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

CHAP. XIII. What to do toward uniting in divisions arising from diversity of circumstances in external administrations, and especially arising from Church-government.

A Third matter that occasioneth divisions, is, a¹ diversity in Worship, Ceremonies, or things that relate to external administration of Ordinances, when some follow one way in Preaching, administrating of Sacraments, Catechising, &c. and others, another. This ordinarily breedeth janglings, and oftentimes troubled the Church, as we see in the business about Easter and Ceremonies. It is not our purpose to insist in this, because ordinarily such debates pretend some lawfulness, or unlawfulness in the thing contended for, and are to be counted ⟨p. 369⟩amongst the jangling debates that the men of God are to eschew. And also, because these things are often fully and clearly discussed, We shall only say concerning them. 1. That, as there is a necessity of suffering some difference in Doctrine, So is there also a necessity to bear with some differences in circumstances in the external manner of Worship▪ &c. and men would not soon offend at every difference, nor be displeased if it proceed not from affectation of singularity, unfaithfulness, or some other corrupt rise. And we will find great condescendency in the greatest² men, both of old and late, in things that are not sinful in themselves, for keeping of union in the Church: And thus far, the Apostles practice of becoming all things to all, will warrant. Zanchius in an Epistle to this purpose, giveth both many examples of, and reasons for this. 2. We say, that men especially in a time of divisions, would by all means endeavour to keep the trodden and approven way that hath been used, and is in use in a Church in such administrations; because the less men be sticking in the manner of these things, and the more simplicity they use, and the less they differ from what is most ordinary and approven, the less will the hazard of division be in these things, which doth arise from the multiplying of them; the changing of the old, or bringing in of a new manner, the condemning of the way and manner used by others as having some