The life & death of Mr. Joseph Alleine, late teacher of the church at Taunton, in Somersetshire, assistant to Mr. Newton whereunto are annexed diverse Christian letters of his, full of spiritual instructions tending to the promoting of the power of Godliness, both in persons and families, and his funeral sermon, preached by Mr. Newton.

LETTER II. [Prepare for Suffering.]

To my dearly beloved the Flock of Christ in Taunton, Grace and Peace.

Most dear Christians:

MY 〈◊〉〈◊〉 straights of time will now force me to bind my long loves in a few short lines; yet I could not tell how to leave you unsaluted, nor chuse but write to you in a few words, that you should not be dismayed neither at our present sufferings, or at the evil tidings that by this time I doubt not are come unto you. Now, Brethren, is the time when the Lord is like to put you upon the trial; now is the hour of temptation come. Oh! be faithful to Christ to the death, and he shall give you a Crown of life: Faithful is he that hath called you, and he will not suffer you upon his faith∣fulness to be tempted above what you are able. Give up your selves and your All to the Lord, with resolution to follow him fully, and two things be sure of, and lay up as sure grounds of everlasting consolation.

1. If you seek by prayer and study to know the mind of God, and do resolve to follow it in uprightness, you shall not fail either of direction or pardon; Either God will shew you what his pleasure is, or will certainly forgive you if you miss your way. Brethren, fix upon your Souls the deep and lively affecting apprehensions of the most gracious, loving, merciful, sweet, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, tender nature of your Heavenly Father, which is so great that you may be sure he will with all readi∣ness and love accept of his poor Children when they endea∣vour to approve themselves in sincerity to him, and would fain know his mind and do it, if they could but clearly see it, though they should unwillingly mistake.

2. That as sure as God is faithful, if he do see that such or such a temptation (with the forethought of which you may

be apt to disquiet your selves, lest you should fall away when thus or thus tried) will be too hard for your Graces, he will never suffer it to come upon you. Let not, my dear Brethren, let not the present tribulations or those impending move you. This is the way of the Kingdom: persecution is one of your 〈◊〉〈◊〉: self-denial and taking 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Cross is your ABC of Religion; you have learnt nothing that have not begun at Christs-Cross. Brethren, the Cross of Christ is your Crown; the reproach of Christ is your riches; the shame of Christ is your glory; the damage attending strict and holy diligence, your greatest advantage: sensible you should be of what is coming, but not discouraged; humbled, but not dis∣mayed; having your hearts broken, and yet your spirits un∣broken; humble your selves mightily under the mighty 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of God; but fear not the face of man: may you even be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in humility, but high in courage; little in your own appre∣hensions of your selves, but great in holy fortitude, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and holy magnanimity, lying in the dust before your God, yet triumphing in faith and hope, and boldness and confidence over all the power of the enemies. Approve your selver 〈◊〉〈◊〉 good Souldiers of Jesus Christ, with No Armour, but that of righteousness; No Weapons, but strong crying and tears; look∣ing for no Victory but that of Faith; nor hope to overcome, but by patience: now for the faith and patience of the Saints, now for the harness of your suffering Graces: O gird up the loyns of your mind, and be sober, and hope to the end: Fight not but the good fight of Faith: here you must contend and that earnestly: Strive not but against sin, and here you may resist even unto blood: now see that you chuse life, and embrace affliction rather than sin. Strive together mightily, and frequently by prayer: I know you do, but I would you should abound more and more: Share my loves among you, and continue your earnest prayers for me, and be you assured that I am and shall be through Grace, a willing thankful Ser∣vant of your Souls concernments.

From the common Gaole May 28. 1663.

Joseph Aleine.