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

5. Men would not fist in this, but as they have interest,¹ and are led by their places, they would endeavour soberly, warily and seriously, by speaking, writing, obtesting and otherwayes, to commend union to these that differ; yea, even they that differ, would commend it to these that differ from them. We see the Apostles do this frequently in the New Testament, and that not only in the general to Churches, but some persons are particularly by name obtested, as, Philip. 4. 2. And in the primitive times, Bishops and Churches who were not engaged, did seriously write, and sometimes did send some of their number to Churches and eminent persons that were divided, and often their interposing did prove effectu•. And when that difference between Augustine and ⟨p. 339⟩Jerome did come to some height, he (to wit, Augustine) pressed himself so on the other, for the begetting of a better understanding, and the abating of that difference, that he did prevail with him, and by their mutual apologies, and better understanding one of another, they came notwithstanding of their difference to have much respect one of another. For this end Policarpus came from Asia to Rome, to stay the division about Easter, which prevailed so far, that it fisted for a time. Also men, especially of the same judgement, would deal with others with whom in that they agree, to be condescending, and seriously obtest them; and when they exceed, would objurgate them for the Churches good. This is often of great weight, and often also, men that appear most in a difference, will be hotter and carry things further than less engaged men of the same judgement will allow, and such ought not to be silent in such a case. Thus Ireneus (though of Victors judgement in the matter of Easter) yet did boldly expostulate with him for his vehemency in pressing of the same, to the hurt of the Churches peace, charging him to forbear and to follow union notwithstanding; which act of his, is still highly commended, and (as Eusebius observeth) counted answerable to his name.

5. Men would not fist in this, but as they have interest,¹ and are led by their places, they would endeavour soberly, warily and seriously, by speaking, writing, obtesting and otherwayes, to commend union to these that differ; yea, even they that differ, would commend it to these that differ from them. We see the Apostles do this frequently in the New Testament, and that not onely in the generall to Churches, but some persons are particularly by name obtested, as,