An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches

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.

Therefore we here distinguish of Mens Right to Church-Communion as 1. unquestioned, 2. as lost or null, 3. as doubtful and under trial. 1. A Baptismal Profession of all the Essence of Christianity, and not disproved, is a Title not to be questioned. 2. Apostasy, or the denial by word or deed •f any essential part of Christianity, justly proved, nullifieth Christianity and Church Right. 3. But if a man speak or hold some bad opinion by a remote u•see•. consequence, contrary to somewhat essential to Christianity, or if he commit some Sin that is inconsistent if he Repent not, here the Church must try whether the said Error be indeed so held, as that the contradicted truth is really not held, or only be held on a mistake of consisten, the person professing to renounce it, if inconsistent: And whether the said Sinner live impenitently in that Sin, as that which he chooseth and will not forsake: And while the man is under this doubtful Trial, his Title is doubtful, and to be suspended as to actual Exercise.