A37042:770
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
Part 4 › Chapter 21: The grounds and motives of the desired union.
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.
CHAP. XXI. The grounds and motives of the desired union.
The last thing proposed to be spoken to, was, the grounds whereby union on such like terms, in such cases, might be pressed: but seeing somethings to this purpose have been already here and there inserted, upon several occasions; and seeing these who are mainly concerned in this, are supposed to be most tenderly zealous of the Churches good, and so not to stand much in need of many motives to persuade to this which doth so nearly concern the same; and fearing to heap up too many words in a matter so clear, we shall forbear to insist, and only propose some considerations to the conscience of the tender Reader, especially in reference to some particular circumstances, which sometimes may occur in the case of division. And let God Himself, who is the God of peace, of love, and of order, put them home to consciences with a strong hand.
THe last thing proposed to be spoken to, was, the grounds whereby union on such like tearms, in such cases, might be pressed: but seing somethings to this purpose have been already here and there inserted, upon severall occasions; and seing these who are mainly concerned in this, are supposed to be most tenderly zealous of the Churches good, and so not to stand much in need of many motives to perswade to this which doth so nearly concern the same; and fearing to heap up too many words in a matter so clear, we shall forbear to insist, and only propose some considerations to the conscience of the tender Reader, especially in reference to some particular circumstances, which sometimes may occur in the case of division. And let God Himself, who is the God of peace, of love, and of order, put them home to consciences with a strong hand.
First, The conscientious Reader may consider, when all is well weighed that is formerly proposed, with what may besides occur to himself, If the study of union be not a most necessary thing, and if without the essaying of these and such like means, according to his interest and calling, he can have peace, as being sufficiently exonerated in his duty, in reference to this great end; and if there can be solid quietness to continue division upon the grounds mentioned, and to sleight the pursuing after union, if attainable, upon these or such like terms as are proposed, especially in these and such other cases.