A37042:714
The dying man's testament to the Church of Scotland, or, A treatise concerning scandal…
The dying man's testament to the Church of Scotland, or, A treatise concerning scandal divided into four parts ... : in each of which there are not a few choice and useful questions, very shortly and satisfyingly discussed and cleared / by ... Mr. James Durham ... who being dead (by this) yet speaketh ; and published by John Carstares ... ; to which is prefixed an excellent preface of famous Mr. Blair ... ; together with a table of the contents of the several chapters of each part.
Edinburgh: printed by Christopher Higgins, 1659
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Yet1 union would not be suspended till this be done, but it is to be made up, that it may be done, as in the instance formerly given. Because, 1. this trial is the work of an united Kirk, and will require joint strength and concurrence for the same. 2. Because union is a present duty, although there were defect in such a trial, and a defect in that, will not warrant a division. 3. It is not only a duty commanded, but it is a mids necessary for promoving the trial and censuring of unworthy Ministers, for times of division are ever times of liberty, and thereby Authority is weakened, men are discouraged to follow it, and are otherwayes diverted, &c. 4. Because division can never be looked upon as the mean to effectuate that trial, but it strengthens the person who is to be tried, and lesseneth the number of zealous pursuers of such a design, and incapacitates men for this duty, who otherwayes might be instrumental therein. 5. Beside, if the guilt be not so very palpable, as it may be demonstrated to be in persons, at such a time, it is safer to preserve certain peace in the Church, than to hunt for an uncertain crime, as hath been often said.
Yet1 union would not be suspended till this be done, but it is to be made up, that it may be done, as in the instance formerly given. Because, 1. this trial is the work of an united Kirk, and will require joynt strength and concurrence for the same. 2. Because union is a present duty, although there were defect in such a trial, and a defect in that, will not warrant a division. 3. It is not only a duty commanded, but it is a mids necessary for promoving the triall and censuring of unworthy Ministers, for times of division are ever times of liberty, and thereby Authority is weakened, men are discouraged to follow it, and are otherwayes diverted, &c. 4. Because division can never be looked upon as the mean to effectuate that tryall, but it strengthens the person who is to be tryed, and lesseneth the number of zealous pursuers of such a design, and incapacitates men for this duty, who otherwayes might be instrumental therein. 5. Beside, if the guilt be not so very palpable, as it may be demonstrated to be in persons, at such a time, it is safer to preserve certain peace in the Church, than to hunt for an uncertain crime, as hath been often said.
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