A37042:415
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.
He would endeavour the furnishing of himself, especially in reference to these errors beyond others which they are tainted with, and for this cause would provide fit Books, converse with others that are able to help him, and gather his own observations from Scripture and other grounds, that through Gods blessing upon his labours he may be able to speak of these things confidently as to himself, and convincingly as to others. It is to be observed, that the former order laid down, doth not require a succession in time, in reference to the several steps (for, in some cases a Minister will be instantly put to what is beyond all these, and to deal by some other means) but it showeth the order of nature, and what way is to be followed according as there is access and opportunity.
He would endeavour the furnishing of himself, especially in reference to these errours beyond others which they are tainted with, and for this cause would provide fit Books, converse with others that are able to help him, and gather his own observations from Scripture and other grounds, that through Gods blessing upon his labours he may be able to speak of these things confidently as to himself, and convincingly as to others. It is to be observed, that the former order laid down, doth not require a succession in time, in reference to the several steps (for, in some cases a Minister will be instantly put to what is beyond all these, and to deal by some other means) but it sheweth the order of nature, and what way is to be followed according as there is accesse and opportunity.
Further, It is necessary for Ministers, at such a1 time especially, to endeavour union among themselves and amongst the people of their flocks; for, oftentimes division and delusion are trysted together, whereby the deluders are exceedingly strengthened, Truth, and the Ministers thereof, made exceedingly contemptible and put in an incapacity to edify, or have weight, till that be removed. Therefore we see, that in the Churches of Corinth, Galatia and Philippi, where Seducers were driving their designs, and division had taken great footing, the Apostle hath a special regard to the recovering of their union at such a time: We may read it also in the Life of Basilius the great Antagonist of the Arians, who, being by some division with Eusebius, then Bishop of Caesarea, necessitated to withdraw for the Churches peace, Whereupon