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
Durham, James, 1622-1658., Blair, Robert, 1593-1666.
Page  [unnumbered]

The Contents.

  • THe rise of the Treatise, pag. 1, 2. The ground•… of it, p. 2, 3.
PART I. Concerning Scandal in the general, The sum of it, p. 4.
CHAP. 1.
COncerning several distinctions of Scandal, p. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14.
CHAP. 2.
Holding forth what offence is not, and what it is, p. 15, 16, 17.
CHAP. 3.
Concerning the several wayes that offence may be given, p. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21.
CHAP. 4.
Concerning that upon which offence worketh, or the several wayes by which it is taken, p. 21, 22, 23.
CHAP. 5.
Concerning what ought to make men loth and wary as to the giving of offence, p. 23, 24, 25.
CHAP. 6.
Holding forth the difficulty to lye mainly in practice, and shewing how far offence ought to have influence on a Christian in his walk, p. 25, 26, 27, 28, 29.
CHAP. 7.
Shewing what the Scandal of the Pharisees or malicious is, and clearing several other important questions, p. 29. as, What is to be done when men stand not to offend us, p. 30. What, when the matter is lawfull, and the offence doubtfull •… p. 30, 31. What, if sufficient pains have been taken to inform, •…or preventing of mens taking offence? p. 31, 32. What is to •…•…one when there is a real difference betwixt parties upon •…dac count of a civil interest? p. 32, 33. What is to be done Page  [unnumbered] when the Commands of Magistrates and Offence are in oppo∣sition? p. 34, 35. What is to be done when offence is like to follow on either side? p. 35, 36, 37. What when doing will offend the weak and tender, and irritate the perverse, & contra? p. 37, 38, 39.
CHAP. 8.
Holding forth what is called-for when offences abound, in several directions, p. 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48.
CHAP. 9.
Holding forth what ought to be the carriage of Ministers when offences abound, p. 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 44, 55.
PART II. Concerning Publick Scandals, or Scandals as they are the object of Church-censures; and more particularly as they are practical, or in practice.
CHAP. 1.
SHewing that every offence is not publick, and when it is so, p. 56, 57, 58. When a Scandal is to be brought to publick, p. 58, 59. Where offences are publick, yet difference is to be made, p. 60, 61.
CHAP. 2.
Concerning what order is to be keeped in the following of publick Scandals, p. 62. Herein the ends of discipline would be respected, which are set down, p. 62, 63. All offences of the same kind not alway to be equally dealt with, p. 63, 64. What is to be guarded against when there is a different way ta∣ken for censuring of the same offences, p. 64, 65. How Church∣officers ought to carry in Censures, p. 65, 66, 67, 68. How Discipline is to be ordered so, as it may not mar, but further the Word, p. 69, 70.
CHAP. 3.
Shewing that Christs order and method, Matth. 18. is to be keeped, and what it doth imply, p. 71, 72, 73, 74, 75.
CHAP. 4.
Holding forth the frame wherewith Church-officers ought to proceed in Censure, and helps towards the same, p. 76, 77, 78. Church-processes would be carried-on with expedition, the reasons why, p. 79.
Page  [unnumbered]CHAP 5.
Concerning what is to be done when offending persons give no satisfaction, p. 80, 81, 82, 83. When is a person to be ac∣counted obstinate, p. 83, 84. What is to be done when an offence is not grosse, and yet hath contempt with it, p. 85.
CHAP. 6.
Concerning what is to be accounted satisfying as to the sisting of process and removing of the offence, p. 86. What kind of satisfaction is not sufficient for making a Church-judicatory to sist their processes, p. 86, 87. How dissembling may be disco∣vered when a person maketh offer of satisfaction, p. 87.
CHAP. 7.
Shewing what is not necessary to satisfaction; where it is cleared, that the saving grace of repentan•…e, or godly sincerity therein, is not the alone ground upon which Church-officers are to rest satisfied, p. 88, 89, 90, 91, 92.
CHAP. 8.
Holding forth what may be satisfying, to wit, a sober, serious acknowledgment of the offence, with the expression of an un∣fained-like purpose to walk inoffensively for the time to come, p. 93, 94. How moral seriousness may be discerned, p. 94, 95▪ If alwayes charity should judge a person sincere, who is thus morally serious, p. 95, 96, 97, 98. If not, upon what account is this morally-serious profession to be accepted as satisfying, p. 99. That this moral seriousness is sufficient, confirmed by several reasons, p. 100, 101, 102, 103, 104. Some differences betwixt the key of Doctrine and the key of Discipline are as∣signed for further confirming of this, p 104 105, 106, 107. That such a profession was satisfying for admitting to Ordinances amongst the Jews after uncleanness, and therefore ought to be so now, proved, p. 107, 108.
CHAP. 9.
Concerning what is to be done when men appear neither se∣rious nor obstinat, p. 109. How a publick rebuke is to be given, ibid If it be alwayes necessary that the offender speak in publick when he is rebuked, p. 110. How an offender is to be reckoned after a publick rebuke, p. 111. If an offence may at first instant be brought to publick, p. 112. When an offence is to be accounted publick, p. 113, 114, 115, 116, 117.
CHAP. 10.
Clearing whether in Church-processes an Accuser be alwayes necessary, p. 118, 119, 120.
Page  [unnumbered]CHAP. 11.
Concerning what is to be done when the complaint is, some injury done to the complainer, p. 121, 122, 123. What is to be done when a Calumniator, being complained of, offereth to make out the thing, p. 123, 124 What if a profane confessing party refuse to give satisfaction, p. 125.
CHAP. 12.
Concerning what ought to be done by private persons, when Church-officers spare such as are scandalous, p▪ 126, 127, 128. They are to continue in the discharge of the duties of their sta∣tions, and not to separate from the communion of the Church, nor withdraw from the Ordinances, but to count themselves exonered in holding fast their own integrity, since their con∣sciences are not defiled by the presence of scandalous persons, as is cleared by several pregnant arguments, p. 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135. For further confirming of this, there is a particular consideration of 1 Cor. 11. v. 17, 18, &c. p. 136, 137, 138, 139, 140.
CHAP. 13.
Shewing more particularly what it is that private persons are called unto in such a case, p. 141, 142. Why it is necessary to ac∣quiesce in the Churches determination as to practice, p. 143, 144, 145. which is confirmed by those three New-England Divines, Cotton, Hooker, and Norton, p. 145, 146, 147.
CHAP. 14.
Clearing whether the Ordinances of Christ be any way pol∣luted by corrupt fellow-worshippers, p. 147, 148, 149, 150, 151.
CHAP. 15.
Shewing if any thing further in any imaginable case be allow∣ed to privat Christians, p. 151, 152, 153.
PART III. Concerning Doctrinal Scandals, or Scandalous Errors.
CHAP. 1.
HOlding forth the expediency of handling this matter, p. 154. Errour vented by those who are corrupted therewith, is no lesse scandalous, and no lesse to be accounted so than grosse practices, p. 155, 156.
CHAP. 2.
Concerning the spreading of errour; Gods displeasure at Page  [unnumbered] the suffering thereof, and the fainting even of good men in re∣straining the same, p. 157. What height delusions of this kind may come unto, p. 158, 159. with what use may be made of the same, p. 159, 160. The tolerating of grosse errour is most displeasing to God, and why, p. 160, 161. Sometimes those who want not affection are too condescending to erroneous Teachers, and why, p. 162, 163.
CHAP. 3.
If any of the People of God may be carried away with grosse delusions, p. 164. It is not simply impossible but some may, in a great measure, for a time be carried away, ibid. yet not so easily as unto grosse practical evils, p. 165, 166. When any Believers fall in such evils, usually the Lord singularly chastneth them for the same, p. 166. Ordinarily corrupt Teach∣ers set more upon Professors to withdraw them than upon others that want profession, and why, p. 167, 168, 169.
CHAP. 4.
How it is that grosse delusions may come to such an height as they often do, p. 170. What hand the Lord may have in such a plague, cleared, p. 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177.
CHAP. 5.
How errour may be known to be a judicial stroke, and why the Lord smiteth with it, p. 177, 178, 179. What causes do most ordinarily procure this plague of delusion, p. 180, 181.
CHAP. 6.
By what means, and how, Satan driveth on this plague amongst a people, p. 182, 183. What is Satans method of proceeding, p. 183. How he prosecuteth it, p. 184, 185, 186, 187, 188. The means and arguments that are used to carry on this design, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193. The manner how this design is carried on by Satan through corrupt Teachers his emissaries; p. 194. What accession a people may have to the bringing of this plague upon themselves, cleared, p. 195, 196.
CHAP. 7.
What is called for as duty in such a case, p. 196. What is not the proper duty or remedy in such a case; Sure an abso∣lute toleration of all errours and the promoters thereof is not, p. 197, 198. Extreams here are to be eschewed, p. 198, 199, 200.
CHAP. 8.
When some errours are to be forborn, p. 201. Some necessary and usefull distinctions hereanent, p. 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207. Some things not at all to be forborn, p. 208.
Page  [unnumbered]CHAP. 9.
What is called-for from Church-officers in the case of spreading errour, p. 209. What a Minister is called unto, in reference to God and himself at such a time, p. 210, 211, 212, 213, 214 Union amongst Ministers, and their flocks, is carefully to be studied in such a case, p. 215. What is the Mi∣nisters duty in reference to the flock in general at such a time, p. 216, 217, 218, 219. What is spoken of the duty of Ministers, doth by proportion agree to Ruling-Elders according to their station, p. 220. What is a Ministers duty in reference to those that are seduced, ibid. Tryal and discovery is to be made of what errours are maintained, and by whom; Then the party is to be convinced, p. 222, 223.
CHAP. 10.
Whether at all times a publick debate be necessary with such persons upon these points, p. 223. In what cases it is called-for, ibid. and p. 224. In what cases it is not called-for, p. 225. What is to be accounted the sufficient conviction of a gain∣sayer, where it is cleared, that it is not only the putting of the adverse party to silence, p 226, 227, 228. How a publick debate is to •…e managed when necessary, p. 229, 230.
CHAP. 11.
Admonition is necessary, and how to be performed, p. 231. The several steps of admonition, p. 232. Some things ob∣servable in the way of admonishing, p. 233. That rejecting of an obstinate Heretick, is to Church-officers a necessary duty, and a mean to be made use of for the Churches edification, ibid. and p. 234. What if the person seduced, be judged to be truly gracious, p. 234 What if he be no fixed Member of any par∣ticular Congregation, p. 235. What if Civil Magistrates con∣cur not to the backing of the Sentence, ibid. and p. 236. Two limitations to be adverted to in the rejecting of Hereticks, p. 236, 237.
CHAP. 12.
What is to be accounted a satisfying and succesfull admoni∣tion. p. 237. Some usefull distinctions of satisfaction are set down for the clearing of this, ibid. and, p. 238, 239. Whether any thing be required of Ministers towards those that are re∣jected as Hereticks, p. 239.
CHAP. 13.
What is required of Magistrates for restraining of seducing Page  [unnumbered] spirits, p. 240. They are called, according to their places, to interpose, p. 241. They are not meerly to look to outward order, p. 242, 243. That the grounds against Toleration con∣cern Magistrates as well as Ministers, p. 244, 245. That total forbearance is not like the Gospel, cleared, p. 246, 247. It's Magistrates duty to prevent the infection of the people under them by corrupt doctrine, p. 247.
CHAP. 14.
What may be justly acknowledged to be within the reach and power of the Magistrate in such a case, and so, what is his du∣ty, p. 248. Some Cautions premitted, ibid. and, p. 249. The Magistrates duty may be considered, first, with respect to God, p. 249. Secondly, with respect to themselves, p. 250. Thirdly, with respect to those that are yet free of infection, p. 250, 251, 252, 253. Fourthly, with respect to the Deluders, or those that are deluded, p. 254, 255, 256. It is not sufficient for a Magistrate to maintain civil peace only, p. 256, 257.
CHAP. 15.
What is called-for from people who are desirous to keep them∣selvs pure in such a time and case as the increasing of errors and seducers, p. 258, 259, 260, 261. What is their duty in refe∣rence to the persons infected, And if they ought to refrain from their fellowship, p. 262, 263, 264. A main part of the peoples duty lyeth in countenancing and adding weight unto the several steps of procedure by Church-officers, against such persons, p. 264, 265.
CHAP. 16.
What further duty is required of private professors towards Hereticks that are cut-off, p. 265, 266, 267. Some Conside∣rations to provoke Ministers and others to the faithful discharge of their duty in all the fore-mentioned particulars, p. 268, 269.
PART IV. Concerning Scandalous Divisions.
CHAP. 1.
HOw Heresie, Schism and Division differ, together with the several kinds of Division, p. 270. The Introduction to to this Part, ibid. The Scandal and hurtfulnesse of Divi∣sions, p. 271. The beads of this part of the Treatise, p. 272. Page  [unnumbered] What Heresie is, ibid. What Schism is, and the kinds thereof, p. 273, 274, 275, 276, 277. What is here meant by the word Division, the several kinds thereof, p. 278, 279, 280. Division amongst the godly is a thing incident to the Church, p. 281. It may continue long and come to a great height, ibid. It is not easily removed even when amongst such, p. 282.
CHAP. 2.
Whence Divisions do arise, and how they are fostered and in∣creased, p. 282. Sometimes various apprehensions of inferi∣our truths have influence upon this, ibid. Sometimes the mistake of some dispensations, p. 283. Sometimes different apprehensions about persons and things, ibid. and p. 284. usu∣ally heart-burnings at the credit of others, ibid. aggreging the infirmiries of others, p. 285. A factious vindicating of truth, ibid and p. 286. Undue censures, ibid. Leaving the matter, and falling upon reflections, p. 287. Studious engaging of others in the difference, ibid. Too much liking of corrupt men, because of some fair pretences, p. 288. Peremptoriness without condescending, ibid. Dissatisfaction about some persons, ibid. Encroachment upon the exercise of one anothers power, p. 289. Much medling in extrinsick things, ibid. Novelty of notions and expressions, ibid.
CHAP. 3.
The height of evil that division bringeth, p. 290. as, heat and contention, ibid. Alienation in affection, ibid. Jea∣lousie and suspicion, p. 291. Virulent expressions, ibid. Per∣sonal reflections, and condemning what formerly they com∣mended in each other, & contra ibid. Imprecations and in∣stigations of the Civil Magistrate against one another, p. 292. Inflicting of sharp censures, ibid. Renting of whole Churches, ibid. Heat and fury amongst their respective followers, ibid. Furious madnesse of Divines, ibid. Diversion of them from their main work to the great advantage and satisfaction of open adversaries, p. 293. Both schism and heresie often fol∣low division, ibid. Both sides of the division are often faulty though not equally, 294. Division is very hardly curable, ibid.
CHAP. 4.
The causes why division usually cometh to such an height, p. 295. The Lord hath an holy soveraign hand in this, partly trying both good and bad, chastising also and punishing, ibid. yea, plaguing the world thereby, p. 296. Division burdeneth Page  [unnumbered] the godly, ibid. It hardeneth the adversaries of the Truth, p. 297. Some characters of judicial division, ibid. and p. 298. Men engaged in this division may have accession to it several wayes, p. 299. a•…, by former guiltiness, ibid. present distem∣pers, ibid. inconsiderat expressions or actings, p. 300. Too great severity in Discipline and Censures, ibid. Sleighting of the persons, writings or actings of others, ibid. Hunting after credit, ibid. Little condescending to remove mistakes and pre∣judices, ibid. Acts that state a Schism, ibid. which are of se∣veral sorts, p. 301. Some other wayes by which men may have accession to this, ibid.
CHAP. 5.
What occasionall means may have influence upon division amongst the godly, p. 302. Tale▪ bearers, ibid. fears of Cen∣sures in many, p. 303. Civil Powers may have influence upon this by pretending to side with one party against another, and by their weakning of Government and giving men liberty to do what they will, ibid. Peoples engaging and siding in such diffe∣rences doth not a little heighten and lengthen the same, p. 304. Applications to Magistrates for ratifying or crushing of electi∣ons, ibid. Miscariages of persons differing, p. 305. Occurring dispensations of providence, are sometimes made use of for this end, p. 306. The strength of the tentation in respect of some other circumstances, As personal credit acting under the covert of zeal for God, p. 307. Evil grounded confidence, ibid. A judging of the matter in difference to be necessary and of great moment when it may yet be far otherwayes, p. 308. A par∣ticular mistake of mens persons and actions as they agr•…e with▪ or d•… from them, ibid. A conviction of singleness in pro∣secuting and adhering, p. 309. fear of losing credit by relent∣ing, p. 310. fear of hurting their respective followers, p. 311. The tentation strengthned, by looking upon the failings of op∣posits, ibid. and by the hope of the ceding of others, ibid.
CHAP. 6.
What be the sad effects of division, and the necessity of endea∣vouring unity, p. 312, 313. The necessity of endeavouring unity, granted by all, ibid. and p. 314.
CHAP. 7.
General grounds leading to unity, p. 314. The cure of di∣vision most difficult, ibid. An absolute necessity laid upon a tent Church to unite, p. 315, 316. Union a thing attainable Page  [unnumbered] amongst orthodox Divines or Ministers, p. 316, 317. En∣deavouring union doth not infer union in all points of judge∣ment and practice, but may stand with several defects, p. 317, 318, 319. Union may stand with some defects in Worship, and manner of Government, p. 319. With what kind of de∣fects union may be made up, cleared in several Rules, p. 320, 321, 322. When inconveniencies are on all hands, what side is to be followed, cleared, p. 322, 323. What may be accoun∣ted such impediments as a tender conscience may be scared by from uniting, cleared, p. 323, 324. Mutual cond. scending at such a time in a special manner necessary, p. 324. Wherein there must be no condescending, p. 325. Condescension ought to be mutual, ibid. What side ought to be most condescending, even that which is right and hath Authority, ibid. and p. 326. They who did the wrong, ordinarily most averse from condescending, p. 326. Those who have condescended most, have alwayes been thought the greatest friends to the Church, ibid. Yeelding in all particulars that do not involve any con∣sent unto, or approbation of what is wrong, commendable, p. 327, 328. Some negative Conclusions concerning the up∣making of a breach; as, division not to be cured by destroying any orthodox side or party, p. 329. Division not to be cured by incapacitating any profitable Officer or Member to do his duty, ibid. Union not to be studied with any note of disrespect upon either side, ibid. No simply authoritative way is the fit mean to begin the healing of a rent Church, p. 329, 330. Though one side fail in condescending, the other ought not to fail, but to go the furthest warrantable length, p. 330, 331. Better any orthodox side be practically condescended unto in the supposed case than that division should be keeped up, p 331. It was the actings and not the formality of the constitution of Synods that occasioned divisions of old, p. 332, 333. Debates concerning Government most difficultly removed, and whence it cometh to be •…o, p. 334.
CHAP. 8.
Some preparatory endeavours for uniting, p. 335. Walking under an impression of the dreadfulnesse of such a plague, ibid. and p. 336. Division would be looked upon as having a fear∣full snare in it, p. 336, 337. Ministers and others would di∣ligently view their own inward condition, p. 337. There would be repentance suitable to what is sound, p. 338. Union Page  [unnumbered] would by all warrantable means be commended unto, and pres∣sed upon, those that differ, and by those that differ, one upon an∣other, ibid. The design of union would be prosecuted with singlenesse and constancy, p. 339. Union would be endea∣voured with all tendernesse and respect to the persons, actions and qualifications of men differing, ibid. and p. 340. Several particulars wherein this respect would be manifested, spoken unto, p. 341. It would be further manifested in expressions of mutual confidence, p. 342. kind visits, ibid. abstaining of personal reflections, even though there be much provocation given, ibid. and p. 343. In such a case Ministers would in a special manner stir up themselves and others to the life and pra∣ctice of Religion, p. 344. There would at such a time be so∣lemn addresses to God for his leading in the way to this desi∣rable end, ibid.
CHAP. 9.
What things are to be forborn in order to uniting, p. 345. All things that weaken the reputation of others to be avoided, ibid. Evil counsel would be taken heed to; neither at such a time in this business would all mens advice be indifferently laid weight upon, p. 346, 347. There would be a forbearing to engage judicially pro or contra, and why, p. 348, 349. There would be abstaining from propagating different opinions facti∣ously, and why, p. 349, 350. All contrary acting would be abstained, p. 351. Separated meetings to be eschewed, and se∣parated fasts, ibid. Acts and principles laying restraints upon either side, would be abstained, p. 352.
CHAP. 10.
What is to be done in order to uniting, p. 352. There would be a seeking after meetings and conferences, ibid. In such meet∣ings there would be an offer made of fair conditions, p. 353. There would be a right way of carrying-on such meetings, p. 353, 354. Contentions about formalities, as also personal cri∣minations, would be forborn at such meetings, p. 354. There would be condescending in some circumstances though they should not seem so reasonable, p. 355. The most tender of the Church most condescending, ibid and, p. 356.
CHAP. 11.
What is to be done in closing doctrinal differences, p. 357▪ The first way of closing doctrinall differences, when one par∣ty bringeth the other to the same judgement with them; Page  [unnumbered] or, when both parties quit something of extremities, and joyn in a middle opinion, p. 357. The second way of compo∣sing such differences, by endeavouring to keep unity notwith∣standing thereof, by a mutual forbearance in things contro∣verted, which is of two sorts, p. 358, 359. The third way of composing such differences, is, When though there be some medling with such questions, and so a seen difference, yet it is with such forbearance as there is no schism nor division, but that is seriously and tenderly prevented, p. 360, 361, 362.
CHAP. 12.
What to be done for union in points not doctrinal, but about matters of fact or personal faults, p. 363. Contests about these are of several sorts, As sometimes there is dissatisfaction with the constitution of a Church as to its Officers and Members, ibid. and p. 364. A second sort of such contests, is, when faults are alseaged, which either are not true, or cannot be proven, p. 364, 365. A third sort of such contests, is, when there is a pleading for such persons as are justly censured, or censurable, p. 366. There is a threefold way of composing these last con∣tests, 1. by clearing the justness of the Sentence, 2. by recal∣ling the Sentence when the person may be profitable, ibid. 3. By the sentenced persons submitting themselves, p. 367. A fourth sort of contests of this kind is, when there are mutual upbraidings for failings in a time of darkness and tentation, ibid. These most satisfyingly removed by forgiving one ano∣ther, ibid.
CHAP. 13.
What is to be done towards uniting in divisions arising from diversity of circumstances in external administrations, and espe∣cially arising from Church-government, p. 368. Condescen∣dency in such things, necessary, p. 368, 399. In such things better to forbear some new thing, than to alter the old, without some considerable reason, ibid. Divisions about Church-govern∣ment ordinarily most bitter, and of many kinds, ibid. Con∣cerning the form of Government, p. 370. Practical difference herein maketh division, ibid. Characters of Government fit for uniting, p. 371, 372. Debates about the Constitution of Synods, p. 373. Defects in the constitution of a Synod, will not easily annul without defect in the matter, ibid. In ancient Councils soundness of matter more regarded than formality or Page  [unnumbered] number, ibid. and, p. 374. What should be done for union when division ariseth about the constitution of a Synod, p. 375. It would be considered how little usefull the thing controverted is, as to the Churches edification, ibid. and 376. This diffe∣rence is either in judgment and may be forborn, p. 376. or, it relateth to practice, and so somewhat is to be tolerated, and somewhat done, p. 377, 378. What usually hath been done when Authority was declined, p. 379. There is great diffe∣rence betwixt declining of synodical Authority simply, and the constitution of a particular Synod, p. 380.
CHAP. 14.
What is to be done in order to union when divisions are about doctrinal Determinations, p. 381. Such Determinations are here understood as are in Doctrines not fundamental nor near the foundation, ibid. Some of which are meerly doctrinal, ibid. Others have practical consequents following upon them, some of which again infer division, others but diversity, p. 382. Some determinations are of things daily practicable, others only for an exigence scarcely ever again occurring, p. 383. Some determinations are for Ministers practice, others are answers to the questions of Rulers, p. 384. Meer doctrinal decisions about smaller points, ought to make no division, p. 385, 386, 387. How the smaller number should in such decisions yeeld to the greater, cleared, p. 387, 388.
CHAP. 15.
What should be done in order to union about such decisions as have practical consequents following thereupon, p. 388. Contrary practices build a wall of separation, p. 389. There may be diversity without division, ibid. It is great folly to make, or keep up division for what is rarely or never practi∣cable, ibid. Union is not impossible notwithstanding diversity of judgment, And though neither party should acknowledge any offence, p. 390, 391. What to be done when the decision is a simple declaration of the lawfulness of a thing, and where the matter determined concerneth such practices as actually are to be performed but in some extraordinary case by civil powers, cleared, p. 392, 393, 394.
CHAP. 16.
The remedies of divisions arising from the misapplication of Power in Ordination of Ministers, and admitting unto, or de∣barring Page  [unnumbered] from, communion, p. 395. The ordination of a per∣son worthy of the Ministery, ordained by Church-officers, i•… not to be accounted null for some defects, ibid. Union would not be suspended upon the tryal of the worthiness or unwor∣thiness of some persons, but the rather endeavoured, that such tryals may be the better compassed, p. 396, 397. What to be done where there are contrary Ordinations, cleared, p. 397, 398.
CHAP. 17.
Remedies of divisions arising from the misapplication of power, in censuring or sparing Ministers, real or supposed, p. 399. In what cases extremities hereanent are to be eschewed, ibid. Church judicatories their wise remitting of rigour, of great advantage in such a case, p. 400. Corrupt, or grosse and profane men for no interposition to be received, p. 401. How to carry when debate falleth to be about conniving at guilty men, p. 402. Union is the rather to be followed that satis∣faction in this may be attained, p. 403. In times of division, rumours especially concerning eminent persons, not so to be re∣garded, p. 404. Zeal in justly-censuring, well consistent with a spirit of union, ibid. Yet union is to be preferred to the censuring of some unfaithfull men, p. 405 Union no pre∣judice to the purging-out of corrupt Ministers, ibid. and, p. 406. Purging not to be so vehemently pressed till union be fixed, p. 406, 407.
CHAP. 18.
The fears of misgovernment for the time to come, and the remedies thereof, p. 408. The difference here, is either anen•… the persons that are to govern, p. 409. or anent the ordering of things that may fall out, p. 410. The satisfaction here must be such as neither party is fully satisfied, ibid. The abstaining of union, will not prevent the inconveniences upon either side, p. 411. The thing feared in this case, is not the bringing-in of new Doctrine, nor a wrong Government, ibid. Union is not to be suspended till there be satisfaction in every particular, p. 412. Some particulars to be referred to some persons accep∣table to both sides, who may be trusted with the decision of them, ibid. and, p. 413. Such things are not to be decided by a meer authoritative way, ibid. and, p. 414. Better for a time to forbear many things, than to brangle union, p. 414. Doubtfull practices to be abstained in such a case, p. 415. Page  [unnumbered] There would at such a time be many brotherly conferences for preventing of abrupt surprisals by things moved in Judica∣tories, ibid. Matters of difficulty rather to be committed to •…ome deputed persons, than instantly decided, and why, p. 416. It is not unfit some persons be designed to compose such occasional differences as may arise, ibid. and, p. 417. This •…endeth to recover strength to Judicatories, p. 418. And is consistent with Ministerial Church-authority, ibid. and, p. •…9. The great Apostle often layeth aside authority, ibid. Se∣veral other reasons also are brought to prove the consistency, ibid. and, p. 420.
CHAP. 19.
Some Advertisments concerning the Overtures proposed, p. 421, 422.
CHAP. 20.
What is incumbent to Magistrates and People for remedying this evil, p. 423, 424.
CHAP. 21.
The grounds and motives of the desired union, p. 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432: all pertinently, pathetickly and pungently proposed and pressed.

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