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…

For want of this men do not know whether they be sound or unsound, for how doth a man know the tree but by the fruit? When all is done, 'tis mens actual obedience that is the great evidence, that their estates must be tried by. Whatsoever seeming principles of grace and life, and love, may seem to be within, and good resolutions, yet if all this, be not strong enough to bring forth the fruits of obedience, in a holy, self-denying, and flesh displeasing godliness, all is unsound. But then we m• not look only to the outside of our obedience, we must not take the Carcass without the soul. Now when persons do not look into their duties, but rest in the work done, how can they make any judgment into their estate by them.

For want of this men do not know whether they be sound or unsound, for how doth a man know the tree but by the fruit? When all is done, 'tis mens actual obedience that is the great evidence, that their estates must be tryed by. Whatsoever seeming principles of grace and life, and love, may seem to be within, and good resolutions, yet if all this, be not strong enough to bring forth the fruits of obedience, in a holy, self-denying, and flesh displeasing godliness, all is unsound. But then we m• not look onely to the outside of our obedience, we must not take the Carkass without the soul. Now when persons do not look into their duties, but rest in the work done, how can they make any judgment into their estate by them.

So many that are sound Christians, do not know whether they are decaying or increasing for want of this, because they do not look into their duties how they perform them. Christians, how do you perform your duties? Do you more look into them, how sweet they are to you? whether it is better than it was? Christians, you must look to this, are you more extensive. and intensive in your duties? Are you more extensive? Heretofore you looked only at home, to do your selves good; do you do good now to others? Heretofore, Religion was confined to your knees, but now do you bring it forth into your Shops, and Callings? Here•osore, you were for personal godliness, but are you now for Relative godliness? Heretofore, you were for duties of the first Table only, but now do you put both Tables together?