Remains of that excellent minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. Joseph Alleine being a collection…Remaines of that excellent minister of Jesus Christ, Mr. Joseph Alleine being a collection…

Thirdly. This is the cause of so much barrenness & in proficiency in the ways of God, did the Christian but duly examine his own duties and espy the defects of the present duty, and be sure to amend that the next time, that was am•ss now, this would make him, in a little time, come to a wonderful proficiency in godliness. But when men go on in a customary course, and do not find out their errors, it is no wonder they go on in their errors, in one tract, duty after duty, yea one year after another: A Christian that is careless in the examining of his duties, that doth not observe the failings of his duties, to amend at one time what was amiss before, he will be but a Bungler in Religion all his days. But he that is careful to examine it. that he may amend what was amiss, this man will soon come to be his Crafts-master in his Trade.

Thirdly. This is the cause of so much barrenness & in prosiciency in the ways of God, did the Christian but duly examine his own duties and espy the defects of the present duty, and be sure to amend that the next time, that was am•ss now, this would make him, in a little time, come to a wonderfull prosiciency in godliness. But when men go on in a customary course, and do not find out their errours, it is no wonder they go on in their errours, in one tract, duty after duty, yea one year after another: A Christian that is careless in the examining of his duties, that doth not observe the failings of his duties, to amend at one time what was amiss before, he will be but a Bungler in Religion all his dayes. But he that is carefull to examine it. that he may amend what was amiss, this man will soon come to be his Crafts-master in his Trade.

Fourthly, This is the cause of so much ignorance of our own estate; It is no wonder that so many Professors are at a loss about their condition; it is for want of looking into their Religion. They do not know whether they be sound or unsound, whether they be going forward, or going backward, all this is from want of care, to examine and enquire into their duties.