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

IF it be asked then▪ What is that which private persons ought to do in such a case? Answ. They are certainly to contain themselves within their station, yet so, as some things are called for at such a time more than at another time; As, first, There is need of much circumspectness in our own personal walk and watchfulness, in observing of opportunities wherein we may edify others, as Heb. 3. 13. Secondly▪ There is need of more frequency, and of a more weighty circumspect manner in giving private admonitions and exhortations, &c. Thirdly, There would be much exercise of prayer, and even fasting there with (though in a secret inoffensive manner) both for the restraining of offences which dishonour God, and for zeal to Officers to perform their duty; ⟨p. 142⟩if in this respect, rivers of tears were running down our cheeks, because of the abounding of offences, there might be much more solid peace (we are • swaded) in keeping communion with others, than without that to separate with much, at least seeming pride and uncharitable cruelty in giving of offence to them, and thereby confirming them in their profanity. Fourthly, It is private persons duty to represent such offences, with their evidences, to Church officers, or Church-judicatories, thereby to put them to the removing of such offences. Fifthly, They may freely, though humbly and reverently, expostulate with Church-officers, when they are defective, and endeavour to convince them of that offence: The force of that precept, If thy brother offend thee, go and tell him, &c. warranteth so much; and this the Colossians are to say to Archippus, that he be not defective in his Ministry which he had received, &c, Col. 4. 17. This decently and convincingly done, is useful. Sixthly, If all that prevail not, private persons may communicate it to other Church-officers; and no redress following, it is their duty to follow it before the competent superior Judicatories: for, Christ's direction, Tell the Church, importeth and warranteth the same.

IF it be asked then▪ What is that which private persons ought to do in such a case? Answ. They are certainly to contain themselves within their station, yet so, as some things are called for at such a time more than at another time; As, first, There is need of much circumspectnesse in our own personal walk and watchfulnesse, in observing of opportunities wherein we may edifie others, as