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

When they come to determine any thing after the close of corrupt Synods, they do not usually sift the constitution thereof, but examine and condemn the matter thereof, and do repeal their Sentences, and account them null from the beginning; not because of questioning their Authority that did it, but because of their doing the same unjustly, as in the cases of Athanasius, Eustachius, Chrysostom, and Ignatius, that followed him in the same See: All whose depositions were accounted null, because of the unjust violence that was used in them. 5. We say then, that hardly it will be observed, that this consideration of a particular Synods constitution, hath been the rise or ground of division amongst godly and orthodox men agreeing in the same Truth, Form of Government, and Rules for constituting of Assemblies or Synods. But we will ever find where Declinators or Protestations are mentioned, 1. That the party declined hath been palpably corrupt in fundamental doctrines. Or, 2. palpably driving on that general design, and violence against particular persons, as subserving the same. And, 3. it hath been also, after many evidences of such corruptions and violences, as in the former instances that are given of Declinators is clear; where we find, that Synods have been acknowledged, and yet upon the discovery of their corrupt designs and violence, have been declined and protested against as null, as that second Council at Ephesus was. Whereby it appeareth, that if their proceedings had been acceptable, their constitution and authority had not been called in question.

If it be asked upon supposition, That a difference concerning the constitution of a particular Synod, and a division upon that account fall to be amongst godly and orthodox Divines, agreeing in the same Truths, form of Government, general Rules, for constituting of Synods, &c. What should be done for union in such a case?

Answ. It would seem there should be no great need