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Carnal, careless, and covetous
(William Plumer, "Vital Godliness: A Treatise on Experimental and Practical Piety" 1864) One must judge of his own state by the fruit he bears. When our fruit is unto holiness, we know that the end shall be everlasting life. Everyone who hopes that he is converted to God, should examine himself and prove his own fruit. In judging of piety, there is no substitute for a holy life. We are Christ's disciples--if we do whatever He commands us. We are the servants of the wicked one--if we do the works of the flesh. We may boast of discoveries, of raptures, and ecstasies--but all is in vain if a consistent life is not the result. A godly life is the infallible evidence of conversion. Many professors of religion are carnal, careless, and covetous. In them no change of life appears to prove a change of heart. They are much like their worldly neighbors, except that they attend church. They are spots and blemishes in Christian feasts. They are a grief and a shame to godly people. The church has their names, but the world has their hearts. The number of such is painfully large.
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