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.

CHRISTIAN LETTERS Full of SPIRITUAL INSTUCTIONS, Tending To the Promoting of the Power of Godliness, both in Persons, and Families.

LETTER, 1.

To his Wife to Dispose her to his Acceptance of Taun∣ton, on small Maintenance.

My Dear Heart.

BY this time I hope thou hast received mine by Martin, and also an Answer touching their Resolution at Taun∣ton. My thoughts have been much upon that Business of late, so small as the outward Incouragements in point of Maintenance are, and methinks I find my heart much Inclin∣ing that way. I will tell thee the Principles upon which I go.

First, I say this for a Foundation, That a mans Life con∣sisteth not in the Abundance of the things that he possesseth. It was accounted a wise Prayer that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 put up of old, that he might only be Fed with Food convenient for him. And certain it is that where men have least of the World; they esteem it least, and live more by Faith and in dependance

upon God, casting their care and burden upon him. O the sweet breathings of Davids soul! the strong actings of his Faith and Love, that we find come from him, when his condition was low and mean in the World. How close∣ly doth he cling? How fully doth he Relie upon God? The Holy Ghost seems to make it a Priviledge to be brought to a necessity of living by Faith, as, I think, I have formerly hintted thee, out of Deut. 11. 10. 11. where Canaan is pre∣fer'd before AEgypt, in regard of its dependance upon God for the former and latter Rain, which in AEgypt they could live without, and have supplies from the River. And cer∣tainly could we that are unexperienced, but feel the Thorns of those cares and troubles that there are in gathering and keeping much, and the danger when Riches increase of setting our hearts upon them, we should prize the happiness of a middle condition much before it. Doubtless, Godliness with contentment, is great gain. Seekest thou great things for thy self (saith the Prophet to Baruch) seek them not. Certainly a good Conscience is a continual Feast, and enough for a happy Life: no man that Wareth intangleth himself with the affairs of this Life, that he may please him who hath cho∣sen him to be a Souldier. We should be but little Incumbred with the things of this World, and withal free from a World of Intanglements, which in a great place committed wholly to our charge, would be upon our Consciences as no small Burden.

Secondly, I take this for an undoubted truth, that a dram of Grace, is better than a Talent of Wealth; and therefore such a place where our Consciences would be free, and we had little to do in the World to take off our hearts and thoughts from the things of Eternity, and had the advan∣tage of abundance of means, and the daily opportunities of warming our hearts with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Society and Conference of Heavenly Christians, and no temptations to carry us away, nor discouragements in our walking with God, and the due performance of our duty is (if we pass a true and Spiritual Judgement, as the Holy Ghost in Scripture would) without comparison before another place, void of those Spi∣ritual helps and advantages. Let us think with our selves, what though our Purses, our Estates, may thrive better

in a place of a larger maintenance? yet where are our graces, our souls, like to thrive any way answerable to what they are in this? We should have but little in the World, and we could live hereafter; but alas, what is this if it be made up to us, as it will surely be in Communion with God and his People? If we thrive in Faith, and Love, Humility, and Heavenly mindedness, as above all places I know we are likely to do there, what matter is it though we do not raise our selves in the World? the thing it may well be accounted but mean; but alas, let us look upon it with a spiritual Eye, and then we shall pass another Judgement of it. Oh! who would leave so much Grace, and so much comfort in Com∣munion with Christ and his Saints, as we may gain there, for the probabilities of living with a little more gentility and handsomness in the world? 'Tis a strange thing to see how Christians generally do judge so carnally of things, looking to the things that are seen and Temporal, and not the things that will stick by us to Eternity. What is it worth a year? is the Maintenance certain and sure? What charges are there like to be? these are the questions we commonly ask first, when we speak of setling. But alas, though those things are duly to be considered too, yet what good am I like to do? what good am I like to get? (Both which questions I think might be as comfortably Answered concerning this, as any place in Eng∣land;) These should be the main Interrogatories, and the chief things we should judge of a place to settle in by. What if we have but a little in the World? Why then we must keep but a short Table, and shall make but a little noise in the World, and must give the meaner entertainments to our Friends. O but will not this be abundantly made up, if we have more outward and inward Peace, as we may well count we shall have. One dram of saving Grace will weigh down all this. Let others 〈◊〉〈◊〉 themselves in their Corn, and Wine, and Oyl, in their sat Livings, and their large Tables, and their great resort, is we have more of the Light of Gods Counte∣nance, more grace, more comfort, who would change with them? surely if Paul were to chuse a Place, he would not look so much what 'twas a year, but would wish us to take that where we might be most likely to save our own and others Souls.

Thirdly, That the best and the surest way to have any out∣ward Mercy, is to be content to want it. When mens desires are over-eager after the World, they much have thus much a Year, and a House well Furnished, and Wife, and Children, thus and thus Qualified, or else they will not be content; God doth usually, if not constantly, break their wills by de∣nying them, as one would cross a froward Child of his stub∣born humour: Or else puts a sting into them, that a man had been as good he had been without them, as a man would give a thing to a froppish Child, but it may be with a knock on his Fingers, and a frown to boot. The best way to get Riches, is out of doubt to set them lowest in ones desires. Solomon found it so: Alas, he did not ask Riches, but Wis∣dom and Ability, to discharge his great Trust; but God was so pleased with his Prayer, that he threw in them into the Bargain. If we seek the Kingdom of God, and his Righteous∣ness in the first place, and leave other things to him, God will not stand with us for these outwards, though we never ask them we shall have them as over measure; God will throw them in as the Vantage. And to this suits the Experience of our dear Honorathius: And indeed (saith he, speaking of God) Honorathius finds that his onely hiding place and re∣fuge, and a place of Succour, from the Storms that fall upon him, and hath had such Helps at dead lift there, that he is engaged for ever to trust there. For when he hath been lowest, and in the greatest straights, he hath gone and made his moan Heaven-ward, with free submission to the rightful disposer of all things, and he hath been so liberally supplied, as makes him very confident the best way to obtain any Mer∣cy, or supply, is to be content to be without it: And he is perswaded nothing sets Gods Mercies farther off, than want of free submission to want them. Certainly, God will never be behind hand with us. Let our care be to Build his House, and let him alone to build ours.

Fourthly, That none ever was, or ever shall be, a loser by Jesus Christ. Many have lost much for him, but never did, ne∣ver shall any lose by him. Take this for a certainty, whatsoever probabilities of outward Comforts we leave, whatsoever out∣ward advantages we balk, that we may glorifie him in our Services, and enjoy him in his Ordinances more than other∣where

we could, we shall receive an hundred fold in this Life. 'Tis a sad thing to see how little Christ is trusted or believed in the World: Men will trust him no farther than they can see him, and will leave no work for Faith. Alas, hath he not a thousand ways, both outward and inward, to make up a little outward disadvantage to us? What doth our Faith serve for? Have any ventured themselves upon him in his way, but he made good every word of the Promise to them? let us therefore exercise our Faith, and stay our selves upon the Promise, and see if ever we are ashamed of our hope.

Fifthly, That what is wanting in the means, God will make up in the blessing. This 〈◊〉〈◊〉 take for a certain truth, while a man commits himself and his affairs to God, and is in a way that God put him into: Now if a man have but a little In∣come, if he have a great Blessing, that's enough to make it up. Alas, we must not account Mercies by the Bulk. What if another have a Pound to my Ounce, if mine be Gold for his Silver, I will never change with him. As 'tis not Bread that keeps men alive, but the Word of Blessing that proceedeth out of his Mouth of God; so 'tis not the largeness of the Means, but the blessing of the Lord that maketh rich. Oh! if men did but believe this, they would not grasp so much of the World as they do. Well, let others take their course, and we will take ours, to wait upon God by Faith and Prayer, and rest in his Promise; and I am confident that is the way to be provided for: Let others toyl to enlarge their Income, (but alas, they will find they go not the right way to work) we will bless God to enlarge our blessing, and I doubt not but we shall prove the Gainers.

Sixthly, That every Condition hath its Snares, Crosses, and troubles, and therefore we may not expect to be with∣out them where ever we be, onely that condition is most eli∣gible that hath fewest and least. I cannot Object any thing against the Proposal of Taunton, but the meaness of the Main∣tenance; but if our Income be but short, we can I hope be content to live answerably, we must fare the meaner, that will be all the inconvenience that Animal know, and truly I hope we are not of the nature of that Animal, that hath his Heart in his Belly. I know how Daniel thrived by his Water

and Pulse, and think a mean Diet is as wholsome to the bo∣dy, yea, and sarless hurtful than a full and liberal is; and perswade my self it would be no such hard matter for us con∣rentedly to deny our Flesh in this respect. But let us con∣sider how little and utterly inconsiderable this Inconveni∣ence is, in comparison of those we must reckon upon meet∣ing with, if God cast us into another place, and whether this be not a great deal less than the trouble we shall have for want of comfortable and Christian Society, for want of the frequent and quickening means we shall here have, in wrangling and contending with the Covetous, or else losing our dues, in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and malicious Re∣ports, that are we see raised upon the best by the wicked in most places, in their contentions about their right to the Sacraments, in our Intanglement in the cares and troubles of this life, &c. all which we should be here exempted from. Upon these and the like cousiderations, I find my heart very much inclined to accept of their offer at Taunton. I beseech thee to weigh, and throughly consider the matter, and tell me impartially thy thoughts, and which way thy Spirit in∣clines, for I have always resolved the place I settled in should be thy choice, and to thy content. The least intimation of thy will to the contrary, shall overballance all my thoughts of settling there, for I should account it the greatest unhap∣piness if I should thus settle, and thou shouldst afterwards be discontented at the straightness of our condition. But I need not have Wrote this, hadst not thou fully signified thy mind already to me, I had never gone so far as I have. Well, the Lord whose we are, and whom we serve, do with us as it shall seem good unto him. We are always as mindful as is possible of thee here, both together and apart. Captain Luke desired me to intreat thee to meet him one two Hours in a Day, for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Mercies upon the twenty third Day of every Month. Send word to me of their Resolution at Taunton, in two Letters, least possibly one should miscarry, though never a one did yet. I dare not think of settling under sixty Pound at Taunton, and surely it cannot be less. I have Written as well as I could on a suddeu my Mind to thee, I have been so large in

delivering my Judgement, that I must thrust up my Af∣fections into a Corner. Well, though they have but a corner in my Letter, I am sure they have room enough in my heart: But I must conclude; The Lord keep thee my Dear, and cherish thee for ever in his Bosom. Fare∣well mine own Soul.

I am as ever Thine own Heart. JOSEPH ALLEINE.

Oxon, May 27. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

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.

LETTER III. [Warning to Professors.]

To my most dearly beloved, my Christian Friends in Taunton, Salvation.

Most loving 〈◊〉〈◊〉:

I Shall nover forget your old kindnesses, and the entire af∣fections that you have shed upon me, not by drops, but by floods, would I never so fain forget them, yet I could not, they are so continually renowned; for there is never a day but I hear of them; may, more than hear of them, I feel and taste them. The God that hath promised to them that give to a Prophet though but a cup of cold Water, shall re∣ceive a Prophets reward; he will recompence your labour of love, your servent prayers, and constant cryes, your care for my wellfare, your bountiful supplies who have given me, not a cup of cold water, but the Wine of your loves, with the sense and tidings whereof I am coutinually refreshed. I must, I do, and will bless the Lord as long as I live, that he hath-cast my lot in so fair a place, to dwell in your communion; and especially to go in and out before you, and to be the Messenger of the Lord of Host to you, to proclaim his Law, and to Preach his Excellencies, to be his Spokesman to you, and to wooe for him, and to espouse you to one Husband, and to present you as a chaste Virgin unto Christ. Lord! how unworthy am I, everlastingly unworthy of this glorious Dig∣nity, which I do verily believe the most brightest Angels in Heaven would be glad of, if the Lord saw it fit to imploy them in this work! Well, I do not, I cannot repent, not∣withstanding all the difficulties and inconveniences that do attend his despised Servants, and hated ways, and that are like to attend them; for we have but sipped yet of the Cup; but I have set my hand to his plow; my Ministry I took up

with you, and my Testimony I finished with you, though I thought I had espoused you till death: and when I was en∣tred into that Sacred Office, which through rich Grace I was imployed in, I told you in the close of what I spake before the laying of the holy Hands upon me (most gladly do I take up this Office with all the persecution, affliction, difficulties an tribulation and inconveniencies that do and may attend it) and blessed be God, I am through his goodness of the same mind still, and my tribulations for Christ, do (to him be Glory, for to me belongs nothing but shame and confusion of face) confirm my choice and my resolution to serve him with much more than my labours. Verily, Brethren, it is a good choice that I have commended to you: Oh! that there might not one be found among you that hath not made Maries choice, I mean of that good part which shall never be taken away from you. Brethren, let them take up with the world that have no better portion: be content that they should carry the Bell, and bear away the riches and perferments and glory, and splendor of the World. Alas! you have no reason to envy them: verlly, they have a lye in their right hand: Ah! how soon will their hopes fail them: how soon will the crackling blast be out, and leave them in eternal darkness: they shall go to the generation of their Fathers, they shall ne∣ver see light, like sheep they shall be laid in their Graves, and the upright shall have Dominion over them in the morn∣ing. But for my Brethren, I am jealous that none of you should come short of the Glory of God. I am ambitious for you that you should be all the heirs of an endless life, the li∣ving hopes of the Saints, the inheritance incorruptible, unde∣filed, and that fades not away.

Ah my Brethren! why should not you be all happy? I am jealous for you with a Godly jealousie, left a promise be∣ing left you of entring into his rest, any of you should come short of it. O look diligently, left any man fail of the Grace of God: Alas! how it pities me to see this Rest neglected: How it grieves me that any of you should fall short of mer∣cy at last! That any of that flock over which the holy Ghost hath made me in part overseer, should perish; when Christ hath done so much for you, and when his under Officers (through his Grace, for we are not sufficient of our selves)

have done somewhat to recover and save them. Ah dear Bre∣thren! I was in great earnest with you when I besought you out of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, many a time, to give a Bill of Divorce to your sins, and to accept of the match and the mercy that in the name of God Almighty I did there offer to you. Alas! how it pitied me to look over so great a Congregation, and to think that I could not, for my life I could not, perswade them, one quarter of them, in likelihood to be saved? how it moved me to see your diligence in flocking, not only to the stated Exercises, but to the Repetitions and to most ha∣zardous opportunities, for which you are greatly to be com∣mended, since the Law forbad my publike Preaching, and yet to think that many of you that went so far, were like to perish for ever for want of going further. I must praise your diligent attendance on all opportunities: Blessed be God that made a willing ministry and a willing people: for I re∣member how I have gone furnished with a Train! How I went with the multitude to the House of God, with the voice of joy and praises, with the multitude that kept Holy-days. The remembrance of which moves my soul, but, O my flock, my most dear flock, how fain would I carry you farther then the external and outward profession; O! how loath am I to leave you there! How troubled to think that any of you should go far and hazard much for Religion, and yet miscarry for ever by the hand of some unmortified lust! as secret pride or untamed passion, or an unbridled tongue, or which I fear most of all, a predominate love of the World in your hearts. Alas! must it be so, and is there no remedy but I must car∣ry you to Heavens-gate and leave you there! Oh, that I should leave the work of your Souls but half done; and bring you no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 than the almost of Christianity. Hear, O my people, hear, although I may command you, upon your utmost peril in the Name of the Lord Jesus that shall shortly judge you, I beseech you, I warn you as a Father doth his Children, to look to the setling and securing of your everlast∣ing condition; and for life take heed of your resting in the outter-part of Religion, but to be restless till you find the through-change of Regeneration within, that you are quite new in the frame & bent of your hearts: for here is the main of Religion in the hidden man of the heart: For Christs-sake,

for your Soul-sake look to it, that you build upon the Rock, that you be sure in the Foundation-work, that you do 〈◊〉〈◊〉 deliver over your selves to the Lord to be under his command and at his dispose in all things: see that you make no exceptions, no reserve, that you cast over-board all your worldly hopes, and count upon parting with all for Christ: that you take him alone for your whole happiness. Wonder not that I so often inculcate this: If it be well here, it is well all; if unfound here, the ertor is in the Foundation, and you are undone. Brethren, I see great tryals coming, when we shall see Professors fall like leaves in the Autumn, unless they be well setled: therefore is it that I would so fain have you look to your standing, and to secure the main. And for you whose Souls are soundly wrought upon, O make sure whatever you do: get and keep your evidences clear! How dreadful would your temptations be, if you should be called to part with all for Christ, and not be sure of him neither: get a right and clear understanding of the terms of life, which I have set before you in that form of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with God in Christ, that I commended to you. I would that none of you should be without a Copy of it: be much in observing your own hearts, both in duties and out-crying mightily to God for as∣surance: If you cannot discern your estate your selves, go to some body that is able and faithful, and fully open your Case, your Evidences and doubts, and be extraordinary strict and watchful in your whole course, and I doubt not but you will quickly grow up to assurance.

I cannot tell how to make an end, methinks I could write all the day to you, but my straights of time are great, and my Letter already too long, yet I cannot conclude till I have gi∣ven you my unfeigned thanks for your most kind and gra∣cious Letter. Surely it shall be in store with me, and laid up among my Treasures; that God is pleased so to unite your hearts to me, and to make use of me for your edification, is matter of highest joy unto me; as also to see your 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Christ, your unshaken resolutions notwithstanding all the Tempters wiles. Go on, my dearly Beloved, and the Lord strengthen your hands and your hearts, and lift you up above the fears of men. My most dear Brother Norman sa∣lutes you with manifold Loves and Respects, earnestly wish∣ing

that you may wear the Crown of perseverance; as also Brother Turner. The Lord strengthen, establish, settle you, and after you have suffered a while, make you perfect: I leave my Brethen in the everlasting Arms, and rest,

From the common 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at Juelchester, June 13th. 1663.

Your Embassador in bonds, Joseph Alleine.

LETTERS IV. (A Call to the Unconverted.)

To the Beloved People the Inhabitants of the Town of Taunton, Grace, Mercy, and Peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Most endeared and beloved Friends:

I Do most readily acknowledge my self a Debtor to you all, and a Servant of all, and therefore I have sent these few Lines to salute you all. My Lines did fall in a fair place when the Lord did cast my Lot among you; for which I de∣sire to be thankful. God hath been pleased to work a mutual affection between me and you. I remember the Tears and Prayers that you have sent me hither with, and how I saw your hearts in your eyes; How can I forget how you pour∣ed out your Souls upon me. And truly you are a People much upon my heart, whose welfare is the matter of my continual prayers, care, and study. And oh! that I knew how to do you good: Ah? how certainly should never a son of you miscarry if I knew how to save you. Ah! how it pi∣ties

me to think how that so many of you should remain in your sins after so many and so long endeavours to convert and bring them in. Once more, Oh! my Beloved, once more hear the call of the most high God unto yon. The Prison Preaches to you, the same Doctrine that the Pulpit did. Hear, O People, hear; he that hath an ear let him hear. The Lord of Life and of Glory offers you all Mercy, and Peace, and Blessedness: Oh, why should you die! who∣soever will, let him take of the Waters of Life freely; what miss of life when it is to be had for the taking? God forbid. O my Brethren, my Soul yerns for you, and my bowels to∣wards you. Ah! that I did but know what Arguments to use with you: who shall chuse my words for me that I may prevail with sinners not to reject their own Mercy: how shall I get within them? How shall I reach them? Oh! that I did but know the words that would pierce them? That I could but get between their sins and them. Beloved Bre∣thren, the Lord Jesus hath made me, most unworthy, his Spokesman, to bespeak your hearts for him: And oh, that I knew but how to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for him, that I might prevail! these eight years have I been calling, and yet how great a part do remain visibly in their sins, and how few, alas! how few souls have I gained to Christ by sound conversion. Once more I desire with all possible earnestness to apply my self to you, I have thought it may be a Sermon out of a Prison might do that which I could not do after my long striving with you, but have left undone 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then, O Friends, and let us rea∣son together.

Many among you remain under the power of Ignorance: Ah! how often have I told you the dangerous, yea, damna∣ble estate that such are in. Never make excuses, nor flatter your selves that you shall be saved though you go on in this; I have told you often, and now tell you again, God must be false of his Word, if ever you be saved without being brought out of the state of Ignorance: If ever you enter in at the door of Heaven, it must be by the Key of Knowledge, you cannot be saved, except you be brought to the knowledge of the Truth. A people that remain in gross ignorance, that are without understanding, the Lord that made them, will not have mercy on them. O why will you flatter your selves,

and wilfully deceive your own selves? when the God of Truth hath said you shall surely die if you go on in this e∣state: Oh, for the love of God and of your Souls, I beseech you awake and bestir your selves to get the saving knowledge of God: you that are capable of learning a Trade to live by, are you not capable of learning the way to be saved: yea, I doubt not but you are capable if you would but beat your heads about it, and take pains to get it. And is it not pity that you should perish for ever for want of a little pains, and study, and care to get the knowledge of God: Study the Catechism, if possible get it by heart, if not, read it often, or get it read to you, cry unto God for knowledge; improve the little you have by living answerable. Search the Scri∣pture daily, get them read to you if you cannot read them. Improve your Sabbaths diligently, and I doubt not but in the use of these means you will sooner arrive to the knowledge of Christ than of a Trade. But for thee, O hardned sinner, that wilt make thy excuses that thou hast not time nor abili∣ties to get knowledge, and to sit still without it, I pronounce unto thee that thou shalt surely perish: And I challenge thee to tell me, if thou canst, how thou wilt answer it before the most High God when he shall fit in judgement upon thee, that thou wouldest be contented to undergo a seven years Apprentiship to learn how to get thy living, and that thou mightest have got the knowledge of the principles of Re∣ligion in half the time, but thou wouldest not beat thy head about it.

Many are swallowed up in meer profaneness: Alas! that there should be any such in a place of such means and mercies! but it cannot be concealed. Many of them proclaim their sin like Sodom, and carry their deadly Leprosie in their fore∣heads. I am ashamed to think that in Taunton there should be so many Alehouse-haunters and Tiplers, so many lewd Gamesters, and Rioters and debauched livers; so many black mouthed Swearers, who have Oaths and Curses for their common language, so many Raylers at Godliness, and Pro∣sane Scoffers, so many Lyars and deceitful Dealers, and un∣clean and wanton Wretches. O what a long list will these and such like make up, if put together: it saddens me to men∣tion such as these. O how crimsen is their guilt! how often

have you been warned, and yet are still unreformed, yea loose and profane. Yet one warning more have I sent after you from the Lord, to repent. Return, O finners, what! will you run into everlasting burnings with your eyes open?

Repent, O Drunkards or else you shall be shut out of the Kingdom of Heaven, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cor. 6. 9, 10. Repent, O Swearers, else you shall fall into condemnation, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 12. Repent, O Lyars, put away lying, and speak every one truth to his neigh∣bour; else you shall have your part in the Lake that burneth with Fire and Brimstone, Rev. 20. 8. Repent, O Company-kee∣pers, forsake the foolish and live, but a Companion of the wicked shall be destroyed, Prov. 13. 20. Repent you Decei∣vers of your unrighteous dealings, or else you shall have no Inheriance in the Kingdom of God, 1 Cor. 6. 9, 10. The Lord that made us, knows my earnest desire for your conver∣sion and Salvation, and that I speak not this to you out of any evil will toward you, for I would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at your feet to do you good, but out of a sense of your deplorable estate, while you remain in your sins. I know there is mercy for you if you do soundly repent and reform, and bow to the Righteous∣ness and Government of the Lord Christ: but if you go on, and say, you shall yet have peace, I pronounce unto you, that there is no escape, but the Lord will make his wrath to smoak against you, he will wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his Trespasses.

Others have escaped the gross pollutions of the World, but stick in the form of Godliness, and content themselves with a negative Righreousness, that they are no Drunkards, nor Swearers, &c. or at best with an outward conformity to the duties of Religion, or some common workings, instead of a saving. O I am jealous for you that you should not lose the things that you have wrought, and miss your reware for want of sincerity: for the Lords sake put on, and beware of pe∣rishing in the Suburbs of the City of Refuge: beg of God to make through-work with you, and be jealous for your selves; get a right understanding of the difference between a Hypo∣cripe and a sincere Christian, and try you estates much, but only with those marks, that you are sure from the Scripture will abide Gods trial.

But for you that fear the Lord in sincerity, I have nothing but good and comfortable words: I have proclaimed your happiness in the last Token I sent to the Town: I mean the abstract of the Covenant of Grace, upon the Priviledges, comforts, mercies there summed up and set before you. May your souls ever live; what condition can you devise where∣in there will not be abundance of comfort, and matter of joy unspeakable, to you. O Beloved, know your own happiness, and live in that holy admiring, commending, adoring, prai∣sins of your gracious God, that becomes the people of his praise. I have been long, yet methinks I have not emptied half my heart unto you: I trespass much, I fear, upon the Bearer, therefore in haste I commend you to God. The good will of him that dwelt in the Bush be with you all. The Lord Create a defence upon you, and Deliverance for you: the Lord cover you all the day, and make you to dwell between his shoulders; I desire your constant, instant, earnest Pray∣ers for me, and rest,

A willing Labourer, and thank∣ful Sufferer for you, JOS. ALLEINE.

From the common Goale in Juel∣chester, July 4th. 1663.

LETTER, V. [Trust God, and be sincere.]

To my most endeared Friends, the Servants of Christ in Taunton, Grace and Peace.

Most dearly Beloved and longed for, my Joy and Crown:

MY hearts desire and prayer to God for you is, that you may be saved. I know that you are the But of mens rage and malice: but you may satisfie your selves as David in his patient sustaining of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 fury and curses: It may be the Lord will look upon our affliction, and require good for their cursing this day. But however it be for that, be sure to hold on your way: your name indeed is cast forth as evil, and you are hated of all men for Christs-sake, for your profession of his Gospel, and clearing to his Ways and Servants: but let not this discourage you, for you are now more than ever blessed: onely hold fast, that no man take your Crown. Let not any that have begun in the Spirit, end in the flesh. Do not forsake God, till he forsake you; he that endureth to the end shall be saved: The Promise is to him that overcometh; therefore think not of looking back: Now you have set your hands to Christ's 〈◊〉〈◊〉, though you labour hard, and suffer long, the Crop will pay for all: now the Lord is trying what credit he hath in the World, and who they be that will trust him. The unbelieving World are all for present Pay; they must have ready Money, some∣thing in hand, and will not follow the Lord when there is like to be any great hazard and hardship in his Service. But now is the time for you, my Beloved, to prove your selves Belie∣vers, when there is nothing visible but present hazard and expence, and difficulty in your Makers service. Now it will be seen who can trust the Lord, and who thrusts him not:

Now, my Brethren, bear you up, stand fast in the Faith, quit you like men, be strong: now give glory to God by believing. If you can trust in his Promises, for your reward now, when nothing appears but the dispseasure of Rulers, and Bonds, and Losies, and Tribulations on every side, this will be somewhat like Believer. Brethren, I beseech you to reckon upon no other but crosses here. Let none of you dream of an Earthly Paradise, or flatter your selves with Dreams of sleeping in your ease, and temporal Prosperity, and carrying Heaven too. Think not to keep your Estates, and liberties and consciences too: Count not upon rest till you come to the Land of Promise. Not that I would have any of you to run upon hazards uncalled: No, we shall meet them soon enough in the way of our duty, without we will balke it, and shamefully 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉: but I would have you east over-board you worldly hopes, and count not upon an Earthly felicity but be content 〈◊〉〈◊〉 till you come on the other side the Grave. Is it not enough to have a whole eter∣nity of Happiness yet behind? If God do throw in the com∣forts of this life too into the bargain; I would not have you throw them back again, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 despite the goodness of the Lord: But I would, my 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that you should use this World, as not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you should be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the world, and the World 〈◊〉〈◊〉; that you should declare plainly that you seek a Countrey; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Countrey, which is an Heaven∣ly. Ah! my dear 〈◊〉〈◊〉, I beseech you carry it like Pil∣grims and strangers, I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Souls; for what have we to do with the customes and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of this World, who are strangers in 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 contented with. Travellers Lots: know you not that you are in a strange Land? all is well as long as it is well at home; I pray you, Brethren, daily and frequent∣ly to consider your condition and station: Do you not re∣member that you are in 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and what though your be but poorly attended, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 accommodated? though you 〈◊〉〈◊〉, hard, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉? Is this a strange, thing? What should Travellers look for else? Will you set forth in a Jour∣ney, and promise your selves nothing but fair-way and fair weather? Shall a man put forth to Sea and reckon upon no∣thing but the calm? If you were of the World, the World

would love his own. But now God hath chosen you, and cal∣led you out of the World, therefore the World hateth you: But remember, my Brethren, it is your duty to love them, even while they hate you; and to pray for mercy for them that will shew no mercy, nor do no Justice for us. This I desire you to observe as a great duty of the present times: And let not any so far forget their duty and pattern, as to wish evil to them that do evil to us, or to please themselves with the thoughts of being even with them. Let us commit our selves to him that judgeth righteously, and shew our selves the children of the most High, who doth good to his Ene∣mies, and is kind to the unkind and unthankful: And what though they do hate us? Their love, and good-will were much more to be feared, than their hatred, and a far worse sign. Brethren, keep your selves in the love of God; here is Wisdom. O happy Souls, that are his Favourites! For the Lords-sake look to this, make sure of something: look to your sincerity above all things in the World: let not any of you conclude, that because you are of the suffering-par∣ty, therefore all is well: Look to the Foundation, that your hearts be foundly taken off from every sin, and set upon God above as your Blessedness: Beware that none of you have only a name to live, and be no more than almost Christians. For the love of your Souls, make a diligeht search, and try upon what ground you stand, for it heartily pities me to think that any of you should be in so deep, and hazard so much as these must do that will now cleave to the hated ways of people of God, and yet lose all at last for want of being thorow and sound in the main work, I mean con∣version and Regeneration. None so miserable in all the World as an unsound Professor of Religion now is, for he shall be hated and persecured of the World, because he takes up a Profession, and yet rejected of God too, because he sticks in a Profession: But when once you bear the marks of Gods favour, you need not fear the Worlds frowns: Cheer up therefore, Brethren, be strong in the Lord, and of good courage under the Worlds usage: Fear not, in our Fathers House there is bread enough, and room enough; this is suf∣ficient to comfort us under all the inconveniences of the way, that we have so happy a Home, so worthy a Portion, so

ready a Father, so goodly an Heritage, so sure a Tenure. Oh, comfort one another with these words: let God see that you can trust in his Word: let the World see that you can live upon a God. I shall share my Prayers and loves among you all, and commit you to the Almighty God: the Keeper of Israel that never slumbereth not sleepeth, be your Watchman and Keeper to the end, Farewel. I am

A fervent well-wisher of your Temporal and Eternal Happiness, JOS. ALLEINE.

From the common Gaol at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, July 24. 1663.

LETTER, VI. [Look out of your Gravos upon the World.]

To my most dearly Beloved Friends, the chosen of God in Taunton, Grace and Peace.

Most endeared Christians,

MY heart is with you, though I am Absent, as to my Bodlly presence from you, and therefore as I have of∣ten already, so I have now Written to you to stir up your pureminds by way of Remembrance, and to call upon you for your stedfast continuing, and vigorous proceeding in the ways of God. Dear Friends, and fellow Souldiers under Christ the Captain of our Salvation, consider your Calling and Station, and approve your selves as good Souldiers of Jesus Christ, as men of resolution and courage, be discoura∣ged with no difficulties of your present Warsare. As for

humane affairs, I would have you to be as you are, Men of Peace: I would have you Armed not for resisting, God for∣bid, but for Suffering only, as the Apostle hints: You should resist, even to the uttermost, striving against Sin. Here you must give no Quarter, for if you spare but one Agag, the life of your Souls must go for the life of your Sins: you must make no Peace, for God will not smile on that Soul that smiles on Sin, nor have any Peace with him, that is at peace with his Enemy. Other Enemies you must for∣give, and love, and pray for (which I again desire you to mind as one special duty of the times) but for these Spi∣ritual Enemies, all your affections, and all yonr Prayers must be engaged against them; yea, you must admit no Parley: It's dangerous to dispute with Temptations. Re∣member what Eve lost by Parleying with Satan: you must slie from Temptations, and put them off at first with a Pe∣remptory denial. If you will but hear the Devils Arguments, and the Fleshes Pleas, and fair Pretences, it is an hundred to one but you are insnared by his Sophistry. And for this present evil World, the Lord deliver you from its Snares. Surely you had need watch and be sober, and use your spiri∣tual Weapons dexterously and diligently, or else this World is like to undo you, and destroy you. I have often warned you not to build upon an External happiness, and that you should promise your selves nothing but hardship here: Oh still remember your Station; Souldiers must not count upon Rest, and Fulness, but Hunger, and Hardness. Labour to get right apprehensions of the World. Do not think these things necessary; one thing is needful: You may be happy in the want of all outward comforts. Do not think your selves undone, if brought to Want or Poverty: study Eter∣nity, and you will see it to be little material to you, whe∣ther you are Poor or Rich; and that you may have never such an opportunity for your advantage in all your lives, as when you put all to hazard, and seem to run the Vessel up∣on the Rocks. Set your enemies one against the other: Death against the World; no such way to get above the World, as to put your selves into the possession of Death. Look often upon your Dust that you shall be Reduced to, and imagine you saw your Bones tumbled out of your Graces, as they are

like shortly to be, and men handling your Skulls, and enquir∣ing whose is this. Tell me of what account will the World be then, what good will it do you: put your selves often into your Graves, and look out from thence upon the World, and see what Judgement you have of it then. Must not you be shortly forgot among the Dead? your places will know you no more, and your Memory will be no more among men, and then what will it profit you to have lived in fashion and repute, and to have been Men of esteem? one serious walk over a Church-yard, as one speaks, might make a man mor∣tified to the World. Think upon how many you Tread, but you know them not: no doubt they had their Estates, their friends, their Trades, their businesses, and kept as much stir in the World as others do now. But alas, what are they the better for any, for all this? know you not that this must be your own case very shortly: oh the unhappiness of deceived man! how miserably is he bewitched, and befooled, that he should expend himself for that which he knows shall for ever leave him. Brethren, I beseech you lay no stress upon these perishing things, but labour to be at a Holy indifferencie a∣bout them: Is it for one that is in his wits to sell his God, his conscience, his soul, for things that he is not sure to keep a week, nor a day, and which he is sure after a few sleepings and wakings more, to leave behind him for ever? go and talk with dying men, and see what apprehensions they have of the World? if any should come to such as these, and tell them here is such and such preferments for you, you shall have such titles of Honour and delights, if you will now disown Reli∣gion, or subscribe to iniquity; do you think such a motion would be embraced? Brethren, why should we not be wise in time! why should we not now be of the mind of which we know we shall be all shortly! woe to them that will not be wise, till it be to no purpose! woe to them whose eyes no∣thing but Death and Judgement, will open! woe to them that though they have been warned by others, and have heard the Worlds greatest Darlings in Death to cry out of its vanity, worthlesness and deceitfulness, and have been told where and how it would leave them; yet would take no warning, but only must serve themselves to, for warnings to others. All my Beloved, beware there be no worldly Professors among

you, that will part rather with their part in Paradise, than their part in Paris; that will rather part with their Con∣sciences, than with their Estates; that have secret reserves in hearts to save themselves whole, when it comes to the pinch; and not to be of the Religion that will undo them in the World. Beware that none of you have your hearts where your Feet should be, and love your Mammon before your Maker. It is time for you to learn with Paul, to be Crucified to the World.

But it is time for me to remember that 'tis a Letter, and contain my self within my Limits. The God of all Grace, stablish, strengthen, and settle you in these shaking times, and raise your hearts above the fears of the Worlds Threats, and above the Ambition of its favours. My dearest loves to you all, with my servent desire of your Prayers. May the Lord of Hosts be with you, and the God of Jacob your refuge. Fare∣wel my dear Brethren, Farewel, and be strong in the Lord, I am

Yours to serve you in the Gospel, whether by Doing or Suffering. Joseph Alleine.

From the common Gaole at Juelchester, June 31. 1663.

LETTER VII. [First, Christian Marks: 2. Duties.]

To the Beloved, my most endearing, and endeared Friends, the Flock of Christ in Taunton, Sal∣vation.

Most dearly Beloved and longed for, my Joy and Crown:

I Must say of you as David did of Jonathan, Very plea∣sant have you been unto me, and your love to me is won∣derful. And as I have formerly taken great content in that my Lot was cast among you, so through grace I rejoyce in my present Lot, that I am called to approve my love to you by suffering for you; for you, I say: for you know that I have not sought yours but you; and that for doing my duty to your souls, I am here in these Bonds, which I do cheer∣fully accept through the grace of God that strengtheneth me. Oh! That your Souls might be quickened and enlarged by these my Bonds! that your hands might be strengthen∣ed, and your hearts encouraged in the Lord your God by our sufferings! See to it, my dearly Beloved, that you stand fast in the power of the Holy Doctrine which we have Preached from the Pulpit; preached at the Bar; preached from the Prison to you: It is a Gospel worth the suffering for: see that you follow after Holiness, without which no man shall see God: Oh! the madness of the blind World, that they should put from them the only Plank upon which they can scape to Heaven. Surely the Enimies of Holiness are their own Enemies. Alas for them! they know not what they do. What would not these foolish Virgins do at last, when it is too late for a little of the Oyl of the Wise; Oh, for

one dram of that Grace which they have scorned and despi∣sed. But let not any of you, my dear People, be wise too late: Look diligently lest any man fail of the Grace of God. Beware that none of you be cheated through the sub∣tlety of Satan and deceitfulness of your Hearts with counter∣feit grace. There is never a grace but hath its counterfeit: and there is nothing in all the World that is more common or more casie, than to mistake common and counterseit Grace for true and saving: and remember you are undone for evermore, if you should die in such a mistake: Not that I would shake the confidence of any sound Believer, who upon often and through search into the Scripture and his own heart, and putting himself upon Gods tryal, hath gotten good evidence that his Graces are of the right kind: Build your confidence sure: See that you get the knowledge of the certain and infallible marks of Salvation, and make sure by great observing your own hearts that these marks be in you, and then you cannot be too confident. But as you love your souls take heed of a groundless confidence. Take heed of being confident before you have tried. Dear Brethren, I would fain have you all secured against the day of Judge∣ment; I would that the states of your souls were all well setled: Oh how comfortably might you think of any trou∣bles, if you were but sure of your pardons! Were your Sal∣vation out of doubt, no matter though other things were in hazard. I beseech you, whatever you neglect, look to this: I am afraid there are among you that have not made your peace with God yet; that are not yet acquainted with that great work of Conversion: such I would warn and charge before the living God to speed into Christ, and without any more disputes or delayes to put away their iniquities, and to come in and deliver up themselves to Jesus Christ, that they may be saved. It is not your Profession, nor performing external duties, nor partaking of external Priviledges that will save you: No, no, you must be converted or condemned. It is not enough that you have some love and liking to Gods ways and people, and are willing to venture something for them; All this will not prove you sound Christians: Have your hearts been changed? Have you been soundly convin∣ced of your sins? of your damnable and undone condition

in your selves? and your utter inability to lick your selves whole again by your own duties? have you been brought at least to such a sight and sense of sin, as that there is no sin, though agreeable to your constitution, though a support to your gain, but you do heartily abhor it, and utterly disallow of it? are you brought to such a sense of the beauty of holi∣ness, and of the Laws and ways of God, as that you do de∣sire to know the whole mind of God, and would not excuse your selves by ignorance from any duty, and that you do not allow your selves in the ordinary neglect of any thing that conscience charges upon you as a duty? are your very hearts set upon the glorifying and enjoying of God, as your greatest happiness, which you desire more than Corn and Wine and Oyl? had you rather be the holiest than the richest and greatest in the World? and is your greatest delight (ordina∣rily, and when you are your selves) in the thoughts of God, and in your conversings with God in Holy Exercises? Is Christ more precious than all the World to you? and are you willing upon the through consideration of the strictness, and holiness, and self-denying Nature of his Laws, yet to take them all for the rule of your thoughts, words, and acti∣ons? and though Religoin may cost you dear, do you resolve if God will assist you by his Grace, to go through with it, let the cost be what it will? happy the man that is in such a case. This is a Christian indeed, and whatever you be and do short of this, all is unsound. But you that bear in your souls the marks of the Lord Jesus above mentioned, upon you I should lay no other burden, but to hold fast, and make good your ground, and to press forward towards the mark. Thankfully acknowledge the distinguishing grace God to your souls: and live rejoycingly in the hopes of the glory of God, the hopes that shall never make you ashamed: live daily in the praises of your Redeemer: be much in admiring God, and study the worthiness, excellency, and glory of his Attributes: let your souls be much taken up in contemplating and commending his glorious perfection, and blessing your selves in the goodly Portion you have in him: live like those that have a God, and then be disconsolate if you can: If there be not more in an infinite God to comfort you, than in a Prison, or Poverty, or other affliction to deject you, our Preaching is vain, and

your Faith is vain. Let the thoughts of God be your daily repast: and never be satisfied till your hearts run out as freely, naturally, constantly, unweariedly after God, as others do after the World: a little force upon your hearts for a while to turn them into this holy Channel, may quickly come so to habituate your minds to holiness, that they may natu∣rally run that way. But it is time to shut up: Farewel, my dear Brethren, the Lord God Almighty be a protection to you, and your exceeding great reward: Farewel in the Lord. I am

Just now I received your meking Letter, to which I am not able now to return an answer, but shall with speed: your very great affections for me cannot but move me, and make me ready to repeat again the first words of my Letter above. The Lord inable me to return something to you for your great loves; I am sensible I have come very short of my duty to you; but I must needs tell you, my Bowels are moved with your loves, which I hope I shall greatly prize: once more Farewel.

My dear Brother Norman remembers you with much love, desiring that you may be blameless and harmless, the Sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse Nation, among whom ye should shine as lights in the World.

Yours in the Bowels of the Lord Jesus, JOS. ALLEINE.

From the Prison at Juelchester, Septemb. 11. 1663.

LETTER, VIII. [How to shew love to Ministers, and live joyfully.]

To the most Loving and dearly Beloved, my Christian Friends in Taunton, Grace, Mercy, and Peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Most endeared Brethren,

I Have received your moving melting Letter, and could not look over such tender expressions of your working affe∣ctions, without some commotions in my own: I may con∣fidently say, I spent more Tears upon those Lines, than ever you did Ink: Your deep sense of my labours in the Ministry; I cannot but thankfully acknowledge, and take notice of: yet withal, heartily and unseingedly confessing, that all was but the duty which I did owe to your precious and immortal Souls: which God knows, are very much short of my duty. The omissions, imperfections, defects, deadness, that accom∣panied my duties I do own, I must and will own; and the Lord humble me for them. But all that was of God (and that was all that was good) be sure that you give to God alone. To him I humbly ascribe both the Will, and the Deed, to whom alone be Glory for ever.

My dear Brethren, my business as I have often told you, is not to gain your hearts, or turn your eyes towards me, but to Jesus Christ: his Spokesman I am, will you give your hearts to him? will you give your hands, your names to him? will you subscribe to his Laws, and consent to his Offi∣ces, and be at through defiance with all his Enemies? This do, and I have my Errant. Who will follow Christs Colours? who will come under his Banner? this shall be the man that shall be my Friend; this is he that will oblige me for ever. Do these Letters come to none that are yet unsanctified? to do loose sinner? to no ignorant sinner? to no unfound pro∣fessor?

Oh that there were none such indeed! oh that I had left no such behind me! but would they do me a kindness as I believe they would, oh then let them come away to Jesus Christ at this call! lie no longer O sinner, in thy swill, be no more in love with darkness! stick no longer in the skirts and outside of Religion, demure no longer, dispute not and waver no more, halt no further, but strike in throughly with Jesus Christ, except nothing, reserve nothing, but come off throughly to the Lord, and follow him fully. And then happy man that thou shalt be, for thou wilt be made for ever; and joyful man that I shall be, for I shall save a Soul from death. The earnest and pittiful beggings of a poor Prisoner, do use to move some Bowels: hear O Friends, will you do nothing for a Minister of Christ? Nothing for a Prisoner of Jesus Christ? methinks I hear you answer, [yea, rather what will we not do, he shall never want while we have it; he shall need no office of Love, but we will run and Ride to do it.] Yea, but this is not that I beg of you; will you gratifie me indeed? then come in, kiss the Son, bow to the Name of Jesus; not in a Complement, with Cap and Knee, but let your Souls bow, let all your Powers bend Sail, and do him homage. Let that Sacred Name be Gra∣ven into the substance of your hearts, and lie as a bundle of Mirrh between your Breasts. Let me freely speak for him, for he is worthy for whom you shall do this thing; worthy to be beloved of you; worthy to have your very hearts, worthy to be admired, adored, praised, served, glorified to the uttermost by you, and every Creature; worthy for whom you should lay down all, leave all: Can any thing be too much for him? can any thing be too good for him? Or too great for him? come give up all, Resign all, lay it at the Feet of Chrlst Jesus, offer all as a Sacrifice to him, see that you be universally the Lords; keep nothing from him: I know through the goodness of God, that with many of you this work is not yet to do: but this set solemn resignation to the Lord is to be done more than once; and to be followed with an answerable practice when it is done: See that you walk worthy of the Lord? but how? in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost; let these two go toge∣ther. So shall you adorn the Doctrine of God our Saviour:

and experience, the Heavenly felicity of a Christians life: while Holiness is made the Butt of others Persecution, do you make it the white, the mark of your prosecution; that you live it up, as much as others cry it down. O watch, and keep your Garments about you; the plain, but comely clothing of hu∣mility, the seamless Coat of Christian unity, the strait and close Garment of strictness, mortification and Self-denial, the warm Winter-garment of love and charity, this Garment will keep you warm in the Winter: love will not be quenched by the Waters, nor cooled by the nipping Frosts of persecu∣tion and opposition. Cleave fast to Christ, never let go your hold; cling the faster, because so many are labouring to knock off your fingers, and loosen your hold. Hold fast your Profession, hold fast your Integrity, hold fast the beginning of your confidence stedfast to the end: If you do but keep your hold, and make good your ground, and keep your way; all that the World can do, and all that the powers of dark∣ness can do, can never do you harm. Keep your own Vin∣yard with constant care and watchfulness, and be sure that there be no Inroad made upon your consciences, that the E∣remy do not get between you and home, between your souls and God; and then let who or what will assail you without, you need not fear: let this be your daily exercise, to keep your consciences void of offence: keep fair weather at home, however it be abroad. But I would not only that you should walk holily, but that you should walk comfortably: But I need say the less to this, because the fear of the Lord, and the comfort of the Holy Ghost, do lie together. Oh the provi∣sion God hath made for your continual joy and comfort! dear Brethren, do but understand your own blessedness, happy men that you are, if you did but know and consider it; who would count himself poor and miserable that hath All the fulness of the Godhead for his: sound in this deep: can you find any bottom? take the heighth of the Divine Perfections if you can, till then you cannot tell your own felicity. Take a servey of Immensity, tell me the longitude or latitude of infinite goodness and mercy, of the Eternal Diety: if you can do this, you may guess at your own hap∣piness. Oh Christians! live like your selves, live worthy of your Portion, of your Priviledge, and your glorious prerogatives.

I am in haste, and it is time for me to end; how∣ever, that you may walk worthy of your glorious hopes, and may live answerably to the mercies you have received from above, is the great desire of

Your Souls fervent well wisher in the bonds of affliction and tribvlation. JOS. ALLEINE.

From the Prison at Juelchester, September 18. 1663.

LETTERS IX. [Easie Sufferings.]

To the most Loving and Beloved, my Christian Friends at Taunton, Salvation:

DEarly Beloved and longed for, my Joy and Crown, for whom I am an Embassadour in Bonds: what thanks to render to God in your behalf, I know not, for your ser∣vent charity towards me, and all the servants of my Lord, for all your labours of love, for all your diligence, and boldness, and resolution, in owning the despised ways, and hated ser∣vants of the Lord Jesus, in an evil day. The Lord is not un∣righteous to forget this: Is not this upon record with him, and sealed up among his Treasures? surely the Lord will have mercy upon Taunton: I have no doubt but that the God of your Mercies hath yet a choice blessing in store for you; be not weakned by my Bonds. Glory be to God in the Highest, that he hath accounted me worthy not only to Preach the Gospel to you, but also to confirm it by the parting with my much valued liberty, so dear a People, so sweet Relati∣ons, comforts, conveniencies, which I enjoyed in all abun∣dance when I was with you. When I look back upon all the circumstances of the late Providence, I must say as they of

Christ upon his Miracles, He hath done all things well; it is all as I would have it, I am fully satisfied in my Fathers good pleasure. Verily there is no little honour and happiness, no little Peace and Privilidge in these Bonds. Verily all is true that I have told you of the All-sufficiency of God, of the ful∣ness of Christ, of the satisfactoriness of the promises of the peace, tranquility, content, and security, that is to be had in a life of Faith. Surely methinks I should be content to seal to these things at a much dearer rate than this; but my gratious Fa∣ther will not put me to the hardest Lesson at first: oh what reason have I to speak good of his name! what else should I do all my days, but love, and fear, and preach, and praise, so good a God? when I look back upon the gentle dealings of God with me, I often think he hath brought me up as indul∣gently as David did Adonijah, of whom it is said, His Father had not displeased him. I have received nothing but good at the hands of the Lord all my days; and now he doth begin to afflict, I see so much Mercy in this very Gaol, that I must be more thankful for this than for my prosperity. Surely the name of the place is, The Lord is here: Surely it may be cal∣led Peniel. Be strong in the Lord, my Brethren, be patient, stablish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draws nigh. In nothing be terrified by your adversaries. Now let those that fear the Lord be often speaking one to another. I hear that Satan is practising to send more of you after me: I de∣sire and pray for your liberty: but if any of you be forced hither for the the testimony of the Gospel, I shall embrace you with both arms. Fare you well, my most dearly Beloved: be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of Love and Peace shall be with you. My Bre∣thren in Bonds salute you with much affection, rejoycing to behold your order and the stedfastness of your Faith in Christ: share my heart among you, and know that I am

The willing Servant of your Faith and Joy, Joseph Aleine.

From the common Gaol at Juelchester, September 28. 1663.

LETTER, X. [The Love of Christ.]

To my Beloved in the Lord, the Flock of Christ in Taunton, Grace and Peace.

Most Loving and best Beloved,

MY heart is with you, my affections are espoused to you. And methinks I could even say with the Apostle, (you are in my heart, to live and die with you:) and who can but love where they have received so much love (and continually do) as I have from you! the Lord require your love which is great (and if compared with his, but little) with his which is infinite; this is a love worthy of your ambition, worthy of your adoration and admiration. This is the Womb that bore you from eternity, and out of which have burst forth all the Mercies, Spiritual and Temporal, that you enjoy. This was the love that chose you, when less Offenders, and those that being converted, might have been a hundred fold more serviceable to their Makers Glory, are left to perish in their fins: May your souls be filled with the sense of this love. But it may be you will say, how shall I know if I am an ob∣ject of Electing love? least an unbelieving thought should damp your joy; know in short, that if you have chosen God, he hath certainly chosen you. Have you taken him for your blessedness? and do you more highly prize, and more dili∣gently seek after conformity to him, and the fruition of him than any, than all the goods of this World? If so, then away with doubts, for you could not have loved, and have cho∣sen him, unless he had loved you first. Now may my Be∣loved dwell continually in the thoughts, the views, the tastes of the love. Get you down under its shadows, and taste its pleasant Fruits. Oh the Provisions that love hath made for you, before the Foundation of the World! Ah silly dust, that ever thou shouldest be thought upon so long before thou wast: that the contrivances of the infinite Wisdom, should be taken up about thee! that such a Crawling thing, such a

Mire, a Flea, should have the consultations of the Eternal Diety exercised about thee! verily his love to thee is wonder∣ful. Lord what is man! thou tellest us he is Dust and Vanity, a Worm, nothing, less than nothing; how then dost thou love him! oh wonderful! be astonished yea Heavens at this: be moved ye strong foundation of the Earth. Fall down yea El∣ders, strike up ye Heavenly Quires, and sing yet again, Glory to God in the highest: for all our strings would crack to reach the Notes of love, praise, and admiration that this love doth call for. Oh that ever emptiness and vanity, should be thus prized! that Jehovah should make account of so worthless, so useless a thing as man! that ever baseness should be thus preferred! that ever nothing should be thus dignified! that ever rottenness should be thus advanced, a Clod, a shaddow, Potsheard, should be thus glorified! Oh Brethren, study I beseech you, not to require or retaliate (there's impossi∣bility, and blaspemy in such a thought) but to admire and imi∣tate his love. Let love constrain you, let love put you upon doing, and prepare you for suffering; forget not a love so memorable, undervalue not a love so unvaluable; I would have you all the captives of love: may the cords of love draw you towards, and knit you to your Redeemer; may the di∣vided streams be united in him. Alas, that our souls are so narrow, that the Waters are so shallow with us! how little, how very little would our love be, it he had it all, infinitely less than the Glow-worm to the Sun, or the Attome to the Universe? and have we any of this little to spare for him? oh that we might love him with our little All! that all our little powers were ingaged for him! Brethren, here is no excess: oh love the Lord ye his Saints! he is worthy for whom you shall do this. Do but think what love hath done for you, and think if you can, what it means to do for you. This is the love that yarned upon you, when in your Blood no eye pity∣ing you. This is the love that took you up when you were Robbed, and wounded, and left for dead, and poured in Wine and Oyl into your wounds. This is that love that reprieved, and spared, and pardoned, when the Law had condemned you, and Justice would have had you delivered up; and your Self-condemning consciences gave up all for lost, concluding there was no hope. This is the love, the expensive love

that bought you from the power of darkness, from the eternal burnings, the devouring fire in which you must otherwise have dwelt. Do you not remember how you were hungry, and it fed you, naked and it cloathed you, strangers and it took you in, sick and it visited you, in Prison and it came unto you? you were dead and are alive, you were lost and are found. And me thinks I see how love runs to meet you, and falls upon your necks, and kisseth the Lips that deserve to be loathed, and rejoyces over you, and makes a Festival, and as it were a Holiday in Heaven for you, inviting Angels to re∣joyce. And if the friends do rejoyce, how much more doth the father? for saith he, These my Sons were dead and are alive, were lost aud are found. Oh melting love! ah Brethren, how strange is this, that our recovery should be Heavens triumph, the joy of God and Angels. That this love should feast us, and feast over us, and our Birth day should be kept in Heaven: that this should be the round at Heavens Table, and the bur∣den of the Songs above: [For this my Son was dead, and is alive,] and well, what remains but that you should be ano∣ther manner of People, than ever yet you have been, more Holy, more humble, more even, more resolved, more lively, more active? where is your Zeal for the Lord of Hosts? will slender returns suffice you in answer to such a love? God forbid. But necessity calls me off from going any further. May the love that chose you, and redeemed you, for ever dwell in you, and overshaddow you, and bear you safe to the Kingdom. In the Holy Arms of Divine Love I desire to leave you. May you live under its daily Influences, and be melted and overcome with its warming Beams, with its quickning, piercing, powerful Rays. My most dear love, to you all. See that you live not in a dull, fruitless, liveless course. Be patient, be watchful, instant in Prayer, servent in Spirit, serving the Lord: I am very healthful and chearful through grace. See that none of these things move you that befal us. Fare you well my dear Brethren, farewel in the Lord, I am

Yours in the strongest Bonds of Affection, and Affliction. JOS. ALLEINE.

From the Prison at Jeulchester, Octob. 25. 1663.

LETTER, XI. [Remember Christ crucified, and crucifie Sin.]

To the Faithful and Well-beloved People, the Servants of Christ in Taunton, Salvation:

Most dear Christians,

I Am by Office a Remembrancer, the Lords Remembrancer for you and your Remembrancer in the behalf of Christ-My business is, with the Apostle, to stir up your pure minds by way of Remembrance. And what or whom should I re∣member you of, but your most mindful Friend, your Inter∣cessour with the Father, who hath you alwayes in remem∣brance, appearing in the presence of God for you? May his Memory ever live in our Hearts, though mine should die: Oh Remember his Love more than Wine, Remember in what a Case he found you, and yet nothing could anihelate his Heart, nor divert the purpose of his Love from you: He loathed not your Rags nor your Rottenness: He found you in a loathsome Vomit and filthiness, in a nasty and Verminous Tatters, (think not these expressions too odious: No Pen can describe, no Heart can imagine the odiousness of sin in his sight, in which you lay and rolled your selves as the fil∣thy Swine in the mire) Yet he pitied you, his Bowels were moved, and his Compassions were kindled, when one would have thought his wrath should have boiled and his indignation have burned down to Hell against you: he loathed not, but loved you, and washed you from your sins in his own Blood: Ah monstrous and polluted Captives? Ah vile and putrid Carkases? that ever the holy Jesus should take the hands of you, and should his own self wash you, and wrinse you! methinks I see him weeping over you; and yet it was a

wore costly Bath by which he cleansed you. Ah Sinners! look upon the streaming Blood flowing out wharm from his blessed Body, to fetch out the ingrained filthiness that you by sin had contracted. Alas! what a horrid filthiness in sin, that nothing but the blood of the Covenant could wash a∣way! and what a love is Christs, than when no Sope nor Nitre could suffice to cleanse us, when a whole Ocean could not wash nor purifié us, would opon every vein of his heart to do the work! look upon your crucified Lord: do you not see a sacred stream flowing out of every Member? Ah, how those Holy Hands, those unerring Feet do run a stream to purge us! Alas, how that innocent Back doth Bleed with cruel scourgings to save ours! how the great drops of Blood fall to the ground from his sacred Face in his miracu∣lous sweat, in his bitter and bloody Agony, to wash and beautifie ours! how his wounded hearts and side twice pierced, first with love and pity; and then with Souldiers cruelly do pour out their healthful and saving Flouds upon us? Lord, how do we make a shift to forget such a love as this! ah mirrors or rather Monsters of ingratitude, that can be unmindful of such a Friend! do we thus requite him: is this our kindness to such an obliging friend! Christians, where are your affections? to what use do you put your faculties? what have you memories for:but to remember him! What have you the power of loving for, but that you should love him? wherefore serves joy or desire, but to long for him and delightfully to embrace him? may your souls and all their Powers be taken up with him: May all the little Doors of your souls be set open to him. Here fix your thoughts, here terminate your desires; here you may light your Candle and kindle your Fire when almost out. Rub and chase your hearts well with the deep consideration of the love of Christ, and it is a wonder if they do not get some warmth. The Lord shed abroad his love in your hearts by the Holy Ghost: Oh! that this love might constrain you! Brethren what will you do now for Jesus Christ. Have you never a Sacrifice to lay upon his Altar? come, and I will shew you what you shall do, let your hands be in the blood of your sins, fall foul with them, search them out with diligence, search your hearts and your houses; whatever iniquities you find there, out

with them, put them far from your Tabernacles; if you crucifie them not, you are not Jesus his Friends. Godfor∣bid that there should be a lying Tongue, or any way of de∣ceit in your Shops. That his service should give place to the World in your Families. Far be it from any of you, my Bre∣thren, that you should be careful to teach your children and servants the way of your Trades and Callings, and neglect to instruct them in the way of Life. Is weekly Catechising up in every one of your Families? The Lord convince any of you that may be guilty of this neglect: Oh! set up God in your Houses; and see that you be not slovenly in Closet performances: beware of serving the Lord negligently; serve not the Lord with that which costs you nothing: look to it that you content not your selves with a cheap and easie Religion. Put your flesh to it: be well assured that the Re∣ligion that costs you nothing will yeeld you nothing: keep up the life of Religion in your Family and Closet duties. Fear nothing like a customary and careless performance of Gods Service. Judge your own selves whether lazie wishes, idle complaints, and yawning Prayers are like to carry you through the mighty difficulties that you must get through if ever you come to Heaven. When you find your selves going on in a liftless, liveless, heartless course, and have no mind to your work, ask your selves, is this to take the Kingdom of Heaven by violence, or can I hope to win it without? see that you sacrifice your selves to the Lord, that you deliver up your selves to him, that now you live to Christ himself. As Christ hath made over his life and death to you, so let it be your care to live and die to him: labour to forget your selves and look upon all your enjoyments as Christs goods; upon your time, parts, strength, as his Talents: look upon your selves only in the quality of Servants and Stewards that are to husband all these for your Lords advantage, and as those that must give an account. And pray for me that I may take the Counsel that I give. I bless the Lord, I want nothing but the opportunity of being serviceable unto you, and to enjoy you: but I hope the Lord will make my bonds for you to be useful to your edification; that is the White I aim at, if I may glorifie God, and serve your Souls best by being here, I shall never wish to come out, though I confess

liberty of its self is very precious. Finally, Brethren, Fare∣wel: be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of Love and Peace shall be with you, I am

My dear Brother Norman salutes you tenderly, desiring you to be patient, to stablish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

The ready Servant of your Faith and Joy, JOS. ALLEINE.

From the Prison at Juelchester, Octob. 14. 1663.

LETTER XII. [For daily Self-Examination.]

To the most Beloved People, the Flock of Christ in Taunton, Salvation.

Most dear Brethren:

I Would my time were as long as my heart, that I might open my self to you; but I was not without some dis∣content diverted, when I was setting my self to have Writ∣ten at large to you. Now I am pinched, however I could not leave my dear charge altogether unvisited, but must needs salute you in a few Lines. Brethren, how stands it with you? doth the main work go on? do your souls pro∣sper? This is my care, beware that you Flag not, that you faint not now in the evil day. I understand that your dan∣gers grow upon you, may your Faith and courage and reso∣lution grow accordingly, and much more abundantly to over∣top them. Some of your enemies I hear are in great hopes to satisfie their Lusts upon you: well, be not discouraged my dear Brethren, but bless the Lord who of his abundant Mercy, hat so remarkably preserved you so long beyond all expectation. Let it not be a strange thing to you, if the Lord do now call you to some difficulty: forsake not the Assembling of your selves together, as the manner of some is. I plainly see the Coal of Religion will soon go out, unless it have some better helps to cherish it, then a Carnal Ministrie, and lifeless Administration. Dear Brethren, now is the time for you that fear the Lord, to speak often one to another: manage your duties with what prudence you can, but away with that Carnal prudence, that will decline duty to avoid danger. Is the Communion of Saints worth the venturing for? Shut not up your doors against Godly Meet∣ings.

I am told that it is become a hard matter, when a Mi∣nister is willing to take pains with you to get place: Far be this from you my Brethren. What, shut out the World! sup∣pose there be somewhat more danger to him that gives the Minister entertainment? Is there not much more advantage accordingly? did not Obed Edom, and his House, get the bles∣sing by entertaining the Ark there? or do you think God hath never a Blessing for those that shall with much Self-denial en∣tertain his Messengers, his Saints, his Worship? are you be∣lievers, and yet are affraid you shall be loosers by Christ? do you indeed not know that he that runs most hazard for Christ, doth express most love to Christ, and shall receive the greatest reward? away with that unbelief, that prefers the present safety, before the future glory.

I left you some helps for daily Ezamination, I am jealous least you should grow slack, and slight, and careless in that duty. Let me ask you in the name of the Lord, doth ne∣ver a day pass you, but you do solemnly and seriously call your selves to an account, what your carriage hath been to God and Men? speak conscience, Is there never an one within the hearing of this Letter, that is a neglecter of this duty? doth every one of your Consciences acquit you? Oh that they did! oh that they could! tell me, would not some of you be put shrewdly to it, if I should ask you when you read or thought over the Questions that were given you for your help? and would you not be put to a blush, to give me an answer? And will you not be much more ashamed, that God and Conscience should find you tardy? not that I would necessarily bind you up to that very Method, only till you have found a way more profitable: I would desire you, yea, methinks I cannot but deeply charge you, to make dai∣ly use of that. Awake conscience, and do thou fall upon that Soul that thou findest careless in this work, and never let him be at rest till thou canst witness for him, that he is a daily and strict observer of himself, and doth live in the constant practice of this duty. What shall neither Gods charge, nor your promise, nor profit hold you to your work? yet I may not doubt, but some of you do daily perform this duty. The Lord incourage you in it: yet give me leave to ask you what you have gained? are you grown more universally con∣sciences,

more strict, more humble, and more sensible of your many and great defects, then you were before? If so, blessed are you of the Lord; if otherwise, this duty hath been per∣forme but slightly by you. What can you say to this que∣stion? doth your care of your ways abate, or doth it increase, by the constant use of this duty? If it abate, remember from whence you are fallen, and repent; as good not do it at all, as not to the purpose.

My Pen is apt to run, when I am writing unto you. I be∣seech you, that my Letters may not be as so much waste Pa∣per to you; may they be provocations to your duty, and Medicines to any corruptions that they meet with; Oh that they might find out mens sins, and excite their graces! I have run much farther than I thought I should have done, but now I am called upon, and must shut up. The Lord God be a Sun and a Shield to you. My most dear Love to you all, fare you well in the Lord, I am

Your Embassador in Bonds, JOS. ALLEINE,

From the common Gaol at Juel∣chester, October 20. 1663.

LETTER, XIII. [Motives and Marks of Growth.]

To the most Loving, and best Beloved, the Servants of Christ in Taunton, Grace and Peace:

Most dear and tender Friends:

WHose I am, and whom under God I desire to serve; to build you up in Holiness, and comfort hath been through grace my great ambition. This is that which I labour∣ed for; this is that which I suffer for: and in short the end of all my applications to you, and to God for you. How do your Souls prosper? are they in a thriving case? what pro∣gress do you make in Sanctification? doth the house of Saul grow weaker and weaker, and the house of David stronger and stronger? beloved, I desire to be jealous of you with a Godly jealousie, lest any of you should lose your ground in these declining times: and therefore cannot but be often calling upon you to look to your standing, and to watch and hold fast, that no man take your Crown. Ah! how surely shall you reap in the end if you faint not! take heed therefore that you lose not the things you have wrought, but as you have be∣gun well, so go on in the strength of Christ, and give diligence to the full assurance of hope to the end, 'tis your thriving, I tell you, I drive at.

Do you need Motives?] 1. How much are you behind-hand? Oh, the fair advantages that we have lost! what time, what Sabboths, Sormons, Sacraments, are upon the matter lost? how much work have we yet to do? are you sure of Heaven yet? are you fit to die yet? surely they that are in so much Poverty, under so many great wants, had need to set upon some more thriving courses.

Secondly, Consider what others have gained, whilst we it may be sit down by the loss: Have we not met many Veslels richly laden, while our Souls are empty? Oh, the rich Boo∣ties, the golden Prizes that some have won, while we have solded the hands to sleep! have not many of our own stand∣ing in Religion lest us far behind them?

Thirdly, Consider what a spending time there is coming: Af∣fliction and Tribulation seem to be not far from you: had you not need to be well stocked against such a day? go to the Ant thou sluggard, she layeth up her meat in the Summer. Happy man that can say to his Soul on good grounds, what he vainly spake, Thou hast much goods laid up for many years: Who will not Victual the Castle against the Siege? and the Ship against the Voyage?

Fourthly, Consider you will find all little enough when you come to die: the Wise among the Virgins have no Oyl to spare at the coming of the Bridegroom: distress and temptations, and death will put all your Graces to it. How much ado have many poor Saints had at last to put into this harbour? David cries for respire till he had recovered a little more strength.

Fifthly, Consider how little it will avail you to thrive in your Estates, and not thrive in your Souls: Poor Gehazi! what did he get by it when he gained Naamans Talents, and came off with his Leprofie?

Sixthly, Consider how short your time for gathering in proba∣bility is: the Israelites gathered twice so much Manna against the Sabbath as they did at other times, because at that time there was no Manna fell. Brethren, you know not how long you have to lay in for.

Seventhly, Consider Gods expectations are great from you: he hath been lopping and pruning you, and now he looks for more fruit: he hath had you for some time under his more severer Discipline, and therefore expects you should be bet∣ter proficient: he hath tried new means with you, and is come to you with a Rod; and he will be angry with a witness if he do not find you now to mend. Times of Afflictions use to be gaining times to Gods People; God forbid that you alone should be losers.

Do you ask for marks how you may know your souls be in a thriving case?

First, If your appetites be more strong. Do you thirst after God, and after grace, more than heretofore? do your cares for and desires after the World abate? and do you hunger and thirst after righteousness! whereas you were wont to come with an ill-will to holy duties, do you come to them as a hungrie Stomach to its Meats?

Secondly, If your Pulses meat more even. Are you still off and on, hot and cold. Or is there a more even spun thred of holiness through your whole course? do you make good the ground from which you were formerly often beaten off?

Thirdly, If your Natural heat do grow more vigorous, and your digestion more quick. Do you take more notice of God in eve∣ry thing, than heretofore? and let none of his works, nor words pass without some careful attention, and observation? do you ponder upon, and pray over his Word, and his Pro∣vidences?

Fourthly, If you do look more to the Compass, and latitude of Religion, and mind more than ever, the carrying on together the duties of both Tables. Do you not only look to the keep∣ing if your own Vineyards, but do you begin to look more abroad, and to lay out your selves for the good of others, and are filled with zealous desires for their conversion, and salva∣tion? do you manage your talk and your Trade, by the rules of Religion?

Do you eat and sleep by rule? doth Religion form, and mould, and direct your carriage towards Husband, Wife, Pa∣rents, Children, Masters, Servants! do you grow more uni∣versally conseiencious? Is piety more diffusive than ever with you, doth it come more abroad with you, out of your Clossets into your Houses, your Shops, your Fields? doth it journey with you, and buy and sell for you? hath it the casting voice in all you do?

Fifthly, If the duties of Religion be more easie, sweet, and delightful to you. Do you take more delight in the Word than ever? are you more in love with secret Prayer, and more abundant in it? cannot you be content with your 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dinary Seasons, but are ever and anon making extraordinary

Visits to Heaven? and upon all occasions turning aside to talk with God in some short Ejaculations? are you often darting up your souls Heaven-wards? Is it meat and drink of you, to do the Will of God? do you come off more freely with God, and answer his Calls, and open at his knocks, with more Alacrity and readiness of mind?

Sixthly, If you are more abundant in those duties which are most displeasing to the Flesh. Are you more earnest upon the duty of Mortification? are you more strict and severe than ever in the duty of daily Self-examination, and holy Medita∣tion? do you hold the Reigns harder upon the Flesh than ever? do you keep a stricter watch upon your Appetites? do you set a stronger guard upon your Tongues? have you a more jealous eye upon your hearts?

Sevently, If you grow more vile in your own eyes. Pride is such a choaking Weed, that nothing will prosper naer it. Do you grow more out of love with mens esteem, and set less by it? are you not marvellous tender of being slighted? can you rejoyce to see others preferred before you? can you heartily value, and love them that think meanly of you?

Eighthly, If you grow more quick of sense, more tender of sin∣ning, more sensible of Divine influences, or withdrawings. Are you more affraid of sin than ever? are your sins a greater pain to you than heretofore? are your very infirmities, your great afflictions? and the daily workings of corruption a con∣tinual grief of mind to you?

Ninthly, If you are acted more by love to God and Faith in these Promises. Fear is a slavish principle: do you find that you are acted less by fear, and more by love? do you look more fre∣quently to the things not seen than ever? and doth the World abate in your esteem? do you go more out of your selves? do you live upon Christ as the Spring of your life, and make more use of him upon all occasions than ever? do you prize the Promises more, and hug and imbrace them with greater dearness, and live more upon them.

Tenthly, If you grow of a more publick Spirit. A selfish Spirit is unworthy of a Christian: are the common concern∣ments of Gods Glory, and the prosperity of the Church, much upon your hearts? will it no way content you to dwell in plenty, peace, and safety your selves, except you may see

peace upon Israel? do the wounds in Gods Name and Glory go deep into you? are the sins of others your sorrows?

Time, and room, and strength fails to add means too, as I intended. I have trespassed in length already, may these be helps to you to put you forward, and to help you in discern∣ing your growth. I must conclude abruply, and commend you to God with my dear loves to you all, I take leave, and can only tell you that I am,

Yours in the Lord Jesus, JOS. ALLEINE.

From the Prison at Juelchester, Octob. 31. 1663.

LETTER XV. [Perswasion to Sinners, and comfort to Saints]

To my dearly Beloved, the Inhabitants of the Town of Taunton, Grace, Mercy, and Peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Most dearly Beloved:

I Have been through mercy many years with you, and should be willingly so many years a Prisoner for you, so I might eminently and effectually further your Salvation. I must again, yea again, and again thank you for your abun∣dant and intire affections to me, which value as a great mercy, not in order to myself, if I know my own heart, but in order to your benefit, as I may thereby be a more likely, Instrument to further your good. Surely, so much as I do value your love, which is not a little, yet had I rather (if I am not unacquainted with my self) be forgotten and forsa∣ken of you all, and buried in oblivion, So that your eyes and hearts might be hereby fixed on Christ, and sincerely engaged to him. Brethren, I have not bespoken your affe∣ctions for my self: O that I might win your hearts univer∣sally to Jesus Christ, though I had lost them for ever! O that I might be instrumental to convert, you to him though you were diverted from me. I am perswaded that I should much rather choose to be hated of all, so this might be the means to have Christ honoured, and set up savingly in the hearts of you all. And indeed there is nothing great but in order to God; nothing is much material or considerable as it is terminated in us: It matters not whether we are in Riches or poverty, in sickness or Health, in honour or disgrace, so Christ may be by us, magnified in the condition we are

in. Welcome Prison and Poverty, welcome Scorn and En∣vy, welcome pains or contempt, if by these Gods glory may be most promoted. What are we for but for God? what doth the Creature signifie separated from his God? why just so much as the Cypher separated from the Figure, or the letter from the Syllable, we are nothing or nothing worth, but in reference to God and his ends. Better were it that we had never been, than that we should not be to him. Bet∣ter that we were dead than we should live, and not to him. Better that we had no understandings than that we should not know him. Better that we were Blocks and Bruits than that we should not use our Reason for him. What are our In∣terests unless as they may be subservient to his Interest? or our esteem or reputation, unless we may hereby glorifie him? do you love me? I know you do: but who is there that will leave his sins for me? I mean at my requests: with whom shall I prevail to give up himself in strictness and self denial to the Lord? who will be intreated by me to set upon ne∣glected duties, or reform accustomed sins? O wherein may you rejoyce me? in this, in this, my Brethren, in this you shall befriend me, if you obey the voice of God by me, if you be prevailed with to give your selves up throughly to the Lord? would you lighten my burden? would you loosen my bonds? would you make glad my heart? let me hear of your own∣ing the ways and servants of the Lord in adversity, of your coming in, of your abiding and patient continuing in the ways of holiness. O that I could but hear that the prayer∣less Souls, the prayerless Families among you, were now gi∣ven to prayer! that the prosane sinner would be awakened, and be induced by the preaching of these Bonds, which here∣tofore would not be prevailed with, to leave their drunkenness their loose company, their lying and deceit, and Wanton∣ness, by all the threatnings of God that cou'd be pronounced against them, nor all the beseechings, wooings, and entrea∣ties that I was able to use with them! will you not be made clean? when shall it once be? how long shall the patience of God wait for you? how long shall the Lord Jesus stretch our his hands toward you? O sinners, cast your selves into his Arms? Why should you die? Why will you forsake your

own Mercy? will you perish when mercy wooes you? con∣fess and forsake your sins, and you shall find mercy: will you part with Christ, and sell your Souls to perdition for a little ease and delight to your flesh? or a little of the gain of un∣righteousness? or a little Ale or vain mirth, or loose com∣pany? why these are the things that part between Sinners and Christ.

I know many are spun with a finer thred, and are not so far from the Kingdom of God, as the prayerless, ignorant, Sab∣bath-breaking, intemperate sort are. But I must once again warn you of staying in the Suburbs of the City of Refuge. O what pity is it that any should perish at the Gates! that any should escape the pollutions of the world and do many things, yea, and suffer it may be too, and yet should fall short of the glory of God, for want of a through work of grace! Oh you halting Christians, that halt between Christ and the World, that are as Ephraim like a Cake not turned, dow-baked, Pro∣fessors, that have Lamps without Oyl, that cry, Lord, Lord, but do not the will of our Father which is in Heaven! how long will you stay in the place of the breaking forth of Chil∣dren? and stick between the Womb and the World? your Religion will carry you among the profane despisers of God∣liness, but do own the people of the Lord, and do love the Ministers and Ordinances, therefore all is well. I tell you, God∣liness is a heart-work, it goes deep, and spreads far: unless the frame of your hearts, and the drists of your course be changed, unless you be universally conscientious, and unreser∣vedly delivered up to the Lord for all times, and conditions whatever be the cost, you are none of Christs, how far soever you go in common workings and external performances. Hear then, O people, and let nor profaneness swallow you up: let not an almost Christianity deceive you, orignorance carry you blindfold to perdition. Oh the thousands, and ten thousands that have been undone by one of these! Ah how often have you been warned against them, least you should split against these dangerous Rocks. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, said Christ, and O Taunton, Taunton, may I say from him, how often? who can tell how often, would Gods servants have gathered you, and you would not? many, very many of you would not. But will you now? will you yet come in? I cannot

forbear once more, even out of the Prison to call after poor Sinners, and make one tender of mercy more. O come to the Waters of Life, wash you, make you clean; read with diligent observation, the melting passages, Prov. 1. 22. to the end, Isa. 1. 16, 21. Isa. 55. 6, 10. Oh obdurate Sinners, if none of these things move you!

But for you, whose very hearts are set against every sin, and are deliberately resolved for God and Holiness before all the Worlds delight; you that have experience of a thorow change, and are brought to have respect to all Gods Com∣mandments, who will have none but God for your happiness, none but Christ for your Treasure, that must and will have him, come what will come, blessed are you of the Lord: O happy Souls rejoyce in the Lord, and again, I say, Rejoyce: let your Souls magnifie the Lord, and your spirits rejoyce in God your Saviour. Live you a life of praise, you are highly favoured of the Lord, your Lines are fallen in a pleasant place: only stick you fast to your choice: Beware lest any man beguile you of your reward: watch and keep your Gar∣ments about you, lest you walk naked, and men see your shame. Many will be plucking to pull you out of Christs hands; but the harder they pluck, the harder do you cling, and cleave to him, and the better hold fast do you take of him: Blessed is he that overcometh.

And now the God of Heaven fill you all with himself, and make all Grace to abound in you, and toward you, and that he may be a Sun to comfort you, and a Shield of protection to you, and shine with his happy Beams of Grace and Glory on you all: Farewel in the Lord, I am

Yours in the Bonds of the Gospel, JOSEPH ALLEINE.

August, 28. 1663.

LETTER, XVI. [How to live to God.]

To the Beloved People, the Inhabitants of the Town of Taunton, Grace and Peace:

Most endeared Christians,

TO tell you I love and long for you seems somewhat needless. I cannot doubt of your confidence that you have a deep share in my tenderest affections: for this let my labours among you, and the hazards for you speak, rather that I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 self. Beloved, I am, without a Complement the devoted servant of your souls prosperity, and the interest of Christ in you: may the Lord Jesus be set up higher in your hearts; may his name ever live in you, and be magnified by you, and I have what I ask. If this work be not promoted a∣mong you, I shall account all my letters but waste Paper, and all my pains but last labour. Brethren, I beseech you, that none of you live to your selves, for this were directly to cross the very end of Christ's death: for therefore he died that you should not live to your selves, 2 Cor. 5. 15. Oh live to him that died for you! live to him that is the God of your life! live to him that bought your lives with the expense of his own! To him that bought you from destruction; and not only so, but bought your names into the eternal Inheritance, reserved in the Heavens for you. Will a man be easily per∣swaded to lose his life? how infinitely tender are men here! And yet in the worst sence the most of men do lose their lives, yea, lose them for nothing. Beloved, consider, I be∣seech you, that life is lost, that is not lived unto God. If you would not loss your lives that you live, see to him who is the end of your lives. Oh remember this, and reckon that day lost which you have not lived unto God! Brethren, how great a part of our lives have we really, alas! too too really lost? I beseech you take heed: here you are careful about many things, but be beware that other things do not put out this which should be the main of your cares, to wit, the spend∣ing your days and strength for him that made you. Would it not be dreadful for a man to find at last when he comes

to his account with God, that his whole life, or at least the main of it had been but damnable self-seeking. That a man should have so many years allowed him by God, and he should at last be found to have been but a false and wicked servant that had set up for himself with his Masters stock, and aliena∣ted his goods, and turned them to his own use? Well, that you may throughly learn the grand lesson of living unto God, take these Counsels.

First, Settle it upon your heart that it is the sum of all your business and blessedness to live unto God: 'Tis your business; for his pleasure you are and were created: what have you else to do but to serve your Maker in your general and par∣ticular Callings? what was the Candle made for (saith one) but to be burnt? beloved, what else have you strength for, but for God? doth he maintain servants, and shall not he look for their Work? Would you endure it that the servants that you find with meat and wages should set up for themselves, that they should eat your bread and all the while do their own work? beloved, Gods service is your business, and he made you and keeps you for no other end; and it is your blessedness too. Labour to be under the rooted conviction of this principle, that your very happiness lies in pleasing and honouring of God. Let the sense of this live fresh upon your hearts, and it will regulate your whole course.

Secondly, Remember what a dangerous, yea, damnable thing it is to live your selves: To make it our main care and busi∣ness to please and gratifie our selves, or to have applause from and reputation with others, or to grow rich in the world, and greaten our selves and posterity, is the certain evidence of a graceless heart. And though the Godly do make God their principle end in general, yet they must know, that for so much of their lives as is spent besides, this end (which is too too much) they shall suffer loss.

Thirdly, Labour to keep alive upon your selves a deep sense of your strong obligations to Good. Often think with your selves what a righteous, what a reasonable thing it is, that you should with all that you have serve the Lord. Beloved, shall not the Vessel be for the use of the Porter that made it? Shall not the servant Trade for his Master with whose goods he is entrusted? do you not fetch all your bread from Gods door?

Is not he the Rock that begat you? the Author of your be∣ing and well-being? is not this he that can crucifie you or release you? can save you or damn you at his pleasure? Is it not from him that you fetch every breath? your interest ob∣liges you to please him. Why should Beltshazzars charge be a∣gainst you? that the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways, you have not glorified, Dan. 5. 23.

Fonrthly, Do not only intend God as the general end of your course, but in every solemn action actually mind your end. Though a man need not, cannot think of his Journeys-end at every step, yet with care he might come to this in every solemn action, particularly and expressy to mind his end: a man can∣not (nor need he) think at every bit that he puts into his mouth, I will eat this for God: yet he might every time he sits down to his Table, remember to eat and drink, not to gratifie his flesh, but to glorifie God, by getting strength for his work. you cannot think of it in every step in your Journey; but without intending some glory to God by serving his will in your place and station? and so in your visits and labours.

Fifthly, Every morning let this be your first and firm resolution, I will set forth this day in the Name of God. Your first and last thoughts are of greatest consequence; and therefore I advise you to begin and end with this: when ever you lie down, say in your selves, I will make use of my Bed as an Ordinance of God, that a Servant of his may be refreshed and fitted for his work: when ever you rise up, think I will spend this day for God, and follow the business of my calling, because I am so appointed by God, Zech. 10. 12. And they shall walk up and down in his Name, saith the Lord, &c.

Beloved, I design the sweetness and comfort, as well as strictness of your lives. Live to God as you are directed, and you shall marvellously prosper in both. I am not sure yet, whether or no I shall see you at the Assizes, which I earnest∣ly desire to do. I leave all things to our Fathers wise dispo∣sal, and commending you to God, I divide my loves among you, and so rest

Yours in the bonds of the Lord Jesus, JOS. ALLEINE.

From the Prison at Jeulchester, Nov. 14. 1663.

LETTER, XVII. [Motives to set our selves to please God.]

To my most Dearly Beloved, the Servants of Christ in Taunton, Grace and Peace.

Most dear Christians,

YOur Prisoner in the Lord saluteth you with all dearness: you are the care of my heart, the desire of my Eyes, the joy of my Bonds, and the sweet of my liberty. I am much satisfied in the wise disposal of our Heavenly Father, whether he see it good for me to be a Bond-man, or a Free∣man, so I may but serve your Souls to the greatest adventage. Methinks I begin to feel in my self, more than ever the bene∣fit of your Prayers; the influences of Heaven, through the riches of Free-Grace (to which alone be the Praise) being more fully sensible, and sweet upon me. I hope the Lord will restore us one to another in his time, much better than we parted; in the mean time, see that you stand fast in the hope of the Gospel. The Lord taketh infinite care for you, see that it be your care, the care of your very hearts, to please the Lord: Set your hearts to it as the business of your lives, and the very end of your beings, to walk worthy of the Lord unto all well-pleasing. Set home on your selves such considerations as these.

First, It is the very business you were made for, and sent into the world for, to please your Maker. For his pleasure you are, and were Created. Why should the Lord repent that he had made you? Gen. 6. 6. What treacherous and damnable falshood is this, that when the Lord hath given us Breath and Being, and sent us into the World on purpose on his service, we should like false and wicked servants, set up for our selves? why should your Creator say, he hath made you in vain?

Secondly, If you set your hearts to please the Lord, you are sure you shall please him. It is not so with men, all the care in the World will not suffice to please some men. How often do Princes forsake their greatest Favourites? so that if you set to please men, you are not sure to attain your end at last; yea, rather you are sure not to attain it. But if the Lord doth see your very hearts be set to please him, he will accept you, though you come short, 2 Cor. 8. 12. Read that sweet passage, 2 Chron. 6. 75.

Thirdly, It will be a certain sign of your sincerity, when the pleasing of the Lord is your greatest business, Phil. 1. 20. To such the Promise runs, Isa. 56. 4, 5. It is a distinguishing evidence, truly to seek and prize Gods favour, more then Corn Wine, Psal. 4. 6, 7.

Fourthly, This will set all in order, and bring all your busi∣ness to a Head, when you have set down this as the one thing ne∣cessary, that you are resolved to please the Lord, this will regulate your whole lives, and bring all your business into a little compass. A Christian hath but one thing to do in all conditions, and that is to carry it so in his present state, as that he may please God. A man-pleaser: O how many hath he to please! what an endless work hath such an one to do?

Fifthly, Consider but how careful the Man-pleasiing Parasite, and time-serving Hypocrite is to please men: and shall not we take as much care to please our God? oh how doth the flat∣tering Courtier study the humour of his Prince! be you as careful to study, and to be acquainted with the mind of God. What will not men do to screw themselves into the favour of the Mighty? oh that you were but as diligent, and un∣wearied, and punctual in your endeavours, to get and to keep the favour of the Almighty!

Sixthly, Consider whose favour or displeasure is of that conse∣quence to you, as the Lords is of. What if men should be an∣gry with you, have they the Keys of Hell, and of Death? no, no, fear them not. Can they undo your souls? can they send you to Hell? Alas they cannot. See that you dread his dis∣pleasure that can. Alas what will their favour avail you? if they be pleased, can they stand between the Wrath of God and you? can they pardon your sins? save your souls? se∣cure your Eternal concernments? where is all there favour

or good will, when they or you come to die? It will not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 worth a Rush when most needed. Therefore beloved Bre∣thren, whatever you do keep in with God. Resolve upon it He must be pleased, though all the World be displeased. Le it be enough to you to have his good will: let this be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 One thing that you bend your selves to seek, and if you set 〈◊〉〈◊〉 seek it, you may be sure to find it. The Messenger stay for me, and so I must here shut up my Letter, as Jude 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his. Ye Beloved, building up your selves in your most holy Faith Praying in the Holy Ghost, keep your selves in the love of God looking for the Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto Eternal life Unto his Grace I commend you all, and shall add nothing but to share my loves among you, and so rest,

Your Embassador is Bonds, JOS. ALLEINE.

Juelchester, November 22. 1663.

LETTER, XVIII. [The Worth of Holiness,]

To the Beloved People the Flock of God in Taunton, Grace and Peace.

Most dear Friends, and Brethren,

I Am now a Prisoner of the Lord for you Gentiles, and therefore have sent these few Lines, to beseech you by these Bonds which I gladly endure for your sakes, to hold forth, and hold fast the Profession of your Faith without wavering. The Lord make you stedfast in the Holy Do∣ctrine wherein you have been taught. I have not shunned to declare unto you the whole Counsel of God. O remem∣ber that by the space of eight years, I ceased not to warn you every one, and kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have taught you publickly, and from House to House, warning every man, and teaching every man that I might present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Oh that Impenitent sinners would yet remember the Invitations, and the obsecrations, and the obtestations, that they have had! have they not been sought unto? have they not been intreated? have they not been followed from the Publick, to their own Houses? hath not the Word been brought to their Doors? Hath not Mercy wooed them? have they not been called un∣der the Wings of Mercy? And yet they would not. Oh that they would consider it now in the latter days! Jer. 23. 20. Oh that they would remember, and repent, that there might be yet an after Harvest! That they would yet come in and live! Are you yet willing to turn? hear how Wisdom calls after you, Prov. 11. How long ye simple ones

will you love simplicity, and fools bate knowledge: turn you at my reproof. But if they will not hear, good were it for them that they had never been born: It shall be more, and better for Sodom and Gomorah, then for them.

But for you that have taken upon you the Profession of strict Godliness, I shall only press you to follow on, and press towards the Mark. You have much work yet to do, and God hath given you no time to Loyter in. I beseech you to put on. That Person that sits down when he hath gotten to that pitch that he thinks will bring him to Heaven, is never like to come thither; Grace is one of those things that saith, It never hath enough. Let me urge upon you the Apostles Coun∣sel, Heb. 12. 14. Follow after Holiness.

First, Holiness is the choicest Ornament: it is and adorn∣ing in the sight of God, of great prize. It is the Glory of God, and will you count it your shame? Exod. 15: God is glorious in Holiness, and Grace is called Glory, 2 Cor. 3. 18. But we may now cry out as the Psalmist, in his complaint, O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? Ps. 4. 2. But be of good comfort, the shame of Holiness is real Glory: how confidently doth Paul shake his Chain? Acts 28. 20. We read of some that did glory in their shame in a sad sense, that is in that which was real ground of shame, to wit, their sin, Phil. 3. 19. But we meet with others that in a hap∣py sense, did glory in their shame: that is in the shame of Religion, which is indeed a Crown of glory. So did Peter and John, Acts 5. 41.

Secondly, Holiness is the safest Muniment: Grace is not onely for Ornament, but for Use. Righteousness is a Brest∣plate that keeps the Vitals, and is sure defence from any mortal wounds, Ephes. 6. 14. When the Politicians have done their best with all their politick fetches, it is he that walketh uprightly, that walketh surely, Prov. 10. 19. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, saith David, Psa. 25. last. I desire no other Protection than Innocency. I desire to be no longer safe than these can preserve me; when I must let go my Integrety or my sasety, I will chose the danger rather than the fin: and yet will never doubt but my Integrity will save me harmless, and prevent me for ever coming off a Loser. Never perswade me that that man doth choose wisely

or will consult his own safety, that runs upon the displea∣sure of the infinite God, who is a devouring fire, to flie the danger of mans displeasure. Did you ever read or hear of a man so mad as to run upon the swords point, to avoid the scratch of a Pin? or to run upon a roaring Canon, rather than indanger his being wetshod? why this is the best wisdom of the distracted World, who will sin rather than suffer, and to save themselves harmless in the World, will run upon God, even upon his neck, and the thick Bosses of his Buckler, Job 15. 25, 26.

Thirdly, Holiness will be found to be your real happiness: Eat of this Tree, and you shall be indeed as God. Godliness is Gods likewise. The beauty of Holiness is this very Image; Sin is the disease of which holiness is the Cure. Pride is the Timpany, passion the Feavour of the mind; how restlesly raging is the mind where they reign? holiness, humility, meek∣ness, are a present ease, a present Cure, if the Patient can take but enough. O what peace and tranquility doth Holiness work in the Mind! Great peace have they that love thy Com∣mandments, and nothing shall offend them, Psalm 119. 165. Read Isa. 48. 18, 22. and 26. 3. and 32. 17. Holiness will be a Treasure of Riches, Jam. 2. 5. and a Crown of honour, Acts 17. 11. a Paradise of Pleasure to you, Prov. 3. 17. In a word, holiness is the perfection of mans nature, Heb. 12. 21. the Communication of the Divine Nature, 2 Pet. 1. 4. the earnest of Glory, Matt. 5. 8. and the very entrance of Hea∣ven, Phil. 3. 20.

Let me say now to every one of you, as our Saviour to Martha, John 11. 26. Believed thou this? If you do, live like Believers, and do you follow after Holiness as others follow their Trades, or Studies. Let Religion be your business, and not a thing by the by with you: follow as hard upon the pursuit of Grace, as if you did indeed believe riches and honour were in it. Count your selves well, as long as you keep within the line of your duty. Let holiness sit in your Lips, and season all your Speech with grace. Profess it, own it, plead stoutly and resolve for it, be you Advocates for Holiness, in an Adulterous and wicked Generation, wear it as a Robe of honour, when the spightful World cast the dung of their Reproaches at you for it: let it dwell

in your Hearts: Let it adorn your Houses: Let it be your Companion in your Closets: Let it Travel with You in your Journies: Let it Lie down and Rise up with You: Let it close your Eyes in the Evening, and call You out of your Beds in the Morning. Be You the Votaries of Holiness: Keep Her, and She shall Keep You.

I shall close with my Loves to You all, onely because I know You love to hear of my Well-fare: I must tell You that Goodness and Mercy do follow me perpetually every Day, and every Night, Glory to God in the highest. Dear Brethren, Fare you well in the Lord, I am

Your Devoted Servant in the Gos∣pel, whether a Bond-Man, or a Free, JOS. ALLEINE.

From the Prison at Juel∣shester, Decemb. 3. 1663.

Most Dearly Beloved,

This was intended for you a Week sooner then it comes to be Communicated. I purposely Write in the middle of the Week, that if any Opportunity be suddenly offered, I may have somewhat ready for You: But last Week I failed of a Conveyance, I shall not add any thing further now, but that I shall follow my Counsels with my Prayers, and shall be an humble Intercessor night and day before God for You: To him I commend You, and to the Word of his Grace,

Remaining Yours while I am, J. A.

LETTER XIX. [1. Try. 2. Rejoyce.]

To the most Loving, and best Beloved, the Flock of Christ in Taunton, Grace and Peace.

Most endeared Friends,

MY heart is solicitous for You: Your Spiritual and E∣ternal welfare is the matter of my desires and designes. Let not my Beloved think they were forgotten by me, be∣cause you heard not from me the last Week: sleep depart∣ed from my eyes to write to you at large; but in the morn∣ing I concluded it best, to defer the imparting of it to You for a season, that you might have it a better way. Can a wo∣man forget her Child, that she should not have compassion on the Son of her Womb? Yea, they may forget; but Christ will earnestly remember You still. Natural Parents may be so far unnatural; spiritual Parents may be so far carnal, as to forget their own Children: I would have you count nothing as certain but Christs love and care. This you may build upon: You need not fear lest time and distance should wear out the remembrance of you with him: Your names are in∣rolled in the everlasting Decrees of Heaven, and a whole E∣ternity hath not been able to wear them out. Do any of you Question whether you are so happy as to have your Names recorded above? I shall bring it to a speedy issue: Do you Question whether Christ hath taken your Names? Whe∣ther you are upon his heart? Let me ask you, Is Heaven upon your Hearts? Is the Name of Jesus deeply engraven upon your Souls? Is his Image and Superscription there? If you can find that Heaven is the main of your cares, that your hearts are set upon it as your home and your Countrey; and that it is your great business to seek it and to secure it, then

never doubt, if your hearts be chiefly upon Heaven, your Names are unquestionably written in Heaven. Again, hath Christ recorded his Name in your hearts? Is the Name of Jesus the Beloved name with you? precious above all; next to your Hearts? Is there no other Name under Heaven so dear and sweet to you? What room hath Christ in you? If any thing be deeper in your hearts than he is, you are un∣sound. As the Father hath given him, so do your hearts give him a Name above every Name: Is Christ uppermost with you in your estimations and affections? Then rejoyce and leap for joy, for your Names are most pretious with Christ, if his Name be above all dear to You. Once more, hath Christ drawn out his own similitude upon You? Is Christ within You? doth he dwell in your Hearts? Then be sure You have a room in his heart: The Image of Christ is in ho∣liness. Is this that which your very hearts are set upon? Do You thirst for Holiness? Do You follow after Holiness? Do you prize it above all Prosperity and worldly Greatness? Do You hate every sin and long to be rid of it as your most irk∣some burden? and use all Gods means against it as far as you know them? If it be thus with you, Christ hath set his stamp upon your hearts, and so you may be sure he hath set You as a Seal upon his heart.

Rejoyce then, O Christians, and bless your selves in the happy priviledge that you have, in being under Christs care. Fear not little Flock; Stronger is he that is with you, than he that is against you: What though Satan should raise all his Militia against you, adhere to Christ in a patient doing and suffering his pleasure, and he shall secure you: The Lord will not forsake you, because it hath pleased the Lord to make you his people: God hath entrusted you with his Son: You are his Care and his Charge: Many will be listing at you, many will be plucking at you, but fear not, you shall not be mo∣ved, none shall pluck you out of Christs hand, he hath all power, Mat. 28. 8. Can Omnipotence secure you? He is all Treasures, Col. 2. 3. Can unsearchable Riches suffice you? In a word, he is all Fulness, Col. 1. 21. Can all Content you? Can Fulness fill you? if so, you are blessed and shall be blessed.

Beloved, We lose unutterably for want of considering, for want of viewing our own Priviledges, and Blessedness. O Man, is Christ thine, and yet dost thou live at a low rate and Comfort? Is thy name written in Heaven, and yet dost thou not rejoyce? Shall the Children of the Kingdom, the Candidates of Glory, the chosen Generation, the Royal Priesthood, be like other men? O Christians, Remember who and whence you are, consider your Obligations, put on a bet∣ter pace; Bestir your selves, run and wrestle, and be strong for the Lord of Hosts (and earnestly, yet peaceably) contend for the Faith once delivered to his Saints; What shall we make nothing of all that God hath said and done for us? Christians, shall he that hath gotten an inrich∣ing Office boast of his Booty? or he that hath obtained the Kings Patent for an Earldome, glory in his Riches and Ho∣nour? And shall the Grant of Heaven signifie little with thee? Or Christs Patent for thy Sonship and Partnership with himself be like a Cypher? Shall Haman come home from the Banquet with a glad heart, and glorying in the great∣ness of his Riches, the multitude of his Children, and all the things wherein the King had promoted him above the Princes? And shall we turn over our Bibles and read the Promises, and find it under Gods own hand, that he intends the Kingdome for us, that he will be a Father to us, that he gives and grants all his infinite perfections to us, and yet not be moved? Beloved Christians, live like your selves, let the World see that the Promises of God, and Priviledges of the Gospel are not empty sounds, or a meer Crack. Let the Heavenly cheerfulness and the restless diligence, and the ho∣ly raisedness of your Conversations prove the reallity, ex∣cellency, and beauty of your Religion to the World. For∣get not your Prisener. Labour earnestly for me in your Prayers, who am night and day labouring and suffering for you. I can never bless God enough for his most tender and indulgent care for you, which appears so wonderfully in his Fatherly Protection, and his Fatherly Provision. See that you receive not the Grace of God in vain. Remember with trembling, that of our Lord, To whom much is given of him much shall be required. With my most Dear Loves to

you all, I commend you to your Father and my Father, your God and my God, remaining

Yours in all manner of Obligations, JOS. ALLEINE.

From the Prison at Juelchester, January 20th. 1663.

LETTER XX. [The Felicity of Believers.]

To the most Beloved People, the Servants of God in Taunton, Salvation:

Most endeared Christians,

I Have longed and waited for a little breathing time, where∣in I might write unto you, but I have been oppressed hitherto with so many cares, and such a throng of business, that till now (and scarcely now) I have had no time of re∣spiration, wherein I might sufficiently reflect on you, or my self. But although so great a part of Taunton be translated to Juelchester with me, yet I may not, I cannot forget you that are behind.

Alas poor Taunton, how should I bewail thee! did I look upon thee onely with the Eye of sense, Alas! for thy wonted Liberties, for thy former plenty, and variety wherewith the Lord hath blessed thee? He had

spread a Table for thee in the midst of thine Enemies; Bread hath been given thee, and thy Waters have been sure: But now a Famine seems to threaten thee, and the Comforters that should relieve thy Soul are far from thee. Thy Shep∣heards are removed. Thou seest not thy Signs, nor thy Pro∣phets, and thy wonted helpers are now disabled from giving thee supplies, Alas, how do thine Enemies triumph, and thy Teachers and thine Inhabitants are become their Cap∣tives! and how great is the Cry of thy Poor, and thine op∣pressed!

Such would be the Language of Sense, if that were suffer∣ed to be the Speaker. But Faith will speak in another Dia∣lect. And therefore amongst my other Counsels, that I shall send you, this shall be the first.

Judge not of the present Providences, by the conduct of Sense, but by the eye of Faith. Faith will see that we are then most Honoured, when we are most vilified, and re∣proached, and set at nought for the sake of Christ; and that we are then most happy, when the World hath done its worst to make us miserable. Faith will tell you; that GOD is a very present help, when you seem quite to fail of Help; and will shew you the Well of Water, that is near, when the Water in the Bottle is spent. What though you seem to have lost Ministers, Husbands, Friends for a Season? Faith will tell you, that they are well bestowed, and that it will be both your, and their Advantage, in the Day of Retri∣bution.

Brethren, what are you for? Are you for the present World, or for that to come? Are you for your Temporal enjoy∣ments, or do you seek for Glory, Honour, and Immortall∣ty? If you are for this World, you have made a very impru∣dent choice, in taking up the Profession of Godliness and cleaving to and owning the hated ways of the Lord; But if you are for Glory, and for Eternity, then be of good Chear, all these things do make for us. You are Witnesses how often I have told you of these things, and I can say with the Apostle, I believed therefore have I spoken, and therefore I am no∣thing moved with all these things, nor with the things that do yet further abide me. I believed, and therefore I told you, that you should never be losers by Jesus Christ. Nay,

do I say I told it you, You know the Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed you, that the Persecuted are doubly blessed; that such should rejoice, and leap for joy, because great is their Reward in Heaven. Hath not God said, that if we suffer with him we shall also Reign with him; and that these light afflictions work for us a weight of Glory? And if this be true, I pray you, tell me whether GOD heth not dealt well with us in counting us worthy of this little Tribulation for his Name? Indeed the Sufferings is but little; but verily the Reward will not be little. I know whom I have trusted: I am well assured the Glasse is turned up, and ever hour reck∣oned of our imprisonment, and every Scorn and Reproach of our Enemies is kept in Black and White. I believe, there∣fore do I speak; GOD is infinitely tender of us, my Bre∣thren, though a Poor and despicable Generation. I value not the pop-gun threats of a frowning World; 'tis well with us, we are GODS Favourites. Come by Beloved, let us sit down under his Shadow: Here is safety, and rest, if God be for us, who can be against us; Verily he Bottles all our Tears, and tells all our Wandrings: He numbers all our hairs, whosoever toucheth us shall not be Innocent. Know you not that we are the Apple of his Eye? Hath not he reproved the greatest for his Peoples sakes, saying, reproach not mine anointed? And so we forget how he loved us. Are not we his Jewells? Doth he not own us for his Members, for his Children?

Ah what a Block doth Unbelief make of man? What, do you think that all this doth signifie nothing? Can you forget your Children? Will you suffer your Jewells to lie in the Dirt, or make no reckoning of them whether they are lost?

Verily I write not this without shaming reflectious upon my own stupidity. What, Beloved of God, adopted by God! What, a Member of Christ Jesus! A vessel of Mer∣cy! An heir of Glory? What, and not yet swallowed up in the sense of Gods infinite love! Blush, Oh my Soul, and be confounded before the most High, & cover thy face with shame.

I remember what the Heathen Seneca writes, observing the expressions of Gods love to man in his common Providence; Verum est, usque in delicias amamur, that is, it is a very truth, we are beloved of God even as his darlings.

My Brethren, Have Faith in God. Believe his Promises: Walk in the sense of his love. Comfort your selves in Gods love towards You, under all the hatred and envy of men, and the contradiction of sinners that You meet with. Be strong and of a good courage, God is for You. Be assured that he that walketh uprightly, walketh surely: Forsake not the assembling of your selves together. Now see that You speak often to one another, and build up each other in the holy Faith. God knows I cannot do for you, as I would; I would have been larger to You, but I cannot. My most dear Loves I desire You to share among you. I am greatly Yours. The Peace that passeth all Understanding keep your Hearts and minds. I am

Yours to serve you and for you with all readiness of mind, JOS. ALLEINE.

From the Prison at Juelchester, July 28th. 1665.

LETTER XXI. [What do you more than others?]

To the most Dearly Beloved, the Servants in Taun∣ton, Grace and Peace.

Most loving and entirely Beloved,

YOu are a great Joy to me. I know not what thanks to render to the Lord for you, when I hear of your Constancy, and Pidelity, and Zeal, in adhering to him, and his Ways, even in such a time as this, you are highly favour∣ed, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, that he hath regard∣ed the low Estates of his Servants: That he should ever Indulge you as he hath, and Hover over you, even as the Eagle stirreth up her Nest, and fluttereth over her Young, spreadeth abroad her Wings, taketh them, beareth them on her Wings, for so hath the Lord your God dealt with You: He hath kept you as the Apple of his Eye, and since the Streams of Cherith were dried up, yet to this day he hath not suffered the handful of Meal to wast, nor the Oyl in the Cruse to fail, but (though you have no certainty to trust to) hath continually provided for you to the full. How should I love and bless the Lord for this his great Grace to∣wards you, while I live! Now I beseech you my Brethren, that you consider the Kindness of the Lord; for the Lord your God is he that careth for you, and that you love the Lord your God, and fear him for ever, for he is your Life, and the Length of your Daies. And as Job had a holy fear of his Children, least they should have offended: So my most dearly Beloved, I am jealous of you with a Godly jea∣lousie, lest any of you should receive this Grace of God in vain. I must not cease to put you in mind, that God doth look for no small matters from You. Remember my most

endeared Charge, that the Lord doth look for singular things from you, that there be not a barren Tree, nor a Dwarf Christian among you; where the Lord doth strow much, he looks to gather much; and where he soweth much, he ex∣pects to reap accordingly. Whose account my Beloved, is like to be so great as yours? O look about you, and think of the Master coming to Reckon with you for his Talents; when he will expect no small increase. Beloved, what can you do? How much are you grown? What spoil have you made upon your Corruptions? What progress in Grace?

Suppose Christ should put that awakening Question to you, What do you more than others? Beloved, God doth expect more of his People, than of any others in the World besides: And well he may. For

First, He hath bestowed more on them than on others: Now where much is given, much shall be required; Can you think of that without trembling? He hath bestowed on them singular Love more than on others; You only have I known of all the Families on Earth. He hath a distinguishing Love and Favour for his People, and he looks that his Love should be a constraining Argument to Obedience. Again he hath laid out a singular care on his People, more than on others: He cares for no man, for nothing in all the World, in com∣parison of them. He reproveth Kings for their sakes. He will give Nations, and Kingdomes for their Ransome. So precious are they in his sight, and so dearly Beloved, that he will give men for them, and People for their Life. He withdraweth not his Eyes from the Righteous, he will not indure them out of his sight. The Eyes of the Lord are upon the Righteous, and first the Eye of his more accurate Observation: God can wink at others as it were, and over∣look what they do with little notice, but he hath a most cu∣rious eye upon his People, he marketh their steps, and booketh their words, he weigheth their Actions, and pondereth all their goings. And should not they walk more cautiously, and charily, than any alive, that are under so exact and cu∣rious an Eye? Secondly the Eye of special Care, and Pro∣tection. Behold the Eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him. I will guide thee with mine Eye: And should not they be infinitely tender and careful how to please the Lord,

who have his singular Care laid out on them? In short, God hath bestowed on them singular Priviledges more than others: These are a peculiar Treasure to him above all Peo∣ple, a Kingdome of Priests, an Holy Nation, a singular sepa∣rated People, they dwell alone, they are diverse from all People: When the whole World lies in wickedness, these are Called and Chosen, and Faithful, Washed and justified, and Sanctified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. The rest are the Refuse: These the Jew∣els: These are taken, and they are left. Shall not Gods Priests be Cloathed with Righteousness, and shall not Princes Live above the rate of Peasants?

Secondly. He hath intrusted them with more than others: Not onely with the Talents of his Grace (for the increase whereof they must give a strict account) but also with the Jewel of his Glory. How tenderly should they walk, that are entrusted with such a Jewel? Remember, your Makers Glory is bound up in your fruitful walking.

Thirdly, He hath qualified them more than others. He hath put into them a Principle of Life, having quickned them to∣gether with Christ. He hath set up a Light in their Minds, when others lie in Darkness. He hath given them other Aids, than others have, even his Spirit to help their Infirmities, when others lie like Vessels that are Windbound, and can∣not stir.

Fourthly, He hath provided for them other manner of things than for others. These are the little Flock to whom it is his good pleasure to give the Kingdom; great are the preparations for them. The Father hath prepared the King∣dome for them from the Foundations of the World: The Son is gone to Heaven on purpose to prepare a place for them: The Spirit is preparing them, and making them meet to be partakers of the Inheritance of the Saints in Light: And should these be like other People?

Brethren beloved, God and Men do expect you should do more than others, see that that you be indeed singular. For

1. If you do no more for God than others, he will do more against you then others: You onely have I known, there∣fore will I punish you. The barren Tree in the Vineyard must down, whereas had he been in the Common he might have

stood much longer. God looked for Grapes from his Vine∣yard, on which he had bestowed such Care and Cost more than ordinary, but when they bring forth wild Grapes, he will lay them waste in a worse manner than the Forrest. When Christ came to the Figg-tree seeking Fruit, and met with none, he Curst it from the Root, whereas had it been a Thorn or Bramble, it might have stood as before.

2. If you do no more than others, you must look for no more than others: If you should put off God with a common Obedience, you must expect to be put off with common Mercies.

3. Except you do more than others, God will be disho∣noured more by you than others.

I have been too long with you, but I am earnestly desi∣rous you should be sensible of Gods extraordinary Expecta∣tions from you. And truly, as God looks for more from his own than others, so he looks for more from you than others, even of his own, because that he hath done more: See that you be shining Christians, that you be strong in the Grace of God; that you press toward the Mark. But I must con∣clude; I give my Loves among you all, being able to add no more, but that I am

Yours in servent Loves and Longings, JOS. ALLEINE.

From the Prison at Juelchester, January 2. 1663.

LETTER XXII. [Christian Care, Faith, Self-denial.]

To the most Beloved People, the Servants of God in Taunton, Salvation:

Most endeared Christians,

THe reason why my Letters have not of late come so thick as formerly to you, is not because I forget to love you, and to care for you; but because I have been busily taken up in other Labors of sundry kinds for you. I am yours, and love to be so, being ambitious not to have dominion over your faith, but to be a helper of your Joy. Christs Officers are so your Ru∣lers in the Lord, as yet to Preach not themselves, but the Lord Jesus Christ, and themselves your Servants for Jesus sake. I have no greater felicity under God, than to serve the good of Souls. Brethren beloved, How fares it with your Souls? Are they in Health? Do they prosper? I wish your Tem∣poral prosperity. It is a joy to me to hear when your Trade doth flourish: But these are but very little things if we look into Eternity. Brethren, my ambition for you is, that you should be Cedars among the Shrubs, that from you should found out the Word of the Lord, and that in every place your Faith to God-ward should be spread abroad. That Taunton should be as a Field that the Lord hath blessed: That you should not onely have the Name, but the Spirit, Life, Power, Heat, Growth, Vigour of Christianity among you. Let not Taunton onely have the Name to live, and be noted for the Profession of Religion, but see to it my Bre∣thren, that the Kingdom of God be with you: Oh that every one of your Souls might be a Temple of God! Oh that every one of your Families might be a Church of God! Beloved,

look to it, that every one that nameth the Name of Christ among You do depart from Iniquity, secret as well as open, of the Heart as well as of the Life. Let no man think that to make an out-cry upon the Wickedness of the Times, and to be of the Professing Party; will serve his turn; many go to Hell in the company of the wise Virgins. That no man may be a Self-deceiver, let every man be a Self-Searcher. He that keeps no Day-Book in his Shop, and no Account, no Record in his Conscience, his Estate and his Soul will thrive both alike. Beloved, I would that You should remember whither You are a going. If a man be after a few Months to be Transported into another Countrey, never to Return more, he will send over whatever he can, and make the best Provision that he may against he comes into another Coun∣trey. Dear Brethren, You are Strangers and Pilgrims here, and have but a few Months abode in this Countrey, see that you Traffique much with Heaven. Christ is our Common Factor, O send over to him what possible you can. Give Alms plentifully, Pray continually, be much in Meditation and Consideration; Reckon with your selves daily: Walk with God in Your Callings: Do all the Duties of your Re∣lations as unto God: Live not one day to your selves, but unto Christ: Set forth continually in his Name, so shall you be continually Transporting into another World, and laying up Treasure in Heaven: And O the blessed Store that You shall find there after a few Years diligence in such a holy Course! Beloved, while You are here in this World, You are but like a Merchants Ship in a strange Port, the day for your Return is set, and You are to stay no longer then till your Fraight is ready. Be wise, know your season, improve your time, You are made or mar'd for ever, as You speed in this one Voyage. There is no returning again to this Coun∣trey to mend a bad Market, God will call in all his Talents, Time shall be no longer. Oh? come in, come and buy now while the Market is open, that You that want may have Grace, and You that have may have it more abundantly. Go and plead with the Lord Jesus, that he hath bid You come, buy and eat without Mony, and without Price; that he hath counselled You to come buy of him Gold, Raiment, and Eye-salve; tell Him You are come according to his call, and wait upon him

for Grace; for Righteousness, for Light and Instruction: Lay hold on his Word, plead it, live upon it; he is worthy to be Believed, worthy to be Trusted, go out of your selves to him, unlearn your selves. There is a threefoold Foot that Carnal-self stands upon, our own Wisdome, our own Righte∣ousness, our own Strength, these three Feet must be Cut off, and we must learn to have no subsistence in our selves but only in Christ, and to stand only on his bottom. Study the excellent Lesson of Self-denial, Self-annihilation, A true Christian is like a Vine that cannot stand of it self, but is wholly supported by the Prop it leans on. It is no small thing to know our selves to be nothing, of no might, of no worth, of no understanding, nor reality; to look upon our selves as helpless, worthless, foolish empty shadows. This holy Littleness is a great matter; when we find that all our Inventory amounts to nothing but Folly, Weakness, and Beggery; when we set down our Selves for Cyphers, our Gain for loss, our Excellencies for very Vanities, then we shall learn to live like Believers. A true Saint is like a Glass without a Foot, that set him where you will, is ready to fall every way till you set him to a Prop: Let Christ be the only Support you lean unto. When you are throughly Emptied and Nullified, and see all comeliness to be but as a withered Flower, dead, dried, and past Recovery, then You will be put upon the happy necessity of going out to Christ for all.

The Messengers haste forceth me Abruptly to end here: I can add no more, by my Prayers to my Counsels, and so commending you to God, and the Word of his Grace, I rest

The fervent Well-willer of your Souls, JOS. ALLEINE.

From the Prison at Juel-Chester, April 16. 1663.

LETTER XXIII. [Right Reasons in Suffering.]

To my dearly Beloved, the Flock of Christ in Taun∣ton, Grace and Peace:

Most loving and dearly Beloved,

I Know not what thanks to render to you, nor to God for You, for all the unexpressable love which I have found in you toward me; and not terminatively to me, but to Christ in me; for I believe it is for his sake, as I am a Mes∣senger and Embassador of his to You, that you have loved me and done so much every way for me; and I think I may say of Taunton as the Psalmist of Jerusalem, If I forget thee, let my right hand forget her cunning, if I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth. I would not, my dear Brethren, that You should be dejected or discouraged at the Late disappointments: For through the goodness of God I am not, but rather more satisfied than before: and this I can truly say, nothing doth sadden me more than to see so much sadness in your faces. As on the contrary nothing doth comfort me so much, as to see your Chear and Cou∣rage. Therefore I beseech you, Brethren, faint not be∣cause of my Tribulation, nor of Gods delays, but streng∣then the hands, and the feeble knees. And the Lord bolster up your hands, as they did the hands of Moses, that they may not fall down till Israel do prevail. Let us fear lest there be some evil among us, that God being angry with us, doth send this farther tryal upon us. Pray earnestly for me lest the eye of the most jealous God should discern that in me which should render me unfit for the mercy You desire. And let every one of you search his heart, and search his house to

see if there be not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 there: Let not these disappoint∣ments make you to be nevertheless in love with Prayers, but the more out of love with sin. Let us humble our selves un∣der the mighty hand of God, and he shall exalt us in due time. And for the Enemies of God, you must know also that their foot shall slide in due time. Let the Servants of God encourage themselves in their God: for in the things wherein they deal proudly, he is above them: Therefore fret not your selves because of evil-doers; commit your Cause to him that judgeth righteously. Remember that you are bid if you see oppression of the poor, and violent per∣verting of Judgment and Justice in a Province, not to mar∣vel at the matter: Verily, there is a God that Judgeth in the Earth: And you have the liberty of Appeals: Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him, and fret not your selves, because of the men that bring wicked devises to pass: take heed that none of you do with Peter begin to sink, now you see the waters rough, and the winds boysterous: these things must not weaken your Faith, nor cool your Zeal: for they are great Arguments for the strengthning of it. What clea∣rer evidence can there be for the future Judgment and Per∣dition of the ungodly, and Coronation of the Just in ano∣ther life, than the most unjust proceedings that are here upon Earth: Shall not the Judge of all the Earth see right to be done? We see here nothing but confusion and disorder, the wicked receiveth according to the work of the Righteous, and the Innocent according to the work of the Wicked. The Godly perish and the Wicked flourish; these do prosper, and they do suffer. What! Can it be ever thus! No doubtless, there must be a day when God will Judg the World in Righ∣teousness, and rectifie the present disorders, and reverse the unrighteous Sentences that have been passed against his Ser∣vants. And this evidence is so clear, that many of the Hea∣then Philosophers have from this very Argument (I mean the unrighteous usage of the Good) concluded that there must certainly be Rewards and Punishments adjudged by God in mother World.

Nor yet lose your Zeal: Now is the time that the love of many doth wax cold: but I bless God it is not so with you: I am sure your love to me is, as true Friends should be, like the Chimneys, warmest in the Winter of Adversity: and I hope your love to God is much more, and I would that You should abound yet more and more. Where else should you bestow your Loves? Love ye the Lord, ye his Saints, and cling about him the faster now ye see the World is stri∣ving to separate you from him. How many are they that go to knock off your fingers! O methinks, I see what tug∣ging there is. The World is plucking, and the Devil is plucking: Oh, hold fast, I beseech you; hold fast, that no man take your Crown. Let the Water that is sprink∣led, yea, rather poured upon your Love, make it to flame up the more. Are you not betrothed unto Christ? Oh Remember, Remember your Marriage-Covenant: Did you not take him for Richer for Poorer, for better for worse: Now prove your love to Christ to have been a true Con∣jugal love, in that you can love him when most slighted, de∣spised, undervalued, blasphemed among men. Now acquit your selves, not to have followed Christ for the Loaves, Now confute the Accuser of the Brethren, who may be ready to suggest of the best of You, as he did of Job, Doth he serve the Lord for nought? And let it be seen that You loved Christ and Holiness purely for their own sakes, that You can love a naked Christ when there is no hopes of worldly advantage, or promoting of self-interest in fol∣lowing him.

Yet beware that none of you do stick to the wayes of Christ and Religion upon so carnal an Account as this, be∣cause this is the Way that you have already taken up, and you count it a shame to recede from your Principles: I am very jealous lest some Professors should miss of their Re∣ward for this: Least they should be accounted Turn-coats and Hypocrites; therefore they will shew a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of spi∣rit in going on, since they have once begun, and cannot with honour retreat. Would you chose holiness and strictness, if it were to do again? Would you enter yourselves among

Gods poor people, if it were now first to do. Would you have taken up the Profession of Christ, though you had fore∣seen all this that is come and coming? This will do much to evidence your sincerity. But I forget that I am writing a Let∣ter, being prone to pass all bounds when I have thus to do with you. The Lord God remember and reward you and your Labours of Love. The Eternal God be your Refuge, and put under you his everlasting Arms. The Peace of God that pas∣seth all understanding Keep your Hearts. Christs Legacy of Peace I leave with you, and Rest, with my dear affections to You all:

Your Embassador in Bonds, JOS. ALLEINE.

LETTER XXIV. [Councel for Salvation.]

To the most Beloved, the Servants of Christ in Taun∣ton, Salvation.

Most endeared Christians,

MY continual Solicitude for your State, will not suffer me to pass in quiet one week without Writing to you, unless I am extraordinarily hindred. Your Sincerity, Sted∣fastness, and Proficiency in the Grace of God, is the matter of my earnest desire, and that which I should account my self happy in. I have a longing desire to see the Faces of you all, and (besides mine Expectation) shall (I trust) spee∣dily have the opportunity to see you at the approaching As∣sizes, which I shall greatly rejoice in, notwithstanding our coming may be otherwise attended with many Inconveni∣encies. In the mean time I send you a few Prison Coun∣sels. As,

1. To improve for Eternity the Advantages of your present State. Though you are at many disadvantages with respect to the publick Ordinances, yet you have many wondrous and most happy Priviledges, which Spiritual Wisdom would make no small improvement of. Oh what a Mercy have you that you may serve God while you will in your Families! That you may be as much as you will with God in secret Prayer, and holy Meditation, and Self-examination! I beseech You consider what a Blessing You have above others, that have your Health, and a Competency of the Comforts of this Life, and are free from those continual pains, or Heart-eat∣ing Cares, that others are disabled by, from looking after

God and their Souls, as You may do. Oh consider what a blessed Seed-time You have for Eternity! Now be wise and improve your happy Season, your day of Grace. Prepare for Death, make all sure: Press on towards the Mark, lay up in store for your selves a good Foundation against the time to come. In the Morning sow your Seed, and in the Evening withdraw not your Hand. Treasure up much in Heaven: What profit is it that you have more than others? more Liberty, more Comfort, more Health, more Wealth, than others? except You love God more, and serve him better than others. Now ply your Work, and dispatch your Business, so as that you may have nothing to trouble You upon your Death-Beds.

2. To Consider also the Temptations, and Disadvantages of your State. Study to know your own weaknesses, and where your danger lies, that you may obviate Satan, and prevent your Miscarrying: There is no Condition but hath its Snares. See that You acquaint your selves with his Devices, least You be beguiled by him, and caught in his Trap through your own unwariness. You that are well provided for in the World, had need to watch your selves, least You fall in love with present things, least you be lifted up, least You trust in those Carnal props, and put confidence in the Creatures, least You warp, and decline, and baulk your duties through Carnal fear, and the desire of preserving your Estates. You that have little in the World, are not without your tempta∣tions neither: Oh take heed of envying others prosperity, of murmurring and discontent, of diffidence and distrust∣fulness, of using indirect means to help your selves: Be sure You make not the Worlds pressures upon you, an excuse from your daily serving of God in your Families, and in se∣cret. Set this down as your Rule, and unchangeeble Reso∣lution, that God and your Souls and your Families shall be looked duly and continually after, go the world which way it will. Consider what sins your Tempers, Relations, Cal∣lings, do most expose you to. Be not strangers to your selves. Prove your selves upright in keeping from your Ini∣quities.

3. To converse often with your Dust. Brethren we are going, we are going, the Grave waiteth for us: Oh forget not that Corruption is your Father, and the Worm your Mother, and your Sister. These are your poor Kindred that you must shortly dwell with, when you come to your long Home: Remember the days of Darkness which shall be many. Take every day some serious turns with Death. Think where you shall be a few days and nights hence, happy he that knew what to morrow meant for 20. Years together. Believe it, you will find it no little thing to die. Think often how you are provided, how you should receive the Sentence of Death. Were you never within sight of Death? How did it look? What did you wish for most at that time? What did then trouble you most? Oh mark those things, and live accordingly. Often ask your Hearts, What if God should this night require my Soul?

4. To serve your Generation with your might while you have time. You have but a very little time to bring God any Glory here, or to do your Friends any good; now up and be doing. Now or never live in the deep and and con∣stant sense of the very little time that You have for this World, and the great work You have to do. You are going whence You shall not return. There's no After-Game to be Plaid. What! But one cast for Eternity, and will You not be carefull to throw that well?

Most dearly Beloved, I covet after your furtherance in Mortification, and Growth in Grace. And Oh that I could but represent Death to You, as shortly it will shew it self: Or could but open a Window into Eternity to You: How effectually would this do the work. Then the Cripple would fling away his Crutches, and betake him∣self to his Leggs: Then the Slothful would pluck his Hand out of his Bosome, and shake off his Excuses, and be Night and Day at his work. Then the Laodicean would be reco∣vered from his benumed frame; then we should have no Hal∣ving in Religion, no Lazy wishing and complaining; but men would ply the Oars to purpose, and sweat at their work.

But Oh unhappy man, how powerfully hath the World bewitched thee! How miserably hath Sin unmanned thee, that thou shouldst look no farther than thou canst see, and to be taken up with present things, and forget so momentous Concernments as are before thee?

But You my Brethren, lift up your selves above the Objects of Sense: May You be men for Eternity, and carry it like those that seek for Glory, Honour, and Immortality. I am apt to be too long with You: I com∣mend You to Divine Grace: my dearest Loves among You, I am

Yours in the Bonds of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus JOS. ALLEINE.

From the Prison at Juel-Chester, March 5. 1665.

LETTER XXV.

To the loving and most Beloved People, the Servants of God in Taunton, Grace and Peace.

Most dearly Beloved,

ALthough I am forced at the present, to be at a distance from You; yet I would not have you ignorant, that the dear remembrance of you is always fresh with me, and the care of your eternal Welfare is always living upon my heart. Therefore as my Beloved Friends I warn you, and cease not to stir you up by way of remembrance, being jea∣lous for you with a Godly jealousie, that no man take your Crown. My dearly Beloved, I know you have many Ene∣mies, and above all, I fear your bosom Enemies: and as the Watchman of the Lord, I give you careful warning, and exhort you all not to be high-minded, but fear. Blessed is the man that feareth always. Look diligently, lest any of you fail of the Grace of God. You have made much and long Profession of the Name of Jesus Christ: Oh, look to your Foundations, see upon what Ground you stand. Look to your sincerity. You must every one of you stand shortly before the Judgment Seat of Christ, and be tried for your lives: Oh, try your selves throughly first. 'Tis easie to mi∣stake Education for Regeneration, and common Conviction and Illumination for Conversion, and a partial Reformation and external Obedience, for true Sanctification. Therefore I beseech you every one, to examine whether you are in the Faith. Prove your own selves. Tell not me, you hope you are sincere, you hope you shall go to Heaven: Never put it off with Hopes, but pray, and try, and search, till you are able to say, yea, and know you are passed from Death to Life, and

that you know you have a Building, not made with hands, eter∣nal in the Heavens.

Suppose I should ask you one by one, Where are your E∣vidences for Heaven? Could you make out your Claim? Can you bring me Scripture-proof? Can you shew me the Marks of the Lord Jesus? What mean you to live at Uncertainties? Brethren, it is an intollerable Ignorance for any of you in these dayes of glorious Light, not to be able to tell the di∣stinguishing Marks of a sound Believer. And it is intollera∣ble carelesness of your everlasting Welfare, if you do not bring your selves to the Trial by these Marks. What are your hands filled with Books, and your ears filled with Ser∣mons, that tell you so plainly from the word of God, how you shall know whether you are in Christ, and are you still to seek? Oh, stir up your own selves. Take heed, lest a Promise being left of entring into his Rest, any of you fall short of it at last by Vnbelief. You are a Professing Peo∣ple, you pray, and you hear, and you run upon some Ad∣ventures for Jesus Christ: But, O look to your sincerity. Look to your Principles, look to your Ends, else you may lose all at last. Examine, not onely what is done, but whence 'tis done, look to the Root, as well as to the Fruit. Eye, not onely your Actions, but your Aims. Remember what a strict and severe Eye you are under. The Lord Jesus makes strict observation upon all your works and wayes. He observes who of you be fruitful, and who be barren and un∣profitable. He knows who of you be thriving and who be declining. He observes, who be warm, and who lukewarm: who be sound Christians, and who of you have onely a name to live.

Return, O backsliding Christians: You have lost your for∣mer Convictions, and lost your former Affections. You are grown remiss in your watch, and your Zeal is turned into a kind of indifferencie, and your diligence into negligence. Your Care is turned into Security, and your tenderness into senslessness. Oh, your case is dangerous. The Lord Jesus hath a great Controversie with you. Oh, remember whence

you are fallen, and repent, and do your first works. Streng∣then the things that remain, and are ready to die. Oh, rub and chafe your swooning Souls, and ply them with warm ap∣plications, and rousing considerations, till they recover their former heat. And know ye from the Lord, that the backsli∣ders in heart shall be filled with his own wayes.

O ye barren and fruitless trees: Behold the Axe is lifted up to fell you to the ground, except you bring forth fruits, and those worthy of Repentance. May not Christ say to some among you, Behold these three years have I come, seeking fruit, and finding none? How is it then that you read not the Sen∣tence passed on the fruitless Tree? O sleepy Professors, how long will you drive on in this heavy course? How long will you continue in an unprofitable and customary Pro∣fession? Would you be the joy of our Lord, why know ye, that the thriving Plant is the Masters praise, and his hearts de∣light. Christians, put on, press towards the Mark, be ad∣ding to your Faith, Virtue; and to Virtue, Knowledge, &c. See that you grow extensively, in being abundant in all forts of good works. Be pitiful, be courteous, gentle, easily to be entreated. Be slow to anger, soon reconciled. Be pa∣tient, be ye temperate, be ye chearful. Study not every one onely his own things, but the good of his Neighbor. Think it not enough to look to your own Souls, but watch for o∣thers Souls. Pray for them, warn them, be kind to them, study to oblige them, that by any means you may win them, and gain their Souls.

Labour to grow intensively, to do better the things that you did before, to be more fervent in Prayer, more free and willing in all the ways of the Lord, to hear with more profit, to examine your selves more thorowly, to mind Heaven more frequently than heretofore.

And you, O carnal and unsound Professors, that reckon your selves to be in Christ, but are not new Creatures; that because you have the good opinion of the Godly, and are outwardly conformable to the wayes of God, perswade your selves

you are in a good condition, although your hearts have not yet to this day been renewed: O Repent speedily. Repent, and be converted. What though we cannot distinguish the Tares from the Wheat? Yet the Lord of the Harvest can. Christ will find you out, and condemn you for rotten and unsound, unless you be soundly renewed by repentance, and effectually changed by converting Grace.

Brethren, I fervently wish your Salvation, and to this, while I am able, I shall bend my ardent endeavours, I am now taking advice for my health, and hope in some few Weeks to be restored to you. In the mean time I com∣mend me to Your Prayers, and you to the Grace of God, re∣maining.

Yours in the Lord Jesus, JOS. ALLEINE.

Dorchester, July 7th. 1666.

LETTER XXVI. [The Character and Priviledges of true Believers.]

To the Loving and Beloved People, the Servants of God in Taunton, Salvation.

Most dearly Beloved,

I Longed to hear of your Welfare, but by reason of the Carryers intermitting his Journeys, could not till now ob∣tain my desires, neither had I Opportunity till the last Week of writing to you. I rejoyce to hear by Mr. Ford, of Gods continual goodness towards you; he is your Shepherd, and therefore it is that you do not want. Me you have not al∣wayes, but he is ever with you, his Rod and his Staff shall comfort you; Nay, more then all this, you may hence con∣clude comfortably for all times, yea, for the whole Eterni∣ty to come. Surely Goodness and Mercy shall follow you all the days of your Lives, and you shall dwell in the House of the Lord for ever.

In this, my dear Brethren, in this rejoyce, and again I say rejoyce, that God is ingaged in so near and so sweet re∣lation to you. Doubtless your Souls shall Lodge in good∣ness, and be provided for carefully, and lie down in everlast∣ing safety, that have the Almighty for our Shepherd. Blessed are the Flock of his Hands, and the Sheep of his Pasture, hap∣py is the People that is in such a Case.

But who are Christs Sheep?

Not all Professers, I beseech you take heed how you rest in Profession. It is not Profession, but Converson that turns a man from a Swine to a Sheep. Let none of you be deceived,

nor flatter your selves, that because you beat the Name of Christians, and do many things, and have escaped the open gross pollutions of the World, therefore you are surely a∣mong the number of Christs true Sheep. All this you may attain to, and yet be but washed Swine; here must be an inward deep and thorow and universal Change upon your Natures, Dispositions, Inclinations, or else you are not Christs Sheep.

In a word, If you will be put out of doubt whether you are his Sheep or not, you must trie it by this certain Mark that Christ sets upon all his Sheep, even your Sanctification, you that will stand to the trial, answer me truly and deliberately to these Questions. Do you hate every sin as the Sheep doth the Mire? Do you regard no Iniquity in your Hearts? Do you strive against, and oppose all Sin, though it may seem never so necessary, never so natural to you, or have you not you secret Haunts of evil? For every Swine will have his swill. Do you abstain from sin out of fear, or out of dislike? Are You at peace with no sin, or do you not hide some Ini∣quity as a sweet morsel under your Tongue? Is there not some practice that You are not willing to know is a sin for fear you should be forced to leave it? Do you love the Com∣mandment that forbids your sin, or do you not wish it out of the Bible, as that evil man wished God had never made the Seventh Commandment? Again, how do You stand af∣fected towards Holiness? Do you love it? Do you choose it? Do You hunger and thirst after it, and desire it more than any Temporal good? Have You chosen the way of Gods Pre∣cepts, and had rather live Holily than be allowed to live in your sins? Do You in your very Hearts, prefer a Godly strict Life in communion with and conformity to God, before the greatest prosperity of the World? Do You chose Holiness, not out of bare necessity, because You cannot go to Heaven without it, but out of love to it, and from a deep sense that You have of the surpassing Excellency, and Loveliness, and Beauty of it? If it be thus with You, You are the Persons that the Lord Jesus hath marked for his Sheep.

And now, Come ye Blessed, all that have this Mark upon You, come and understand your happiness; You are mark∣ed out for preservation, and let it go how it will with the

rest; this I know, it shall go well with you that fear the Lord, that fear before him. You are the separated Ones, the seal∣ed Ones, Upon whom the Angel hath set the Seal of the Living God; and so you are redeemed unto God from among men, being the First-fruits unto God, and unto the Lamb, and have your Fathers Name written in your Fore-heads.

Hear, O beloved Flock, I may give you the Salutation of the Angels, Hail, You are highly favoured of the Lord, Blessed are you among men; though you are but poor and despised, and like little Benjamin among the thousands of Judah; You carry away the the Blessing and the Priviledge from all the rest. God hath done more for the least of you than for the whole World of Mankind besides, put all their mercies together. Fear not little Flock, it is your Fathers good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. Blessed are you of the Lord for yours is the Kingdome of Heaven. All that the Scripture speaks of that Kingdome of Glory, that Kingdome of Peace, of Righteous∣ness, that Everlasting Kingdome, It speaks it all to you. Be∣hold your Inheritance, See that you believe. What know you not your own selves? You are the Sons of God, Inhe∣ritours of the Kingdom of Heaven, Joint Heirs with Christ the Lord of Glory. Do you believe this? Take heed you make not God a Lyar: His Word is nigh you: Have you not the Writings in your hands? Do I speak any thing but what God hath spoken? Shall I tell you of the thing which shall be hereafter? Why thus it shall be. The Son of man shall come in his Glory, and all his holy Angels with him: Then shall he sit upon the Throne of his Glory, and he shall se∣parate you as a Shepherd divideth the Sheep from the Goats, and he shall set you at his own right hand, Then shall the King say, Come ye Blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdome prepared for you.

Do you believe yet? Do you throughly believe? If so, then my work is done, then I need not bid you Rejoyce, nor bid you be Thankful, onely believe. Do this and do all Believe and you will rejoyce with Joy unspeakeable, and full of Glory. Believe and you will be Fruitfull, and shew your Faith by your works. Believe and you will Love, for Faith

worketh by love. In a word, keep these things upon your Hearts by daily and lively Consideration, and this will bring Heaven into your Souls, and ingage you to all manner of holy Conversation, and Godliness. This will mortifie you to the World, the grand Enemy which I advise, nay, I charge you to beware of. When Saul had gotten his King∣dome, he left off taking Care for the Asses. O Remember yours is the Kingdom: What are You the better that You have all this in your Bibles, if you do not weigh it by fre∣quent and serious Consideration, and ponder these sayings in your Hearts. Beloved, I have written these things to you that your joy may be full. And now Peace I leave with you, I am Christs Embassador to you, an Embassador of Peace; his Peace I pronounce unto you: In his Name I bless you. Farewell in the Lord, I am

The fervent Well-willer of your Souls, JOS. ALLEINE.

Devises, June 29. 1666.

LETTER XXVII. [Of the Second coming of Christ.]

To the Faithful, and Beloved, the Servants of God in Taunton, Grace and Peace.

Loving and most dearly Beloved,

THough I trust my Bonds do preach to You, yet methinks that doth not suffice me, but the Conscience of my Du∣ty, and the workings of my Heart towards You, are still calling upon me to stir You up by way of Remembrance, notwithstanding You know and be established in the present Truth. And if Paul do call upon so great an Evangelist as Timothy, to Remember that Jesus was raised from the dead ac∣cording to the Gospel, why should not I be often calling upon my self, and upon you, my dearly Beloved, to remember and meditate upon, and closely apply the great and weighty Truths of the Gospel, which You have already received? And in truth, I perceive in my self and you another manner of heat and warmth in the insisting upon the plainest Principles of Chri∣stianity, and the setting them home upon mine own heart and yours, than in dwelling upon any more abstruse Speculations, in the clearest handling of which, the Preacher may seem to be too much like the Winter nights, very bright, but very cold.

But now, my Brethren, I shall not with Paul call upon You so much to remember the Resurrection of Christ, as the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Christ: Behold, He cometh in the Clouds, and every Eye shall see him; Your Eyes and mine Eyes: and all the Tribes of the Earth shall mourn because of him: But we shall lift up our heads, because the Day of our Redemption

draweth nigh: This is the Day I look for, and wait for, and have laid up all my hopes in. If the Lord return not, I 〈◊〉〈◊〉, my self undone, my Preaching is vain; and my suffering is vain, and the Bottom in which I have intrusted all my hopes is for ever miscarried. But I know whom I have trust∣ed: We are built upon the Foundations of that sure Word, we are not built upon the sand of Mortality. Nor do we run so as uncertainly, but the Word of the Lord abideth for ever, upon which word do we hope; How fully doth this word as∣sure us that this same Jesus that is gone up into Heaven shall so return, and that he shall appear the Second time un∣to Salvation, to them that look for him. Oh, how sure is the thing! How near is the time! How Glorious will his Ap∣pearing be!

The thing is sure, the Day is set, God hath appointed 2 Day wherein he will judge the World by that man whom he hath 〈◊〉〈◊〉; The manner of it is revealed, Behold the Lord 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with ten thousand of his Saints: The Attendants are appointed and nominated. The Son of Man shall come in his Glory, and all his holy Angels with him. The thing You see is established, and every circumstance is determined. How sweet are the words that dropped from the pretious Lips of our departing Lord! What generous Cordials hath he left us in his parting Sermons, and his last Prayer! And yet of all the rest those are the sweetest, I will come again and receive you to my self, that where I am, there you may be also. What need you any further witness: You have heard him your selves, assuring you of his Return. Doubtless he cannot de∣ceive you, you have not onely known, but seen and felt the Truth of his promises.

And will he come? Tremble then ye Sinners, Triumph ye Saints, Clap your hands all ye that look for the Confolation of Israel. O Sinners, where will you then appear? How will you look upon him whom you have pierced? Whom you have persecuted? Whose great Salvation you have neglected and despised? Wo unto you that ever you were born, unless you should then be found to be New-born.

But you, O Children of the most high, how will you for∣get your travel, and be melted into Joy. This is he in whom you have believed; whom having not seen 〈◊〉〈◊〉 loved. But

how will Love and Joy be working (if I may so speak) with pangs unutterable when you shall see him, and hear his sweet Voice commending, applauding, approving of you, and owning you by Name before all the World. Brethren, thus it must be, the Lord hath spoken it. See that you stag∣ger not at the Promise, but give Glory to God by Belie∣ving.

Again, The Time is near, Yet a little while, and he that shall come will come. Behold, I come quickly, saith he: And again, The Lord is at hand: Sure You are, that death cannot be far off. O Christian, thou dost not know but the next year, nay, possibly the next week, thou mayest be in Heaven. Christ will not long endure thine absence, but will have thee up to him till the time of his General appearing; when he will take us up altogether, and so we shall be ever with the Lord.

Soul, believest thou this? If thou dost indeed, what re∣mains but that thou shouldest live a Life of Love and Praise; studying to do all the good thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 till thou come to Hea∣ven; and waiting all the days of thine appointed time till thy change shall come. O my Soul. look out and long. O my Brethren, be you as the Mother of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 looking out at the Windows, and watching at the Latices, saying, why are his Chariot-wheels so long a coming. Though the time till you shall see him be but very short, yet love and longing make it seem tedious.

My Beloved, comfort your hearts with these Words Look upon these things as the greatest reallities, and let your affecti∣ons be answerable to your expectations. I would not have told you these things, unless I had believed them; for it is for this hope that I am bound with this Chain. The Blessing of the Holy Trinity be upon You, I am yours and will be. The God of Peace be with you, I Rest,

Your Embassador in Bonds, JOS. ALLEINE.

From the Prison at Juel∣chester, August. 5. 1666.

LETTER XXVIII. [Of the Love of Christ.]

To his most endeared Friends, the Servants of God in Taunton, Salvation:

Most dearly Beloved,

MEthinks my Brests are not easie, unless I do let them forth unto you. Methings there is somethink still to do, and my Weeks work is not ended, unless I have given my Soul vent, and imparted something to the Beloved flock that I have left behind. And Oh, that my Letters in my ab∣sence might be useful to you! Assuredly it is my joy to serve You, and my Love to you is without dissimulation: witness my twice lost Liberties, and my impaired Health, all which I might have preserved, had it not been for my readiness to minister to you.

But what do I speak of my Love? It is the Sense of the infinite Love of God your Father that I would have to dwell upon you. Forget me, so you remember him. Let me be ve∣ry little, so he be very lovely in your Eyes. Let him be as the Bucket that goes up, though I be as the Bucket that goes down. Bury me, so that you do but set the Lord always be∣fore you. Let my name be written in the dust, so his Name be written deep upon all your Souls.

O Lord, I am thy Servant, truly I am thy servant, Glori∣fie thine own Name by me, and thou shalt have my hand to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that I will be content to be hid in obscurity, and to disap∣pear through the overcoming lustre and brightness of thy Glory.

Brethren, understand mine Office, I Preach not my self,

but the Lord Jesus Christ, and my self your Servant for Je∣sus sake. Give him your hearts, and I have my Errand. I am but the Friend of the Bridegroom, and my Business is, but to give you to understand his Love, and to gain your hearts unto him. He is an Object worthy of my Commen∣dations, and of your affections. His Love is worth the wri∣ting of, and worth the thinking of, and worth the speaking of. O my Brethren, never forget, I beseech you, how he loveth You. He is in heaven, and You are on earth; he is in Glory and you in Rags; he is in the shining Throne, and you in dirty Flesh, and yet he loveth you. His heart is in∣finitely tender of you, even now while he is at the right hand of the Majesty on High. How feelingly doth he cry out at the hurt of his poor Members on Earth? Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me! Oh, of what quick Sense is the Sense of our dear Lord unto us! when we are touched on Earth he feels it in Heaven.

Brethren, Christ is real in all that he speaks unto you: He is not like a flourishing Lover, who fills up his Letters with Rhetorick, and hath more care of the dress of his Speech, than of the Truth. Who ever gave Demonstration of the re∣allity of his Love at so dear a rate as Christ hath done? Men do not use to die in jest: Who will impoverish himself to enrich his Friend? and divest himself of his honour to ad∣vance him? and debase himself to admiration below his own degree to contract affinity with him? and all this but to make him believe that he loves him.

Brethren, possess your very hearts with this, that Christs love doth go out with infinite dearness towards you. Even now while he is in all his Glory, he earnestly remembers you still. This is the High Priest that now is entred into the Holy of Holies, doth bear your names particularly, remembring every poor believer by name. He bears your names, but where? upon his Brest-plate, upon his Heart, saith the Text, Exod. 28. 29. Ah Christians, I may salute you as the Angel did Mary, Hail you that are highly favoured: Blessed are you among men. Sure your Lot is fallen in an happy

place; What in the Bosom of Christ? yea, and verily you may believe, and doubt not. I may apply that of Gabriel, O Daniel, thou art greatly beloved, unto you; you are beloved indeed, to have your Names written upon the very heart of Christ now he is in Glory.

Oh, let his Name be written then on your hearts. Do not write his Name in the Sand, when he hath written yours up∣on his own Brest! Do not forget him who hath taken such care, that while he is, he may never forget you, having record∣ed your Names not onely on his Book, but on his Flesh, and set you as a Seal upon his Heart. He hath you upon his heart, but why? For a memorial before the Lord continu∣ally, so saith the Text. Beloved, your Lord is so far from for∣getting you in all his Greatness and Glory, that he is gone into heaven on purpose, there to present you before the Lord, that you may be alwaies in remembrance before him. O Be∣loved, Glory, yea, and Triumph in his Love. Doubtless it must go well with us. Who shall condemn? It is Christ that died, and rose again, and is now making Intercession. His Interest is potent. He is alwaies present. Our Advocate is never out of Court. Never did Cause miscarry in his hand. Trust you safely in him. Happy is that man for whom he shall undertake to speak.

Oh, the Riches of Christs Love! He did not think it e∣nough to die for You. His Love and care doth not end with his natural Life on Earth, but he ever liveth to make Inter∣cession for us. His Love is like his Life, ever, ever: Know∣ing no remission in degree, nor intermission of time, no ces∣sation of working, but is ever, ever, in motion towards us.

But when shall I end, if I suffer my Soul to run out its length, and my running Pen to enlarge according to the de∣mensions of this boundless Field of Divine Love? If the Pens of all the World were imployed to write Volumes of Love, if the Tongues of all the living were exercised in no∣thing else but talking of this love; If all the Hearts that

be were made up of Love; and all the Powers and affe∣ctions of the mind were turned into one, to wit the power of Love, yet this were no less than infinitely too little, either to conceive, or to express the greatness of Christs Love.

O my dearly Beloved, may your Souls be swallowed up in this Love. Think, and think while you will, you can never think how much You are beloved. See that ye love again by way of Gratitude, though not of Requital: What though your Souls be but narrow, and your powers but lit∣tle, yet love him with all you have. Love him with all your hearts, and all your strength. To the Meditations, and to the Embraces of Divine Love I leave you, thinking it now not worth while to tell You of my Love, Remaining

Yours in the Bonds of your most dear Lord Jesus, JOS. ALLEINE.

August 11. 1665.

LETTER XXIX. [Warning to Professors of their Danger.]

To the most Beloved People, the Servants of God in Taunton, Salvation:

Most dear Friends

MY top Joy is, that my Beloved is mine and I am his: but next to that I have no Joy so great as that You are mine and I am yours, and You are Christs. My Rela∣tion to Christ is above all; He is my Life and my Peace, my Riches, and my Righteousness: He is my Hope and my Strength, and mine Inheritance, and my Rejoycing: In him will I please my self for ever, and in him will I glory. I e∣steem my self most Happy and Rich, and safe in him, though of my self I am nothing. In him I may boast without Pride, and glory without Vanity. Here is no danger of being over∣much pleased; neither can the Christian exceed his Bounds in overvaluing his own Riches, and Happiness in Christ. I am greatly pleased with the Lot that is fallen to me: The Lord hath dealt bountifully with me, and none shall stop this my confidence of boasting in Christ. But as my Lot in him is a∣bove all, so I will assure You, it is no small content to me, that my Lot is fallen with You. And though many difficulties have fallen to my Lot among You (for I have broken my health and lost my Liberty once and again, for Your sakes) yet none of these things move me. I wish nothing more then to spend and to be spent upon the service of your Faith. I bless the Lord for it as an invaluable Mercy, that ever he called me to be an Embassadour of the Lord Jesus Christ to You-wards. In this station I desire to approve my self to

him, and that I am withdrawn from my Work for a season, it is but that I may return to you refreshed, and inabled for my Work among You. You may not think that I have for∣gotten You, and consulted my own ease and pleasure: but if God prosper my Intentions, I shall be found to have been daily serving You in this Retirement. I will assure You, I am very tender of preserving all that little strength that God doth add to me entirely for Your sakes: being resolved not so much as once to broach the Vessel till I draw forth to You. I bless the Lord, I am in great tranquility here in this Town, and walk up and down the Corporation without any Questi∣oning me. Onely it hath pleased the Lord to add to my Af∣fliction since my coming, by taking away my dear Father, the day of whose glorious Translation was the day after my ar∣riving here. But I bless the Lord, I do believe and expect the return of the Redeemer with all his Saints, and the most glorious Resurrection of my own dead Body with all Belie∣vers: and this makes me to rest in Hope, and fills me with unspeakable more Joy than the death of my self or any other Saint can with grief. And now I make it my business to be rendred serviceable to you; and do by this, return You my hearty thanks for your earnest Prayers and Intercessiors to God in my behalf, for it is he that must do the Cure: I seem to my self to be ritired to this place, as a Vessel rent and shatter'd and torn in the Service, that is come to recruit in the Harbour: And here I am as it were rigging, and repair∣ing, and Victualling to put forth again in the Service: which I shall do with the first Wind, as soon as I am ready. What is my life unless I am serviceable? And though I must for the present forbear my wonted Labour, yet I shall not cease to ex∣hort You, and call upon you while I am absent from You, to stand fast, and to grow up in your holy Faith.

Be warned, my dearly Beloved, that You fall not upon these dangerous Rocks upon which so many Professors have been split.

There are three Things which I beseech you carefully to beware of.

First, Lest while Christ is in your mouths, the world run away with your hearts: There is many a seeming Professor that will be found a meer Idolater? Many a Soul goes down to

Hell in this sin, in the midst of his Profession, and never 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it till it be too late. Remember, I beseech You, that the Oxen, the Farm, Wife, Merchandize, all of them lawful Comforts, did as effectually keep men from a sound and sa∣ving closing with Christ, as the vilest lufts of the worst of men. Whatever You find your hearts very much pleased in, and in love with, among these earthly Comforts, set a mark upon that thing, and remember that there lies your greatest danger. What you love most, you must fear most; and think often with your selves, This, if any thing, is like to be my ruine. Oh, the multitudes of Professors that perish for ever, by the secret hand of this mortal Enemy, I mean the over∣valuing of Earthly things. The hearers compared to the thorny Ground, did not openly fall away and cast off their Profession, as the stony ground did; but while others withered away, the blade of Profession was as green and fresh as ever; and yet their inordinate affection to the things of this life, did secretly undo all at last. Little do most Professors think of this, while they please themselves in their estates, while they delight themselves so freely in their Children, in their Wives, in their habitations and possessions; that these be the things that are like to undo them for ever. How little is that Scripture thought of, which speaks so dreadfully to worldly Professors; Love not the world, for if any man love the world, the love of the Fa∣ther is not in him. Are there not many among us, who though they do keep up Prayer, and other holy Duties; yet the strength and vigour of their hearts goeth out after earthly things? And those are their chief Care and their chief Joy. Such must know, and they are none of Christs, and they were better to understand it now, and seek to be renewed by Repentance, then hereafter when there shall be no place for Repentance.

Secondly, Lest while iniquity doth abound, your love to Christ doth wax cold. Remember what an Abomination Laodicoa was to Christ, because she grow so luke-warm; and what a contro∣versie he had with Ephesus, a sound Church, because she did but slacken and grow more remiss in her love. A Friend is born for Adversity; and now is the time, if you will prove the sin∣cerity of your love and friendship to Jesus Christ, by following him zealously, resolvedly, fully, now he is most rejected and opposed.

Thirdly, Lest you keep up a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and fruitless Profession, without Progression: See to it my Brethren, that You be not onely Professors, but proficients: Many Professors think all is well because they keep on in the Exercises of Religion; but alas! You may keep on Praying, and hearing all the Week long, and yet be not one jot the further. Many there are that keep going, but it is like the Horse in the Mill, that is going all day, but yet is no further than when he first began. Nay, it oft times happens in the Trade of Religion, as it doth in Trading in the World, where many keep on in Trading still, till for want of care and caution, and examining their accounts whether they go forward or backward, they Trade themselves out of all. Oh, look to it my Brethren, that none of You rest in the doing of Duties, but examine what comes of them. Otherwise as You may Trade your selves into Poverty, so you may hear and pray your selves into hardness of heart, and desperate security, and formality. This was the very Case of wretched Laodicea, who kept up the Trade of Religious Duties, and verily thought that all was well, because the Trade still went on, and that she was in∣creased in spiritual Goods, and in a gaining way: but when her accounts were cast up at last, all comes to nothing, and ends in wretchedness, poverty, and nakedness. Most dear Bre∣thren, I wish and pray for the prosperity of you all: but a∣bove all, I wish your Souls prosperity, with which, after my most dear Loves to You all, having already exceeded the bounds of an Epistle, I commend You to the living God, Remaining

Your fervent well wisher and Em∣bassador in Christ. JOS. ALLEINE.

Devises, June 22. 1666.

LETTER XXX. [An Admiration of the Love of God.]

To the loving and most Dearly Beloved, the Servants of God in Taunton, Salvation.

My most dear Friends,

I Love you, and long for you in the Lord, and I am weary with forbearing that good and blessed Work that the Lord hath committed to me, for the furtherance of your Salva∣tion. How long Lord, how long shall I dwell in silence! How long shall my Tongue cleave to the Roof of my Mouth! When will God open my Lips, that I may stand up and praise him? But it is my Fathers good pleasure yet to keep me in a total disability of publishing his Name among you; unto him my soul shall patiently subscribe. I may not, I cannot complain that he is hard to me, or useth me with Rigour: I am full of the Mercies of the Lord, yea, Brim∣ful and running over, And shall I complain? Far be it from me.

But though I may not murmur, methinks I may mourn a little, and sit down and wish, O if I may not have a Tongue to speak, would I had but Hands to Write, that I might from my Pen drop some heavenly Councels to my Beloved People. Methinks my feeble Fingers do even Itch to Write unto you, but it cannot be, alas my Right-hand seems to have forgot her cunning, and hath much ado with trembling to lift the Bread unto my Mouth. Do you think you should have had so little to shew under my Hand, to bear witness of my Care for you, and Love to you if God had not shook my Pen as it were out of my Hand? But all that he doth is done well, and wisely, and therefore I submit. I have pur∣posed

to borrow Hands wherewith to Write unto my Beloved rather then to be silent any longer.

But where shall I begin, or when should I end? If I think to speak of the Mercies of God towards me, or mine enlarg∣ed affections towards you, methinks I feel already how strait this Paper is like to be, and how insignificant my Expres∣sions will be found, and how insufficient all that I can say will prove at last to utter what I have to tell you; but shall I say nothing because I cannot utter all, this must not be neither.

Come then all ye that fear the Lord, come and I will tell you what he hath done for my Soul. O help me to love that precious Name of his, which is above all my Praises. O love the Lord all ye his Saints, and fear before him! mag∣nifie the Lord with me, and let us exalt his Name together! he hath remembred my low estate, because his Mercy endu∣reth for ever. O blessed be you of the Lord, my dearly Be∣loved, O thrice blessed may you be for all your Remembrances of me before the Lord, you have wrestled with the Lord for me, you have wrestled me out of the very Jaws of Death it self: O the strength of Prayer! Surely it is stronger than Death. See that You even honour the power and prevalency of Prayer: Oh be in Love with Prayer, and have high and ve∣nerable thoughts of it. What Distresses, Diseases. Deaths can stand before it? Surely I live by Prayer, Prayer hath given a Resurrection to this Body of mine, when Physicians, and Friends had given up their hopes.

Ah my dearly Beloved, methinks it delights me to tell the Story of your Love, how much more of the Love of God towards me. I have not forgotten, O my dearly Be∣loved, I have not forgotten your tender Love in all my Di∣stresses. I remember your kindness to me in my Bonds, when once and again I was delivered up to a Prison for your sakes. I remember with much delight, how You refreshed and comforted me in my Tribulations, how open your hearts were, and your hands were not straightned neither, for I was in want of nothing. I may not, I must not forget what painful Journies you took to visit me, when in places Remote the hand of the Lord had touched me, and though my long Sickness was almost incredible Expensive to me, yet your

supplies did not a little lighten my Burthen.

And though I put it last, yet I do not mind it least, that You have been so ready in returning Praises to God in my behalf, your Thanksgiving to God, my dear Brethren, do administer abundant cause to me of my giving thanks unto You.

And now my Heart methinks is big to tell You a little of my Loue to You, surely You are dear unto me; but though it be sweet to tell the Story of Love, yet in this I will restrain my self. For I fear least as the Wise man saith of the begin∣ning of strife, so I should find of the beginning of Love, that it is like the letting forth of the Water; and the rather I do forbear, because I hope you have better Testimonies than Words, to bear Witness herein unto You.

But if I sing the Song of Love, O let Divine Love overcar∣ry the Praise; I found my self in straights when I began to speak of the natural Love between my dear People, and an un∣worthy Minister of Christ to them; and it seemed that all that I have said was much too little, but now I have to speak of the Love God, it seems to be by far too much.

O infinite Love never to be Comprehended, but ever to be Admired, Magnified, and Adored by every Creature! O let my Heart be filled, let my Mouth be filled, let my Pa∣pers be filled, ever ever filled with the thankful Commemo∣ration of this matchless Love. O turn your Eyes from other Objects! O Bury me in Forgetfulness, and let my Love be no more mentioned nor had in remembrance among You, so that You may be throughly possessed and inflamed with the Love of God. This, my Beloved, this is that Love which is ever to be Commended, and Extolled by You. See that You studie this Love, fill your Souls with wonder, and feast your Souls with joy, and be ravished with rich con∣tentment in this Divine Love: Take your daily walk, and lose your selves in the Field of Love: Drink, O Friends, yea drink abundantly, O Beloyed, fear no excess. O that your Souls may be drencht and drowned in the Love of Christ, till You can every one say with the ravisht Spouse, I am sick of Love. Marvel not that I wander here, and seem to for∣get the bounds of a Letter, this Love obligeth me, Yea, ra∣ther constraineth me. Who in all the Earth should admire

and commend this Love if I should not? I feel it, I taste it, the sweet Savour thereof Reviveth my Soul, it is Light to mine Eyes, and Life co mine Heart; the warm Beams of this blessed Sun, O how have they Comforted me, Ravished, and Refreshed me both in Body and Soul! My benumbed Limbs, my withered Hands, my feeble Knees, my Bones quite naked of Flesh do yet again Revive through the Quickning, Heal∣ing, and Raising influence of Divine Grace and Love. Now my own Hands can feed me, and my own feet can bear me, my Appetlte is quick, my Sleep comfortable, and God is pleased to give some increase continually though by insensible Degrees; And shall not I praise that Love and Grace that hath done all this for me? Yea, what is this to all I have to tell You? My Heart is enlarged, but I told You Paper could not hold what I have to speak of the Goodness of the All-Gracious God, in which I live. I am forced to end, least you should not bear my length. My dearly Beloved, I send my Heart unto You, divide my Love amongst you all, and particularly tender it to your Reverend and Faithfull Pastour, whose Presence with you, and Painfulness, and Watchfulness over you, and Zeal and Courage for you in so dangerous a time, is matter of my great Joy and Thanksgivings unto God. The Grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all. Fare you well in the Lord, I remain

Your unworthy Minister and ser∣vent Well wisher in the Lord, JOS. ALLEINE.

LETTER XXXI.

To the most endeared People, the Inhabitants of Taunton, Salvation:

Most dearly Beloved and longed for, my Joy and Crown,

MY Hearts desire and Prayer for you is, that you may be saved. This is that which I have been Praying and Studying, and Preaching for these many Years; and this is the end of my Venturing, and Suffering, and Writing at this present time. God that knoweth all things, he knoweth that this is my 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Oh that I could but come 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Souls! And that this is the Pride and the Gain that I 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 I might 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Souls. I seek 〈◊〉〈◊〉 other Gifts, give 〈◊〉〈◊〉 your Hearts, let me but part between your sins and You 〈◊〉〈◊〉 me but to save You; give me 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to carry you 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Jesus Christ, and I will not ask you any more. I will 〈◊〉〈◊〉 You 〈◊〉〈◊〉, I will suffer for You thankfully, so I may but save You. Do not wonder why I follow you 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 I call upon you so frequently 〈◊〉〈◊〉; not my 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be grievous to You, all this is but to save You. Christ did not bethink his Blood, and shall I bethink my Breath, or Ink, too 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in order to your Salvation 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 is it, that any of You should miscarry 〈◊〉〈◊〉, under the power of Igno∣rance, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a prophane Negligence, or a formal and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Profession of strict God liness.

Beloved, I am afraid of You lest (as to many of You) I have run in vain. I cannot but most thankfully acknow∣ledg, that (considering the Paucity of those that are saved) there are not a few of You who are the Joy of your Ministers, and the Glory of Christ. But it cannot be dissembled, that far the greater number give little ground to Hope, that they

are in the state of Salvation. And must not this be a pinch∣ing thought to a compassionate Teacher, to think, that he cannot for his heart perswade men, but that the most of them will wilfully throw away themselves? Is it not a woful sight, to behold the Devils driving a great part of our miserable Flocks (as they did once the Herd of Swine, the Keepers themselves amazed looking on.) I say, driving them vio∣lently down the hill, till they be choaked in the Water, and drowned irrecoverably in the Gulf of endless Perdition? Ah miserable spectacle! What through the wilful blindness of some, what through the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and sensuality of others, what through the halving, and Cold, and customary Religion of others, how great a number of our poor Flocks, is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 like to carry utterly away from us, after all that hath been done to save 〈◊〉〈◊〉?

〈◊〉〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but call after them. Hearken unto me, O∣ye Children. How long will 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, and follow 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Leasing, and trust in lying Words? As the Lord 〈◊〉〈◊〉 You are lost, except you turn: Wherefore turn your 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and live ye. Ah how 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 you! How it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 to you? Hear, O Sinners, hear. See 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 the merciful Saviour of the World 〈◊〉〈◊〉 forth his hands all the day long, and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Wings, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you as a Hen doth her 〈◊〉〈◊〉! hear you not the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his Bowels? He hath 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of You; Yet How do his) Compassions melt over perishing Sinners? his he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 within him, And shall not this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 your 〈◊〉〈◊〉? his 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 are kindled together; and that not this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 You 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉? 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 at the Door and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 O man wilt thou keep 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and lodge 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as in 〈3 lines〉〈3 lines〉 42. He crieth to them, Prov. 1. 21, 22, 23. How long ye simple ones, will you love 〈◊〉〈◊〉? Will you not be made clean? When shall it once be? Why will you die? Turn you at my Reproof Behold, I wll pour out my Spirit upon you. Sinner, art thou not yet melted? Oh come in at his loving Calls, Come out from thy 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Touch the Scepter of Grace and live: Why shouldest thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dashed in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by his

Iron Rod? Kiss the Son: Why shouldst thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the way? Set up Jesus as thy King, lest he count thee for his Enemy, because thou wouldst not that he should Reign 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thee, and so thou be called forth and slain before him. Oh how dreadful will this Case be, to perish under the pitiful Eyes of his Mercy, and to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the hand of a 〈◊〉〈◊〉! Oh double hell, to have thy Redeemer become thine 〈◊〉〈◊〉! And the hand that was so long stretched forth to save thee, to be now stretched forth to slay thee! 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the merciful heart of Christ himself hardned against thee, so as that he should call thee forth, and with his own hand hew thee in pieces, (as Samuel did Agag before the Lord.)

But I have been too too long in prefacing to what I in∣tended forthwith to have fallen upon: Indeed I am apt to run out in matters that do so nearly touch upon your greatest 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

Beloved, I despair of ever bringing You to Salvation, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sanctification: Or possessing You with Happiness, with∣out perfwading You to holiness. God knows I have not the least hope ever to see one of your Faces in Heaven, except You be Converted and Sanctified, and Exercise your selves 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Godliness. This is that I drive at. 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 You study to further 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, and Family Godliness.!

1. Personal Godliness. Let it be your 〈◊〉〈◊〉 care to set up Christ in your Hearts. See that you make all your worldly Interests to stoop to him, that You be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 devoted unto him. If you wilfully, and deliberately, and ordinarily harbour any sin, You are undone. See that You unfeignedly take the Laws of Christ, as the rule of your words, thoughts, and actions; and subject your 〈◊〉〈◊〉, man, members and mind faithfully to him. If You have a true respect to all Gods Commandments, you are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at heart. Oh study to get the image and impress of Christ upon you within. Begin with your hearts, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you build without a foundation. Labour to get a saving change within, or else all external performances will be to no pur∣pose. And then study to shew forth the power of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the life. Let piety be your first and great business, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the highest point of Justice, to give God his due. Beware

that none of you be a Prayerless person: for that is a most certain discovery of a Christless, and a graceless person, of one that is a very stranger to the fear of God. Suffer not your Bibles to gather dust. See that you converse dayly with the Word. That man can never lay claim to Blessedness, whose delight is not in the law of the Lord. Let meditati∣on and self-examination be your daily exercise, else the Papists, yea the Pagans, will condemn us. That the short questions, which I have given you as a help to self-examina∣tion, may be dayly perused by you, is the matter of my pas∣sionate request unto you. If ever you come to any growth in holiness, without the constant use of this practice, I am grosly deceived. And therefore I would beseech, yea, even charge you, by the Lord, that you would daily examine your selves by these questions, till you have found a better help to this duty.

But Piety, without Charity, is but the half of christianity, or rather impious hypocrisie, We may not divide the Tables. See therefore that you do justly, and love mercy, and let Equity, and Charity run like an even thred, throughout all your dealings. Be you temperate in all things, and let Cha∣stity, and Sobriety, be your undivided companions. Let truth and Purity, Seriousness and modesty, Heavenliness and gravity be the constant ornaments of your speech. Let patience and humility, simplicity and sincerity shine out in all the parts of your conversations. See that you forget and forgive wrongs, and requite them with kindness as you would be found chil∣dren of the most high. Be merciful in your 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and put the most favourable construction upon our Brethrens carriage that their actions will reasonably bear. Be slow in promising, punctual in fulfilling. Let meekness and inno∣cency, Affableness, Yieldingness, and Curtesie, commend your conversations to all men. Let none of your Relations want that love and loyalty, that reverence and duty, that ten∣derness, care, and vigilancy, which their several places and capacities call for. This is throughout godliness. I charge you before the most high God, that none of you be found a swearer, or a lyar, a lover of evil company, or a scoffer, or malicious, or covetous, or a drunkard, or a 〈◊〉〈◊〉, unrighteous in his dealing, unclean in his living,

or a quareller, or a thief, or backbiter, or a railer: for I de∣nounce unto you from the living God, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and damnation is the end of all such, Prov. 13. 20. Jam. 5. 12. Rev. 21. 8. 1 Cor. 6. 9, 10. Gal. 5. 19, 20, 21.

2. Family Godliness. He that hath set up Christ in his heart, will be sure to study to set him up in his house. Let every family with you be a Christian Church; every house, a house of Prayer; every houshold, a houshold of faith. Let every housholder say, with Joshua, I, and my house will serve the Lord, and resolve with David, Psal. 121. 2. I will walk within my house, with a perfect heart. Let me press upon you a few duties, which I have been long harping upon, but Alas (I speak it to your shame) with many (too too many) of you, to little purpose in general.

First, Let Religion be in your families, not as a matter by the by, (to be minded at leisure, when the world will give you leave) but the standing business of the house. Let them have your prayers as duly as their meals, is there any of your fami∣lies, but have time for their taking food? wretched man! canst thou find time to eat in, and not time to Pray in?

Secondly, Settle it upon your Hearts, that your Souls are bound up in the Souls of your Family. They are committed unto you, and (if they be lost through your 〈◊〉〈◊〉) will be required at your hands; Sirs, if you do not, you shall know that the charge of Souls is a heavy charge, and that the Blood of Souls is a heavy guilt. O man, hast thou a charge of Souls to answer for, and dost thou not yet bestir thy self for them, that their Blood be not found in thy Skirts? Wilt thou do no more for immortal Souls, than thou wilt do for thy Beasts that perish? What dost thou do for thy children, and Servants? Thou providest Meat and Drink for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 agreeable to their Natures, and dost thou not the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 thy Beasts? Thou givest them Medicines, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them when they be Sick, and dost thou not so much 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Swine? More particularly.

1. Let the solemn Reading of the Word, Isa. 34. 16. Joh. 5. 31

and singing of Psalms, be your Family Exercises, Psal. 118. 15, See Christ singing with his Family, viz. his Disciples, Mat. 26. 30, Tuke 9. 18.

2. Let every person in your Families be duly called to an ac∣count of their profiting by the word heard or read, as they be about doing your own Businesses. This is a Duty of consequence unspeakable, and would be a means to bring those under your charge, to remember and profit by what they recive. See Christs Example in calling his Family to an account. Mat. 16. 11, 13, 15.

33. Often take and account of the Souls under your care con∣cerning their Spiritual estates. Herein you must be Followers of Christ, Mat. 13. 10, 36, 51. Mark. 4. 10, 11. Make en∣quiry into their conditions, insist much upon the sinfulness and misery of their natural estate, and upon the necessity of Regeneration and Conversion in order to their Salvati∣on. Admonish them gravely of their sins, incourage begin∣nings. Follow them earnestly, and let them have no quiet for You, till You see them in a saving change. This is a duty of high consequence. but (I am afraid) fearfully neglect∣ed by some that are Godly. Doth not Conscience say, Thou art the man?

4. Look to the strict sanctisying of the Sabbath, by all of your Housholds, Exod. 20. 10. Lev. 23. 3. Many poor Families have little time else. O improve but your Sabbath-days as dili∣gently in labouring for knowledge, and doing your Makers work, as You do the other days in doing your own work, and I doubt not, but you may come to some proficiencie.

5. Let the Morning and Evening Sacrifice of solemn Prayer, be daily offered up in all your Families. Psal. 92. 1, 2. Exod. 30. 7, 8. Luk. 1. 9, 10. Beware they be not found among the Families that call not upon Gods Name; for why should there be wrath from the Lord upon your Families? Jer. 10. 25, O miserable Families without God in the World, that are without Family Prayer! What have You so many Family 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Family wants, Family Mercies, what and yet no Family

Prayers? How do You pray with all Prayer and Supplication, if You do not with Family Prayer? Say not, I have no time. What hast thou all thy time on purpose to serve God, and save thy Soul, and is this that for which 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 find no time. Find but a heart, and I will find time. Pinch out of your meals and sleep, rather then want for Prayer. Say no my business will not give leave. This is thy greatest busi∣ness, to save thy self, and the Souls committed to thee. Be∣sides a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 will be no let. In a word, the Blessing of all is to be got by Prayer, Jer. 29. 11, 12. 2 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 29. And what is thy business without Gods Blessing? Say not, I am not a∣ble. Use thy one Talent, and God will increase it, Mat. 25 24, &c. Helps are to be had till thou art better able. But if there be no other remedy, thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 join with thine 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Neighbour. God hath special regard to joint Prayer, Jam. 5. 14. to 19. Acts 12. 5. to 12. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Cor. 1. 11. and therefore You must improve Family advantages for the performing of it.

6. Put every one in your Families upon private Prayer. Ob∣serve whether they do perform it. Get them the help of a form, if they need it, till they are able to go without. Di∣rect them how to Pray, by minding them of their sins, wants, and mercies, the materials of Prayer. This was the practice of John, and of Jesus, Luk. 11. 1, 2.

7. Set up Catechizing in your Families, at the least once every week. It was my parting; dying request, that you would set up and maintain this duty in your families. Have you done it all accordingly? Cannot your consciences witness, cannot your families 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you have not? Well, I thought my parting words would have done something with you: I hoped the fervent request of a dying Minister, would have prevailed for such a small matter with you. What, to this day without solemn catechizing in your houses? 〈◊〉〈◊〉, what a discouragement to your teacher is this? Brethren, shall I yet prevail with you? Will you reject me now also? O let me perswade you, before you take off your eyes from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lines, to resolve to set upon the constant exerise of this duty. Surely I have done and suffered more for you then this comes to: will you deny me? I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you, let

me find, if ever God do bring me again to visit your houses, that the words of a suffering Minister have some power with you. I have sent you an help on purpose: what shall all my perswasions be but speaking in the wind? and all my pains but labouring in the fire? Beloved you have no dread of the Almighties charge, That you should teach these things dili∣gently to your children, and talk of them as you sit in your hou∣ses, &c. Deut. 6. 6, 7, 8. 9. and 4. 9, 10. and 11. 18, 19, 20. and train them up in the way they should go, Prov. 22. 6. the Mar∣gin. Hath God so commended Abraham, that he would teach his children and houshold, Gen. 18. 19. and that he had so many instructed servants, Gen. 14. 14. the Margin and given such a promise to him thereupon, and will not you put in for a share, neither in the praise, nor the promise? Hath Christ honoured catechizing with his presence, Luke 2. 46. and will not you own it with your practise? Say not, they are care∣less, and will not learn. What have you your Authority for, if not to use it for God, and the good of their souls? You will call them up, and force them to do your work; and should you not, at least be as zealous in putting them upon Gods work? Say not, they are dull and are not capable. If they be dull, God requires of you the more pains and pati∣ence, but so dull as they are, you will make them learn how to work; and can they not learn as well how to live! Are they capable of the mysteries of your trade, and are they not capable of the plain principles of Religion? well as ever you would see the growth of Religion, the cure of ignorance, the remedy of prophaness, the downfal of error, fulfil you my joy in going through with this duty.

I have been too long already, and yet I am afraid my let∣ter will be ended before my work be done, how loath am I to leave you, before I have prevailed with you to set to the work, to which you are here directed, will you pass your promise, will you give me your hands? Oh that you would! you cannot do me a greater pleasure. Ask what you will of me; See if I will not do as much for you. Oh that your Families might be a joy to me, as that twice noble Ladies to John; who professes he had no greater joy, then to find her children walking in the truth Beloved why should you hot give the hand one to another, and mutually engage each

to other, for more vigorous and diligent endeavours, in pro∣moting family godliness. I must tell you, God looks for more than ordinary from you, in such a day as this. He ex∣pects that you should do, both in your hearts, and in your houses, somewhat more than ever, under these his Extraor∣dinary dispensations. My most dearly beloved mine own howels in the Lord, will you satisfie the longings of a travel∣ling Minister? Will you answer the Calls of Divine Provi∣dence? Would you remove the Incumbent, or prevent the impending Calamities? Would you plant Nurseries for the Church of God? Would you that God should build your Hou∣ses, and bless your Substance? would you that your Chil∣dren should bless you? that Your Father should bless You? Oh, then set up Piety in your Families as ever you would be blessed, or be a blessing, let your Hearts and your Houses be the Temples of the living God, in which his wor∣ship (according to all the forementioned directions) may be, with constancy reverently performed. Pardon my prolixity, and importunity in so earnest pursuing of You; I am yet afraid I have done too soon, and shall end without my Erranil. The Lord God perswade you. To him I turn me, for I am well assured, he can prevail with you:

O Father of Spirits, that hath set me over thy Flock to watch for their Souls, as one that must give an account. I have long studied thy Will, and taught in thy Name, and do unfeiguedly bless thee; that any have believed my Report. I have given unto them the Words which thou gavest me, and they have received them. I have manifested thy Name unto them, and they have kept thy Word. And now I am no more with them, but I come unto thee: Holy Father keep them through thine own Name; for they are thine. As they have kept the Word of thy Patience, so keep thou them in the hour of Temptation. They are but a flock, a little and a helpless flock: but thou art their Shep∣heard,

suffer them not to want. Do thou feed them, and fold them. Let thy Rod and thy Staff comfort them, and let not the Beasts of prey fall upon them, to the spoiling of their Souls.

But what shall I do for them that will not be gather∣ed. I have called after them, but they would not an∣swer, I have charged them in thy Name, but they would not hear; I have studied to speak perswasively to them, but I cannot prevail. Then I said, I have laboured in vain; I have spent my strength for nought, and in vain, yet I cannot give them over, much less may I give thee over. Lord perswade Japhet, to dwell in the Tents of Shem. Lord, compel them to come in, and lay the hands of mercy upon them, as thou didst on lingring Lot, and bring them forth, that they may escape for their lives and not be consumed. Lord, I pray thee open their eyes that they may see, and lay hold upon their hearts by thy Omnipotent Grace. Do thou turn them, and they shall be turned: O bring back the miserable 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and suffer not the Enemy of Mankind to drive away the most of the flock before mine eyes, and to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the fruitless endeavours of thy Laborers, and boast over them, that he can do more with them, though he seek to ruine them, than all the beseechings, counsels, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 charges of thy Servants that seek to save them. Lord, if I could find out any thing that would pierce them, that would make its way into their hearts, thou 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it. But I have been many years pleading thy Cause in vain. O let not these endeavors also be lost. O God, find out every ignorant, every prophane 〈◊〉〈◊〉, every prayerless Soul, and every prayerless family, and

convince them of their miserable condition, while with∣out thee in the world. Set thy Image upon their Souls, set up thy Worship in their Families. Let not pride, ignorance, or slothfulness, keep them in neglect of the means of Knowledge. Let thine eyes be over the place of my desires for good, from one end of the year to the other end thereof. Let every House therein be a Semi∣nary of Religion, and let those that cast their eyes upon these lines, find thee sliding in by the secret influence of thy Grace into their hearts, and irresistably engaging them to do thy pleasure. Amen.

Amen.

LETTER XXXII. [He that endureth to the end shall be saved.]

To the Loving and Well-Beloved, the Servants of Christ in Huntington, Grace and Peace:

Most dear Christians,

I Do thankfully acknowledge, both to God, and You, that I am many ways obliged to love, and serve you: and surely, when the Lord shall turn our Captivity, I will (through his Grace) endeavour to shew my self thankful, wherein I may, unto You. I am the more sensible of your great love, because I cannot be insensible, how little I have deserved such a Mercy, and how little I have been able to do, to oblige You. Able, I say, for I am sure. I have been willing to be much more serviceable to you: But now, Letters and Prayers are all that I have for you; of these I shall be ready to be prodigal. Your love to me hath been very bountiful: I may not forget the liberal Supplies that you have sent, ma∣ny of you, even out of your poverty to me; and not to me only, but to the whole Family of my Brethren, and Fellow-Prisoners, who do all bless you, and send by these with me, their thankful respects unto you. I servently pray, and do not doubt to speed, that you may reap in Grace and Glory, what you have sown to us in bounty. Verily, there is a re∣ward for the Righteous. Ah, how sure is it! And how great and how near is it? Come on, my dear Brethren, and Fel∣low-Travellers. Stir up your selves, and set to your race. See that you loiter not, but speed apace in your holy Course. What tire by the way, or think of looking back, when Hea∣ven is the prize? God forbid. To him that soweth righte∣ousness

there shall be a sure reward. What though it should seem slow? As long as it is so sure, and so great, never be discouraged: In the end you shall reap, if you faint not. Wait but a while, and you shall have a blessed Harvest. The Lord speaks to the Christian, as he to his Creditor in ano∣ther Case. Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Oh now for Faith and Patience! How safely, how sweet∣ly would these carry us to our Home and Harbour, through all difficulties. Brethren beloved, be ye followers of them, who through Faith and Patience inherit the Promises. It is want of Patience that undoes the world. Patience, I mean, not so much in the bearing the inflicted evil, as in waiting for the deferred good. If the Reward of Religion would be pre∣sently in hand, who would not be Religious? Who but the deceitful world count it doubtful and distant; and they are all for something in hand, and so take up with a present feli∣city. The Lord deals all upon trust, and upon that account is but little dealt with. You must have Patience, and be content to plow and sow, and wait for the return of all at the Harvest, when this life is ended. They that like not Religion upon these terms, may see where they can mend their Markets. But you, my Brethren, be stedfast, unmoveable, abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as you know your labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. Wait a little, there is but a short life between you, and the blessed inheritance of the endless Glory. Ah wretched unbelievers! How worthy are you to be shut for ever out of the Kingdom, that did so undervalue all the Glory, that God had promised, as not to count it suffici∣ent to pay them for a little waiting? Beloved, lift up your Eyes and behold your Inheritance, the good Land that is be∣yond the Jordan, and that goodly Mountain. The Promises are a Map of Heaven. Do but view it believingly and consi∣derately, as it is darkly drawn there, and tell me, what think you of that worthy portion, that goodly Heritage? Will not all this make you 〈◊〉〈◊〉, for your stay? Why then act like Believers. Never bethink the pains, nor expences of Religi∣on. 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉 he shall come off a loser. What though You are much upon the spending 〈◊〉〈◊〉? I might tell you, God 〈1 line〉〈1 line〉 but I would have you 〈1 line〉〈1 line〉 that God hath [laid

out] upon You; but who can tell what he hath [laid up] for them that fear him? And will you miss of all, for want of Patience? God forbid. Behold the Husbandman waiteth for the precious fruits of the Earth, and hath long patience, till he receive the early and later rain. Be ye also patient, stablish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. What, shall the Husbandman have more patience for the Fruits of the Earth, than you for the pretious fruits of your Faith? The Husbandman hath no such certainty is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he hath but a probability of an harvest, and yet he hath 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he is content to venture. He is at great pains, and much cost, he is still laying out, and hath nothing coming in, and yet he is content to wait for his reimbursement, till the Corn be grown. But your harvest is must sure, as sure as the irrevocable Decree, the infallible Promise, the immu∣table Oath of a God, a God that cannot lie, that knows no place for Repentance, can make it. Again, the Husband∣man hath no such increase to look for as you. Oh, if he were but sure, that every Corn would bear a Crown, with what ex∣ultation and joy, rather than patience, would he go through all his cost and labour. Why, Brethren, such is a Believers increase. Every Grain shall produce a Crown, and every Tear shall bring forth a Pearl; and every minute in pains or Prayers, an age of Joy and Glory. Besides, the Husband∣man hath long patience, and will not you have a little pati∣ence? It is not long patience that God doth expect of you: for behold, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Will the Garrison yield when relief is at hand? Or the Merchant sit down and give up his hopes, when within sight of the Har∣bour? Or will the Husbandman 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and give up all for lost, when he sees the fields even white for the Harvest? Or shall he do more for a crop of Corn, than you will do for a crop of Glory? Far be it. Behold the Judge is even at Door. The Lord is at hand. He cometh quickly, and his reward is with him. He comes with the Crown in his hand, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 upon the head of patience. Therefore cast not away your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. The Prisoners of the Lord, your Brethren in the Patience of Jesus, can tell you, it is good suffering for such a Master. We must tell you, as they said to our Lord in another case, He

is worthy for whom you should do this. God is beyond mea∣sure gracious to us here. He shines bright into our prison, blessed be his Name. He waters us from heaven, and earth. As, we trust, you forgot not the poor Prisoners, when you pray, so we would that many thanksgivings should abound in our behalf. And Prayer being the onely Key that can open our Prisons. we trust that you will not slack, nor let your hands be heavy, but pray and not faint: and doubtless Prayer will do it. But I am apt to pass the bounds of a Letter, yet I pro∣mise my self now 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pardon for lo loving a trespass. With my dear Loves to you all, I commend you to God, and the word of his Grace. Though I have done writing, yet not praying. I will promise, where my Letter ends, my Prayers shall begin. Farewell, dear Brethren: Fare you well in the Lord, I am

An unworthy Embassador of Jesus in Bonds, JOS. ALLEINE.

From the Prison at Juel∣chester, Octob. 〈◊〉〈◊〉. 1663.

LETTER XXXIII. [For Perseverance.]

To my dear Friends the Servants of Christ in Luppit, Salvation.

Beloved Christians,

HAving taken up a Resolution to Write to, and to endea∣vour to confirm all the Places, where I have gone up and down Preaching the Kingdom of God, You were by no means to be omitted. You were the People that were last upon my Heart, before my taking up, and had I not been made a Prisoner, I think I had in a few hours after the time of my Apprehension been with you. Now I can no way but by Prayers, Letters, and Councels visit you; and so have sent these, to let you know, that you are upon my Heart, and that your Welfare is dear unto me. I bless the Lord to hear that his Work doth not cease among you. It is the Joy of our Bonds, Beloved, to hear that the Word is not bound, and that Satan hath not his design upon the People of God, who doubtless intended by these Sufferings to have struck Terrour into them, and to have made their Hands weak. Know, dear Christians, that the Bonds of the Gos∣pel are not tedious through Grace unto us, that Christ is a Master worth a suffering for, that there is really enough in Religion to desray all our Charges, and to quit all the Cost and Expence You can be at in or upon it; That you may Build upon it that you can never be losers by Jesus Christ, that Christs Prison is better than the Worlds Paradise, that the Divine Attributes are alone an All-sufficient Livelihood, that the Influences of Heaven, and Shines of Gods Counte∣nance are sufficient to lighten the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Dungeon, and

to Perfume and Sweeten the noisomest Prison to a poor Belie∣ver; that if You can bring Faith and Patience, and the As∣surance of the Divine Favour with You to a Prison, you will live comfortable in spight of Earth and Hell. These are Truths that the Prisoners of Christ can in a measure Seal unto; and I would have you to be more soundly assured of, and esta∣blished in. Brethren, we are of the same mind in a Prison, that we were of in the Pulpit; that there is no Life to a Life of Holiness; that Christ, and his Yoak, and his Cross, are wor∣thy of all acceptation; that it is the best, and wisest, and safest and gainfullest course in the World to stick close to Christ and his Ways, and to adhere to them in all hazards Come on, Beloved Christians, come on, slack not your pace, but give dilligence to the full assurance of Hope unto the end, and be ye followers of them who through Faith and Patience inherit the Promises. Strengthen the Hands that hang down, and the feeble Knees. If you faint in the day of Adversity, your strength is small. Chear up, my Brethren, look what a Crown, what a Kingdom here is; What say you? Is not here a worthy Portion, a goodly Heritage? Were it not pi∣ty to lose all this for want of Diligence and Patience? Come, dear Christians, and fellow Travellers, I pray You, let us put on: Pluck up the weary Limbs, our Home is within sight. Lift up your Eyes from the Pisga of the Promises: You may see the Land of Rest. Will any of you think of returning into Egypt? God forbid: A little patience, and Christ will come. Behold, the Husbandman 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 precious fruits of the Earth, and hath long patience till he receive the early and later Rain: Be ye allo patient, stablish your Hearts, for the Coming of the Lord draweth nigh. He is not a Christian indeed, that cannot be content to tarry for his Preferment in another World. Cast upon it, my Bre∣thren, that your Kingdom is not of this World; that here you must have Tribulations, and that all is well as long as we are secured for Eternity. Exhort one another daily: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 together in Prayer, unite your strength therein, and pull a main: Mercy will come sooner or later, however we will be content to wait till the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ah how surely will he come! He will render Tribulation to them that trouble us, and to us that are troubled, rest with

him. Onely believe and wait: What not watch with him one hour? Why the Judg is even at the door! And how blessed will you be if you do but continue and hold fast till he come! Watch therefore, and stand fast, quit you like men, be Zea∣lous, and let your hearts be strong: God is your Friend, and you may trust him. He is able to bear you out, and bear you up: Faint not therefore, but be stedfast, unmoveable, abound∣ing in the works of the Lord, Speak often one to another, provoke to Love, and to good Works. Let the Bay of Oppo∣sition against Godliness, make the Torrent of your Zeal break over with the more violence. But it's time to end, I have been bold to call upon you, you see; and to stir you up by way of Remembrance. May the Spirit of the most high God excite you, encourage you, enflame you: May these poor Lines be some quickning to you: may the Good-will of him that dwelt in the Bush dwell with you. My dear Loves to you all, Pray for the Prisoners. Farewel dear Brethren, farewell in the Lord, I am

Yours in the Bonds of the Lord Jesus, JOS. ALLEINE.

Octob. 11. 1665.

LETTER XXXIV.

To a Back-stiding Fellow-Student.

Sir,

WHom this will find you, or when, or where, I know not; but I have shot this arrow at a venture. Once you were an Associate with me in Corpus Christi, where I remember your blameless Conversation, and your zealous af∣fection for, and adhesion to the ways and people of God. May you be still found in the same paths of Holiness, with∣out which no man shall see God. The vows of God are up∣on me (which, I confess, I have been too slack to pay) that I would put you in remembrance, and in all Brotherly ten∣derness advise you, to remember from whence you are fallen. I was informed, before your leaving of England, of many un∣happy miscarriages, which the great reproach of your holy profession, you had been too manifestly guilty of. I am not without some hope, that the Lord may have since recal∣led you, and brought you back to himself: and yet not without more fear, lest, if the power of corruption were so strong, as to precipitate you with such violence, at such a time as that was, and in such a place as England, as Oxon where you had so many encouragements, and inducements, examples, and faithful friendly, watchful observes, you may now much more be carried away, in such a place, and among such Company, as now you may be likely to be in. Sir, I beseech you to be assured, that nothing but the conscience of my duty hath engaged me, now you have been so ma∣ny years a stranger to me, and are at so many thousand miles distance from me, to write notwithstanding to you. And I beseech you, bear a little with me. Is it wisdom after you have begun in the Spirit, to end in the flesh? you did run well, who hath hindred you? I remember your strict

walkings, your holy converse, your many tears: will you lose the things that you have wrought? have you found out another a nearer way to Heaven? do you hope to get in at the wide Gate, in the broad way? need I to mind you, that it had been better for you never to have known the way of life, then after you have known it, to turn aside from the Holy Commandment? can you ever enter into Gods Hill, without you be of clean hands, and a pure heart? I know, you are not ignorant, That strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it: and will you yet do as the most, and decline the way of strictness, and holy self-denial, and give the flesh the reins? what, when God, that cannot lie, hath said, If you live after the flesh, you shall die? Do you not know that you do in vain name the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, except you depart from ini∣quity? I am sure you know it: Oh Sir, consider it, improve it. Oh! have you for learnt Christ, as to think, that the way of Carnal liberty and loosness, the way of evil company and fleshliness, is the way to eternal life? I am not for tying up Salvation to this, or that Opinion: but certainly, let men be of what opinion they will, without strictness, self-denial, and holy diligence, they cannot be saved, Mat. 16. 42. Mat. 11, 12. 1 Pet. 1. 15, 16. Once you could say with David, I am a companion to all them that fear thee: is it so now? O Sir, let not the wicked entice you. Hath not God said, A Com∣panion of fools shall be destroyed, Prov. 13. 20. That you must forsake the foolish, if you desire to live, Prov. 9. 6. Sir, I have no more hopes ever to meet you more on Earth: O that I might meet you in Heaven! let us tread the same path of Holiness, and then we shall doubtless meet there. But surely you must deeply, and timely repent of, and return from your grievous back-slidings, or else I desire never to meet in your Heaven. But why should not we, that have so often met in serious and holy Prayer together, we that have so often met at the Lords Table together, we that have so of∣ten eat together, and fasted together, meet in glory together? I beseech you dear Sir, if the Lord hath not already smitten you to the dust, and broken you, and reduced to the ways of holiness, now consider your ways, and turn your feet to his Testimonies. Oh remember that, The back-slider in heart shall

be filled with his own ways. God hath said it, and who shall reverse it? If any man draw back, my Soul shall have no plea∣sure in him. And once again, when the righteous turueth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, shall be live? In his trespass that he hath trespassed, shall he not die? I know Prayers can reach you, though at so vast a distance; I shall add to them these Counsels, and commit you to God, re∣maining

Your real Friend in Crist, Joseph Alleine.

Juelchaster, May 18th. 1664.

LETTER XXXV. [Good Counsel to his Wife.]

My most dear Theodosia,

THou seemest to have been long from me: Let nothing any longer detain thee, but my Sisters necessity, or Fa∣thers Authority. I am very sorry that thou shouldst lose two Sacraments. I am in a comfortable state of health, through Divine goodness, to which be glory for ever. See that thou love and admire that Fountain of our life, and peace: and be ever mindful that 'tis all thy business to love, and save, and praise thy Creator and Redeemer. I have no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but this to write to thee about: But this is all our 〈◊〉〈◊〉. What be use to call business is but vanity and 〈◊〉〈◊〉,

and some by matter in comparison of this. Remember and forget not that 'tis thy chief end to glorifie God, and en∣joy him for ever. Learn well that Leston, and know that it is the one thing necessary. Every morning remember that thy serving and pleasing of God, is the whole business of that day, and therefore set out accordingly with an express design and intention to please God in thy eating, drinking, visiting, conversing, calling, and duties of thy Relations throughout the day. My most dear heart, I have nothing in the world that doth concern thee, or me so much to write of to thee, as this is. Oh that thou mayst be still be laying up in Heaven! still furthering thy account; still adding to the heap, and en∣creasing thy glorious reward! nothing is done for God, but thou shalt hear of it again. Whatever is not done for God, is but so much lost. Those things which others do being led by their natural affections and desires, those things do thou do with holy Aims, for spiritual ends, and then God will put it on the account, as so much done for him. So it is my dearest, God keeps a true account. See that thou believe it, and so plow in hope, and sowe in hope, pray and hear with an eye to the sure reward. Let thy hopes be strong and lively, and then thy hands will be strong, and thy resolutions and affecti∣ons will be strong. My time is very precious, and I would not lose any inch of it. See thou to it, that mytime in writing this Letter be not lost time. Love God the more, and set thine heart the straighter towards him, and do but practice this one thing, in every solemn action to look to thy ends, and then I have got well, and thou better by these Counsels. My dear∣est, I love thee in truth and tenderness, but my love signifies little, unless it serve thine Eternal good,

I rest thine own, JOSEPH ALLEINE.

LETTER, XXXVI. [To his Wife, Desires after Heaven.]

My Dear Heart,

MY heart is now a little at rest to write to thee. I have been these three days much disturbed, and set out of frame. Strong solicitations I have had from several hands, to accept very honourable preferment in several kinds, some friends making a Journey on purpose to propound it, but I have not found the invitations (though I confess very honour∣ble, and such as are or will be suddenly embraced by men of far greater worth and eminency) to suit with the inclinations of my own heart, as I was confident they would not with thine. I have sent away my friends satisfied with the reasons of my refusal, and am now ready with joy to say with David. Soul return unto thy rest. But alas, that such things should di∣sturb me, I would live above this lower region, that no pas∣sages or providence whatsoever might put me out of frame, nor disquiet my soul, and unsettle me from my desired rest. I would have my heart fixed upon God, so as no occurrences might disturb my tranquility, but I might be still in the same quiet and even frame. Well, though I am apt to be unsettled, and quickly set off the hinges, yet methinks I am like a Bird out of the nest, I am never quiet till I am in my old way of Communion with God, like the needle in the Compass that is restless, till it be turned towards the the Pole. I can say through grace with the Church, with my soul have I desired thee in the night, and with my Spirit within me have I sought thee early, my heart is early and late with God, and 'tis the business and delight of my life to seek him. But alas, how long shall I be a seeking? how long shall I spend my days in wish∣ing and desiring, when my glorified Brethren spend theirs in rejoycing and enjoying? look as the poor imprisoned captive fighs under the burdensome clog of his Irons, and can onely

pear through the Grace, and think of, and long for the sweet∣ness of that liberty which he sees others enjoy: such me∣thinks is my condition: I can only look through the Grate of this Prison my flesh, I see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, sitting down in the Kingdom of God, but alass, I my self must stand without longing, striving, fighting, running, pray∣ing, waiting, for what they are enjoying. Oh happy, thrice happy pouls! when shall these Fetters of mine be knocked off? when shall I be set at liberty from this Prison of my body? you are cloted with glory, when I am clothed with dust. I dwell in flesh, in a House of Clay, when you dwell with God in a House not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens. I must be continually clog'd with the cumbersome burden of this Dung-hill Body, that had it not a soul dwel∣ling in it like Salt as it were to preserve, it would soon turn to putrefaction and corruption, and be as odious and loath∣some as the filthiest Carrion, when you have put on incor∣ruption and immortaliey. What continual molestation am I subject to by reason of this flesh? what pains doth it cost me to keep this earthen Vessel from breaking, it must be fed, it must be clothed, it must be exercised, recreated, and which is worst of all cherished with time-devouring sleep, so that I live but little of the short time I have alotted me here: but oh bles∣sed souls, you are swallowed up of immortality and life, your race is run, and you have received your Crown. How cau∣tious must I be to keep me from dangers, how apt am I to be troubled with the cares and fears of this life, molesting my self with the thoughts of what I shall eat, and what I shall put on, and wherewithal I shall provide for my self and mine; when your souls are taken with nothing but God, and Christ, and 'tis your work to be still contemplating, and admiring that love that redeemed you from all this. Alas, how am I encompast with infirmities, and still carry about me Death in my bosome, what pains and cost must I be at to repair the rotten and ruinous building of this earthly Tabernacle, which when I have done I am sure will shortly fall about my ears; when you are got far above mortality, and are made equal with the Angels. Oh I groan earnestly to be clothed upon with my house which is from Heaven, being willing rather to be absent from the Body, and present with the Lord: Oh,

when shall I come and appear before him. When shall I re∣ceive the Purchase of my Saviour, the fruit of my prayers, the harvest of my labours, the end of my Faith, the Salva∣tion of my soul? Alas, what do I here? this is not my resting place. My treasure is in Heaven, and my heart is in Heaven. Oh when shall I be where my heart is? woe is me that I so∣jour in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and dwell in the Tents of Kedar. Oh that I had wings 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Dove, that I might flie away and be at rest. Then would I hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest, and be out of the reach of fears, disturbances, and distractions. How long shall I live at such a distance from my God, at such a distance from my Countrey? Alas, how can I be merry, how can I sing the Lords Song in a strange Land; no, I will hang my Harp upon the Willows, and sit down and weep when I remember Sion. But yet my flesh shall rest in hope, and I will daily bathe my soul in the sweet thoughts of my blessed home. I will rejoyce in hopes of what I do not yet enjoy, and content my self with the taste of what I shall shortly have my fill of. But stay this Pen run not be∣yond thy Commission. Alas, now I receive what I have gotten, I perceive I have set down what I would be rather than what I am, and wrote more of my dears heart than my own penning, rather a Copy for my self, than a Copy of my self. Well, I thank God I have got some heat by it for all, the Lord grant thou mayst get a thousand times more. The Lord grant the request I daily pour out before him, and make us helps and furtherances to each others soul, that we may quicken and promote and forward one another in his ways. Help me by thy Prayers as thou dost always. The God of all peace and comfort be with thee my sweet love, Farewel,

Thine beyond Expression, Joseph Aleine.

LETTER, XXXVII. [God is a satisfying Portion.]

My most dear Pylades,

HAd not my right hand long since forgot her cunning, and the Almighty shook the Pen out of my hand, I should long ere this have been writing to thee: but it is a wonder of Divine Power and goodness that my soul had not before this time dwelt in silence, and that death had not put the long period to all my Writing and Converse.

O my Pylades, what shall I say unto thee now I begin to write, where shall I begin, when shall I end? methinks I am as a full Bottle quite inverted, where the forward pressing of the overhasty Liquor makes the evacuation more flow, and my thoughts are like a thronging croud sticking in the door.

Long is the Song of Love that I have to tell thee, I rejoice in the constancie of thy Love, that the waters of so long a silence, and so great a distance have not yet quenched it, but thy desires are towards me, and thy heart is with me, though Providence hath hindred me from thy much desired Compa∣ny. I will assure thee it hath been a pleasure to my heart a good part of this summer to hope that I should come one half of the way to give thee a meeting; but such is my weakness hitherto, that I am forced to put off those hopes till the Spring, when, if God give me strength to ride, I intend to see thee before mine own Home. I thank thee for all the dear expressions of thy servent love: Methinks I see it, and feel how it runs through all the Veins of every Letter, nay, every Line; I needed not so chargeable a Testimony as thy golden Token, with which I was something displeased, because I thought thou needest more than my self: but the love there-by expressed is most dearly welcome to me. What thou talkest of Retribution, and of Justice doth not so well relish

with me, because the Phrases seem improper to the love pro∣fest between us, I never looked for any return from thee but love, which is the paying of all thy Debts: my expences have indeed been vast and almost incredible; but surely goodness and mercy hath followed me, and do follow me in every place, and in every change of my condition; so that as to temporals I have lack of nothing, and as for spirituals I abound and superabound, and the streams of my comforts have been full and ruuning over; the joy of the Lord hath been my strength at weakest, and in the multitude of my thoughts within me, his comforts have refresh'd my Soul, I have found God a satisfying portion to me, and have sat down under his shadow with full delights, and his fruit is most sweet to my taste: he is my strength and my Song, for I will take of him, and write of him with perpetual pleasure. Through grace, I can say, methinks I am now in my Element, fince I have begun to make mention of him, I am rich in him, and happy in him, and my soul saith unto him with David, Thou hast made me most blessed for evermore, and happy is the hour that ever I was born to be made partaker of so blissful a Treasure, so endless a felicity, so Angelical Prerogatives, as I have in him; O sweet are his converses, how delightful it is to triumph in his Love!

Suffer me to be free with thee, where should I pour out my Soul, if not into thy bosom? did the poor woman call upon her friends and neighbours to rejoyce together with her at the finding of a lost Groat? and shall not I tell to thee the keeper of the sacrets of my Soul, and the friend of my inmost bosom, what a friend is the Lord to me, though an unworthy sinner, shall not I run and tell thee what a treasure I have found. And here methinks the story of the Lepers comes not unaptly to my mind, who said one to another when they had eat and drunk, and carried away silver and gold, and rayment, and went and hid it, we do not well, this day is a day of good tidings and we hold our peace. It is fit that I should be cloath∣ed with shame; I acknowledge before God, who trieth the hearts, I am unworthy, everlastingly unworthy, but it is not fit that he should lose his praise, nay rather, let him be the more ador'd, and magnifi'd, and admir'd for ever and ever, and let my Secrets say, Amen. Bless the Lord, O my soul

bless the Lord, O my Friend, let us exalt his Name toge∣ther, he is my solace in my solitude, he is my standing com∣forter, my tried friend my sure refuge, my safe retreat, he is my Paradise, he is my Heaven; and my heart is at rest in him: and I will sit and sing under his shadow, as a Bird a∣mong the Branches; and whither should I go but unto him? Shall I leave the fatness of the Olive, and sweetness of the Fig-tree, and of the Vine, and go and put my trust under the shadow of the Bramble? No, I have made my everlasting choice: this is my rest for ever, he is my Well-beloved in whom I am well pleased. Suffer me to boast a little here, I may Glory without vanity, and I can praise him without end or measure, but I have nothing to say of my self: I find thou dost overvalue me, and magnifie me above my measure; set the Crown upon the head of Christ, let nothing be great with thee but him, give him the glory: but thy love pleaseth me, only I have this exception, that thou art in love with thine own Idol, as Austin somewhere speaks to a friend of his that did too much magnifie him, and magnifiest a Creature of thine own sancie, and not thy poor Orestes: God that knoweth all things, knoweth my poverty, how little, how low, and how mean I am, and how short I come of the attainments of the Saints, who yet do themselves come so exceedingly short of the Rule that God hath set before us: I often think of the Complaint of the devout Monsier [I feel my self very poor this week, and very defective in the love of God; if you would know wherein you may pleasure me, love God more; that what is wanting in me, may be made up in the abun∣dance of your love:] in this, my Pylades, in this thou mayest most highly pleasure me; love God a little the better, praise him a little the more for my sake; let me have this to please my self in, that God is a little the better loved for me, and that I have blowed up, if it be but one flash, nay, but one spark of Divine Love in the bosom of my dearest friend to∣wards him.

But why, my Pylades, why is thy stile towards me chang∣ed? why hast thou lost the old and wonted strain of our former pleasing familiarity? this I could not but observe with some disgust, is it because thy heart is changed; but this is a question in which I cannot ask any resolution; I am satis∣fied

and at rest in thy love, but what this alterations means, I know not; art thou willing by degrees to grow strange; it cannot be, thou seest however that I cannot change my voice.

Busides, I find some jealous passages in thy last lines unto us; but cast thou think that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 can be put into the ballance against my old Friend, my own, my Covenant Pylades, or can a friend of words come into any competition or comparison with thine experienced love? I cannot entertain the thoughts of this without some disdain.

But thy needful cautions are acceptable to me, I desire to foresee and provide for manifold changes and storms; I know I am not yet in the Harbor; O pray with me that I enter not into Temptation, for I am very weak in Spirit, as well as in body, God knoweth. But there is no end with me, somewhere or other I must break off, and thou wilt say it is time to shut up; for once onely know, that I am thy daily Orator, and will be whilest I am: and yet once more I must have room to add my thankful acknowledgement of thine and thy cost∣ly kindness; and so with our most dear affections to you both, I commend you to the God of love, still abiding.

Thy fast and sure Orestes.

Bath, Octob. 13. 1668.

LETTER XXXVII. [To a person of Quality to be constant.]

Most Honoured Sir,

MAny charges have passed over both you and my self, since my last Writing to you, but I am glad to hear that in that great change of your condition, you have made so wise and happy a choice. Mine unfeigned desire to God is for your Temporal and Spiritual prosperity; and that the blessings of both Worlds may be heaped up upon you. Yet I should desire you not to expect too much here, nor to count it a strange thing, if you meet with disappointments. It is enough if you have the Lord for your portion, and Heaven for your Inheritance, though the World should not answer your expectations. I doubt not but you will be likely, as well we, to meet with manifold temptations: the Lord make you, when you have done all to stand. Hold out a while in faith, patience, and self-denial, and you shall be as sure as God can make you of the Crown. Now arise and shine, and hold forth the power of holiness in all your converse. We have lived in times when Religion was the way to credit and esteem, and then it was more difficult to discern the sincerity of ones profession, because men might be drawn to it upon worldly ends. But now is the time when God will prove us, if we will appear for him, and own his ways, when they are the common scorn of the World. Oh Sir, think it not hard if God do call you forth to own him in such a time as this, when few of your rank and quality will bear you company: but look upon it as a special advantage to prove your sincerity, and your fidelity to the Lord your Maker. The holy and blessed life of that noble Marquess Galeacius, I should much commend to your reading and Imitation. Court not the world nor its preferments, Moses his self-denying choice, which the World would have branded for unparalled folly, when he voluntarily left all the Court-preferments and pleasures, the wisest Judge commends for the greatest Wis∣dom. If Religion will make you vile, resolve with that Royal Worthy, that you will be yet more vile. Remember who ac∣counted

the reproaches of Christ greater riches, than the Treasures of Egypt. Verily it is a greater honour to you to be vilified for Christ, than to be dignified with the highest Titles that the greatest on Earth can confer: and to be call'd Puritan, or Phanatique, for the bold and constant owning of the power of Christianity, than to have whole Pages filled up with the honourable offices and marks of Dignity, that earth∣ly Princes can bestow. Now then is your time to get the true honour. Few of your places and dignity, will take this way to get it: But he that can but use the prospective of Faith, and look as far as the approaching Judgment, will easily see the vanity of the worlds riches and slattering preferments, and the everlasting glory and honour wherewith the dispised Saints shall surely be Crowned. Fix your eyes and Medita∣tions here, and that will set you above the worlds temptations, when by its offers or threatnings it would make you to warp, and to let go your hold-fast of Eternal life. Now is the time for you to make Heaven sure, and when that is done, you are prepared for the worst that can come. I desire you to accept of my service and respects, and my Wives, which I do hereby present unto you, and to your most deserving yoak-fellow, whom I unfeignedly honour though I never saw her, not so much for her noble blood, which yet calls for great respects, as for her far more noble qualifications, and priviledges of her second birth. Pardon my boldness with you in troubling you so long, I am Sir,

Your most Oblidged Friend, and Servant, JOS. ALLEINE.

Feb. 26. 1661.

LETTER, XXXVII.

Dear Couzin,

THough I have been in the valley of the shadow of death, though I have had more than one foot in the Grave, and have been in deaths often, yet the love and remembrance of you, ever liveth on my heart: I have long had neither feet to walk nor hands to write, yet I have borrowed hands as you see, rather than I would stay any longer from warning and admonishing of you. Dear Couzin, that soul of yours, that precious immortal soul is of no light value with me! I pray hard for its Salvation: I have a Godly fear for you, lest your soul should miscarry in a crowd of worldly business, and of earthly cares. Ah, my dear Niece, it comforts me that you are so setled for this world, and are in want of nothing, I bless the Lord for this, but me thinks this doth not satisfie me. Oh, that I could be sure that you were once safe setled in Christ; though you are, I trust comfortably furnished with earthly things, yet in this you are but half provided for: have you a Treasure in Heaven? have you laid hold on eter∣nal life? have you made sure work for everlasting? have you past the straits of the New-Birth? do your bear upon you the marks of the Lord Jesus?

If you shall pass by a sumptuous Fabrick, and a great Lord∣ship, and should lay claim to all as your inheritance, and please your self with the hopes of enjoying all this, when you had nothing to shew, no Writing, no Evidence to produce, as a ground for any such hope, would not every one say, this were a piece of strange vanity and imprudence; much greater fol∣ly is it to promise our selves a part in Paradise, and rest satis∣fied in a meer perswasion that we are the Heirs of Heaven, when we cannot prove our Title from the Book of God, nor produce from within our selves, the sure and certain marks of the children of God.

Ah, Dear Couzin, Rouze up your self make conscience, to

deal plainly and freely with your soul, say within your self, I have hopes for Heaven; but where are my grounds and my Evidences? do I not build without a foundation? do I ven∣ture my Salvation upon meer uncertainties? What have I, what do I more than others? I pray, I hear, I read, but may not a meer Hypocrite do all this? I run not with others into the wretched practice of Lying, and Couzening, Whoredom, and the like; but what is this more than a Pharisee may have to say for himself? can I prove by Scripture my claim to Heaven? can I produce Chapter and Verse to justifie my self?

Oh Couzin, fear, least a Promise being lest of entring in∣to rest, you should by any mistakes, or self-deceits fall short through unbelief; fear lest you should take Counters of gold, or some common workings for saving Grace. Oh, there is a world of counterfeit Coin going, multitudes perish by mis∣take, and wake in Hell, whilest they dreamt they were in Heaven: the tempter is very subtile, and will sure deceive if he can: your heart is deceitful above all things, and is willing to cheat you if it can. Therefore am I engaged so earnestly to call upon you, as one that watcheth for your soul, to arise speedily and to set roundly to your Work. Oh, consider your danger, and work out your Salvation with fear and trem∣bling: away with these lazie Prayers, away with these cold and heartless Professions, away with this drowsie, liveless, liftless Religion; bestir your self to purpose for your Soul before it be too late. Search your Conscience as with Candles, be jealous of your self; consider, now is your time, what you do you must do quickly, the patience of God is waiting, Christ is knocking, the Spirit of God is striving, and death is at the door: Oh now take your opportunity, and take heed lest a slothful heart, and the cares of this world, or a pre∣sumptuous confidence that all is well and safe already, should at last shut you out of the Kingdom of God.

I cannot write distinctly to your Husband, but I beseech you to call upon him to set his heart to these Counsels which I have written to you; I earnestly entreat him to make Religion his business, and to look heedfully to it, that the gain of the world prove not the loss of his soul. I desire him that Closet and Family Prayers, and weekly Catechesing of his Hous∣hold,

and strict sanctifying of the Sabbath, and reading of the Scriptures, singing of Psalms, repeating of Sermons, and dili∣gent attendance upon powerful Preaching may be his conti∣nual exercises; that so his house may be a little Church, and God may delight to dwell in his Family: pray give me to understand what is done of these things, for I have a zeal for your welfare, and that you and your Houshould should serve the Lord, that you may enter into his rest, and carry chil∣dren, and servants, and friends, and all to Heaven with you. As to my own estate, I have lost all my Limbs, and about this twelve Months useless, and been again and again under the sentence of death; but was brought in a Horse-litter to Bath, where God hath wonderfully restored me, so that I can seed my self, and go alone, and speak with a little more freedom. Oh, love the Lord, praise the Lord for me; notwithstanding I continue weak, and have not strength to write, yet I could not tell how to die in silence from you; but have made use of a friendly hand to send these counsels and calls after you, which I beseech you to accept in the fear of God, for it is not unlike that they may be my last to you that ever you may re∣ceive: I now commend you to the Lord, and with mine own and my dear Wives love to you both, Rest,

Your loving and careful unkle, JOS. ALLEINE.

Octob. 21. 1668.

FINIS.

LETTER XXXV. [The Concernments of our Souls espe∣cially to be regarded.]

Dear Cousin,

YOU may think you are forgotten with me, because you have not heard so long a time from me; but this may let you know, That though God hath taken away your Father, and suffered your Mother to be help∣less to you; yet you have one friend on earth that ca∣reth for you. The welfare of your immortal soul is dear to me, and is the matter of my sollicitous care and prayer. Dear Cousin, Methinks I feel a godly jealousie of you within my heart, lest you should lose your soul amongst a croud of worldly cares and business. Oh remember the story of him in the Book of the Kings, who relates that he had a Soldier committed to his keeping, upon condition that he should lose his life if he did let him go: But while thy servant went hither and thither, the man escaped. But the King replies presently, Even so shall thy judgment be; thy life shall go for his life. Ah Cou∣sin, take earnest heed, lest while you are going hither and thither, minding many things, tossed in a hurry of worldly affairs, the enemy run not away with your soul. Oh beware that the world doth not secretly steal away your heart. Consider, that whatever your business be, you must and will have an eating time, and a sleeping time. Oh be as sollicitous every day to keep your praying times, which are a thousand times more necessary than a time to eat in, or sleep. Be sure that there doth not a morning or evening pass over your head, in which you have not perfumed your closet with solemn and fervent prayer: And take heed, if you love your salvation,

lest Satan beguile you with the bare outward perform∣ance of duties, and outward acts of Religion. See to it, that you do not rest in a worldly Religion; to give God your knee, while the World carries away your heart. You may pray, hear, and read, and all to no purpose, ex∣cep your very Soul be employed and engaged in these duties; and the life, vigour, and strength of your affe∣ctions be found to go after God in them. If therefore you will have Christ and Heaven, see that you renounce the world. You must cast overboard your worldly hopes, and take up with God, with a naked Christ, as your whole happiness, both for this life, and that which is to come. There is no hopes of your salvation, without a sound mortification to the world; you must be mortified to your worldly expectations: look not for much from the world; promise not your self much from the world; seek not great things for your self: say unto God, So I may have thee for my portion, and thy Kingdom for my inheritance, give or deny me what thou wilt, poverty or riches, any thing or nothing, I will be contented with my Lot. Say unto your soul, So I may but have Christ, so I may but carry it for the other world, let this world go which way it will: I must be converted or con∣demned; I must be born again, or else would I had ne∣ver been born: but of this present world there is no such necessity; I may be poor, and yet happy: but wo to me if I remain unsanctified: I must have grace, or perish for ever. Dear Cousin, if I live, you shall find me a friend to your worldly prosperity; but whether I live or die, I charge you by the Lord, that you be infinitely tender of your immortal Souls everlasting concernments. Will you not spin a fair thread of it, if while you are pursuing after earthly things, you lose your soul in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉? While I live, I shall pray and care for you. Farewel in the Lord. I am

Your truly loving and careful Uncle, JOSEPH ALLEINE.

LETTER XXXVI. [Godly Counsels.]

Dear Cousin,

THE welcom tidings of your safe arrival at Bar∣badoes, is come to my ears; as also the news of your escape from a perillous sickness, for which I bless the Lord, and desire to be thankful with you: for I am not without a care for your well-being, but do look upon my self as really concerned in you. I have considered, that God hath bereft you of a careful Father, and that your Mother takes but little care for you; so that you have none nearer than my self to watch for your soul, and to charge and admonish you in the Lord, and to take care of you. But yet, Dear Cousin, be not discoura∣ged by these things, but look to Heaven, flie unto Je∣sus, put away every known sin, set upon the conscien∣tious performance of every known duty; make Christ your choice, embrace him upon his own terms; deliver up your self, body and soul, to him; see that you have no reserves nor limitations in your choice of him; give him your very heart; cast away your worldly hopes and expectations, make Religion your very business. O Cou∣sin, these things do, and you shall be sure of a Friend in Heaven to take the care of you; and, if I may be any comfort to you, you shall not fail, while I live, to have one friend on earth to take care for you. You are gone far from me, even to the uttermost parts of the earth; but I have sent these Letters to call even thither after you; yea, not onely to call, but to cry in your ears, O what is like to become of your soul! Where is that immortal soul of yours like to be lodged for ever? amongst De∣vils, or amongst Angels? upon a bed of Flames, or in

the joys of Paradise? Dear Cousin, go aside by your self in secret, retire from the noise of the world, and say to your self, Oh my soul! whether art thou going? do not I know in my very heart that I must be converted or con∣demned? that I must be sanctified, or can never be saved? Oh my soul! what seekest thou? what designs do I drive at? what is my chief care? which way do I bend my course? Is it for this world, or for the world to come? Do I first seek the kingdom of heaven, and the righte∣ousness thereof? Do I think Heaven will drop into my mouth? that glory and immortality will be gotten with a wet finger, with cold prayers, and heartless wishes, while the world carries the main of my heart? Do I think to be crowned, and yet never fight? to get the race, and never run? to enter at the strait gate, and never strive? to overcome Principalities and Powers, and ne∣ver wrestle? No, no; say within your self, Oh my soul, either lay by the hopes of Heaven for ever, or else rouse up thy self, put forth thy strength in seeking after God and glory; either lay by thy worldly hopes, or thy hopes of immortality; away with thy sins, or thou must let Christ go for ever; think not to have Chrst and the world too, to serve God and Mammon, it cannot be: If thou follow the world as thy chief desire and delight; if thou live after the flesh, thou must die, count upon it, the Lord hath spoken it, and all the world can never reverse it. Thus reason the case with your own soul, and give not rest to your self night nor day, till you are gotten off from the world, broken off from the wilful practice of every known sin, and gotten safe into Christ. Dear Cousin, I charge you by the Lord, to observe these things; pray over them, weep over them, read them again and again; do not pass them over as slight and ordinary things: your soul is at stake, it is your salvation is concerned in them; think not I am in jest with you. Ah Cousin, I travel in birth with you, till Christ be formed in you. Why should you die? Oh repent and live, lay hold on eternel life, win Christ, and you win all. O be thankful to the Lord, that now you are fatherless and friendless, yet you have one Remembrancer to warn you to flie from the

wrath to come. God forbid that I should find you at last in the place of Torments, for your not embracing the godly Counsels. To conclude, in short, I charge you as a Minister, as a Friend, as a Father to you, Take heed of these three things:

1. Left the gain of the world prove the loss of your soul:

2. Left the snare of evil company withdraw you from God, and so prove your final ruine.

3. Left a lofty and a worldly heart should thrust you out of the Kingdom of Heaven.

God abhors that the proud should come near him: Oh labour, whatever you do, for an humble heart; be little, be vile in your own eyes; seek not after great things; be poor in spirit; without this, Heaven will be no place for you, God will be no friend to you. Dear Cousin, your lot is fallen, as I fear, in a place of great wickedness, where your soul is in much danger, where your tempta∣tions are many, and your helps for Heaven but few; where godly examples are rare, and many will entice you to sin and vanity. O! if you love me, or love your soul, look about you, consider your danger, fear lest you should miscarry for ever by worldly loss and vain company, which proves to so many the fearful cause of their eter∣nal perdition. I can but warn you, and pray for you: but though you have none to oversee you, remember the strict and severe eye of God is upon you, to observe all your actions, and that he will surely bring all your pra∣ctices into his Judgment. Your Aunt, with my self, com∣mend our dear love to you; and I commend you to the Lord, and remain,

Your loving and careful uncle, JOSEPH ALLEINE.

August 19. 1668.

LETTER XXXVII.

Dear Cousins,

THough you are removed far from me, out of my sight, and the Seas as a great gulf are fixed betwixt you and me; yet my prayers follow you, and my good wishes for your present and everlasting welfare, like the wings of a Dove, take speedy flight. I look upon my self, now God hath removed my Brother, to be as in the room of a Father to you, yea and of a Mother too; for I know you have but little help from her.

My dear Neeces, my heart is careful for you; and therefore I cannot cease, while I am in being in this world, to warn and admonish you, as my children, and to call upon you in the name of the Eternal God, to awaken your selves with all godly fear and holy diligence, lest by any means you should come short of the glory of God.

Let me mind you, dear Cousins, of the dangerous place you stand in, and look about you with trembling. Methinks I see Satan watching for your souls, as the Dra∣gon did for the seed of the Woman, waiting to devour it as soon as she should be delivered. Know you not, that you must wrestle with Principalities and Powers? Me∣thinks I see temptations surrounding you, and beleaguer∣ing you, as the enemy about the walls of the treacherous party within you, I mean carnal affections and corrup∣tions, complotting how to deliver up the castle. Know you not, that your fleshly lusts do war against your souls? and that your own hearts are not true to you, but deceit∣ful above all things? Lord, what need have you to bestir your selves, and to flie unto Jesus! to distrust your selves, and to trust onely in him and his righteousness! Oh work out your salvation with fear and trembling: Do you ever think to escape these mighty enemies, to con∣quer the power, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the plots and snares of those

potent adversaries, without most painful diligence? O cry to heaven for help; watch and pray; fear, left a promise being left of entring into rest, either of you should come short of it.

My dear Neeces, you have many do watch for your souls, to devour them; but I doubt too few, except my self, do watch for your souls, to save them: therefore I look upon my self, who am now upon the matter your only Monitor, to be the more concerned to awaken my self to your help, and to look after you, and to watch for you, left by any means you should miscarry by the deceits and temprations wherewith you are encompassed. I would not have you over-careful for the things of this life, though I commend your laudable care and dili∣gence, that you may not be burdensom to any man; but I commend to you a better and more necessary care, and that is that which the Apostle speaks of, the Virgins care; The unmarried (saith he) careth for the things of the Lord. Ah, let this be your care; seek first the King∣dom of God, and the Righteousness thereof, and then all these things shall be added; you have Gods sure promise for it: If the Lord give me to live and prosper, you shall see and know, that I am not a friend only in words to you; but however that shall be, see that you embrace the Counsels of God from me. Oh make sure of Heaven betimes, walk humbly with God, beware of a proud heart and a lofty spirit; abhor your selves, else God will not accept you? be displeased with your selves, else God will not be pleased with you; condemn your selves, that God may acquit you. The leven of pride will sowr the whole lump, and mar all your Profession and Religion, and render your Persons, and Prayers, and all, an abomination to the Lord, if it prevail in you. Oh therefore be not high minded, but fear; and by prayer and watchfulness restrain and root up this wretch∣ed corruption of pride, which is a sin so natural to you, that you had need to use an infinite care and caution to keep it under.

As to my self, these may acquaint you, That I have been often at the very gates of death: I have lost all my

limbs; but prayer hath redeemed me from my extremi∣ties, and God hath blessed the use of the Bath to me. Oh praise the Lord, praise him for my sake, and give glory to the God of my life. Love him, honour and glorifie him, whose favour and friendship hath filled my soul with comfort, and given a resutrection to my body. I can now walk alone, and feed my self, but am altogether un∣able to write, which is the reason why these come to you in another hand. Dear Cousins, you may think me too tedious; but you must pardon me, if I erre in my love and zeal for your welfare: And now I shall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 no more, but with my own and dear Wifes love to you, I commend you to God, and rest,

Your loving and careful uncle, JOSEPH ALLEINE.

LETTER XXXVIII. [Do all in reference to God and his glory.]

Dear Friend,

I Have received yours of the 19th of September, but it came to me in the time of my sickness, in which I was much a stranger to writing; it continued upon me five Months, and to this day so much weaknes remains in my arms, that I am not able to put off or on my own clothes. Your Letter was exceeding welcom to me, not only as reviving the remembrance of our old friendship, but also, as bringing me news of some spiritual good that you received by me, which is the best tidings that I can receive: for what do I live for, but to be use∣ful to souls in my generation? I desire to know no other business than to please and honour my God, and serve my generation in that short allowance of time that I have here, before I go hence, and be seen no more. Shall I commend to you the Lesson that I am about to learn? But why should I doubt of your acceptance, who have so readily embraced me in all our converses?

The Lesson is, To be entirely devoted unto the Lord, that I may be able to say after the Apostle, To me to live is Christ. I would not be serving God onely for a day in the week, or an hour or two in the day; but eve∣ry day, and all the day: I am ambitious to come up towards that of our Lord and Master, To do al∣ways those things that please God. I plainly see, that self-seeking is self-undoing; and that then we do promote our selves best, when we please God most. I find, that when I have done all, if God be not

pleased, I have done nothing; and if I can but approve my self to God, my work is done: I reckon I do not live that time I do not live unto God.

I am fain to cut off so many hours from my days, and so many years from my life (so short as it is) as I have lived unto my self. I find no enemy so dangerous as self; and O that others might take warning by my hurt! O that I had lived wholly unto God! then had every day and every hour that I have spent, been found upon my account at that great day of our appearing before God: then I had been rich indeed, in treasure laid up there, whither I am apace removing; then I had been every day and hour adding to the heap, and encreasing the reward which God of his meer grace hath promised, even to the meanest work that is done to him, Col. 4. 24. I verily perceive I am an eternal loser by acting no more as for God; for what is done to my self, is lost; but what is done for God, is done for ever, and shall receive an everlasting reward. Verily, if there be another world to come, and an eternal state after this short life, it is our onely wisdom to be removing, and, as it were, trans∣planting and transporting what we can, from hence, in∣to that Countrey to which we are shortly to be removed, that what we are now doing, we may be reaping the fruit of for ever more. The world think themselves wise; but I will pawn my soul upon it, that this is the true wisdom.

Well, let us be wholly swallowed up in the concerns of Religion, and know no other interest but Jesus Christs. I cannot say, I have already attained; but this is that my heart is set to learn, That in all that I do, whether sacred or civil actions, still I may be doing but one work, and driving on one design, That God may be pleased by me, and be glorified in me; that not onely my praying, preaching, alms, &c. may be found upon my account; but even my eating, drinking, sleeping, visits, discourses, because they are all dont as unto God. Too often do I take a wrong aim, and miss my mark; but I will tell you what be the Rules I set my self, and do strictly impose upon my self from day to day: Never to lie down, but in the

Name of God, not barely for natural refreshment, but that a wearied servant of Christ may be 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and fitted to serve him better the next day. Never to rise up but with this resolution, Well, I will go forth this day in the Name of God, and will make Religion my business, and spend the day for Eternity. Never to enter upon my calling, but first thinking, I will do these things as unto God, because he requireth these things at my hands in the place and station he hath put me into. Never to sit down to the Table, but resolving, I Will not eat meerly to please my appetite, but to strengthen my self for my Masters work. Never to make a Visit, but upon some holy design, resolving to leave something of God where I go; and in every company to leave some good savour behind. This is that which I have been for some time a learning, and am pressing hard after; and if I strive not to walk by these Rules, let this Paper be a witness against me.

I am not now in my former Publick Capacity, such things being required of me to say and subscribe, as I could by no means yield to, without open lying and dis∣sembling with God and Men: Yet, that I am unuse∣ful, I cannot say; but rather think, that possibly I may be of more use than heretofore. I thank the Lord, I have not known what it is to want a Tongue to speak, but in my sickness; nor a People to hear; but so, as that we both follow the things that make for peace.

I perceive you are otherwise perswaded in some things, than I am: but however, I trust we meet in our end. Since you are in, may it be your whole stu∣dy to gain souls, and to build them up in holiness, which is with too many the least of their cares. One duty (miserably neglected) I shall be bold to com∣mend to you from my own experience, and that is, the visiting your whole Flock from house to house, and enquiring into their spiritual estates particularly, and dealing plainly and truly with them about their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to God: to the usefulness of this great work, I can set my Probatum est.

I hear you have two Parsonages: O tremble to think how many precious souls you have to look to! And let it be seen, however others aim at the Fleoce, you aim at the Flock; and that you have indeed Curam animarum.

You see how free I am with you; but I know your candor.

I rejoyce in your happy Yoke-fellow: salute her from your old Friend; and accept the unseigned Respects of him who is,

SIR,

Your real and faithful Friend, JOSEPH ALLEINE.

LETTER XXXIX. PRISON-COMFORTS. [To a Minister in Prison.]

Worthy Sir,

I Owe you a Letter, and more than a Letter, for your particular respects to me, your brotherly sympathy, your multiplied and earnest prayers, your tenderness of my health, your welcom Jewel in M. Ruths Letters, from which I trust my soul and others may reap no small benefit. Much more do I owe you for your common re∣spects to the people of my desires; and not only to them, but to the whole Church of God; in all whose con∣cernments, I see, you are concerned. Your indefatigable labours with us, we do with all thankfulness accept, as the undoubted evidence of your great love: For all which, may he requite you, who will shortly say, Inas∣much as thou didst it unto the least of these my Brethren, thou didst it unto me.

It was but a little after my release from my own con∣finement, but I heard of yours; and now write to you, as one that hath taken a higher degree than ever, and more truly honourable, being commenced Prisoner of Christ. I was once affected with the Picture of a devout man, to whom a voice came down from Heaven, saying, Quid vis fieri prote? To which he answered, Nihil domine nisi pati ac contemni prote. Undoubtedly, Sir, it is our real glory to be throughout conformed to Jesus Christ, not only in his sanctity, but in his sufferings. Paul counted all things but dung for this, that he might win Christ, &c.

and know the fellowship of his sufferings, and be made conformable to his death. I doubt not but your conso∣lations in Christ do much more then superabound in all your tribulations for him: Yet let me add this one Cor∣dial, That now you have a whole shoal of Promises come in to you, which you had not before; I mean, all the Promises to suffering Saints, in which they have not so immediate, but onely a remoter right, unless in a suf∣fering state: And doubtless he hath gotten well, that hath gotten such a number of exceeding great and pre∣cious Promises: If the men of the world do so rejoyce when such or such an Estate is fallen to them; should not you much more, that have such a Treasure of Pro∣mises fallen to you?

I can tell you little good of my self; but this I'can tell you, That the Promises of God were never so sweet in this world to me, as in and since my imprisoned state. Oh the bottomless Riches of the Covenanr of Grace! It shames me that I have let such a Treasure lie by so long, and have made so little use of it. Never did my soul know the Heaven of a Believers life, till I learnt to live a life of praise, and by more frequent consideration to set home the unspeakable riches of the Divine Promises, to which, I trust, through grace, I am made an heir. I verily perceive, that all our work were done at once, if we could but prevail with our selves and others to live like Believers; to tell all the world by our course and carriage, that there is such pleasantness in Christs wars, such beauty in holiness, such reward to obedience, as we prosess to believe. May ours and our peoples conversa∣tions but preach this aloud to the world, That there is a reality in what God hath promised; That Heaven is worth the venturing for; That the sufferings of the pre∣sent time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us!

Verily, Sir, it is but a very little while that Prisons shall hold us, or that we shall dwell in dirty flesh. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tells us of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that he was ashamed to see himself in the Body; to see a divine and immortal Soul in a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Flesh, (for so they held

the body to be;) but the worst shackles are those of sin. Well, they must shortly off all together; our Lord doth not long intend us for this lower Region: Surely he is gone to prepare a place for us: Doubtless it is so; yea, and he will come again, and receive us to himself, that where he is, we may be also. And what have we to do, but to believe, and wait, and love, and long, and look out for his coming, in which is all our hope? 'T will be time enough for us to be preferred then. We know before hand who shall then be uppermost. Our Lord hath shewed us where our place shall be, even at his own right hand; and what he will say to us, Come ye blessed, &c. Surely we shall stand in his Judgment: He hath promised to stand our Friend: Let us look for the joyful day: As sure as there is a God, this day will come, and then it shall go well with us. What if Bonds and Banishments abide us for a season? This is nothing but what our Lord hath told us, The world shall rejoyce, but ye shall weep and lament: You shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. Oh how reviving are his words! I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoyce, and your joy no man taketh from you.

If that miserable wretch leapt chearfully off the Lad∣der, saying, I shall be a Queen in Hell: With what joy should we do and suffer for God, who have his Truth in pawn, that we shall be Crown'd in Heaven? Ve∣rily, they are wonderful Preparations that are making for us: The Lord prepare us apace, and make us meet to be Partakers, It was the highest Commendation that ever that Worthy R. Baxter received, which fell from the Pen of his scoffing Adversary Tilenus, who saith of him, Totum Puritanismum totus spirat. Oh that this may be true of us and ours.

Let your true yoke-fellow, and my Christian Friends with you in the Bonds of the Gospel, have my hearty Commendations: And these Counsels, I pray you, give them from me, for the improving of their present state.

1. To habituate themselves, both as to their thoughts and discourses, more throughly than ever unto Holiness. Brethren, I would teach you the Lesson that I resolve to learn with you, That your minds and tongues may as naturally run on the things of Heaven, as others on the things of this world. Why should it not be thus? I am sure God and Heaven do as well deserve to be thought on, and talked of by us, as froth and vanity can deserve of the world. There are many that have in a great measure learnt this lesson, and why should not we be some of them? What if it be hard at first? Every thing is so to a beginner. Besides, is not ours a Religion of self-denial? Further, if we do but force our selves a while to holy Thoughts, and Heavenly Discourse, it will grow habitual to us, and then it will be most natural, familiar, and heavenly sweet. Oh what gainers will you be, if you do but learn this Lesson!

Verily, it's the shame of Religion, that Christians are so unlike themselves, unless upon their knees. Sirs, our lives and language should tell the world what we are, and whither we are going. Christians, let little things content you in the world, but aspire after great things in the grace of God. Many real Christians do little think what high frames of Holiness they might grow up to, even in this life, with pains and diligence. Sirs, be you men of great designs: Think it not enough if you have wherewith to bear your charges to Heaven; but aspire with an holy ambition to be great in the Court of Heaven, Favourites of the most High, of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 growth, great experience, singular communion, that you may burn and shine in your places, and convince the world; that you may savour of Heaven where ever you come, and that there may be an even-spun thred of Holiness run∣ning through your whole course. 'Tis the disgrace of Profession, that there is so little difference to be seen in the ordinary coversation of Believers from other men: Is it not a shame, that when we are in company with others, this should be all the difference that is to be seen, onely that we will not curse and swear, as do the

worst of men? Christians, if you will honour the Go∣spel, bring forth your Religion out of your Closets (the world can't see what you do there) into your Shops, Trades, Visits, &c. and exemplifie the rules of Religion in the management of all your Relations, and in your ordinary converse. Let there be no Place or Company that you come into, in which you do not drop something of God: This will be the glory of Religion, and we shall never convince the World till we come to this. May you come my Brethren, out of your Prisons with your faces shining, having your minds seasoned, and your tongues 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with Holiness: May your mouths be as a Well of Life, from whence may flow the Holy Streams of Edify∣ing Discourse: May you ever remember, as you are sit∣ting in your Houses, going by the Way, lying down, rising up, what the Lord doth then require of you, Deut 6. 7.

2. To improve their present retirements from the World, for the settling of their spiritual estates. 'Tis a common complaint amongst Christians, That they want Assu∣rance. Oh, if any of you that wanted Assurance when you came to Prison, may carry that blessing out, what happy gainers would you be! Now you are called more than ever to self-searching. Now bring your Graces to the Touchstone. Be much in Self Observation. See what your hearts do with most love and delight, go out unto: what are your greatest hopes, and your chief de∣signs. See whether God's Intrest be uppermost in you: prove this, and prove all. Rest not in probable hopes. Think not that is enough that you can say, you hope 'tis well. God lookes for extraordinary things from you under such great helps, such extraordinary Dispensations. Be restless till you can say, that You know. 'tis well? that you know you are passed from Death to Life

Think not that this is a priviledge that only a few may expect. Observe but these three things:

1. To acquaint your selves throughly with the conditions of Life, and take heed of laying the marks of Solvation ci∣ther too high or too low.

2. To be much in observing the frame, and bent, and work∣ings of your own hearts.

3. To universally conscientious, and to be constant in even and close walkings, and then I doubt not but you will grow up speedily to a settled assurance, and know and feel that peace of God that passeth all understanding: and this will be somewhat worth your carrying out of Prison.

But I return to your self. But what shall I say? I have more need to receive from you, than abilitie to give; on∣ly I will tell you my wishes for you: I wish that your bo∣dy may prosper, as your soul also prospereth. I wish, That you may see the travel of your Soul; that you may find your People thriving under your hands in all manner of holy conversation and godliness, that whosoever converses with them, may see and hear by them, that God is in them of a Truth. I wish your enlargement from your bonds, and your enlargement in them: That your Prison may be but the Lanthorn through which your Graces, Experien∣ces, Communion, and Prison-attainments, may shine most brightly to all beholders. I wish your Prison may be a Paradice of Peace, and a Patmos of Divine discoveries. Lord Jesus set to thy Amen. I am

SIR,

Your unworthy Brother and Companion in the Kingdom and Patience of JESUS: JOS. ALLEINE.

Jan. 10. 1664.

LETTER. XL. [Directions to the Ministers of Somersetshire and Wistshire, for the instructing of Families by way of Catechising.]

SIR,

THIS Letter cometh to you, like the men of Macedo∣nia, to Paul, crying to you, Come and help us. O how insufficient do we find our selves for the Praises of GOD! What Reason have we to call upon our selves, and to call upon all our Friends! and yet we foresee that all will be too little a Sacrifice at last, and too slender a return to the most High God, who hath made us such wonders of Mercy, and such signal instan∣ces of his Divine Power and Rich Grace. You are not ignorant of our Estate, how the Sentence of Death had passed upon us; how our Flesh and our Hearts failed, and Friends and Physicians gave up their Hopes: But God, that raised the Dead, was pleased to make us the Monuments of his wondrous Mercy. O that the same God would make us the special instruments of his Praise and Glory. Of a Truth Sir, we perceive our Hearts are too little, our Tongues are too shore, our Expressions are too low, either to conceive or ut∣ter what we owe to the Great God. O help! help! Bless the Lord, O our Souls: Bless the Lord, O our Friends: O that all that have Wrestled with God for us, might joyn Hand in Hand to make some suitable returns to the God of our lives, and may bring in every one his Sacrifice, and all contribute to make one common stock of Praises, that many Thanksgivings

may abound to God on our behalfs. O what hath Prayer done for us! while we live we must Honour Prayer, and admire the Power of Prayer, we owe our limbs and our lives to Prayer. O that a goodly crop of praise may grow up unto God as a return for his Mercies: that the seed of Prayers, and showers of tears, may procure sheaves of joy, and Songs of deliverauce.

But O what shall we render? wherewithall shall we come before the Lord, or bow our selves to the Most High God? O where shall we find a sitting sacrifice? Ve∣rily we will give our selves and our All to him. But alas, what are we, and what is this little that we call our All? Therefore have we found in our hearts to write to you and others, that we might excite you to the Divine Praises with us. And O that the Lord might be loved the bet∣ter, and glorified the more for our sakes: Will you tell us wherein we may shew our love to Him? wherein we may best please and serve Him? O that you would! Herein assuredly you would most highly gratifie us. O that we might do some singular thing for God; for cer∣tainly they are not common things that he hath done for us. We pray you call upon those that fear the Lord, to help us in celebrating his loving kindness. O how it pleaseth our very Hearts to think that God should be Loved and Honoured the better for us: That we may be instruments, if it be but for the blowing up of one flash, nay, the kindling of one spark of Divine Love in the Hearts of his Children towards him! Sir, You cannot pleasure us in any thing so much as in this, To love and admire God, and spread his Praise more and more; that what is wanting through our weakness, may be made up in your abundance. But we have need to crave your 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for our length; but the love of Christ constraineth us, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 we hope you will pass by an error of Love.

While we have been deyifing what to do for our God, we thought we could no way better serve him,

than by provoking such as you are to set up his great Name with us. We love and Honour you, not onely as you are a Member, but a Minister of Christ Jesus our LORD, and therefore deserve to be doubly dear un∣to us: And because we could think of no more plea∣sing a Sacrifice of Thanksgiving, we have stirred up our selves and Friends with us, to send to you a Prophet in the Name of a Prophet, this poor Token of Love, which though but small, yet we trust will be a sweet savour unto God, and will be accepted with you, being our two Mites cast into God's Treasury. But look not upon your self as obliged to us hereby: but put it upon the Account of Christ, to whose precious Name we dedi∣cate it, and from whom (although he be so much already before hand with us, yet) we expect a recompence at the Resurrection of the just.

And being further desirous to promote the work of God in our low and slender Capacities, we have been bold to provoke your self, with other our Fathers and Brethren in the Ministry, to set about that necessary and much neg∣lected work of Catechising; not a little pleasing our selves in the sweet hope, that by your means we may be instru∣mental to spread the sweet savour of the knowledg of our God, in every place: and being well perswaded of your readiness to forward so blessed a work, we have stirred up our selves and our Friends to expend a considerable Sum of Money to furnish Ministers with Catechisms, a hundred whereof we have sent unto you, beseeching you to use your best prudence and utmost diligence, for the spreading of them, and for others improvement by them, that our labour and charge in so good a work, prove not at last of no effect.

Sir, we shall humbly propose unto you, but not impose upon you. But let us be bold with you in Ghrist, to lay our requests before you as touching this concernment, they being indeed what judicious friends and brethren have thought fit to propound.

1. That the People be publikely and privately instruct∣ed about the high necessity and great usefulness of this Dutie.

2. That these Catechisms be freely given to all that will promise to use them.

3. That you would be pleased to acquaint your self with all the Schools that are within your Verge; and that you would do your utmost to engage the Teachers thereof to teach their Scholars this Catechism; and that you would furnish all their Scholars that are capable and willing to learn.

4. That you will endeavour from house to house to en∣gage the Master or Mistris of every Family, for the forwar∣ding of this work.

5. That you will appoint set-times wherein to take an Account of the proficiency of all such as have promised to Learn; and that, if it may be, they may be engaged to Learn weekly a proportion, according to their Capaci∣ties.

6. That you would favour us so far, as to let us know as speedilie as you may, of the receit of these Lines; and, if we may presume so far upon you, we pray you to indulge us some assurance under your Hand, That you will to your Power promote this happy design, and that by our Lady∣day next you will acquaint Mr. Bernard what progress is made.

Sir, our Sou's will even travel in Birth for the suc∣cess of this undertaking; and therefore we request you for the love of God, and by the respect which we are perswaded you bare to us, that you will labour to comfort and encourage us in our endeavours for God, which you can no way in the World do so well, as by letting us see, that there is some Blessed Fruit of our cost and paines; and that we have not run in

vain, nor laboured in vain. If there be any of these Ca∣techsims remaining in your hands that you cannot dis∣pose of by our Lady-day, be pleased to send them to Mr. Barnard, or to Mr. Rositer in Taunton. If you should need any more, give us speedy notice, and you shall not fail to be furnished with what number you desire.

Thus upon the bended knees of our thankful souls, we commend our poor sacrifices, together with your self, to the eternal God, and remain,

Christs devoted Sevants, and your Friends JOS. BERNARD, and JOS. ALLIENE.

FINIS.