Preface to the Book of Church Order

Section 2 : The Preliminary Principles
Paragraph 5 : Of Mutual Forbearance

5. That while, under the conviction of the above principle, we think it necessary to make effectual provision that all who are admitted as teachers be sound in the faith, we also believe that there are truths and forms with respect to which men of good characters and principles may differ. And in all these we think it the duty both of private Christians and societies to exercise mutual forbearance towards each other.

Footnote: II Timothy 4:2f.; Ephesians 4:15, 25. [as per M4GA, Appendix J, p. 203]

BACKGROUND & COMPARISON:
PCA 1973, Adopted text, as printed in the Minutes of General Assembly, page 128
That while, under the conviction of the above principle, we think it necessary to make effectual provision that all who are admitted as teachers be sound in the faith, we also believe that there are truths and forms with respect to which men of good characters and principles may differ. And in all these we think it the duty both of private Christians and societies to exercise mutual forbearance towards each other.

Continuing Presbyterian Church 1973, Proposed text, Preface, Preliminary Principles, paragraph 2
That while, under the conviction of the above principle, we think it necessary to make effectual provision that all who are admitted as teachers be sound in the faith, we also believe that there are truths and forms with respect to which men of good characters and principles may differ. And in all these we think it the duty both of private Christians and societies to exercise mutual forbearance towards each other.

1866 PCUS draft, paragraph 5:
That, though the character, qualifications and authority of church officers, are laid down in the Holy Scriptures, as well as the proper method of their investiture and institution, yet the election of the persons to the exercise of this authority, in any particular congregation, is in the people thereof.

[Note: The Preliminary Principles appeared solely in the 1866 draft of the PCUS Form of Government, as reported and published in The Christian Observer, vol. 45, nos. 40 & 41 (4 Oct. & 11 Oct. 1866). Inclusion of the Principles was rejected when the PCUS Assembly met in 1867.]

COMMENTARY:
Hodge, J. Aspinwall, What Is Presbyterian Law? (Philadelphia, 1882, pp. 25-26) :
What is the fifth principle?
"There are truths and forms, with respect to which men of good characters and principles may differ." And in all these it is "the duty both of private Christians and societies, to exercise mutual forbearance toward each other."
How is this mutual forbearance to be manifested?
By recognition of the Christian and church character and relations of others (Mark 9:38-40 ; Rom. 14) ; by patiently teaching the way of the Lord more perfectly, and by maintaining and practicing the truth, but without offence and without judging others (Gal. 2:3-5, 11-14 ; Rom. 14:1-23 ; 1 Cor. 10:32 ; 2 Cor. 6:3 ; Matt. 7:1 ; James 4:11).
May persons be received into the communion of the Church who do not fully agree with the Standards of the Church?
All are to be received "who in the judgment of charity are the sincere disciples of Jesus Christ," making profession of their faith, love and obedience to him. They are received to be instructed in the doctrines of the Church.[1]
Must the officers be sound in faith?
"It is necessary to make effectual provision that all who are admitted as teachers be sound in the faith."[2]
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[1] Presbyterian Digest, p. 307 ; Rom. 14:1.
[2] Form of Government [PCUSA], chs. xiii., xiv. and xv. ; Presbyterian Digest, pp. 48, 307.