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PART I. The sum of it. (Book 1)
THese doctrins being in the words, and Scan∣dal being a great part of the challenge of the Nicolaitans, or at least a great aggrava∣tion of their challenge, and also being a most necessary thing for a Christian's daily walk, to be carefully taken heed unto, there is ground here to speak to the same, (in a time especially wherein of∣fences abound) and that in respect of what is called∣for, both in private persons and in Church-judica∣tories; or, of private scandals, and such as are pub∣lick. We shall draw what we would say of the first to these five, 1. To shew what an offence is. 2. To shew how it is given. 3. To shew some considera∣tions that ought to deter from giving of it. 4. To shew what weight it ought to have on a Christian in his walk. 5. Point at some directions necessary to be adverted unto when offences are rise and multiply.
CHAP. I. Several Distinctions of Scandal.
FOr clearing of the first two, we shall premit some distinctions; and we would advert, that by offence here, is not understood that which doth actually displease or grieve another alway: for there is a great difference betwixt displeasing and offend∣ing; as also betwixt pleasing and edifying: for, one may be displeased, and yet edified; well satisfied, and yet offended. First then, we are to distinguish be∣twixt* 1.1 displeasing and offending; for, here offence is