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CHAP. II. A Brief Relation of his early setting forth in the Christian Race, from his Childhood: Also some Memorials of his Industrious and Prosperous pur∣suit of Learning, and of his singular Piety during his Abode in the University. Written by an Eye-Witness thereof.
MR. Joseph Allein, Born in the Devizes in Wiltshire, in the Year 1633. During his Child-hood, shewed forth a singular sweetness of Disposition, and a remarkable Dili∣gence in every thing he was then imployed about. The first observable Zeal of Religion that appeared in him, was in the eleventh year of his Age, about which time he was noted to be very diligent in private Prayer, and so fixed in that Duty, that he would not be disturbed, or moved by the coming of any Person accidentally into the places of his Retirement. This and other Fruits of a Serious and Gracious Spirit, were the common observation of the Family. From this time forward, the whole course of his Youth, was an even-spun thred of Godly Conversation, which was rendered more amiable, by his sweet and pleasant deportment towards all he conversed with. While he thus openly began to run his Christian Race, his Brother Mr. Edward Allein, a worthy Minister of the Go∣spel departed this Life: Whereupon he earnestly desired to be brought up in Preparation, to succeed him in the Work of the Ministry. Which good Motion, his Father gladly hearkned unto, and speedily prepared to putit in Execution. Such was his great diligence at School, that he redeemed for his Book, the time allotted for Recreation. In the space of about four years, he attained to very good knowledge in the Latin and Greek Tongues, and was by his School-Master, adjudged fit for University-Studies. After which, he abode some time with his Father in the Country, where a worthy Minister