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

But more nearly to take notice of such a difference, we may consider it two ways. 1. As it implieth a¹ difference in judgement. 2. As it inferreth a different practice. First, then, As it inferreth the difference of judgement, there ought certainly to be a forbearance, seeing such things are often involved with many difficulties and contradictions in matter of fact, ⟨p. 377⟩that it is not possible, by debating fully, to convince either party to assent to the other, especially where heat and prejudice hath someway fixed and preoccupied the judgement; and certainly, forbearance here cannot be inconsistent with the duty of Ministers, although there were not such a motive to persuade it. By forbearance we understand, 1. That none peremptorily press the other either to acknowledge the validity or nullity of such a constitution. 2. There would be a forbearance of public debating of it, or of any thing that may occasion the same, as pressing of the Acts thereof, if no other ground support the same, but the Authority of such a Synod. And we conceive in the by, this occasion may be prevented by a mutual condescending, or joint authoritative enacting, that such and such things, as possibly may be useful afterward, be of force to all, if not by the former constitution, yet by the present appointment, and so both may agree in the matter. 3. A condemning of others for approving or disapproving the former constitution, would be forborne; and seeing the question is so little and inconsiderable in it self, it would not be odiously aggreaged or insisted upon.

But more nearly to take notice of such a difference, we may consider it two wayes. 1. As it implieth a¹ difference in judgement. 2. As it inferreth a different practice. First, then, As it inferreth the difference of judgement, there ought certainly to be a forbearance, seing such things are often involved with many difficulties and contradictions in matter of fact, ⟨p. 377⟩that it is not possible, by debating fully, to convince either party to assent to the other, especially where heat and prejudice hath someway fixed and preoccupied the judgement; and certainly, forbearance here cannot be inconsistent with the duty of Ministers, although there were not such a motive to perswade it. By forbearance we understand, 1. That none peremptorily presse the other either to acknowledge the validity or nullity of such a constitution. 2. There would be a forbearance of publick debating of it, or of any thing that may occasion the same, as pressing of the Acts thereof, if no other ground support the same, but the Authority of such a Synod. And we conceive in the by, this occasion may be prevented by a mutual condescending, or joynt authoritative enacting, that such and such things, as possibly may be usefull afterward, be of force to all, if not by the former constitution, yet by the present appointment, and so both may agree in the matter. 3. A condemning of others for approving or disapproving the former constitution, would be forborn; and seing the question is so little and inconsiderable in it self, it would not be odiously aggreaged or insisted upon.