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

Certainly men lose not by condescending in their particulars, and it may afterward tend more to the convincing of the party and others, and to the vindicating of themselves that they forbear (at least, till the fervour be abated, both in them and in the offending party) than by kindling of their own passions by the passions of others, to hazard upon more sin and offence. ⟨p. 123⟩2. When such things occur, its fit that Church officers should endeavour to compose and to remove them privately; yea, if any complaint come in a persons heat, that yet notwithstanding, means be used to compose and allay the same; and if that fail, that the scandal be brought to public, rather by the Eldership it self, than by the party offended, because so the thing, as scandalous, may be more abstractedly considered▪ the person easilier convinced, and the heat of parties prevented, which often mar the beauty of the Ordinance, and so there is nothing overseen that ought to be redressed. 3. If persons will needs enter their own complaint▪ Then it would be enquired, 1. Whether it be really the injury to their name, or outward condition that swayeth them? or, if it be the offence, that is, the stumbling-block that goeth alongst there with, and […] is ready to hurt their spiritual estate, that doth move them? This question is fit for curbing of carnal humours, and keeping the Ordinance of Christ from being abused, and made subservient to mens sinful passions.

Certainly men lose not by condescending in their particulars, and it may afterward tend more to the convincing of the party and others, and to the vindicating of themselves that they forbear (at least, till the fervour be abated, both in them and in the offending party) than by kindling of their own passions by the passions of others, to hazard upon more sin and offence. ⟨p. 123⟩2. When such things occur, its fit that Churchofficers should endeavour to compose and to remove them privately; yea, if any complaint come in a persons heat, that yet notwithstanding, means be used to compose and allay the same; and if that fail, that the scandal be brought to publick, rather by the Eldership it self, than by the party offended, because so the thing, as scandalous, may be more abstractedly considered▪ the person easilier convinced, and the heat of parties prevented, which often mar the beauty of the Ordinance, and so there is nothing overseen that ought to be redressed. 3. If persons will needs enter their own complaint Then it would be enquired, 1. Whether it be really the enjury to their name, or outward condition that swayeth them? or, if it be the offence, that is, the stumbling-block that goeth alongst there with, and is ready to hurt their spirituall estate, that doth move them? This question is fit for curbing of carnall humours, and keeping the Ordinance of Christ from being abused, and made subservient to mens sinfull passions.