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

2. In such a case, doubtful practices would be abstained;¹ and whatever side men choose in any occurring particular, it would be such, and in such a manner done, as may be convincingly approvable unto any of whatsoever side; for, it is often uncertain things, or disputable at the most, that breed differences amongst judicious sober men: men therefore would someway confine themselves within unquestionable things for a time, and not only have respect to their own consciences in such things, and to what is right in it self, but also to others, who want not their own suspicions and jealousies, and who by their deed may either be soon tempted, or grieved; both which they ought to shun.

2. In such a case, doubtfull practices would be abstained;¹ and whatever side men choose in any occurring particular, it would be such, and in such a manner done, as may be convincingly approvable unto any of whatsoever side; for, it is often uncertain things, or disputable at the most, that breed differences amongst judicious sober men: men therefore would someway confine themselves within unquestionable things for a time, and not only have respect to their own consciences in such things, and to what is right in it self, but also to others, who want not their own suspicions and jealousies, and who by their deed may either be soon tempted, or grieved; both which they ought to shun.

1. 1Doubtful practices to be abstained from.Doubtfull practices to be abstained from.

3. We conceive, that it is useful in such a time to¹ have many brotherly consultations, and conferences, concerning such things as may be moved, that things come not in abruptly; for, so sometimes men may be surprised with somewhat they have not heard of, and become jealous where there is no ground: Also, it is an evidence of respect so to communicate thoughts, and men may thus know what is fit to be moved, and what not; whereas otherwayes, men may be soon engaged in opposition to a motion, and not so easily brought off. This communication would not so much be by appointment of others, as voluntary, and out of respect between particular persons: Also, it would be respectively done to the person with submission to his reason, that is, if he seem reasonably dissatisfied therewith, and do not relish the same, the motion would be forborne, at least for a time, and the other waited upon therein, till he come up to it, or at least connive at it; this would breed confidence