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

These generals may give a hint of what is signified by Offence and how it is given. To add a word more particularly to the first Question, Let us consider, 1. what offence is not; 2. what it is. 1. It is not always any hurtful and actually displeasing thing to the party that is offended; and so is not to be constructed such, or not, from their pleasure, or displeasure. 2. It is not always to be judged by the matter; for, an offence may be in a lawful matter, that simply is not to be condemned, as in eating, drinking, taking wages for preaching, &c. 3. It is not alway to be determined by the effect; sometimes one may be offended, when no offence was given: sometimes again, offence may be given, and the person be guilty thereof (as hath been said) when no actual stumbling hath followed, but the thing of it self was inductive thereto. 4. Nor is it to be judged by the person's intention; one may be without all design of hurting, who yet may really wound, and offend another, and be guilty by rashness, omission, too much love and condescension in sparing, unfaithfulness (it being much to be faithful to one that we love, and, which is a pity, we are readiest to offend them, as in Jonadab's case to Amnon; yea, in Job's friends to him, &c.) inconsiderate zeal, imprudency, or falling in some thing, that is as ⟨p. 16⟩a dead fly, which may make much that is profitable, become unsavoury. 2. Scandal then must be something accompanying some external deed or word (for internal give not offence) which being considered at such a time, in such a place, or in such a person, &c. may be inductive to sin, or impeditive of the spiritual life or comfort of others. When this doth flow from a sinful act, it is not so difficultly discernible, readily all actions that are materially evil, are clear; but the difficulty is when the matter is lawful or indifferent in it self; or when it is in the manner and other circumstances of a lawful or necessary duty, then to discern when they become scandalous in such respects; and accordingly to be swayed to do or abstain in the matter, and to do in this or some other manner, as may eschew the same. This properly and strictly is that which is called offence, and is that wherein most wisdom is to be exercised in ordering and regulating us in the use of christian liberty;