An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches

Ans. I would those that will not endure tolerable men for a different opinion or circumstance, could as little endure Drunkards, Fornicators, Extortioners, and Railers, and Covetous, &c. But the Objectors must understand, That as I said, The Baptismal Covenanting Profession of Christianity is our Church-title to its Communion. And that Christianity is more than a bare Opinion or Notional Assent: it is a solemn giving up our selves by Vow and Covenant to God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, as our God and Saviour and Sanctifier, to be Taught and Ruled by Christ, as well as pardoned, adopted, and glorified; which essentially containeth Repentance and the Renunciation of the Dominion of the Flesh, the World, and the Devil, which are contrary to the Government of Christ.

And it must be remembered that a Verbal Profession proved counterfeit and false by inconsistent contradiction in word or deed, is indeed not valid, and is no Profession. And he that would say, I will be Ruled by Christ, but I will be a Drunkard, a Fornicator, an Extortioner, &c. would thus nullify his Profession by a gross Contradiction: And to live impenitently in these sins, is as sure a proof of falsehood of a man's Profession, as contrary words would be. And if a man once and again commit such Sins till he Repent of them, he chooseth them and liveth in them: And while he chooseth and liveth in them, he Repenteth not indeed, whatever he say: For Repentance is a change of Mind and Life.

And it must be remembred that a Verbal Profession proved counterfeit and false by inconsistent contradiction in word or deed, is indeed not valid, and is no Profession. And he that would say, I will be Ruled by Christ, but I will be a Drunkard, a Fornicator, an Extortioner, &c. would thus nullifie his Profession by a gross Contradiction: And to live impenitently in these sins, is as sure a proof of falshood of a man's Profession, as contrary words would be. And if a man once and again commit such Sins till he Repent of them, he chooseth them and liveth in them: And while he chooseth and liveth in them, he Repenteth not indeed, whatever he say: For Repentance is a change of Mind and Life.