A37042:232
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
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.
When it is found meet thus publicly to rebuke,1 the circumstances and manner are to be adverted to, 1. Although the designing of a particular place be not in it self necessary, nor in every case expedient, yet for the solemnity of the reproof, it is not unsuitable, it being such as is rather accommodated for the edification of the whole Congregation, than otherwise pointed at as a place of penance or punishment, or yet as a mark of reproach, and such like, which wrongeth the nature of Christ's Ordinance; And circumstances would be so ordered as the appearance of that may be eschewed. 2. It would be gone about with much gravity and reverence in respect ⟨p. 110⟩of all that are concerned. The Minister especially is to carry weightily and authoritatively, having words fitted for the edifying of the Congregation, the humbling of the person, the convincing of both, and for the credit and weight of Christ's Ordinance before all; The party rebuked would mind whose Ordinance it is, and be suitably affected as the receiving of a particular rebuke from Jesus Christ doth call for; The on-lookers also would be grave, having respect to Christ's Ordinance, tenderness to the person offending, but indignation at the offence; and this would be testified by their carriage, so as thereby the authority and solemnity of all may have the deeper stamp upon the person. And for attaining of this, something would be gravely spoken to the hearers, as their use thereof, according to the case; and it may be, that some address to God in prayer together, in reference thereto, before or after the rebuke, would not be unuseful for that end.
When it is found meet thus publickly to rebuke,1 the circumstances and manner are to be adverted to, 1. Although the designing of a particular place be not in it self necessary, nor in every case expedient, yet for the solemnity of the reproof, it is not unsuitable, it being such as is rather accommodated for the edification of the whole Congregation, than otherwise pointed at as a place of pennance or punishment, or yet as a mark of reproach, and such like, which wrongeth the nature of Christ's Ordinance; And circumstances would be so ordered as the appearance of that may be eschewed. 2. It would be gone about with much gravity and reverence in respect