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.

The Preface.

THe rise of the subsequent Treatise, the blessed Author, in the very first words thereof, declareth to be the occasion he had from Revel. 2. on the Epistle to the Church of Perga∣mos, to meditate on the nature and sorts of Scandal. And before I say anything of this present work, I shall hence take occasion, to shew my thoughts of his Commentary on the Book of Revelation. In my hum∣ble opinion, that which was spoken of the vertuous wo∣man, Prov. 30. v. 29. may well be applied to the pains this Author hath taken on that Book: Many Writers have done worthily, but thou excellest them all. The reason of my so high estimation thereof, is taken from a threefold excellencie I find therein. The first is, a brief, clear and accurate opening of the most difficult Text in the whole Bible, applying with great sagacity and admirable dexterity, dark Prophecies to their histo∣rical events: and yet with judicious sobriety, not re∣straining, as it were, to single stars of several persons, that which rather relateth to conglobate constellations of agents or patients: together with a modest, yet a di∣ligent search of those things which are not yet accom∣plished. Whoever would compendiously have an ex∣periment hereof, let him read the first Lecture on Chap. 6. (which parcel, with some others, were sent to me by the Author, some moneths before the printing) And as herein I did find great satisfaction, by reason of the clearnesse and notable coherence of the Interpretation, and convincing grounds and arguments proving the so∣lidity thereof▪ So may thou, Christian Reader, be sweet∣ly refreshed and strongly confirmed thereby. The

second excellencie hereof, is the great plenty of practi∣cal Divinity, relating to all Christians, but more espe∣cially to Ministers of the Gospel. I cannot name any Authors work, wherein I have perceived so many edifying overtures, so many searching discourses and encouraging helps as this Commentary abounds with. From the first Lecture on Chap. 3. both the carefull Chri∣stian and the well-gifted diligent Preacher, may be first allarmed, and then well strengthened, by that searching discourse on these words, Thou hast a name that thou livest, but art dead. The third excellency of this work, lieth not only in clearing and answering many doubts very succinctly, but also in discussing more largely, by way of digression, many weighty and important Truths, even to the number of twenty five: So that this Commentary, besides profitable opening of such a Text, and handling much practical Divinity, cleareth with great modesty, without any personal reflections, and discusseth edifying∣ly as much darkened Truth, as if the whole work had been written to dispute and determine pertinent and im∣portant questions.

But now, to say no more of that Work, which speak∣eth for it self, being in the hands of many, and I wish it be diligently perused with a blessing from Heaven: I come to say something of this Treatise of Scandal.

And well was he fitted to write of this subject, whose exercise it was, to have alwayes a conscience void of of∣fence toward God and toward men: and very succes∣full was he in walking this way; for, in a time where∣in scandals of all sorts did abound exceedingly, few there were (if any at all) who did stumble at his way, or he at the way of others, endeavouring still and by all means winning and edifying. And whoever knew his way of walking, they will read the same in this Trea∣tise, set forth to others▪

In the first part thereof thou wilt find, Christian Rea∣der, the nature of Scandal dexterously opened, with the several sorts of it, and the variety of wayes whereby

it is both given and taken, with considerable grounds to make Christians loth and wary, both as to the giving of offence and taking. And withall, many intricate cases are cleared, as namely, what is to be done when the matter is lawfull, and the offence doubtfull: Also what ought to be our carriage, when there is a real dif∣ference between parties upon the account of a civil in∣terest: Also what behaviour is requisit, when the com∣mand of Superiours and the eschewing of offence are in opposition: Also that very important case, is accuratly debated and wisely determined, what is to be done when offence is like to follow on either side. And finally, what course both private Christians and Pastors ought to hold when scandals and offences abound. The an∣swer to which alone, holdeth forth a very excellent di∣rectory for christian walking toward others.

The second part treateth of Scandal as it is publick, and falleth under Ecclesiastick censure, wherein there are many excellent overtures for the wise and right ex∣ercise of Church-discipline. Among many, this is con∣siderable, That the saving grace of repentance, is not to be enquired into, as the alone ground upon which Church-officers are to rest for removing an offence: but that a sober, serious acknowledgment of the offence, with the expression of an unfeigned-like purpose to walk in∣offensively is sufficient. This is very accurately deba∣ted, and solidly and soundly determined. There is also, Chap. 12. a clear discussing of that tickle Question, What ought to be done by privat persons when Church∣officers spare such as are scandalous, to wit upon suppo∣sition that there is a real defect (in the truth wherof often there is a mistake) yet private professors are to conti∣nue in the discharge of the duties of their stations, and not to separate from the Communion of the Church, but to count themselves exonered in holding fast their own integrity, mourning for offences, representing the same to Church-officers, and, if need be, to superiour Judi∣catories. All this is strongly, convincingly, and very satisfyingly proven by Scripture.

The third part is concerning Doctrinal Scandals, or Scandalous Errours, a Theme very necessary for these reeling times. If I should offer to pick out thence points very remarkable, I would far passe the just bounds of a Preface. Wherefore, I shall only thereof say this, That both Christian Magistrates, Ministers and People, will find their duty laid before them, no lesse solidly than ac∣curatly, what to do in the case of spreading errour. And, O that the Most High would strike in with His sove∣raign Authority upon the hearts and consciences of all so•…•…ts, especially Magistrates, in whose hands this Tra∣ctate shall come!

But now I come to speak a word of the fourth part of this Treatise, and that so much the more, 1. Because it was the last labour of this precious man of God, and so it is his Swan-like song. The Only Wise thought it fit to recommend to all His People, especially within this Land, in these distracted times (when passion and preju∣dice makes it most difficult, if not altogether impossible to speak a word in season acceptably) the hatefulnesse of scandalous division and the lovelinesse of a godly union by the words of a Messenger, who was one of a thou∣sand▪ known to be moderate, wise and faithfull, very far from factiousnesse, sharply perceiving what was duty, and very impartially uttering the same. At the dictating of this Part, the infirmity of the decaying ta∣bernacle was so great, that he could not endure the la∣bour of writing with his own hand, But being now ripe for glory, and having entered the suburbs of Heaven, he breathed-out his wise and godly thoughts to a borrowed p•…•…n.

Next, I have the greater reason to consider diligently this piece of the work; and having considered it, to re∣commend it the more earnestly to all Christs People, and especially to my reverend and dear Brethren of the Mi∣nistery, because it was sent to me sealed from the Author, in the beginning of his last sicknesse, as a Depositum com∣mitted to me to make it ready for publishing; which I

performed carefully and faithfully, without the alterati∣on of one material word: and having lately perused the Copie the Printer makes use of, I hereby testifie it is the same for matter, order, sentences and words, the Au∣thor sent to me and I transmitted to him a little before the Lord removed him.

And now, upon the matter, I think verily that this healing Tractate is so full of that wisdom, which is from above, first pure, and then peaceable, that it will speak plainly the Author fitted of God to bring forth a sea∣sonable word. At the first reading thereof, my spirit was greatly refreshed, and my heart enlarged to blesse the Lord, conceiving that the Prince of peace, in com∣passion over our putrified sores, had provided this mol∣lifying oyntment and cleansing plaister, in order to a cure of the same. And I doubt nothing but every true-hearted lover of Sions peace, who longs to see the Lord exalted, in binding-up our hither-till incurable wounds, will magnifie the Lord with me and exalt his Name to∣gether. Herein thou wilt find excellently discovered, the rise of divisions, what hand the holy Soveraignty of God hath therein, and how the corruptions of men, even of the Godly, both raise and wonderfully heighten divi∣sions; and how great influence occasional means may have in the same; together with the sad and dreadfull effects thereof; and the necessity of endeavouring unity herein. Thou wilt also find the cure and remedy singu∣larly opened, not only general grounds and preparatory endeavours for uniting, but also what things are to be forborn, and what is to be done in order to uniting, and that as well in closing doctrinal differences, not funda∣mental nor nigh the foundation, as for union in points not doctrinal, arising from diversity in external admini∣strations, and especially practical differences in Church-government, and about the Constitutions and Acts of Synods, when the Authority thereof is declined and de∣nied: Yea, remedies are proposed, of divisions arising from the misapplication of power, in censuring or spa∣ring

Church-officers, real or supposed. And finally, against the fears of misgovernment for the time to come, overtures are prudently given-in: and all closed with laying out briefly, and yet very effectually, grounds and motives of the desired union. That which I conceive is most eminent in this choice Treatise, lyeth in these two things: first, That this our Cancer is most tenderly handled, in a very abstract way, never so much as sta∣ting or particularly touching any difference among us, and yet, upon the matter, the whole discourse cometh home to the very point most pertinently. Herein appears the finger of God to them that will have eyes to see it. The next is this, That the holy Scriptures are diligently searched, both in order to the disease and remedy: and the ancient Church-history and purer Antiquity, is most plentifully and sweetly made use of. The judicious and impartial Reader will, I think, say Miscuit utile dulci, and that here are words fitly spoken, like apples of gold in pictures of silver. One thing I shall intreat, that the Reader judge not finally of any parcel or section thereof, till he read and ponder the whole. Stumble not at his asserting, That authoritative wayes at first are not the best to cure rents. A rent would be handled as a broken bone or a dislocation, where anointing and ligatures are so necessary, as without these, healing cannot in haste be attained. If the question be made, How a man in that case should carry himself? Ought he to stretch himself to the full and put forth his whole strength? Or is that then impossible? And if through passion in a fit it be practised, is it not obstructive to the recovery of strength and healing? Let the Reader remember this when he cometh to that part of the discourse, and he will, upon that consideration, make the better use of the whole remedy as it is proposed. I shall not detain much longer the Reader from the Treatise it self, having added these few considerations, for advancing heart-uniting in the Lord, which of all other, I conceive, ought to be most weighty in the judgment and on the affections of

all the lovers of our Lord Jesus Christ. First, from Eph▪ 2. v. 14, 15, 16 17. the great Peace▪ maker, in offering∣up Himself a sacrifice for the sins of the Elect, intended, with the reconciling of them to God, to unite them in one body among themselves: yea, even those who were at furthest distance and greatest enimity, Iew and Gentile, and consequently other His Elect in their several diffe∣rences and divisions throughout their generations. He took on HIm the debt of their sins and their enimities, and lifted up with Himself these on His Crosse, represen∣tatively, virtually and meritoriously, to expiate them in His flesh: and by His Spirit efficiently to slay and abolish them in due time, by making them one new man in him∣self. Mark, I pray, from that Scripture cited, that this complex businesse is the great design of our blessed and great Peace-maker. Also, secondly, in the Sacrifice-feast of His Supper, this is still represented and exhibited, till He come again: So that this standing Ordinance, desti∣nated and appointed of God to carry-on and seal-up uniting with God, and one with another, till He come again; at His coming will stand up and testifie against all who comply not with Christ, but, following their own inclination, act rather against His design. And, thirdly, in His solemn prayer, Ioh. 17. which is a speci∣men of His future intercession, He mainly presseth after the salvation and sanctification of those that are given Him, ver. 21. That they also may be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. Do not these words significantly and shyningly hold out, what the Mediator is still about, and that uniting in God is His design still? And fourthly, upon this same very ground, the great Apostle, speaking to Iews and Gentiles who had imbraced the Gospel, and in them to all dissentients who love the Gospel-truths and Ordinances, saith, Rom. 15. 7. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Meritoriously and virtually the Elect are received to the glory of God, and to the end they

may be actually received, Receive one another, saith the Apostle, as it were suspending the one upon the other. And now upon these grounds, Christ our Lord his grand design being so conspicuous, His Supper-ordinance stan∣ding as a Land-mark in the way, having this engraven upon it, Union Communion, the glorious Mediator his intercession running in that same channel, and the blessed Apostle making this the upshot of his doctrine; what lover of our Lord, well advised and recollecting himself, dare stiffly stand out from complying with Him, to satisfie their own inclination and habituated custom and carriage. My fear is, that every one of us will look to some others rather than themselves, as obstructing the desired uniting in the Lord. But upon mature after∣thoughts, it will be found the mind of Christ, that we narrowly search our selves, every one of us, how we have provoked the Holy One to smite us so in His displeasure, and accuratly to try what yet remaines in us obstructive to this union: and withall to flie to our slighted duty, as in a City they run to the quenching of a publick burn∣ing, laying this evil to heart more than sword or pesti∣lence. All the vvritings and actings against Presbyte∣rial-government, which is the wall of the house of God, have never wronged or hurt it so much, as our ill raised, and worse-continued contests. Our nakednesse-disco∣vering writings, what have they done but added oyl to the flame? For Christs sake, my reverend and dear Bre∣thren, hearken to this word in season, from the Oracles of God, and treasures of pure Antiquity, pointing-out the way of a godly and edifying peace. It will be no grief of heart, but sweet peace and consolation, when we are to appear before the Judge of the quick and dead. Now the God of patience and consolation, grant you to be like minded one towards another, according to Christ Jesus; So heartily prayeth

St. Andrews, April. 28. 1659.

Your Brother and fellow-servant, ROBERT BLAIR.