The right procedure: You begin at the wrong end if you first dispute about your election. Prove your conversion, and then never doubt your election. If you cannot yet prove it, set upon a present and thorough turning. Whatever purposes be, which are secret, I am sure His promises are plain. How desperately do rebels argue! "If I am elected I shall be saved, do what I will. If not, I shall be damned, do what I can." Perverse sinner, will you begin where you should end?
Joseph AlleineThough sin may be in the Christian, yet it hath no more dominion over him; he hath an unfeigned respect to all God's commandments, making conscience even of little sins and little duties.
Joseph AlleineThere is no surer evidence of an unconverted state than to have the things of the world uppermost in our aim, love, and estimation.
Joseph AlleineThe unsound convert takes Christ by halves. He is all for the salvation of Christ, but is not for sanctification. He is for the privileges, but does not appropriate the person of Christ.
Joseph AlleineChrist does not control his subjects by force, but is King of a willing people. They are, through His grace, freely devoted to His service.
Joseph Alleine