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

In respect of persons infected, the peoples duty may be considered in these steps, 1. As they are to be affected with their fault, and to pray for their recovery. 2. As they have occasion, to testify their dislike of their way▪ 3. Such as are noted or known to be instrumental in the carrying-on of novelties, ought by all means to be shunned. As, 1. their company and fellowship is to be avoided, Rom. 16. 17, 18. Men are to beware of them, Matth. 7. Philip. 3. 2. Secondly, They are not to receive such into their house, nor to give them a salutation, or bid them God-speed, 3 Epistle of John, ver. 10. They are to have no company with them, 2 Thess. 3. 14. We conceive there is no duty that is more pressingly urged upon the People of God, both in the Old and New Testament, as may be clear by considering, not only the fore-cited places, but many other places of Scripture, especially that place, Prov. 19. 27. Cease, my son, to hear the instruction [that causeth] to err from the words of knowledge. And there is this double reason for it, 1. There is nothing conduceth more to preserve those that are entire; ⟨p. 263⟩For, it is hard to walk upon fire, and not be burnt, Prov. 7. 27, 28. and the experience of not a few confirmeth this; for, many had not declined, had they kept distance even from the garments that were so defiled and infected; and it's a hearing of such instruction that causeth to err from the way of understanding. 2. There is nothing more useful to convince the persons infected, and to make them ashamed; which is another reason why the Lord doth command this. And we may add, that there is nothing that doth more evidence respect to God, and reverencing of Him; and nothing that is more becoming a sinner, that is sensible that he hath corruption, than that he standeth in awe to come near a seen tentation; For, God is jealous, and will not abide mens hazarding of themselves to be carried a whoring from Him: and men are not free of corruption, and so readily are capable of what is corrupt. It may be that people do think that there is no ill and hazard in trying any thing, that so, proving all things, they may hold fast what is good; and also, that it may be Ministers fearing the diminishing of their own particular respect, that doth make them press this, and that it proceedeth from their carnal passion; But such would consider,