist Processe, and rest satisfied▪ and admit the person to Church-priviledges, as if the former offence had not been? In answering of this, we shall, first, shew what is not sati•sying. Secondly, what is not necessary to be enquired after by a Church-judicatory, for this ecclesiastick satisfaction. Thirdly, we shall shew what is necessary and satisfying. Then, answer a Question or two, for absolving of this.
1. We say, every verbal acknowledgement of a fault, even though it have a promise of amending, is1 not sufficient; for, that may be in two of the cases formerly mentioned, to wit, in a person that doth, in his so doing but mock the Ordinance; or in a person that hath often relapsed after such a profession, or for the time doth continue in that or some other gross evil: in that case to account such a profession of repentance satisfying, were to fall in the former inconveniences, and would prove a manifest taking of the Nam of the Lord in vain, which we may gather by this. Such a circumstantiate profession ought not to satisfy a Brother in a private admonition, so that notwithstanding thereof (yea, the rather) he ought thereafter to take two or three with him, as being more offended and if they meeting with the same, may put it to the Church, as not being well satisfied with such mockings; then much less ought the Church to be satisfied therewith, because they do more formally represent Jesus Christ and His Authority, and therefore mockings and contempt to them,