Diary of Alexander Jaffray, provost of Aberdeen

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with much love to those, with whom we contend. —
Secondly, It would be carried on with much meek-
ness, without heat or passion ; for " the wrath of man
worketh not the righteousness of God." — Thirdly,
There is much need of the exercise of humility and
fear ; for the best know but in part, 1 Cor. xiii. 9, 12 ;
and frequent experience, doubtless, hath taught every
one that is observant, to be wary in asserting so posi-
tively what now they think to be truth, in these doubt-
able matters, about which good men are so much
divided. — Fourthly, "When zeal in these matters, is
not accompanied with much exactness in trying our-
selves, and does not begin at our own bosom, in find-
ing out the errors either of our judgment or practice,
and in abandoning them ; then may we justly suspect
our zeal to be " not according to knowledge." Rom.
x. 2. — Again, Right zeal is equally carried out, in all
points wherein God's honour is concerned. — Again,
Our calling to appear in such matters, would be well
examined ; and tliat we be not thereby made negligent
in things more necessary. — Again, Altiiough there
be truth in tlie matter of difference betwixt you and
good men, it should be well examined, whether it
will carry all the weight of what may follow, upon
your appearing in it. — Again, All the consequences
of the opinions maintaineil by your opposer, would
not be imputed unto )\im, except you know that he
owns them, Ixit in charity you would think tlie best;
for charity " thinketli no evil." 1 Cor. xiii. 5. — And
further, Wliere you cannot agree, you would tole-
rate and l)ear with your weak brother, until God
reveal what is wanting to him. Phil. iii. 15, 16. —
Lastly, It would be well examined, that there be no
siding with any party or other interest, but simply