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

The Question may be concerning the matter enacted by some Synod, even when there is no exception against the constitution thereof, that is, when the matter approven by it, is unsound, or when a truth is condemned, at least it is judged to be so. We are not here speaking of such matter as is fundamental, but such as is consistent with soundness¹ of judgement in the main, and piety in these who may be upon either side. Such as were these debates concerning the rebaptizing of Heretics, and Schismatics; or for the admitting them unto the Church by confirmation only, and questions of that nature, which may fall to be amongst orthodox men. I suppose it were good, that judicial decisions of such things, were not multiplied; yet upon supposition that they are past, somewhat would be said. Such determinations are of two sorts.

THe Question may be concerning the matter enacted by some Synod, even when there is no exception against the constitution thereof, that is, when the matter approven by it, is unfound, or when a truth is condemned, at least it is judged to be so. We are not here speaking of such matter as is fundamentall, but such as is consistent with soundnesse¹ of judgement in the main, and piety in these who may be upon either side. Such as were these debates concerning the rebaptizing of Hereticks, and Schismaticks; or for the admitting them unto the Church by confirmation only, and questions of that nature, which may fall to be amongst orthodox men. I suppose it were good, that judicial decisions of such things, were not multiplied; yet upon supposition that they are past, somewhat would be said. Such determinations are of two sorts.

1. 1Doctrinal, not fundamental, or nigh the foundation.Doctrinall, not fundamentall, or nigh the foundation.

First, Some are merely doctrinal, and of this kind are such questions as are concerning the object of Predestination, order of Gods Decrees, and such like, and others, it may be, which are of lesser concernment than these. These being merely doctrinal and inferring no diversity in practice, or Worship, there is the easier access to union notwithstanding of such, respect being had to the mutual forbearance mentioned, so that none be constrained to acknowledge what is enacted by virtue of such a decision, because such a determination in matter of Doctrine is but ministerial, and declarative: And therefore as one man may forbear another to speak his own mind in some things that differ from his, and, it may be, from truth also, and not instantly divide from him,