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

In the third place, We come to consider a Ministers¹ duty in reference to the flock in general (and certainly by proportion it may be gathered what seriousness, gravity and diligence ought to be amongst Ruling-elders in their concurring with him in such a case, who are also to join with him according to to their places in the former search and trial of their carriage, and in fitting of themselves for being useful in such a time) for, it cannot be denied, but somewhat peculiar is called-for from the Minister, in reference to his Ministry in common amongst the people, more than is called-for at another time. As, 1. he is to be in respect of all Christian qualifications in his carriage and all ministerial duties in his charge, singularly serious and eminently exemplary, because it is now a main and prime thing to have a testimony of sincerity, faithfulness and love to the peoples edification in their own consciences; and this cannot be obtained at such a time without the former. For, in experience we see that declining to error, and falling from esteem of the Minister, go together: and where this is preserved, either the fall is prevented, or there is the greater access to recover the person that is fallen. Ministers therefore would especially study that, as a main mean of the peoples edification. And for that cause, would observe, 1. If ⟨p. 217⟩any thing hath escaped them in their way, which might have given offence, and would by all means endeavour to remove it. 2. If any thing hath been unjustly imputed to them, they would condescend to clear it. 3. They would take notice of what particulars they use to be charged with, though, it may be, unjustly, or what usually Ministers are charged with by the corrupt men of the world, as pride, covetousness, self-seeking, hypocrisy and the like; and at such a time, Ministers would not only eschew these evils, but also the very appearance of them, which is a part of Paul's becoming all things to all, that he might gain and save some, 1 Cor. 9. And, in a word, a Minister would so carry in that time, as every look, word, action, gesture, yea, as every thing less or more in his Ministry, in his family, diet, clothes, and such like, may abide the trial of the most narrow and watchful observers, yea, of one that is a more high and narrow observer than they.