Christian letters full of spiritual instructions tending to the promoting of the power of godliness, both in person and families.
         Alleine, Joseph, 1634-1668.
      
       
         
           1673
        
      
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             Christian letters full of spiritual instructions tending to the promoting of the power of godliness, both in person and families.
             Alleine, Joseph, 1634-1668.
          
           150 p.
           
             Printed for and sold by Nevil Simmons and Dorman Newman,
             London :
             1673.
          
           
             Item at 931:5b bound with: The life and death of that excellent minister of Christ Mr. Joseph Alleine. [S.l. : s.n.], 1672.
             Reproduction of originals in the British Library and the Union Theological Seminary Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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         eng
      
       
         
           Christian life.
           Conduct of life.
        
      
    
     
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           CHRISTIAN
           LETTERS
           FULL
           OF
           
             Spiritual
             Instructions
          
           ,
           TENDING
           To
           the
           Promoting
           of
           the
           Power
           OF
           GODLINESS
           ,
           BOTH
           IN
           PERSON
           and
           FAMILIES
           .
        
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           for
           and
           sold
           by
           
             Nevil
             Simmons
          
           ,
           at
           the
           Princes-Arms
           in
           St.
           Pauls
           Church-Yard
           ,
           and
           
             Dorman
             Newman
          
           at
           the
           Kings-Arms
           in
           the
           Poultrey
           .
           1673.
           
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
         
           CHRISTIAN
           LETTERS
           ,
           Full
           of
           SPIRITUAL
           INSTRUCTIONS
           ,
           Tending
           To
           the
           Promoting
           of
           the
           Power
           of
           Godliness
           ,
           both
           in
           Persons
           ,
           and
           Families
           .
        
         
           
             LETTER
             .
             I.
             
               To
               his
               Wife
               to
               Dispose
               her
               to
               his
               Ac●…ptance
               of
            
             Taunton
             ,
             
               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
             Taunton
             .
             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
             inclining
             that
             way
             .
             I
             will
             tell
             thee
             the
             Principles
             upon
             which
             I
             go
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             I
             lay
             this
             for
             a
             Fouudation
             ,
             That
             a
             mans
             Life
             con●…isteth
             not
             in
             the
             Abundance
             of
             the
             things
             that
             he
             possesseth
             .
             ●…t
             was
             accounted
             a
             wise
             Prayer
             that
             Agur
             put
             up
             of
             old
             ,
             that
             ●…e
             might
             only
             be
             Fed
             with
             Food
             convenient
             for
             him
             .
             And
             ●…ertain
             it
             is
             that
             where
             m●…n
             have
             least
             of
             the
             World
             ;
             they
             ●…steem
             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
             closely
             doth
             he
             cling
             ?
             How
             fully
             doth
             he
             Relie
             upon
             God
             ?
             The
             Holy
             Ghost
             seems
             to
             make
             it
             a
             Priviledge
             to
             be
             brought
             to
             a
             necess●…ty
             of
             living
             by
             Faith
             ,
             as
             ,
             I
             think
             ,
             I
             have
             formerly
             hinted
             thee
             ,
             out
             of
             Deut.
             11.
             10
             ,
             11.
             
             Where
             Canaan
             is
             prefer'd
             before
             Ægypt
             ,
             in
             regard
             of
             its
             dependance
             upon
             God
             for
             the
             former
             and
             latter
             Rain
             ,
             which
             in
             Ægypt
             they
             could
             live
             without
             ,
             and
             have
             supplies
             from
             the
             River
             .
             And
             certainly
             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
             chosen
             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
             advantage
             of
             abundance
             of
             means
             ,
             and
             the
             daily
             opportunities
             of
             warming
             our
             hearts
             with
             the
             blessed
             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
             Spiritual
             helps
             and
             advantages
             .
             Let
             us
             think
             with
             our selves
             ,
             what
             though
             our
             Purses
             ,
             our
             Estates
             ,
             may
             thrive
             better
             
             in
             a
             place
             of
             a
             large
             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
             Communion
             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
             ?
             'T
             is
             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
             England
             ;
             )
             These
             should
             be
             the
             main
             interrogatories
             ,
             and
             the
             chief
             things
             we
             should
             judge
             of
             a
             place
             to
             settle
             in
             .
             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
             abund●…ntly
             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
             Hug
             themselves
             in
             their
             Corn
             ,
             and
             Wine
             ,
             and
             Oyl
             ,
             in
             their
             fat
             Livings
             ,
             and
             their
             large
             Tables
             ,
             and
             their
             great
             resort
             ,
             if
             we
             have
             more
             of
             the
             Light
             of
             Gods
             Countenance
             ,
             more
             grace
             ,
             more
             comfort
             ,
             who
             would
             change
             with
             them
             ?
             surely
             if
             Paul
             were
             to
             chose
             a
             Place
             ,
             he
             would
             not
             look
             so
             much
             what
             't
             was
             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
             outward
             Mercy
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             content
             to
             want
             it
             .
             When
             mens
             desires
             are
             over-eager
             after
             the
             World
             ,
             they
             must
             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
             denying
             them
             ,
             as
             one
             would
             cross
             a
             froward
             .
             Child
             of
             his
             stubborn
             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
             wisdom
             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
             Righteousness
             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
             only
             hiding
             place
             and
             refuge
             ,
             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
             the●…e
             .
             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
             Mercy
             ,
             or
             supply
             ,
             is
             to
             be
             content
             to
             be
             without
             it
             :
             And
             he
             is
             perswaded
             nothing
             set
             Gods
             Mercies
             farther
             off
             ,
             than
             want
             of
             free
             suhmission
             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
             ,
             never
             shall
             any
             lose
             by
             him
             .
             Take
             this
             for
             a
             certainty
             ,
             whatsoever
             probabilities
             of
             outward
             comforts
             we
             leave
             ,
             whatsoever
             outward
             advantages
             we
             balk
             ,
             that
             we
             may
             glorifie
             him
             in
             our
             Services
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             him
             in
             his
             Ordinances
             more
             than
             otherwhere
             
             we
             could
             ,
             we
             shall
             receive
             an
             hundred
             fold
             in
             this
             life
             .
             'T
             is
             a
             sad
             thing
             to
             see
             how
             little
             Christ
             is
             trusted
             or
             believe
             in
             the
             World
             :
             Men
             will
             trust
             him
             no
             farther
             then
             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
             I
             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
             income
             ,
             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
             't
             is
             not
             Bread
             that
             keeps
             men
             alive
             ,
             but
             the
             Word
             of
             Blessing
             that
             proceedeth
             out
             of
             his
             mouth
             of
             God
             ;
             so
             't
             is
             not
             the
             largerness
             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
             without
             them
             where
             ever
             we
             be
             ,
             only
             that
             condition
             is
             most
             eligible
             that
             hath
             fewest
             and
             least
             .
             I
             cannot
             object
             any
             thing
             against
             the
             proposal
             of
             Taunton
             ,
             but
             the
             meaness
             of
             the
             maintenance
             ;
             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
             I
             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
             pulfe
             ,
             and
             think
             a
             mean
             Diet
             is
             as
             wholesome
             to
             the
             body
             ,
             yea
             .
             
             and
             far
             less
             hurtful
             than
             a
             full
             and
             libéral
             is
             ;
             and
             perswade
             my self
             it
             would
             be
             no
             such
             hard
             matter
             for
             us
             contentedly
             to
             deny
             our
             flesh
             in
             this
             respect
             .
             But
             let
             us
             consider
             how
             little
             and
             utterly
             inconsiderable
             this
             inconvenience
             is
             ,
             in
             comparison
             of
             those
             we
             must
             reckon
             upon
             meeting
             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
             comsortable
             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
             Railings
             and
             scandalous
             ,
             and
             malicious
             Reports
             ,
             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
             considerations
             ,
             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
             inclines
             ,
             ●…or
             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
             unhappiness
             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
             alwayes
             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
             Commemoration
             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
             sudden
             my
             mind
             to
             thee
             ,
             I
             have
             been
             so
             large
             in
             delivering
             my
             Judgement
             ,
             that
             I
             must
             thrust
             up
             my
             Af●…ctions
             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
             .
             Farewel
             mine
             own
             Soul
             ,
          
           
             
               I
               am
               as
               ever
               thine
               own
               Heart
               ,
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
            
             
               Oxon
               ,
               
                 May
                 27.
                 1659.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             LETTER
             II.
             [
             Prepare
             for
             Suffering
             .
             ]
             
               To
               my
               dearly
               belo●…ed
               the
               Flock
               of
               Christ
               in
            
             Taunton
             ,
             
               Grace
               and
               Peace
            
             .
          
           
             
               Most
               dear
               Christians
               ,
            
          
           
             MY
             extream
             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●…ulness
             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
             ,
             
             ●…eet
             ,
             compassionate
             ,
             tender
             nature
             of
             your
             Heavenly
             Father
             ,
             which
             is
             so
             great
             that
             you
             may
             be
             sure
             he
             will
             with
             all
             readiness
             and
             love
             accept
             of
             his
             poor
             Children
             when
             they
             endeavours
             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
             Land
             marks
             :
             self-denial
             and
             taking
             up
             the
             Cross
             is
             your
             
               A
               B
               C
            
             of
             ●…eligion
             ;
             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
             dismayed
             ;
             having
             your
             hearts
             broken
             ,
             and
             yet
             your
             spirits
             unbroken
             ;
             humble
             your selves
             mightily
             under
             the
             mighty
             hand
             of
             God
             ;
             but
             fear
             no●…
             the
             face
             of
             man
             :
             may
             you
             even
             be
             low
             in
             humility
             ,
             but
             high
             in
             courage
             ;
             little
             in
             your
             own
             apprehensions
             of
             your selves
             ,
             but
             great
             in
             holy
             ●…ortitude
             ,
             resolution
             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 selves
             as
             good
             Souldiers
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             with
             no
             Armour
             ,
             but
             that
             of
             righteousness
             ;
             
               No
               weapons
            
             ,
             but
             strong
             crying
             and
             tears
             ;
             looking
             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
             Grace
             :
             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
             your
             assured
             that
             I
             am
             and
             shall
             be
             through
             Grace
             ,
             a
             willing
             thankful
             Servant
             of
             your
             Souls
             concernments
             .
          
           
             
               From
               the
               common
               Goale
               
                 May
                 2.
                 1663.
                 
              
            
             
               Joseph
               Alleine
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             LETTER
             III.
             [
             Warning
             to
             Professors
             .
             ]
             
               To
               my
               most
               dearly
               beloved
               ,
               my
               Christian
               Friends
               in
            
             Taunton
             ,
             Salvation
             .
          
           
             
               Most
               loving
               Brethren
               ,
            
          
           
             I
             Shall
             never
             forget
             your
             old
             kindnesses
             ,
             and
             the
             entire
             affections
             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
             ;
             Nay
             ,
             ●…ore
             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
             receive
             a
             Prophets
             reward
             ;
             he
             will
             recompence
             your
             labour
             of
             love
             ,
             your
             servent
             prayers
             ,
             and
             constant
             cryes
             ,
             your
             care
             for
             my
             welfare
             ,
             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
             continually
             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
             woo●…
             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
             Dignity
             ,
             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
             ,
             notwithstanding
             all
             the
             difficulties
             and
             inconveniences
             that
             do
             attend
             his
             dispised
             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
             entred
             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
             th●…
             riches
             and
             perferments
             and
             glory
             ,
             and
             splendor
             of
             the
             World.
             Alas
             !
             you
             have
             no
             reason
             to
             envy
             them
             :
             verily
             ,
             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
             never
             see
             light
             ,
             like
             sheep
             they
             shall
             be
             laid
             in
             their
             Graves
             ,
             and
             the
             upright
             shall
             have
             Dominion
             over
             them
             in
             the
             morning
             .
             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
             living
             hopes
             of
             the
             Saints
             ,
             the
             inheritance
             incorruptible
             ,
             undefiled
             ,
             and
             that
             fades
             not
             away
             .
          
           
             Ah
             my
             Brethren
             !
             why
             should
             not
             you
             be
             all
             happy
             ?
             I
             am
             jealous
             for
             you
             with
             a
             Godly
             jealousie
             ,
             lest
             a
             promise
             being
             left
             you
             of
             entering
             into
             his
             rest
             ,
             any
             of
             you
             should
             come
             short
             of
             it
             .
             O
             look
             diligently
             ,
             lest
             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
             mercy
             at
             last
             !
             That
             any
             of
             that
             flock
             over
             which
             the
             holy
             Ghost
             hath
             made
             be
             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
             Brethren
             !
             I
             was
             in
             great
             earnest
             with
             you
             when
             I
             besought
             you
             out
             of
             the
             Pulpit
             ,
             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
             hazardous
             opportunities
             ,
             for
             which
             you
             are
             greatly
             to
             be
             commended
             ,
             since
             the
             Law
             forbad
             my
             publick
             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
             remember
             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
             carry
             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
             farther
             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
             everlasting
             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
             and
             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
             unfeignedly
             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
             often
             inculcate
             this
             :
             If
             it
             be
             well
             here
             ,
             it
             is
             well
             all
             ;
             if
             unsound
             here
             ,
             the
             error
             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
             Covenanting
             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
             assurance
             :
             If
             you
             cannot
             discern
             your
             estate
             your selves
             ,
             go
             to
             some
             body
             that
             is
             albe
             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
             given
             you
             my
             unfeigned
             than●…
             for
             your
             most
             kind
             and
             gracious
             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
             stedfas●…ness
             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
             salutes
             you
             with
             manifold
             Loves
             and
             Respects
             ,
             earnestly
             wishing
             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
             Brethren
             in
             the
             everlasting
             Arms
             ,
             and
             rest
             ,
          
           
             
               From
               the
               common
               Goale
               at
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 June
                 13th
                 .
                 1663.
                 
              
            
             
               Your
               Embassador
               in
               bonds
               ,
               Joseph
               Alleine
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             LETTER
             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
             desire
             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
             poured
             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
             pities
             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
             you
             .
             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
             !
             whosoever
             will
             ,
             let
             him
             take
             of
             the
             Waters
             of
             Life
             sreely
             ;
             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
             towards
             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
             snall
             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
             Brethren
             ,
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             hath
             made
             me
             ,
             most
             unworthy
             ,
             his
             Spokesman
             ,
             to
             bespeak
             your
             hearts
             for
             him
             :
             And
             oh
             ,
             that
             I
             knew
             but
             how
             to
             wooe
             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
             :
             come
             then
             ,
             O
             Friends
             ,
             and
             let
             us
             reason
             together
             .
          
           
             Many
             among
             you
             remain
             under
             the
             power
             of
             Ignorance
             :
             Ah!
             how
             often
             have
             I
             told
             you
             the
             dangerous
             ,
             yea
             ,
             damnable
             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
             felves
             ,
             
             and
             wilfully
             deceive
             your
             own
             selves
             ?
             when
             the
             God
             of
             Truth
             hath
             said
             you
             shall
             surely
             die
             if
             you
             go
             on
             in
             this
             estate
             :
             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
             car●…
             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
             Scripture
             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
             abilities
             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
             sit
             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
             Religion
             in
             half
             the
             time
             ,
             but
             thou
             wouldest
             not
             beat
             thy
             head
             about
             it
             .
          
           
             Many
             are
             swallowed
             up
             in
             meer
             prosaneness
             :
             Alas
             !
             that
             there
             should
             be
             any
             such
             in
             a
             place
             of
             such
             means
             and
             mercie●…
             !
             but
             it
             cannot
             be
             concealed
             .
             Many
             of
             them
             proclaim
             the●…r
             sin
             like
             Sodom
             ,
             and
             carry
             their
             deadly
             ●…prosie
             in
             their
             for●…-heads
             .
             I
             am
             ashamed
             to
             think
             that
             in
             T●…unton
             there
             should
             be
             so
             many
             Ale-house-haun●…ers
             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
             Prcfane
             Scoffers
             ,
             so
             many
             lyars
             and
             deceitful
             Dealers
             ,
             and
             unclean
             and
             wanton
             Wretches
             .
             O
             what
             a
             long
             list
             will
             these
             and
             such
             like
             make
             up
             ,
             if
             put
             together
             :
             it
             saddens
             me
             to
             mention
             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
             sinners
             ,
             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
             ,
             1
             Cor.
             6.
             9
             ,
             10.
             
             Repent
             ,
             O
             swearers
             ,
             else
             you
             shall
             fall
             into
             condemnation
             ,
             James
             5.
             12.
             
             Repent
             ,
             O
             lyars
             ,
             put
             away
             lying
             ,
             and
             speak
             every
             one
             truth
             to
             his
             neighbour
             ;
             else
             you
             shall
             have
             your
             part
             in
             the
             Lake
             that
             burneth
             with
             fire
             and
             brimstone
             ,
             Rev.
             20.
             8.
             
             Repent
             ,
             O
             company-keepers
             ,
             forsake
             the
             foolish
             and
             live
             ,
             but
             a
             Companion
             of
             the
             wicked
             shall
             be
             destroyed
             ,
             Prov.
             13.
             20.
             
             Repent
             you
             Deceivers
             of
             your
             unrighteous
             dealings
             ,
             or
             else
             you
             shall
             have
             no
             Inheritance
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
             1
             Cor.
             6.
             9
             ,
             10.
             
             The
             Lord
             that
             made
             us
             ,
             knows
             my
             earnest
             desire
             for
             your
             conversion
             and
             Salvation
             ,
             and
             that
             I
             speak
             not
             this
             to
             you
             out
             of
             any
             evil
             will
             toward
             you
             ,
             for
             I
             will
             lie
             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
             Righteousness
             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
             Righteousness
             ,
             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
             you
             reward
             for
             want
             of
             sincerity
             :
             for
             the
             Lords
             sake
             put
             on
             ,
             and
             beware
             of
             perishing
             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
             Hypocrite
             and
             a
             sincere
             Christian
             ,
             and
             try
             you
             estates
             much
             ,
             but
             only
             with
             those
             marks
             ,
             that
             you
             are
             sure
             from
             the
             Scripture
             will
             abide
             Gods
             tryal
             .
          
           
           
             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
             for
             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
             wherein
             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
             ,
             praisings
             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
             Prayers
             for
             me
             ,
             and
             rest
             ,
          
           
             
               From
               the
               common
               Goale
               in
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 July
                 4th
                 .
                 1663.
                 
              
            
             
               A
               willing
               Labourer
               ,
               and
               thankful
               Sufferer
               for
               you
               ,
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             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
             yo●…
             may
             be
             saved
             .
             I
             know
             that
             you
             are
             the
             But
             of
             mens
             
             rage
             and
             malice
             :
             but
             you
             may
             satisfie
             your selves
             as
             Dapid
             in
             his
             patient
             sustaining
             of
             
             Shemei's
             sury
             and
             curses
             :
             It
             may
             be
             the
             Lord
             will
             look
             upon
             our
             aff●…ction
             ,
             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
             cleaving
             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
             Pow
             ,
             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
             ,
             something
             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
             Believers
             ,
             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
             trusts
             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
             displeasure
             of
             Rulers
             ,
             and
             Bonds
             ,
             and
             losses
             ,
             and
             tribulation
             on
             every
             side
             ,
             this
             will
             be
             somewhat
             like
             Believers
             .
             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
             balk
             it
             ,
             and
             shamefully
             turn
             aside
             :
             but
             I
             would
             have
             you
             cast
             over-board
             your
             Worldly
             hopes
             ,
             and
             count
             not
             upon
             an
             earthly
             
             felicity
             ,
             but
             be
             content
             to
             wait
             till
             you
             come
             on
             the
             other
             side
             the
             Grave
             .
             Is
             it
             not
             enough
             to
             have
             a
             whole
             eternity
             of
             happiness
             yet
             behind
             ?
             If
             God
             do
             throw
             in
             the
             comforts
             of
             this
             life
             too
             into
             the
             bargain
             ;
             I
             would
             not
             have
             you
             throw
             them
             back
             again
             ,
             or
             despise
             the
             goodness
             of
             the
             Lord
             :
             but
             I
             would
             ,
             my
             Brethren
             ,
             that
             you
             should
             use
             this
             World
             ,
             as
             not
             abusing
             it
             ,
             that
             you
             should
             be
             crucified
             to
             the
             world
             ,
             and
             the
             world
             to
             you
             ;
             that
             you
             should
             declare
             plainly
             that
             you
             seek
             a
             Countrey
             ,
             a
             better
             Countrey
             ,
             which
             is
             an
             Heavenly
             .
             Ah!
             my
             dear
             Brethren
             ,
             I
             beseech
             you
             carry
             it
             like
             Pilgrims
             an
             strangers
             ,
             I
             beseech
             you
             abstain
             from
             fleshly
             lusts
             ,
             which
             war
             against
             your
             Souls
             ;
             for
             what
             have
             we
             to
             do
             with
             the
             customes
             and
             courses
             and
             fashions
             of
             this
             world
             ,
             who
             are
             strangers
             in
             it
             !
             Be
             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
             srequently
             to
             consider
             your
             condition
             and
             station
             :
             do
             you
             not
             remember
             that
             you
             are
             in
             an
             Inn
             ;
             and
             what
             though
             your
             be
             but
             poorly
             attended
             ,
             and
             meanly
             accommodated
             ?
             though
             you
             ●…are
             hard
             ,
             and
             lie
             hard
             ?
             Is
             this
             a
             strange
             thing
             ?
             what
             should
             Travellers
             look
             sor
             else
             ?
             will
             you
             set
             forth
             in
             a
             Journey
             ,
             and
             promise
             your selves
             nothing
             but
             sair
             way
             and
             fair
             weather
             ?
             Shall
             a
             man
             put
             forth
             to
             Sea
             and
             reckon
             upon
             nothing
             but
             the
             calm
             ?
             If
             you
             were
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             the
             World
             would
             love
             his
             own
             .
             But
             now
             God
             hath
             chosen
             you
             ,
             and
             called
             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
             righthously
             ,
             and
             shew
             our selves
             the
             children
             of
             the
             most
             High
             ,
             who
             doth
             good
             to
             his
             Enemies
             ,
             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
             party
             ,
             therefore
             all
             is
             well
             :
             Look
             to
             the
             Foundation
             ,
             that
             your
             hearts
             be
             soundly
             taken
             off
             from
             every
             sin
             ,
             and
             set
             upon
             God
             above
             as
             your
             Blessedness
             :
             Beware
             that
             none
             of
             you
             have
             only
             a
             name
             to
             love
             ,
             and
             be
             no
             more
             than
             almost
             Christians
             .
             For
             the
             love
             of
             your
             Souls
             ,
             make
             a
             diligent
             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
             the
             people
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             yet
             lose
             all
             at
             last
             for
             want
             of
             being
             thorow
             and
             sound
             in
             the
             main
             work
             ,
             I
             mean
             conversion
             and
             Regeneration
             .
             None
             so
             miserable
             in
             all
             the
             world
             as
             an
             unsound
             Professor
             of
             Religion
             now
             is
             ,
             for
             he
             shall
             be
             hated
             and
             persecuted
             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
             sufficient
             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
             flumbereth
             nor
             sleepeth
             ,
             be
             your
             Watchman
             and
             Keeper
             to
             the
             end
             ,
             Farewel
             .
             I
             am
          
           
             
               From
               the
               common
               Goal
               at
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 July
                 24.
                 1663.
                 
              
            
             
               A
               fervent
               well-wisher
               of
               your
               Temporal
               and
               Eternal
               Happiness
               ,
               Joseph
               Alleine
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             LETTER
             .
             VI.
             [
             Look
             out
             of
             your
             Graves
             upon
             the
             World.
             ]
             
               To
               my
               most
               dearly
               Beloved
               Friends
               ,
               the
               chosen
               of
               God
               in
            
             Taunton
             ,
             
               Grace
               and
               Peace
            
             .
          
           
             
               Most
               endeared
               Christian
               ,
            
          
           
             MY
             heart
             is
             with
             you
             ,
             though
             I
             am
             Absent
             ,
             as
             to
             my
             Bodily
             presence
             from
             you
             ,
             and
             therefore
             as
             I
             have
             often
             already
             ,
             so
             I
             have
             now
             written
             to
             you
             to
             stir
             up
             your
             pure
             minds
             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
             discouraged
             with
             no
             difficulties
             of
             your
             present
             Warfare
             .
             As
             for
             humane
             affairs
             ,
             it
             would
             have
             you
             to
             be
             as
             you
             are
             ,
             
               Men
               of
               Peace
            
             .
             I
             would
             have
             you
             
               Armed
               not
               for
               resisting
            
             ,
             God
             forbid
             ,
             but
             for
             
               Suffering
               onely
            
             ,
             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
             forgive
             ,
             and
             love
             ,
             and
             pray
             for
             (
             which
             I
             again
             desire
             you
             to
             mind
             as
             one
             special
             duty
             of
             the
             times
             )
             but
             for
             these
             Spiritual
             Enemies
             ,
             all
             your
             affections
             ,
             and
             all
             your
             Prayers
             must
             be
             engaged
             against
             them
             ;
             yea
             ,
             you
             must
             admit
             no
             Parley
             :
             It
             's
             dangerous
             to
             dispute
             with
             Temptations
             .
             Remember
             what
             Eve
             lost
             by
             Parleying
             with
             Satan
             :
             you
             must
             flie
             from
             Temptations
             ,
             and
             put
             them
             off
             at
             first
             with
             a
             Peremptory
             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
             spiritual
             Weapons
             dexterously
             a●…d
             diligently
             ,
             or
             else
             this
             World
             is
             like
             to
             undo
             you
             ,
             and
             destroy
             yo●…
             .
             I
             have
             often
             warned
             you
             not
             to
             build
             upon
             an
             External
             happiness
             .
             and
             that
             you
             should
             promise
             yo●…r
             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
             appreh●…sions
             of
             the
             World.
             Do
             not
             think
             these
             things
             necessary
             ;
             one
             thing
             is
             need●…ul
             :
             You
             may
             be
             happy
             in
             the
             want
             of
             all
             outward
             comf●…s
             .
             Do
             not
             think
             your selves
             undone
             ,
             if
             brought
             to
             Want
             or
             Poverty
             :
             study
             Eternity
             ,
             and
             you
             will
             see
             it
             to
             be
             little
             material
             to
             you
             ,
             whether
             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
             upon
             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
             Graves
             ,
             as
             they
             are
             like
             shortly
             to
             be
             ,
             and
             men
             handling
             your
             Skulls
             ,
             and
             enquiring
             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
             shortly
             be
             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●…ified
             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
             indifferency
             about
             them
             :
             Is
             it
             for
             one
             that
             is
             in
             his
             wits
             to
             sell
             his
             God
             ,
             his
             conscience
             ,
             his
             soul
             ,
             for
             thi●…gs
             that
             he
             is
             not
             sure
             to
             keep
             a
             week
             ,
             nor
             a
             day
             ,
             and
             which
             he
             is
             sure
             after
             a
             ●…ew
             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
             ●…o
             such
             as
             these
             ,
             and
             tell
             them
             here
             is
             such
             and
             such
             pr●…ferments
             for
             you
             ,
             you
             shall
             have
             such
             titles
             of
             honour
             and
             delights
             ,
             if
             you
             will
             now
             disown
             Religion
             ,
             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
             nothing
             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
             ,
             worthlessness
             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
             .
             Ah
             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
             Consciences
             ,
             than
             with
             their
             Estates
             ;
             that
             have
             secret
             reserves
             in
             hearts
             to
             save
             themselves
             whole
             ,
             when
             ●…t
             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
             't
             is
             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
             .
             Farewell
             my
             dear
             Brethren
             ,
             Farewel
             ,
             and
             be
             strong
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             I
             am
          
           
             
               From
               the
               common
               Gaole
               at
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 June
                 31.
                 1663.
                 
              
            
             
               Yours
               to
               serve
               you
               in
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               whether
               by
               Doing
               or
               Suffering
               .
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             LETTER
             VII
             .
             [
             First
             ,
             Christian
             Marks
             :
             2.
             
             Duties
             .
             ]
             
               To
               the
               Beloved
               ,
               my
               most
               endearing
               ,
               and
               endeared
               Friends
               ,
               the
               Flock
               of
               Christ
               in
            
             Taunton
             ,
             Salvation
             .
          
           
             
               Most
               dearly
               Beloved
               and
               longed
               for
               ,
               my
               Joy
               and
               Crown
               :
            
          
           
             
               I
               Must
               say
               of
               you
               as
               David
               did
               of
               Jonathan
               ,
               Very
               pleasant
               have
               you
               been
               unto
               me
               ,
               and
               your
               love
               to
               me
               is
               wonderful
               .
               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
               cheerfully
               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
               strengthened
               ,
               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
               Enemies
               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
               despised
               .
               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
               subtlety
               of
               Satan
               and
               deceitfulness
               of
               your
               hearts
               with
               counterfeit
               gr●…
               .
               There
               is
               never
               a
               grace
               but
               hath
               its
               counterfeit
               :
               and
               there
               is
               nothing
               in
               all
               the
               World
               that
               is
               more
               common
               or
               more
               easie
               ,
               than
               to
               mistake
               common
               and
               counterfeit
               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
               searce
               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
               confidenee
               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
               ●…ing
               confident
               before
               you
               have
               tried
               .
               Dear
               Brethren
               ,
               I
               would
               fain
               have
               you
               all
               secured
               against
               the
               day
               of
               Judgement
               ;
               I
               would
               that
               the
               state
               of
               your
               souls
               were
               all
               well
               setled
               :
               Oh
               how
               comfortably
               might
               you
               think
               of
               any
               troubles
               ,
               if
               you
               were
               but
               sure
               of
               your
               pardons
               !
               Were
               your
               Salvation
               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
               convinced
               of
               your
               sins
               ?
               of
               your
               da●…nable
               and
               undone
               condition
               in
               your selves
               ?
               and
               your
               utter
               ina●…lity
               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
               holiness
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               Laws
               and
               ways
               of
               God
               ,
               as
               that
               you
               do
               desire
               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
               (
               ordinarily
               ,
               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-denyińg
               nature
               of
               his
               Laws
               ,
               yet
               to
               take
               them
               all
               for
               the
               rule
               of
               your
               thoughts
               ,
               words
               ,
               and
               actions
               ?
               and
               though
               Religion
               may
               be
               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
               heart●…
               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
               na●…urally
               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
            
             
               
                 Yours
                 in
                 the
                 Bowels
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 ,
                 JOS.
                 ALLEINE
              
               
                 From
                 the
                 common
                 Goale
                 at
                 Juelchester
                 ,
                 
                   Sept.
                   11.
                   1663.
                   
                
              
            
          
           
             
               Just
               now
               I
               received
               your
               melting
               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
               snine
               as
               lights
               in
               the
               World.
               
            
          
        
         
           
           
             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
             affections
             ,
             without
             some
             commotions
             in
             my
             own
             :
             I
             may
             confidently
             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
             consessing
             ,
             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
             accompanied
             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
             Offices
             ,
             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
             no
             loose
             sinner
             ?
             to
             no
             ignorant
             finner
             ?
             to
             no
             unsound
             professor
             ?
             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
             will
             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
             Graven
             into
             ●…he
             substance
             of
             your
             hearts
             ,
             and
             lie
             as
             a
             bundle
             of
             Mirth
             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
             ve●…y
             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
             Christ
             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
             together
             .
             So
             shall
             you
             adorn
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             God
             our
             Saviour
             :
             and
             experience
             ,
             the
             Heavenly
             felicity
             of
             a
             Christians
             life
             :
             While
             
             Holiness
             is
             made
             the
             But
             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
             humility
             ,
             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
             persecution
             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
             loosed
             your
             hold
             .
             Hold
             fast
             your
             Profession
             ,
             hold
             fast
             your
             Integrity
             ,
             hold
             ●…ast
             the
             beginning
             of
             your
             confidence
             stedfast
             to
             the
             end
             :
             If
             you
             do
             but
             keep
             your
             hold
             ,
             and
             make
             goud
             your
             ground
             ,
             and
             keep
             your
             way
             ;
             all
             that
             the
             World
             can
             do
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             the
             powers
             of
             darkness
             can
             do
             ,
             can
             never
             do
             you
             harm
             .
             Keep
             your
             own
             Vinyard
             with
             constant
             care
             and
             watchfulness
             ,
             and
             be
             sure
             that
             there
             be
             no
             Inroad
             made
             upon
             your
             consciences
             ,
             that
             the
             ,
             Enemy
             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
             .
             On
             the
             provision
             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
             happiness
             .
             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
             ;
             however
             ,
             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
          
           
             
               From
               the
               Prison
               at
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 September
                 18.
                 1663.
                 
              
            
             
               Your
               Souls
               fervent
               well
               wisher
               in
               the
               bonds
               of
               affliction
               and
               tribulation
               .
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             LETTER
             .
             IX
             .
             [
             Easie
             Sufferings
             .
             ]
             
               To
               the
               most
               Loving
               and
               Beloved
               ,
               my
               Christian
               Friends
            
             at
             ●…aunton
             ,
             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
             fervent
             charity
             towards
             me
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             servants
             of
             my
             Lord
             ,
             for
             all
             your
             labours
             of
             love
             ,
             for
             all
             your
             diligence
             ,
             and
             bold●…ess
             ,
             and
             resolution
             ,
             in
             owning
             the
             despised
             way
             ,
             and
             hared
             ser●…ants
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             in
             an
             evil
             day
             .
             The
             Lord
             is
             not
             unrighteous
             to
             forget
             this
             :
             Is
             not
             this
             upon
             record
             with
             him
             and
             ●…aled
             up
             among
             his
             Treasures
             ?
             surely
             the
             Lord
             will
             have
             mercy
             upon
             Tauntou
             :
             I
             have
             no
             doubt
             but
             that
             the
             God
             of
             ●…our
             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
             pa●…ing
             with
             my
             much
             valued
             liberty
             ,
             so
             dear
             a
             People
             ,
             so
             swee●…
             Relations
             ,
             comforts
             ,
             conveniencies
             ,
             which
             I
             enjoyed
             in
             all
             a●…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
             priviledge
             in
             these
             Bonds
             .
             Verily
             all
             is
             true
             that
             I
             have
             told
             you
             of
             the
             All-sufficiency
             of
             God
             ,
             of
             the
             fulness
             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
             gracious
             Father
             will
             not
             put
             me
             to
             the
             hardest
             Les●…on
             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
             indulgently
             as
             David
             did
             Adoni●…ah
             ,
             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
             Goal
             ,
             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
             called
             Peniel
             .
             Be
             strong
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             my
             Bre●…hren
             ,
             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
             desire
             and
             pray
             for
             your
             liberty
             :
             but
             if
             any
             of
             you
             be
             sorced
             hither
             for
             the
             testimony
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             I
             shall
             embrace
             you
             with
             both
             arms
             Fare
             you
             well
             ,
             my
             most
             dearly
             Beloved
             :
             be
             perfect
             ,
             and
             be
             of
             good
             comfort
             ,
             be
             of
             one
             mind
             ,
             live
             in
             peace
             ,
             and
             the
             God
             of
             Love
             and
             Peace
             shall
             be
             with
             you
             .
             My
             Brethren
             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
               ,
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
             
               From
               the
               common
               Gaole
               at
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 Sept.
                 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
             requi●…e
             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
             sold
             more
             serviceable
             to
             their
             Makers
             Glory
             ,
             are
             l●…ft
             to
             perish
             in
             their
             sins
             :
             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
             object
             of
             Electing
             love
             ?
             least
             an
             unbelieving
             thought
             should
             damp
             your
             joy
             ;
             know
             in
             snort
             ,
             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
             diligently
             seek
             after
             conformity
             to
             him
             ,
             a●…d
             the
             fru●…tion
             of
             him
             than
             any
             ,
             than
             all
             the
             goods
             of
             this
             World
             ?
             If
             so
             ,
             theu
             away
             with
             doubts
             ,
             for
             you
             could
             not
             have
             loved
             ,
             and
             have
             chosen
             him
             ,
             unless
             he
             had
             loved
             you
             first
             .
             Now
             may
             my
             Beloved
             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
             
             Mite
             ,
             a
             Flea
             ,
             should
             have
             the
             consultations
             of
             the
             Eternal
             Diety
             exercised
             about
             thee
             !
             verily
             his
             love
             to
             thee
             is
             wonderful
             .
             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●…
             Elders
             ,
             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
             thu●…
             preferred
             !
             that
             ever
             nothing
             should
             be
             thus
             dignified
             !
             tha●…
             ever
             rottenness
             should
             be
             thus
             advanced
             ,
             a
             Clod
             ,
             a
             shaddow
             Potsheard
             ,
             should
             be
             thus
             glorified
             !
             Oh
             Brethren
             ,
             study
             beseech
             you
             ,
             not
             to
             require
             or
             retaliate
             (
             there
             's
             impossibility
             ,
             and
             blasphemy
             in
             such
             a
             thought
             )
             but
             to
             admire
             and
             im●…tate
             his
             love
             .
             Let
             love
             constrain
             you
             ,
             let
             love
             put
             you
             upo●…
             doing
             ,
             and
             prepare
             you
             for
             suffering
             ;
             forget
             not
             a
             love
             s●…
             memorable
             ,
             undervalue
             not
             a
             love
             so
             unvaluable
             ;
             I
             would
             have
             you
             all
             the
             captives
             of
             love
             :
             may
             the
             cords
             of
             love
             dra●…
             you
             towards
             ,
             and
             knit
             you
             to
             your
             Redeemer
             ?
             may
             the
             ●…vided
             streams
             be
             united
             in
             him
             .
             Alas
             ,
             that
             our
             souls
             are
             s●…
             narrow
             ,
             that
             the
             Waters
             are
             so
             shallow
             with
             us
             !
             how
             little
             how
             very
             little
             would
             our
             love
             be
             ,
             if
             he
             had
             it
             all
             ,
             infinit●…
             less
             than
             the
             Glow-worm
             to
             the
             Suu
             ,
             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
             Ah!
             that
             all
             o●…
             little
             powers
             were
             ingaged
             for
             him
             !
             Brethren
             ,
             here
             is
             no
             ex●…cess
             :
             oh
             love
             the
             Lord
             ye
             his
             Saints
             !
             he
             is
             worthy
             for
             who●…
             you
             shall
             do
             this
             .
             Do
             but
             think
             what
             love
             hath
             done
             for
             yo●…
             and
             think
             if
             you
             can
             ,
             what
             it
             means
             to
             do
             for
             you
             .
             This
             is
             th●…
             love
             that
             yarned
             upon
             you
             ,
             when
             in
             your
             Blood
             no
             eye
             pitying
             you
             .
             This
             is
             the
             love
             that
             took
             you
             up
             when
             you
             wer●…
             robbed
             and
             wounded
             ,
             and
             left
             for
             dead
             ,
             and
             poured
             in
             Win●…
             and
             Oyl
             into
             your
             wounds
             .
             This
             is
             that
             love
             that
             reprieved
             and
             spared
             ,
             and
             pardoned
             ,
             when
             the
             Law
             had
             condemne●…
             you
             ,
             and
             Justice
             would
             have
             had
             you
             delivered
             up
             ;
             an●…
             your
             Self-condemning
             consciences
             gave
             up
             all
             for
             lost
             ,
             co●…cluding
             there
             was
             no
             hope
             .
             This
             is
             the
             love
             ,
             the
             expensiv●…
             
             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
             to
             you
             ,
             inviting
             Angels
             to
             rejoyce
             .
             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
               and
               are
               sound
               .
            
             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
             burden
             of
             the
             Song
             above
             :
             [
             
               For
               this
               my
               Son
               was
               dead
               ,
               and
               is
               alive
               ,
            
             ]
             and
             well
             ,
             what
             remains
             but
             that
             you
             should
             be
             another
             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
             ,
             fervent
             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
          
           
             
               From
               the
               Prison
               at
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 October
                 25.
                 1663.
                 
              
            
             
               Yours
               in
               the
               strongest
               Bonds
               of
               Affection
               ,
               and
               Affliction
               .
               Joseph
               Alleine
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             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
               remember
               you
               of
               ,
               but
               your
               mindful
               Friend
               ,
               your
               Intercessour
               with
               the
               Father
               ,
               who
               hath
               you
               always
               in
               remembrance
               ,
               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
               anihilate
               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
               filthy
               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
               shou●…d
               his
               own
               self
               wash
               you
               ,
               and
               wrinse
               you
               !
               merh●…nks
               I
               see
               him
               weeping
               over
               you
               ;
               and
               yet
               it
               was
               a
               more
               costly
               Bath
               by
               which
               he
               cleansed
               you
               .
               Ah
               Sinners
               !
               look
               upon
               the
               streaming
               Blood
               flowing
               out
               warm
               from
               his
               blessed
               Body
               ,
               to
               setch
               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
               away
               !
               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
               purifie
               us
               ,
               would
               open
               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
               miraculous
               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
               cruelty
               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
               su●…h
               a
               Friend
               :
               do
               we
               thus
               requite
               him
               :
               is
               this
               our
               kindness
               to
               such
               an
               obliging
               friend
               !
               Christians
               ,
               where
               are
               you
               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
               ●…ix
               your
               thoughts
               ,
               he●…e
               terminate
               your
               desire
               ;
               here
               you
               may
               light
               your
               Candle
               and
               kindle
               your
               fire
               when
               almost
               out
               .
               Rub
               and
               chafe
               your
               hearts
               well
               with
               the
               deep
               consideration
               of
               the
               love
               of
               Christ
               ,
               and
               it
               is
               a
               wonder
               if
               they
               do
               not
               get
               fome
               warmth
               .
               The
               Lord
               shed
               abroad
               his
               love
               in
               your
               hearts
               by
               the
               H.
               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
               iniquit●…es
               you
               find
               there
               ,
               out
               with
               them
               ,
               put
               them
               far
               from
               your
               Tabernacles
               ;
               if
               you
               crucifie
               them
               not
               ,
               you
               are
               not
               Jesus
               his
               Friends
               .
               Godforbid
               
               that
               there
               should
               be
               a
               lying
               Tongue
               ,
               or
               any
               way
               of
               deceit
               in
               your
               Shops
               .
               That
               his
               service
               should
               give
               place
               to
               the
               World
               in
               your
               Families
               .
               Far
               be
               it
               from
               any
               of
               you
               ,
               my
               Brethr●…n
               ,
               that
               you
               should
               be
               careful
               to
               teach
               your
               children
               and
               servants
               the
               way
               of
               your
               Trades
               and
               Callings
               ,
               and
               negl●…t
               to
               instruct
               them
               in
               the
               way
               of
               Life
               .
               Is
               weekly
               Ca●…echising
               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
               cost
               you
               nothing
               :
               look
               to
               it
               that
               you
               content
               not
               your selves
               with
               a
               cheap
               and
               easie
               Religio●…
               .
               Put
               your
               flesh
               to
               it
               :
               be
               well
               assured
               that
               the
               Religion
               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
               ,
               idie
               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
               onely
               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
               ●…ss
               the
               Lord
               ,
               I
               want
               nothing
               but
               the
               opportunity
               of
               being
               ●…ceable
               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
               ,
               Farewel
               :
               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
            
             
               
                 The
                 ready
                 Servant
                 of
                 your
                 Faith
                 and
                 Joy
                 ,
                 JOS.
                 ALLEINE
                 .
              
               
                 From
                 the
                 Prison
                 at
                 Juelchester
                 ,
                 
                   Octob.
                   14.
                   1663.
                   
                
              
            
          
           
             
               My
               dear
               Brother
               Norman
               salutes
               you
               tenderly
               ,
               desiring
               you
               to
               be
               patient
               ,
               to
               stablish
               your
               hearts
               ,
               for
               the
               coming
               of
               the
               Lord
               draweth
               nigh
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             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
             discontent
             diverted
             ,
             when
             I
             was
             setting
             my self
             to
             have
             Written
             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
             prosper
             ?
             This
             is
             my
             care
             ,
             beware
             that
             you
             Flag
             not
             ,
             that
             you
             faint
             not
             now
             in
             the
             evil
             day
             .
             I
             understand
             that
             your
             dangers
             grow
             upon
             you
             ,
             may
             your
             Faith
             and
             courage
             and
             resolution
             grow
             accordingly
             ,
             and
             much
             more
             abundantly
             to
             overtop
             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
             ,
             hath
             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
             ●…an
             ,
             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
             Meetings
             .
             I
             am
             told
             that
             it
             is
             become
             a
             hard
             matter
             ,
             when
             a
             Minister
             is
             willing
             to
             take
             pains
             with
             you
             to
             get
             place
             :
             ●…ar
             be
             this
             from
             you
             my
             Brethren
             .
             What
             ,
             shut
             out
             the
             Wor
             d
             !
             suppose
             there
             be
             somewhat
             more
             danger
             to
             him
             that
             gives
             the
             Minister
             entertainment
             ?
             Is
             there
             not
             much
             more
             advantage
             accordingly
             ?
             did
             not
             
               O●…ed
               Edom
            
             ,
             and
             his
             House
             get
             the
             blessing
             by
             entertaining
             the
             Ark
             there
             ?
             or
             do
             you
             think
             God
             hath
             never
             a
             blessing
             for
             those
             that
             shall
             with
             much
             Self-denial
             entertain
             his
             Messengers
             ,
             his
             Sain●…s
             ,
             his
             Worship
             ?
             are
             you
             believers
             ,
             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
             Examination
             ,
             I
             am
             jealous
             least
             you
             should
             grow
             slack
             ,
             and
             slight
             ,
             and
             car●…less
             in
             that
             duty
             .
             Let
             me
             ask
             you
             in
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             doth
             never
             a
             day
             pass
             you
             ,
             but
             you
             do
             solemnly
             and
             seriously
             call
             your selves
             to
             an
             account
             ,
             what
             your
             ●…arriage
             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
             ?
             dot●…
             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
             daily
             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
             
               d●…ily
               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
             consci●…ncious
             ,
             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
             performed
             but
             slightly
             by
             you
             .
             What
             can
             you
             say
             to
             this
             question
             ?
             doth
             your
             care
             of
             your
             ways
             abate
             ,
             or
             doth
             it
             incr●…
             ,
             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
             beseech
             you
             ,
             that
             my
             Letters
             may
             not
             be
             as
             so
             much
             waste
             Paper
             to
             you
             ;
             may
             they
             be
             provocations
             to
             your
             duty
             ,
             and
             Medicines
             to
             any
             corruptions
             that
             they
             m●…et
             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
             shur
             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
               Goal
               at
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 Octob.
                 20.
                 1668.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
           
             LETTER
             XIII
             .
             [
             Motives
             and
             Marks
             of
             Growth
             .
             ]
             
               To
               the
               most
               Loving
               ,
               and
               best
               Beloved
               ,
               the
               servants
               of
               Christ
            
             in
             ●…aunton
             ,
             
               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
             comforts
             hath
             been
             through
             grace
             my
             great
             ambition
             .
             This
             is
             that
             which
             I
             laboured
             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
             progress
             do
             you
             make
             in
             Sanctification
             ?
             doth
             the
             House
             of
             Saul
             grew
             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
             su●…ely
             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
             begun
             well
             ,
             so
             go
             on
             in
             the
             strength
             of
             Christ.
             and
             give
             diligence
             to
             the
             full
             assurance
             of
             hope
             to
             the
             end
             ,
             't
             is
             your
             thriving
             ,
             I
             tell
             you
             ,
             I
             drive
             at
             .
          
           
             Do
             you
             need
             Motives
             ?
             ]
             1.
             
             
               How
               much
               are
               you
               behind-band
            
             ?
             Oh
             ,
             the
             fair
             advantages
             that
             we
             have
             lost
             !
             what
             time
             ,
             what
             Sabboths
             ,
             Sermons
             ,
             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
             Vessels
             richly
             laden
             ,
             while
             our
             Souls
             are
             empty
             ?
             Oh
             ,
             the
             rich
             Booties
             ,
             the
             golden
             Prizes
             that
             some
             have
             won
             ?
             while
             we
             have
             
             folded
             the
             hands
             to
             sleep
             !
             have
             not
             many
             of
             our
             own
             standing
             in
             Religion
             left
             us
             far
             behind
             them
             ?
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             
               Consider
               what
               a
               spending
               time
               there
               is
               coming
               :
            
             Affliction
             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
               good
               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
             cties
             for
             respite
             till
             he
             had
             recovered
             a
             little
             more
             strength
             .
          
           
             Fifthly
             ,
             
               Consider
               how
               little
               it
               will
               avail
               you
               to
               thrive
               in
               your
               Estates
               ,
               and
               not
               thrive
               i●…
               your
               Souls
               :
            
             Poor
             Gehazi
             !
             what
             did
             he
             get
             by
             it
             when
             he
             gained
             Naamans
             Talents
             ,
             and
             came
             off
             with
             his
             Leprosie
             ?
          
           
             Sixthly
             ,
             
               Consider
               how
               short
               your
               time
               for
               gathering
               in
               probability
               is
               :
            
             the
             Israelites
             gathered
             twice
             so
             much
             Manna
             against
             the
             Sabboth
             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
             better
             proficients
             :
             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
             to
             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
             desire
             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
               pour
               Pulses
               beat
               more
               even
               .
            
             Are
             you
             still
             off
             and
             on
             ,
             hot
             and
             cold
             .
             Or
             is
             the
             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
             every
             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
             Providences
             ?
          
           
             
               Fourthly
               ,
               If
               you
               do
               look
               more
               to
               the
               Compass
               ,
               and
               latitude
               of
               Religion
               ,
               and
               mind
               more
               than
               ever
               ,
               the
               carrying
               on
               together
               the
               d●…s
               of
               both
               Tables
               .
            
             Do
             you
             not
             only
             look
             to
             the
             keeping
             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
             conversation
             ,
             and
             salvation
             ?
             do
             you
             manage
             your
             talk
             and
             your
             Trade
             ,
             by
             the
             rules
             of
             Religion
             ?
          
           
             Do
             you
             ear
             and
             sleep
             by
             rule
             ?
             doth
             Religion
             form
             ,
             and
             mould
             ,
             and
             direct
             your
             carriage
             towards
             Husband
             ,
             Wife
             ,
             Parents
             ,
             Children
             ,
             Masters
             ,
             Servants
             !
             do
             you
             grow
             more
             universally
             consciencious
             ?
             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
               R●…ligion
               be
               more
               easie
               ,
               sweet
               ,
               and
               delightful
               to
               you
               .
            
             Do
             you
             take
             more
             delinht
             in
             the
             Word
             than
             ever
             ?
             are
             you
             more
             in
             love
             with
             secret
             Prayer
             ,
             and
             more
             abundant
             in
             it
             ?
             cannot
             you
             be
             content
             with
             your
             ordinary
             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
             o●…en
             darting
             up
             your
             souls
             Heaven-wards
             ?
             Is
             it
             meat
             and
             drink
             for
             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
             Meditation
             ?
             do
             you
             hold
             the
             Reigns
             harder
             upon
             the
             Flesh
             than
             ever
             ?
             do
             you
             keep
             a
             stricter
             watch
             upon
             your
             Appetites
             ?
             do
             you
             set
             a
             stro●…r
             guard
             upon
             your
             Tongues
             ?
             have
             you
             a
             more
             jeal●…s
             eye
             upon
             your
             hearts
             ?
          
           
             
               Seventhly
               ,
               If
               you
               grow
               more
               vi●…e
               in
               your
               own
               eyes
               .
            
             Pride
             is
             such
             a
             choaking
             Weed
             ,
             that
             nothing
             will
             prosper
             near
             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
             oth●…rs
             preferred
             before
             you
             ?
             can
             you
             heartily
             value
             ,
             and
             love
             them
             that
             think
             meanly
             of
             you
             ?
          
           
             
               Eightly
               ,
               If
               you
               grow
               more
               quick
               of
               sense
               ,
               more
               tender
               of
               sining
               ,
               more
               sensi●…
               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
             continual
             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
             frequently
             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
             Promise
             more
             ,
             and
             hug
             and
             imbrace
             them
             with
             grea●…er
             dearness
             ,
             and
             live
             more
             upon
             them
             .
          
           
             
               Tenthly
               ,
               If
               you
               grow
               of
               a
               more
               publisk
               Spirit
               .
            
             A
             selfish
             spirit
             is
             unworthy
             of
             a
             Christian
             :
             are
             the
             common
             concernments
             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
             inteuded
             .
             I
             have
             trespassed
             in
             length
             already
             ,
             may
             these
             be
             
             helps
             to
             you
             to
             put
             you
             forward
             ,
             and
             to
             help
             you
             in
             discerning
             your
             growth
             .
             I
             must
             conclude
             abruptly
             ,
             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
               common
               Goale
               at
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 Octo.
                 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
             abundant
             and
             intire
             affections
             to
             me
             ,
             which
             I
             value
             as
             a
             great
             mercy
             not
             in
             order
             to
             my self
             ,
             if
             I
             know
             my
             own
             heart
             ,
             but
             in
             order
             to
             your
             benefit
             ,
             and
             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
             forsaken
             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
             be
             spoken
             your
             affections
             for
             my self
             :
             O
             that
             I
             might
             win
             your
             hearts
             universally
             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
             envy
             ,
             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
             .
             Better
             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
             Bruis
             than
             that
             we
             should
             not
             use
             our
             reason
             for
             him
             .
             What
             are
             our
             Interests
             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
             strictnese
             and
             self-denial
             to
             the
             Lord
             ?
             who
             will
             be
             intreated
             by
             me
             to
             set
             upon
             neglected
             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
             owning
             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
             prayerless
             Souls
             ,
             the
             prayerless
             families
             among
             you
             ,
             were
             now
             given
             to
             prayer
             !
             that
             the
             profane
             sinner
             would
             be
             awakened
             ,
             and
             be
             induced
             by
             the
             Preaching
             of
             these
             Bonds
             ,
             which
             heretofore
             would
             not
             be
             prevailed
             with
             ,
             to
             leave
             their
             drunkenness
             their
             loose
             company
             ,
             their
             lying
             and
             deceit
             ,
             and
             Wantonness
             ,
             by
             all
             the
             threatnings
             of
             God
             that
             could
             be
             pronounced
             against
             them
             ,
             
             nor
             all
             the
             beseechings
             ,
             wooings
             ,
             and
             entreaties
             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
             out
             his
             hands
             toward
             you
             ?
             O
             sinners
             ,
             cast
             your selves
             into
             his
             Arm
             ?
             Why
             should
             you
             die
             ?
             why
             will
             you
             forsake
             your
             own
             mercy
             ?
             will
             you
             perish
             when
             mercy
             wooes
             you
             ?
             confess
             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
             unrighteousness
             ?
             or
             a
             little
             Ale
             or
             vain
             mirth
             ,
             or
             loose
             company
             ?
             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
             ,
             Sabbath-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
             ,
             Professors
             ,
             that
             have
             Lamps
             without
             Oyl
             ,
             that
             cry
             ,
             Lord
             ,
             Lotd
             ,
             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
             Children
             ?
             and
             stick
             between
             the
             womb
             and
             the
             World
             ?
             your
             Religion
             will
             carry
             you
             among
             the
             profane
             despisers
             of
             Godliness
             ,
             but
             do
             own
             the
             people
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             do
             love
             the
             Ministers
             and
             ordinances
             ,
             therefore
             all
             is
             well
             .
             I
             tell
             you
             ,
             Godliness
             is
             a
             heart-work
             ,
             it
             goes
             deep
             ,
             and
             spreads
             far
             :
             unless
             the
             frame
             of
             your
             hearts
             ,
             and
             the
             drifts
             of
             your
             course
             be
             changed
             ,
             unless
             you
             be
             universally
             conscientious
             ,
             and
             unreservedly
             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
             not
             profaneness
             swallow
             you
             up
             :
             let
             not
             an
             almost
             Christianity
             deceive
             you
             ,
             or
             ignorance
             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
             ,
             〈…〉
             ?
             who
             can
             tell
             how
             often
             ,
             would
             Gods
             〈…〉
             ●…thered
             you
             ,
             and
             you
             would
             not
             ?
             many
             ,
             very
             many
             〈…〉
             would
             not
             .
             But
             will
             you
             now
             ?
             will
             you
             yet
             come
             in
             ?
             I
             〈…〉
             forbear
             once
             more
             ,
             even
             out
             of
             the
             Prison
             to
             〈…〉
             or
             sinners
             ,
             and
             make
             one
             tender
             of
             mercy
             more
             .
             O
             〈…〉
             to
             the
             waters
             of
             Life
             ,
             wash
             you
             ,
             make
             you
             clean
             ;
             read
             〈…〉
             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
             ●…re
             all
             the
             worlds
             delight
             ;
             you
             that
             have
             experience
             of
             a
             thorow
             change
             ,
             and
             are
             brought
             to
             have
             respect
             to
             all
             Gods
             Commandments
             ,
             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
             garments
             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
             Shild
             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
               ,
               JOS.
               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
             my self
             .
             Beloved
             ,
             I
             am
             ,
             without
             a
             Complement
             the
             devoted
             servant
             of
             your
             souls
             prosperity
             ,
             and
             the
             interest
             of
             Christ
             in
             you
             :
             way
             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
             among
             you
             ,
             I
             shall
             account
             all
             my
             letters
             but
             waste
             Paper
             ,
             and
             all
             my
             pains
             but
             lost
             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
             perswaded
             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
             beseech
             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
             !
             to
             too
             really
             lost
             ?
             I
             beseech
             you
             take
             heed
             :
             here
             you
             are
             careful
             about
             many
             things
             ,
             but
             beware
             that
             other
             things
             do
             not
             put
             out
             this
             which
             should
             be
             the
             main
             of
             your
             cares
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             the
             spendin
             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
             alienated
             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
               :
            
             'T
             is
             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
             particular
             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
               to
               your selves
               :
            
             To
             make
             it
             our
             main
             care
             and
             business
             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
             ar
             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
               God.
            
             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
             ,
             sha
             I
             not
             the
             Vessel
             be
             for
             the
             use
             of
             the
             Potter
             that
             made
             it
             ?
             Shall
             not
             the
             servant
             Trade
             for
             his
             Master
             with
             whose
             goods
             he
             is
             entrusted
             ?
             do
             yot
             not
             fetch
             all
             your
             bread
             from
             Gods
             door
             ?
             
             Is
             not
             he
             the
             Rock
             that
             begat
             you
             ?
             the
             Author
             of
             your
             being
             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
             obliges
             you
             to
             please
             him
             .
             Why
             should
             Beltshazzars
             charge
             be
             against
             you
             ?
             that
             the
             God
             in
             whose
             hand
             your
             breach
             is
             ,
             and
             whose
             are
             all
             your
             ways
             ,
             you
             have
             not
             glorified
             ,
             Dan.
             5.
             23.
             
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             
               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
             expresly
             to
             mind
             his
             end
             :
             a
             man
             cannot
             (
             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
             comforts
             ,
             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
             earnestly
             desire
             to
             do
             I
             leave
             all
             things
             to
             our
             Fathers
             wise
             disposal
             ,
             and
             commending
             you
             to
             God
             ,
             I
             divide
             my
             loves
             among
             you
             ,
             and
             so
             rest
          
           
             
               From
               the
               Prison
               at
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 Nov.
                 14.
                 1663.
                 
              
            
             
               Yours
               in
               the
               bonds
               of
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             LETTER
             XVII
             .
             [
             Motives
             to
             set
             our selves
             to
             please
             God.
             ]
             
               To
               the
               most
               Loving
               ,
               and
               best
               Beloved
               ,
               the
               servants
               of
               Christ
               in
            
             Taunton
             ,
             
               Grace
               and
               Peace
            
             :
          
           
             
               Most
               dear
               Christians
               ,
            
          
           
             YOur
             Prisoner
             in
             the
             Lord
             saluteth
             you
             with
             all
             dearness
             :
             your
             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
             Freeman
             ,
             so
             I
             may
             but
             serve
             your
             souls
             to
             the
             greatest
             advantage
             .
             Methinks
             I
             begin
             to
             feel
             in
             my self
             ,
             more
             than
             ever
             the
             benefit
             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
             selyes
             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
               business
               to
               a
               Head
               ,
               when
               you
               have
               set
               down
               this
               as
               the
               one
               thing
               necessary
               ,
               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-pleasing
               Parafite
               ,
               and
               time
               serving
               Hypocrite
               is
               to
               please
               m●…
               :
            
             and
             shall
             not
             we
             take
             as
             much
             care
             to
             please
             our
             God
             ?
             oh
             how
             doth
             the
             flattering
             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
             urwearied
             ,
             and
             punctual
             in
             your
             endeavours
             ,
             to
             get
             and
             to
             keep
             the
             favour
             of
             the
             Almighty
             ?
          
           
             Sixthly
             ,
             
               Consider
               whose
               favour
               or
               displeasure
               is
               of
               that
               consequence
               to
               you
               ,
               as
               the
               Lords
               is
               of
               .
            
             What
             if
             men
             should
             be
             angry
             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
             displeasure
             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
             ?
             secure
             your
             Eternal
             concernments
             ?
             where
             is
             all
             their
             favour
             or
             good
             will
             ,
             when
             they
             or
             you
             come
             to
             die
             ?
             It
             will
             not
             be
             worth
             a
             Rush
             when
             most
             needed
             .
             Therefore
             beloved
             Brethren
             ,
             whatever
             you
             do
             keep
             in
             with
             God.
             Resolve
             upon
             it
             ,
             
               He
               must
            
             be
             pleased
             ,
             though
             all
             the
             VVorld
             be
             displeased
             .
             Let
             
             it
             be
             enough
             to
             you
             to
             have
             his
             good
             will
             :
             let
             this
             be
             the
             
               One
               thing
            
             that
             you
             bend
             your selves
             to
             seek
             ,
             and
             if
             you
             set
             to
             seek
             it
             ,
             you
             may
             be
             sure
             to
             find
             it
             .
             The
             Messenger
             stays
             for
             me
             ,
             and
             so
             I
             must
             here
             shut
             up
             my
             Letter
             ,
             as
             Jude
             doth
             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
             ,
             and
             so
             rest
             ,
          
           
             
               Your
               Embassador
               in
               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
               Doctrine
               wherein
               you
               have
               been
               taught
               .
               I
               have
               not
               shunned
               to
               declare
               unto
               you
               the
               whole
               Counsel
               of
               God.
               O
               remember
               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
               VVord
               been
               brought
               to
               their
               Doors
               ?
               Hath
               not
               Mercy
               wooed
               them
               ?
               have
               they
               uot
               been
               called
               under
               the
               VVings
               of
               Mercy
               ?
               And
               yet
               they
               would
               not
               .
               Oh
               that
               they
               would
               consider
               it
               now
               in
               the
               latter
               dayes
               ?
               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
                 hate
                 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
               fot
               Sodom
               and
               Gomorrah
               ,
               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
               Counsel
               ,
               Heb.
               12.
               14.
               
               
                 Follow
                 after
                 Holiness
              
               .
            
             
               First
               ,
               Holiness
               is
               the
               choicest
               Ornament
               :
               it
               is
               an
               adorning
               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
               happy
               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
               a
               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
                 ,
                 Psal.
              
               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
               Integrity
               or
               my
               safety
               ,
               I
               will
               chuse
               the
               danger
               rather
               than
               the
               sin
               :
               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
               in
               his
               own
               safety
               ,
               that
               runs
               upon
               the
               displeasure
               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
               danger
               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
               likeness
               .
               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
               ,
               meekness
               ,
               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
                 Commandments
                 and
                 nothing
                 shall
                 offend
                 them
                 ,
                 Psalm
              
               19.
               165.
               
               Read
               Isa
               48.
               18.
               22.
               and
               26.
               3.
               and
               32.
               17.
               holiness
               w●…ll
               be
               a
               treasure
               of
               Riches
               ,
               Jam.
               2.
               5.
               and
               a
               Crown
               of
               honour
               .
               Acts
               17.
               11.
               
               A
               Paradise
               of
               pleasure
               to
               you
               ,
               Prov.
               3
               〈…〉
               a
               word
               ,
               Holiness
               is
               the
               perfection
               of
               mans
               nature
               ,
               〈…〉
               〈…〉
               .
               The
               Communication
               of
               the
               Divine
               Nature
               ,
               2
               Pet.
               1.
               4
               
               The
               earnest
               of
               Glory
               ,
               Mat.
               5.
               8.
               
               And
               the
               very
               entrance
               of
               Heaven
               ,
               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
               ,
               only
               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
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 whether
                 a
                 Bond-man
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 Free
                 ,
                 JOS.
                 ALLEINE
                 .
              
               
                 From
                 the
                 common
                 Gaole
                 at
                 Juelchester
                 ,
                 
                   December
                   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
               anything
               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
             Eternal
             welfare
             is
             the
             matter
             of
             my
             desires
             and
             designs
             .
             Let
             not
             my
             Beloved
             think
             they
             were
             forgotten
             by
             me
             ,
             because
             you
             heard
             not
             from
             me
             the
             last
             Week
             :
             sleep
             departed
             from
             my
             eyes
             to
             write
             to
             you
             at
             large
             ;
             but
             in
             the
             morning
             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
             woman
             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●…olled
             in
             the
             everlasting
             Decrees
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             a
             whole
             Eternity
             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
             ●…ou
             question
             whether
             Christ
             hath
             taken
             your
             names
             ?
             whether
             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
             secure
             it
             ,
             then
             never
             doubt
             ,
             if
             your
             Hearts
             be
             chiefly
             upon
             Heaven
             ,
             your
             Names
             are
             unquestionable
             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
             ●…ath
             Christ
             in
             you
             ?
             If
             any
             thing
             be
             deeper
             in
             your
             hearts
             than
             he
             is
             ,
             you
             are
             unsound
             .
             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
             affection
             ?
             Then
             rejoyce
             and
             leap
             for
             joy
             ,
             your
             Names
             are
             most
             p●…ecious
             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
             holiness
             .
             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
             irksome
             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
             &
             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
             lif●…ing
             at
             you
             ,
             many
             will
             be
             plucking
             at
             you
             ,
             but
             fear
             not
             ,
             you
             shall
             not
             be
             moved
             ,
             none
             shali
             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
             fullness
             ,
             Col.
             1.
             21.
             
             Can
             all
             content
             you
             ?
             Can
             Fulness
             fill
             you
             ?
             if
             so
             ,
             you
             are
             blessed
             and
             shall
             be
             blesied
             .
          
           
             Beloved
             ,
             We
             loose
             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
             better
             pace
             ;
             ●…stir
             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
             ?
             O
             Christians
             ,
             shall
             he
             that
             hath
             gotten
             an
             inriching
             Office
             boast
             of
             his
             Booty
             ?
             or
             he
             that
             hath
             obtained
             the
             Kings
             Patent
             for
             an
             Earldome
             ,
             glory
             in
             his
             Riches
             and
             Honour
             ?
             And
             shall
             the
             Grant
             of
             Heaven
             signifie
             little
             with
             thee
             ?
             Or
             Christs
             Patent
             for
             thy
             Son-ship
             and
             Partnership
             with
             himself
             be
             like
             a
             Cypher
             ?
             Shall
             Hamon
             come
             home
             from
             the
             Banquet
             with
             a
             glad
             heart
             ,
             and
             glorying
             in
             the
             greatness
             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
             Kingdom
             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
             Word
             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
             holy
             raisedness
             of
             your
             Conversations
             prove
             the
             reality
             ,
             excellency
             ,
             and
             beauty
             of
             your
             Religion
             to
             the
             World.
             Forget
             not
             your
             Prisoner
             .
             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
             &
             indulgent
             care
             for
             you
             ,
             which
             appears
             so
             wonderfully
             in
             his
             Fatherly
             Protection
             ,
             and
             his
             Fatherly
             Provision
             .
             See
             that
             you
             receive
             not
             the
             Crace
             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
               common
               Goal
               at
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 January
                 20.
                 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
             ,
             wherein
             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
             respiration
             ,
             wherein
             I
             might
             sufficiently
             re●…lect
             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
             only
             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
             :
             B●…t
             now
             a
             Famine
             seems
             to
             threaten
             thee
             ,
             and
             the
             Comforters
             that
             should
             relieve
             thy
             Soul
             are
             far
             from
             thee
             .
             Thy
             Shepheards
             are
             removed
             .
             Thou
             seest
             not
             thy
             Signs
             ,
             nor
             thy
             Prophets
             ,
             and
             thy
             wonte●…
             
             helpers
             are
             now
             disabled
             from
             giving
             thee
             supplies
             ,
             Alas
             ,
             how
             do
             thine
             enemies
             triumph
             ,
             and
             thy
             Teachers
             and
             thine
             Inhabitants
             are
             become
             their
             Captives
             !
             and
             how
             great
             is
             the
             cry
             of
             thy
             poor
             ,
             and
             thine
             oppressed
             !
          
           
             Such
             would
             be
             the
             language
             of
             sense
             ,
             if
             that
             were
             suffered
             to
             be
             the
             Speaker
             .
             But
             faith
             will
             speak
             in
             another
             Dialect
             .
             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
             reproached
             ,
             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
             Retribution
             .
          
           
             Brethren
             ,
             what
             are
             you
             for
             ?
             are
             you
             for
             the
             present
             world
             or
             for
             that
             that
             to
             come
             ?
             are
             you
             for
             your
             temporal
             enjoyments
             ,
             or
             do
             you
             seek
             for
             Glory
             ,
             Honour
             ,
             and
             Immortality
             ?
             If
             you
             are
             for
             this
             World
             ,
             you
             have
             made
             a
             very
             imprudent
             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
             believe
             therefore
             have
             I
             spoken
             ,
             and
             therefore
             I
             am
             nothing
             moved
             with
             all
             these
             things
             ,
             nor
             with
             the
             things
             that
             do
             yet
             further
             betide
             me
             .
             I
             believe
             ,
             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
             doubtly
             blessed
             ;
             that
             such
             should
             rejoyce
             ,
             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
             hath
             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
             every
             hour
             reckoned
             of
             our
             Imprisonment
             ,
             and
             every
             Scorn
             and
             Reproach
             of
             our
             Enemies
             is
             kept
             in
             Black
             and
             VVhite
             .
             I
             believe
             ,
             therefore
             do
             I
             speak
             ;
             GOD
             is
             infinitely
             tender
             of
             us
             ,
             my
             Brethren
             ,
             though
             a
             Poor
             and
             despicable
             Generation
             .
             I
             value
             not
             the
             Pot
             gun
             threats
             of
             a
             frowning
             world
             ;
             't
             is
             well
             with
             us
             ,
             we
             are
             GODS
             Favourites
             .
             Come
             my
             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
             ?
             VVhat
             ,
             do
             you
             think
             that
             all
             this
             doth
             signifie
             nothing
             ?
             Can
             you
             forget
             your
             Children
             ?
             VVill
             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
             reflections
             upon
             my
             own
             stupidity
             .
             VVhat
             ,
             Beloved
             of
             God
             ,
             adopted
             by
             God!
             VVhat
             ,
             a
             Member
             of
             Christ
             Jesus
             !
             A
             Vessel
             of
             Mercy
             !
             An
             heir
             of
             Glory
             ?
             VVhat
             ,
             and
             not
             yet
             swallowed
             up
             in
             the
             sense
             of
             Gods
             infinite
             love
             !
             Blush
             ,
             Oh
             my
             Soul
             ,
             and
             be
             còfounded
             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
             :
             VValk
             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
            
             Taunton
             ,
             
               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
             Fidelity
             ,
             and
             Zeal
             ,
             in
             adhering
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             his
             ways
             ,
             even
             in
             such
             a
             time
             as
             this
             ,
             you
             are
             highly
             favoured
             ,
             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
             stirteth
             up
             her
             Nest
             ,
             and
             fluttereth
             over
             her
             Young
             ,
             spreadeth
             abroad
             her
             VVings
             ,
             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
             towards
             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
             careh
             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
             jealousie
             ,
             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
             from
             no
             small
             matter
             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
             expects
             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
             the
             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
               beftowed
               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
             ;
             
               Thou
               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
             comparison
             of
             them
             .
             He
             reproveth
             Kings
             for
             their
             sakes
             .
             He
             will
             give
             Nations
             ,
             and
             Kingdoms
             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
             winck
             at
             others
             as
             it
             were
             ,
             and
             overlook
             what
             they
             do
             with
             little
             notice
             ,
             but
             he
             hath
             a
             most
             eurious
             Eye
             upon
             his
             People
             ,
             he
             marketh
             their
             steps
             ,
             &
             booketh
             their
             words
             ,
             he
             weigheth
             their
             Actions
             ,
             and
             pondereth
             all
             their
             goings
             .
             And
             should
             they
             not
             walk
             more
             cautiously
             ,
             and
             charily
             ,
             than
             any
             alive
             ,
             that
             are
             under
             so
             exact
             and
             curious
             an
             Eye
             ?
             Secondly
             the
             Eye
             of
             special
             Care
             ,
             and
             Protection
             .
             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
             People
             ,
             a
             Kingdom
             of
             Priests
             ,
             an
             holy
             Nation
             ,
             a
             singular
             separated
             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
             Jewels
             :
             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
               then
               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
             Jewell
             ?
             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
             together
             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
             VVindbound
             ,
             and
             cannot
             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
             Kingdom
             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
             then
             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
               ,
               therefore
               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
             Vineyard
             ,
             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
             Fig-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
             dishonoured
             more
             by
             you
             than
             others
             .
          
           
             I
             have
             been
             too
             long
             with
             you
             ,
             but
             I
             am
             earnestly
             desirous
             you
             should
             be
             sensible
             of
             Gods
             extraordinary
             expectations
             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
             towards
             the
             mark
             .
             But
             I
             must
             conclude
             ;
             I
             give
             my
             loves
             among
             you
             all
             ,
             being
             able
             to
             add
             no
             more
             ,
             but
             that
             I
             am
          
           
             
               Yours
               in
               fervent
               Loves
               and
               Longings
               ,
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
             
               From
               the
               Prison
               at
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 Jan.
                 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
             forgot
             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
             Rulers
             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
             temporal
             prosperity
             .
             It
             it
             a
             joy
             to
             me
             to
             hear
             when
             your
             trade
             doth
             florish
             :
             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
             sound
             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
             only
             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
             Brethren
             ,
             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
             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
             aud
             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
             Countrey
             .
             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
             Relations
             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
             you
             time
             ,
             you
             are
             made
             or
             mar'd
             for
             ever
             ,
             as
             you
             speed
             in
             this
             one
             Voyage
             .
             There
             is
             no
             returning
             again
             to
             this
             Countrey
             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
             Money
             ,
             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
             threefold
             Foot
             that
             ca●…al-self
             stands
             upon
             ,
             our
             own
             Wisdom
             ,
             
             our
             own
             Righteousness
             ,
             our
             own
             Strength
             ,
             these
             three
             Feet
             must
             be
             cut
             off
             ,
             and
             we
             must
             learn
             to
             have
             no
             subsistence
             in
             our selves
             but
             onely
             in
             Christ
             ,
             and
             to
             stand
             onely
             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
             ,
             but
             my
             Prayers
             to
             my
             Counsels
             ,
             and
             so
             commending
             you
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             the
             Word
             of
             his
             Grace
             ,
             I
             rest
          
           
             
               The
               fervent
               Well-willen
               of
               your
               Souls
               ,
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
             
               From
               the
               Prison
               at
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 Ap'il
                 16.
                 1663.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
           
             LETTER
             XXIII
             .
             [
             Right
             Reasons
             in
             Suffering
             .
             ]
             
               To
               the
               most
               loving
               ,
               and
               best
               beloved
               ,
               the
               Flock
               of
               Christ
               in
            
             Taunton
             ,
             
               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
             towards
             me
             ;
             and
             not
             terminatively
             to
             me
             ,
             but
             to
             Christ
             in
             me
             ;
             for
             I
             believe
             it
             is
             for
             his
             sake
             ,
             as
             I
             am
             a
             Messenger
             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
             snould
             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
             courage
             .
             Therefore
             I
             beseech
             you
             ,
             Brethren
             ,
             faint
             not
             because
             of
             my
             Tribulation
             ,
             nor
             of
             Gods
             delays
             ,
             but
             strengthen
             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
             cause
             there
             :
             Let
             not
             these
             disappointments
             make
             you
             to
             be
             nevertheless
             in
             love
             with
             Prayers
             ,
             but
             the
             more
             out
             of
             love
             
             with
             sin
             .
             Let
             us
             humble
             our selves
             under
             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
             perverting
             of
             Judgement
             and
             Justice
             in
             a
             Province
             ,
             not
             to
             marvel
             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
             clearer
             evidence
             can
             there
             be
             for
             the
             future
             judgment
             and
             perdition
             of
             the
             ungodly
             ,
             and
             Coronation
             of
             the
             Just
             in
             another
             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
             lee
             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
             Judge
             the
             world
             in
             righteousness
             ,
             and
             rectifie
             the
             present
             disorders
             ,
             and
             reverse
             the
             unrighteous
             Sentences
             that
             have
             been
             passed
             against
             his
             servants
             .
             And
             this
             evidence
             is
             so
             clear
             ,
             that
             many
             of
             the
             Heathen
             Philosephers
             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
             another
             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
             striving
             to
             separate
             you
             from
             him
             .
             How
             many
             are
             they
             that
             go
             to
             knock
             off
             your
             fingers
             !
             O
             methinks
             ,
             I
             see
             what
             tugging
             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
             sprinkled
             ,
             yea
             ,
             rather
             poured
             upon
             your
             love
             ,
             make
             it
             to
             flame
             up
             the
             more
             .
             Are
             you
             not
             betrothed
             unto
             Christ
             ?
             Oh
             rcmember
             ,
             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
             conjugal
             love
             ,
             in
             that
             you
             can
             love
             him
             when
             most
             slighted
             ,
             despised
             ,
             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
             following
             him
             .
          
           
             Yet
             beware
             that
             none
             of
             you
             do
             stick
             to
             the
             wayes
             of
             Christ
             and
             Religion
             upon
             so
             carnal
             an
             account
             as
             this
             ,
             because
             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
             reward
             for
             this
             :
             least
             they
             should
             be
             accounted
             Turn-coats
             and
             Hypocrites
             ;
             therefore
             they
             will
             shew
             a
             stoutness
             of
             spirit
             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
             your selves
             among
             Gods
             poor
             people
             ,
             if
             it
             were
             now
             first
             to
             do
             .
             Would
             you
             have
             taken
             up
             the
             Profession
             of
             Christ
             ,
             though
             you
             had
             foreseen
             all
             this
             that
             is
             come
             and
             coming
             ?
             This
             will
             do
             much
             to
             evidence
             your
             sincerity
             .
             But
             I
             forget
             ●…hat
             I
             am
             writing
             a
             Letter
             ,
             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
             passeth
             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
               People
               ,
               the
               servants
               of
               God
               in
            
             Taunton
             ,
             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
             ,
             stedfastness
             ,
             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
             )
             speedily
             have
             the
             opportunity
             to
             see
             you
             at
             the
             approaching
             Assizes
             ,
             which
             I
             shall
             greatly
             rejoyce
             in
             ,
             notwithstanding
             our
             coming
             may
             be
             otherwise
             attended
             with
             many
             Inconveniencies
             .
             In
             the
             mean
             time
             I
             send
             you
             a
             few
             Prison
             Counsels
             .
             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
             Priviledge
             ,
             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-eating
             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
             temptations
             neither
             :
             Oh
             take
             heed
             of
             Envying
             others
             Prosperity
             ,
             of
             murmuring
             and
             discontent
             ,
             of
             diffidence
             and
             distrustfullness
             ,
             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
             secret
             .
             Set
             this
             down
             as
             your
             Rule
             ,
             and
             unchangeable
             Resolution
             ,
             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
             ,
             Callings
             ,
             do
             most
             expose
             you
             to
             .
             Be
             not
             strangers
             to
             your selves
             .
             Prove
             your selves
             upright
             in
             keeping
             from
             your
             Iniquities
             .
          
           
           
             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
             twenty
             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
             these
             things
             ,
             and
             live
             according
             .
             Often
             ask
             your
             hearts
             ,
             VVhat
             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
             constant
             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
             .
             VVhat
             !
             But
             one
             cast
             for
             Eternity
             ,
             and
             will
             you
             not
             be
             careful
             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
             VVindow
             into
             Eternity
             to
             You
             :
             How
             effectually
             would
             this
             do
             the
             work
             .
             Then
             the
             Cripple
             would
             fling
             away
             his
             Crutches
             ,
             and
             betake
             himself
             to
             his
             Legs
             :
             Then
             the
             slothfull
             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
             recovered
             from
             his
             benumed
             frame
             ;
             then
             we
             should
             have
             no
             Halving
             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
             unnmaned
             thee
             .
             that
             thou
             shouldst
             look
             no
             far●…her
             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
             these
             that
             seek
             for
             glory
             ,
             honour
             ,
             and
             immortality
             .
             I
             am
             apt
             to
             be
             too
             long
             with
             you
             :
             I
             commend
             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
               common
               Goale
               at
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 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
             jealous
             for
             you
             with
             a
             Godly
             jealou●…ie
             ,
             that
             no
             man
             take
             your
             Crown
             .
             My
             dearly
             Beloved
             ,
             I
             know
             you
             have
             many
             enemies
             ,
             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
             Judgement
             
             Seat
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             be
             tried
             for
             your
             lives
             :
             Oh
             ,
             try
             your selves
             throughly
             first
             .
             'T
             is
             easie
             to
             mistake
             Education
             for
             Regeneration
             ,
             and
             common
             Conviction
             and
             Illumination
             for
             Conversion
             ,
             and
             a
             partial
             Re●…ormation
             and
             external
             Obedience
             ,
             ●…or
             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
             ,
             eternal
             in
             the
             Heavens
             .
          
           
             Suppose
             I
             should
             ask
             you
             one
             by
             one
             ,
             where
             are
             your
             Evidences
             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
             m●…n
             you
             to
             live
             at
             uncertainties
             ?
             Brethren
             ,
             it
             is
             an
             intollerable
             ignorance
             for
             any
             of
             you
             in
             these
             days
             of
             glorious
             light
             ,
             not
             to
             be
             able
             to
             tell
             the
             distinguishing
             marks
             of
             a
             sound
             believer
             .
             And
             it
             is
             intollerable
             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
             Sermons
             ,
             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
             unbelief
             .
             You
             are
             a
             professing
             People
             ,
             you
             pray
             ,
             and
             you
             hear
             ,
             and
             you
             run
             upon
             some
             Adventures
             for
             Jesus
             Christ
             :
             But
             ,
             O
             look
             to
             your
             since●…ity
             .
             Look
             to
             your
             Principles
             ,
             look
             to
             your
             ends
             ,
             else
             you
             may
             lose
             all
             at
             last
             .
             Examine
             ,
             not
             only
             what
             is
             done
             ,
             but
             whence
             't
             is
             done
             ,
             look
             to
             the
             root
             as
             well
             as
             to
             the
             Fruit.
             Eye
             not
             only
             your
             Actions
             ,
             but
             your
             aims
             .
             Remember
             what
             a
             strict
             and
             severy
             eye
             you
             are
             under
             .
             The
             Lord
             Jesus
             makes
             strict
             observation
             upon
             all
             your
             works
             and
             ways
             .
             He
             observes
             who
             of
             you
             be
             fruitful
             ,
             and
             who
             be
             barren
             and
             unprofitable
             .
             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
             only
             a
             name
             to
             live
             .
          
           
             Return
             ,
             O
             backsliding
             Christians
             ,
             you
             have
             lost
             your
             former
             
             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
             senselessness
             .
             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
             .
             Strengthen
             the
             things
             that
             remain
             ,
             and
             are
             ready
             to
             die
             .
             Oh
             ,
             rub
             and
             chafe
             your
             swooning
             souls
             ,
             and
             ply
             them
             with
             warm
             applications
             ,
             and
             rousing
             considerations
             ,
             till
             they
             recover
             their
             former
             heat
             .
             And
             know
             ye
             from
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             the
             backsliders
             in
             heart
             shall
             be
             filled
             with
             his
             own
             ways
             .
          
           
             Oh
             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
               findig
               none
               ?
            
             How
             is
             it
             then
             that
             you
             read
             not
             the
             Sentence
             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
             profession
             ?
             would
             you
             be
             the
             joy
             of
             our
             Lord
             ,
             why
             know
             ye
             ,
             that
             the
             thriving
             Plant
             is
             the
             Masters
             praise
             ,
             and
             his
             hearts
             delight
             .
             Christians
             ,
             put
             on
             ,
             press
             towards
             the
             Mark
             ,
             be
             adding
             to
             your
             Faith
             ,
             Virtue
             ;
             and
             to
             virtue
             ,
             knowledge
             ,
             &c.
             
             See
             that
             you
             grow
             extensively
             ,
             in
             being
             abundant
             in
             all
             sorts
             of
             good
             works
             .
             Be
             pitiful
             ,
             be
             courteous
             ,
             gentle
             ,
             easily
             to
             be
             entrea●…ed
             .
             Be
             slow
             to
             anger
             ,
             soon
             reconciled
             .
             Be
             patient
             ,
             be
             ye
             t●…mperate
             ,
             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
             other
             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
             servent
             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
             ●…elves
             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
             ways
             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
             commend
             me
             to
             your
             Prayers
             ,
             and
             you
             to
             the
             grace
             of
             God
             ,
             remaining
             .
          
           
             
               Yours
               in
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
             
               Dorchester
               ,
               
                 July
                 7th
                 .
                 1666.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             LETTER
             XXVI
             .
             [
             The
             Character
             and
             priviledges
             of
             true
             Believers
             .
             ]
             
               To
               the
               loving
               and
               most
               beloved
               People
               ,
               the
               Servants
               of
               God
               in
            
             Taunton
             ,
             
               Grace
               and
               Peace
            
             .
          
           
             
               Most
               Dearly
               Beloved
               ,
            
          
           
             I
             Longed
             to
             hear
             of
             your
             Welfare
             ,
             but
             by
             reason
             of
             the
             Carryers
             intermitting
             his
             journeys
             ,
             could
             not
             till
             now
             obtain
             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
             alwaies
             ,
             but
             he
             is
             ever
             with
             you
             ,
             his
             Rod
             and
             his
             Staff
             shall
             comfort
             you
             ;
             Nay
             ,
             more
             then
             all
             this
             ,
             you
             may
             hence
             conclude
             comfortably
             for
             all
             times
             ,
             yea
             ,
             for
             the
             whole
             Eternity
             to
             come
             .
             Surely
             Goodness
             and
             Mercy
             shall
             follow
             you
             all
             the
             daies
             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
             relation
             to
             you
             .
             Doubtless
             your
             Souls
             shall
             lodge
             in
             goodness
             ,
             and
             be
             provided
             for
             carefully
             ,
             and
             lie
             down
             in
             everlasting
             safety
             ,
             that
             have
             the
             Almighty
             for
             our
             Shepherd
             .
             Blessed
             are
             the
             Flock
             of
             his
             hands
             ,
             and
             the
             Sheep
             of
             his
             Pasture
             ,
             happy
             is
             the
             People
             that
             is
             in
             such
             a
             case
             .
          
           
             But
             who
             are
             Christs
             Sheep
             ?
          
           
             Not
             all
             Professors
             ,
             I
             beseech
             you
             take
             heed
             how
             you
             rest
             in
             Profession
             .
             It
             is
             not
             Profession
             ,
             but
             Conversion
             that
             turns
             a
             man
             from
             a
             Swine
             to
             a
             Sheep
             .
             Let
             none
             of
             you
             be
             deceived
             ,
             nor
             flatter
             your selves
             ,
             that
             because
             you
             bear
             the
             name
             of
             Christians
             ,
             and
             do
             many
             things
             ,
             and
             have
             escaped
             the
             open
             gross
             pollutions
             of
             the
             VVorld
             ,
             therefore
             you
             are
             surely
             among
             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
             your
             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
             iniquity
             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
             Commandment
             that
             forbids
             your
             sin
             ,
             or
             do
             you
             not
             wish
             it
             ou●…
             of
             the
             Bible
             ,
             as
             that
             evil
             man
             wished
             God
             had
             never
             made
             the
             Seventh
             Commandment
             ?
             Again
             ,
             how
             do
             you
             stand
             affected
             towards
             Holiness
             ?
             Do
             you
             love
             it
             ?
             Do
             you
             choose
             it
             ?
             Do
             you
             h●…nger
             and
             thirst
             after
             it
             ,
             &
             desire
             it
             more
             than
             any
             Temporal
             good
             ?
             Have
             you
             chosen
             the
             way
             of
             Gods
             Precepts
             ,
             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
             marked
             out
             for
             preservation
             ,
             and
             let
             it
             go
             how
             it
             will
             with
             the
             rest
             ;
             that
             I
             know
             ,
             it
             shall
             go
             well
             with
             you
             that
             fear
             the
             Lord
             ,
             that
             fear
             before
             him
             .
             You
             are
             the
             separated
             ones
             ,
             the
             sealed
             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
               ●…re
               you
               among
               men
            
             ;
             though
             you
             are
             but
             poor
             and
             despised
             ,
             and
             like
             little
             Benjamin
             among
             the
             thousands
             of
             Judah
             ;
             you
             carry
             away
             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
               Kingdom
               of
               Heaven
               .
            
             All
             that
             the
             Scripture
             speaks
             of
             that
             Kingdom
             of
             Glory
             ,
             that
             Kingdom
             of
             Peace
             ,
             of
             Righteousness
             ,
             that
             Everlasting
             Kingdom
             ,
             It
             speaks
             it
             all
             to
             you
             .
             Behold
             your
             Inheritance
             ,
             see
             that
             you
             believe
             .
             What
             know
             you
             not
             your
             own
             selves
             ?
             you
             are
             the
             Sons
             of
             God
             ,
             Inheritours
             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
             no●…
             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
             separate
             you
             as
             a
             Shepherd
             divideth
             the
             Sheep
             from
             the
             Goats
             ,
             and
             he
             ●…hall
             set
             you
             at
             his
             own
             right
             hand
             ,
             Then
             shall
             the
             
             King
             say
             ,
             
               Come
               ye
               blessed
               of
               my
               Father
               ,
               inherit
               the
               Kingdom
               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
             ,
             no●…bid
             you
             be
             Thankful
             ,
             only
             believe
             .
             Do
             this
             and
             do
             all
             .
             Belie●…
             and
             joy
             
               will
               rejoyce
            
             with
             joy
             unspeakable
             ,
             and
             full
             of
             glor●…
             Believe
             and
             you
             will
             be
             fruitful
             ,
             and
             shew
             your
             Faith
             by
             yo●…
             works
             .
             Believe
             and
             you
             will
             Love
             ,
             for
             Faith
             worketh
             by
             lov●…
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             keep
             these
             things
             upon
             your
             hearts
             by
             daily
             an●…
             lively
             consideration
             ,
             and
             this
             will
             bring
             Heaven
             into
             yo●…
             souls
             ,
             and
             ingage
             you
             to
             all
             manner
             of
             holy
             conversation
             ,
             an●…
             Godliness
             .
             This
             will
             mor●…ifie
             you
             to
             the
             World
             ,
             the
             gra●…
             enemy
             which
             I
             advise
             ,
             nay
             ,
             I
             charge
             you
             to
             beware
             of
             .
             Whe●…
             Saul
             had
             gotten
             his
             Kingdom
             ,
             he
             left
             off
             taking
             care
             for
             th●…
             Asses
             .
             O
             remember
             yours
             is
             the
             Kingdom
             :
             what
             are
             yo●…
             the
             better
             that
             you
             have
             all
             this
             in
             your
             Bibles
             ,
             if
             you
             do
             no●…
             weigh
             it
             by
             frequent
             and
             serious
             consideration
             ,
             and
             pond●…
             these
             sayings
             in
             your
             hearts
             .
             Beloved
             ,
             I
             have
             written
             th●…
             things
             to
             you
             that
             your
             joy
             may
             be
             full
             .
             And
             now
             Peace
             leave
             with
             you
             ,
             I
             am
             Christs
             Embassador
             to
             you
             ,
             an
             Embas●…dor
             of
             Peace
             ;
             his
             Peace
             I
             pronounce
             unto
             you
             ;
             In
             hi●…
             Name
             I
             bless
             you
             .
             Farewel
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             I
             am
          
           
             
               The
               fervent
               Well-willer
               of
               your
               So●…
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
            
             
               Devises
               ,
               
                 June
                 29.
                 1666.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             LETTER
             XXVII
             .
             [
             O●…
             the
             Second
             coming
             of
             Christ.
             ]
             
               To
               the
               Faithful
               ,
               and
               Beloved
               ,
               the
               Servants
               of
               God
               i●…
            
             Taunton
             ,
             
               Grace
               and
               Peace
            
             .
          
           
             
               Loving
               and
               most
               dearly
               Beloved
               ,
            
          
           
             THough
             I
             trust
             my
             Bonds
             do
             preach
             to
             you
             ,
             yet
             methink
             that
             doth
             not
             suffice
             me
             ,
             but
             the
             conscience
             of
             my
             duty
             ,
             
             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
               according
               to
               the
               Gospel
               ,
            
             why
             should
             not
             I
             be
             often
             calling
             upon
             my self
             ,
             and
             upon
             you
             ,
             my
             dearly
             Beloved
             ,
             to
             remembe●…
             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
             Christianity
             ,
             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
             brigh●…
             ,
             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
             Return
             of
             Christ
             :
             
               Behold
               ,
               He
               cometh
               in
               the
               Clouds
               ,
               and
               every
               E●…e
               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
             profess
             my self
             undone
             ,
             my
             Preaching
             is
             vain
             ,
             and
             my
             suffering
             is
             vain
             ,
             and
             the
             bottom
             in
             which
             I
             have
             intrusted
             all
             my
             hope●…
             is
             for
             ever
             miscarried
             .
             But
             I
             know
             whom
             I
             have
             trusted
             :
             We
             are
             built
             upon
             the
             foundation
             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
             assure
             us
             that
             this
             same
             Jesus
             that
             is
             gone
             up
             into
             Heaven
             shall
             so
             return
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             shall
             appear
             the
             second
             time
             unto
             Salvation
             ,
             to
             them
             that
             look
             for
             him
             .
             Oh
             ,
             how
             sure
             is
             the
             thing
             !
             how
             near
             is
             the
             time
             !
             how
             glorious
             will
             his
             appearing
             be
             !
          
           
             The
             thing
             is
             sure
             ,
             the
             Day
             is
             set
             ,
             God
             hath
             appointed
             a
             day
             wherein
             he
             will
             judge
             the
             World
             by
             that
             man
             whom
             he
             
             hath
             ordained
             ;
             the
             manner
             of
             it
             is
             revealed
             ,
             
               Behold
               the
               Lord
               cometh
               with
               ten
               thousand
               of
               his
               Saints
               :
            
             The
             Attendants
             are
             appointed
             and
             nominated
             .
             
               The
               So●…
               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
             precious
             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
             deceive
             you
             ,
             you
             have
             not
             only
             known
             ,
             but
             seen
             and
             felt
             the
             truth
             of
             his
             promises
             .
          
           
             And
             will
             he
             come
             ?
             tremble
             then
             ye
             sinners
             ,
             triumph
             y●…
             Saints
             ,
             clap
             your
             hands
             all
             ye
             that
             look
             for
             the
             consolation
             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
             forget
             your
             travel
             ,
             and
             be
             melted
             into
             joy
             .
             This
             is
             he
             in
             whom
             you
             have
             believed
             ;
             whom
             having
             not
             seen
             ye
             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
             stagger
             not
             at
             the
             Promise
             ,
             but
             give
             Glory
             to
             God
             by
             believing
             .
          
           
             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
             remains
             but
             that
             thou
             shouldest
             live
             a
             life
             of
             love
             and
             praise
             ;
             studying
             to
             do
             all
             the
             good
             thou
             canst
             till
             thou
             come
             to
             Heaven
             ;
             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
             Sisera
             ,
             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
             affections
             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
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 August
                 5.
                 1663.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             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
             something
             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
             absence
             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
             very
             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
             before
             you
             .
             Let
             my
             name
             be
             written
             in
             the
             dust
             ,
             so
             his
             Name
             be
             written
             deep
             up
             all
             your
             Souls
          
           
             O
             Lord
             ,
             I
             am
             thy
             Servant
             ,
             truly
             I
             am
             thy
             servant
             ,
             Glorifie
             thine
             own
             Name
             by
             me
             ,
             and
             thou
             shalt
             have
             my
             hand
             to
             it
             ,
             that
             I
             will
             be
             content
             to
             be
             hid
             in
             obscurity
             ,
             and
             to
             disappear
             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
             Jesus
             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
             Commendations
             ,
             and
             of
             your
             affections
             .
             His
             Love
             is
             worth
             the
             writing
             of
             ,
             and
             worth
             the
             thinking
             of
             ,
             and
             worth
             the
             speaking
             of
             .
             O
             my
             Brethren
             ,
             never
             forge●…
             ,
             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
             ,
             a●…d
             you
             in
             dirty
             flesh
             ,
             and
             yet
             he
             loveth
             you
             .
             His
             heart
             is
             infinitely
             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
             reallity
             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
             advance
             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
               :
               Bless●…d
               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
               ,
               tho●…
               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
             upon
             his
             
               own
               Brest
            
             !
             Do
             not
             forget
             him
             who
             hath
             taken
             such
             care
             ,
             that
             while
             he
             is
             ,
             he
             may
             never
             forget
             you
             ,
             having
             recorded
             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
             continually
             ,
             so
             saith
             the
             Text.
             Beloved
             ,
             your
             Lord
             is
             so
             far
             from
             forgetting
             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
             always
             in
             remembrance
             before
             him
             O
             Beloved
             ,
             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
             always
             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
             enough
             to
             die
             for
             you
             .
             His
             love
             and
             care
             doth
             not
             end
             with
             his
             natural
             life
             on
             Earth
             ,
             but
             he
             ever
             liveth
             to
             make
             Intercession
             for
             us
             .
             His
             love
             is
             like
             his
             life
             ,
             ever
             ,
             ever
             :
             knowing
             no
             remission
             in
             degree
             ,
             nor
             intermission
             of
             time
             ,
             no
             cessation
             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
             te
             enlarge
             according
             to
             the
             demensions
             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
             nothing
             else
             but
             talking
             of
             this
             love
             ;
             If
             all
             the
             Hearts
             that
             be
             were
             made
             up
             of
             love
             ;
             and
             all
             the
             powers
             and
             affections
             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
             little
             ,
             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
             t●…
             Professors
             of
             their
             Danger
             .
             ]
             
               To
               the
               Beloved
               ●…ople
               ,
               the
               Inhabitants
               of
               the
               Town
               of
            
             〈…〉
             ,
             
               Grace
               and
               Peace
            
             .
          
           
             
               Most
               dear
               〈…〉
               .
            
          
           
             MY
             〈…〉
             my
             beloved
             is
             mine
             and
             I
             am
             his
             :
             but
             〈…〉
             ●…ave
             no
             joy
             so
             great
             as
             that
             you
             are
             mine
             and
             I
             〈…〉
             ●…ou
             are
             Christs
             .
             My
             Relation
             to
             Christ
             is
             abo●…
             〈…〉
             life
             and
             my
             peace
             ,
             my
             riches
             ,
             and
             my
             righteo●…
             〈…〉
             my
             hope
             and
             my
             strength
             ,
             and
             mine
             Inheritance
             ,
             〈…〉
             ●…ycing
             :
             In
             him
             will
             I
             please
             my self
             for
             ever
             ,
             and
             〈…〉
             will
             I
             glory
             .
             I
             esteem
             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
             over-valuing
             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
             above
             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
             invalnable
             mercy
             ,
             that
             ever
             he
             called
             me
             to
             be
             an
             Embassador
             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
             forgotten
             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
             &
             down
             the
             Corporation
             without
             any
             Questioning
             me
             .
             Only
             it
             hath
             pleased
             the
             Lord
             to
             add
             to
             my
             Affliction
             since
             my
             coming
             ,
             by
             taking
             away
             my
             dear
             Father
             ,
             the
             day
             of
             whose
             glorious
             Translation
             was
             the
             day
             after
             my
             arriving
             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
             Believers
             :
             and
             this
             makes
             me
             to
             rest
             in
             Hope
             ,
             and
             fills
             me
             with
             unspeakle
             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
             Intercessions
             to
             God
             in
             my
             behalf
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             he
             that
             must
             do
             the
             Cure
             :
             I
             seem
             to
             my self
             to
             be
             retired
             to
             this
             place
             ,
             as
             a
             Vessel
             rent
             and
             shatter'd
             and
             torn
             in
             the
             Service
             ,
             that
             it
             come
             to
             recruit
             in
             the
             Harbour
             :
             And
             here
             I
             am
             as
             it
             were
             rigging
             ,
             and
             repairing
             ,
             and
             Victualling
             to
             put
             sorth
             again
             in
             the
             Service
             :
             which
             I
             shall
             do
             with
             the
             first
             Wind
             ,
             as
             soon
             as
             I
             am
             ready
             .
             What
             is
             my
             life
             u●…less
             I
             am
             serviceable
             ?
             And
             though
             I
             must
             for
             the
             present
             forbear
             my
             wonted
             Labour
             ,
             yet
             I
             shall
             not
             cease
             to
             exhort
             you
             ,
             and
             call
             upon
             you
             while
             I
             am
             absent
             from
             you
             ,
             to
             stand
             sast
             ,
             and
             to
             grow
             up
             in
             your
             holy
             Faith.
             
          
           
             Be
             warned
             ,
             my
             dearly
             Beloved
             ,
             that
             you
             fall
             not
             upon
             those
             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
             fòund
             a
             meer
             Idolater
             ?
             Many
             a
             Soul
             goes
             down
             to
             Hell
             in
             this
             sin
             ,
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             his
             Profession
             ,
             and
             never
             discerns
             it
             till
             it
             be
             too
             late
             .
             Remember
             ,
             I
             beseech
             You
             ,
             that
             the
             Oxen
             ,
             the
             Farm
             ,
             Wife
             ,
             Merchandize
             ,
             all
             of
             them
             lawful
             Comforts
             ,
             did
             effectually
             keep
             men
             from
             a
             sound
             and
             saving
             closing
             with
             Christ
             ,
             as
             the
             vilest
             lusts
             of
             the
             worst
             of
             men
             .
             Whatever
             you
             find
             your
             hearts
             very
             much
             pleased
             in
             ,
             
             and
             in
             love
             with
             ,
             among
             these
             earthly
             Comfo●…ts
             ,
             set
             a
             mark
             upon
             that
             thing
             ,
             and
             remember
             that
             there
             lies
             your
             greatest
             dan●…r
             .
             What
             you
             love
             most
             ,
             you
             must
             fear
             most
             ;
             and
             think
             of●…en
             wi●…h
             your selves
             ,
             This
             ,
             if
             any
             thing
             is
             like
             to
             be
             my
             〈…〉
             multitudes
             of
             Professors
             that
             perish
             for
             ever
             ,
             by
             〈…〉
             ●…and
             of
             this
             mortal
             Enemy
             ,
             I
             mean
             the
             overval●…ing
             of
             Earthly
             things
             .
             The
             hearers
             compared
             to
             the
             thorn●…
             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
             a●…ection
             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
             ●…re
             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
               Father
               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
             these
             are
             their
             chief
             care
             and
             their
             chief
             joy
             .
             Such
             must
             know
             ,
             that
             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
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               Lest
               while
               Iniquity
               doth
               abound
               ,
               your
               love
               to
               Christ
               doth
               wax
               cold
               .
            
             Remember
             what
             an
             Abomination
             Laodicea
             was
             to
             Christ
             because
             she
             grew
             so
             luke-warm
             ;
             and
             what
             a
             controversie
             he
             had
             with
             Ephesus
             ,
             a
             sound
             Church
             ,
             because
             she
             did
             but
             flacken
             and
             grow
             more
             remiss
             in
             her
             love
             .
             A
             friend
             is
             born
             for
             adversity
             ;
             and
             now
             is
             ,
             the
             time
             ,
             if
             you
             will
             prove
             the
             sincerity
             of
             your
             love
             and
             friendship
             to
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             by
             following
             him
             zealously
             ,
             resolvedly
             ,
             sully
             ,
             now
             he
             is
             more
             rejected
             and
             opposed
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             
               Lest
               you
               keep
               up
               a
               barren
               and
               fruit●…ss
               Profession
               ,
               with●…ut
               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
             ,
             a●…d
             hearing
             all
             the
             Week
             long
             ,
             and
             yet
             be
             not
             one
             jot
             the
             further
             .
             Many
             there
             
             are
             that
             kee●…
             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
             Laodicia
             ,
             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
             increased
             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
             Brethren
             ,
             I
             wish
             and
             pray
             for
             the
             prosperity
             of
             you
             all
             :
             but
             above
             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
               Embassador
               in
               Christ
               ,
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
            
             
               Devises
               ,
               
                 June
                 22.
                 1666.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             LETTER
             .
             XXX
             .
             [
             An
             Admiration
             of
             the
             Love
             of
             God.
             ]
             
               To
               the
               most
               Loving
               ,
               and
               best
               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
             
             Lerd
             hath
             committed
             to
             me
             ,
             for
             the
             surtherance
             of
             your
             Salvation
             .
             How
             long
             Lord
             ,
             how
             long
             shall
             I
             dwell
             in
             silen●…
             !
             How
             long
             shall
             my
             Tongue
             cleave
             to
             the
             Roo●…
             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
             ,
             Brimful
             and
             running
             over
             ,
             And
             shall
             I
             complain
             ?
             Far
             be
             it
             from
             me
             .
          
           
             But
             though
             I
             may
             not
             murmur
             ,
             me●…hinks
             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
             shock
             my
             Pen
             as
             it
             were
             out
             of
             my
             Hand
             ?
             Bu●…
             all
             that
             he
             doth
             is
             done
             well
             ,
             and
             wisely
             ,
             and
             therefore
             I
             submit
             .
             I
             have
             purposed
             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
             enlarged
             affections
             towards
             you
             ,
             methinks
             I
             feel
             already
             how
             strait
             this
             Paper
             is
             like
             to
             be
             ,
             and
             how
             insignificant
             my
             Expressions
             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
             well
             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
             !
             magnifie
             the
             Lord
             with
             me
             ,
             aud
             let
             us
             exalt
             his
             Name
             together
             !
             he
             hath
             remembred
             my
             low
             estate
             ,
             because
             his
             Mercy
             endureth
             for
             ever
             .
             O
             blessed
             be
             you
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             my
             dearly
             Beloved
             ,
             
             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
             Prevalen●…
             of
             Prayer
             :
             Oh
             be
             in
             love
             with
             Prayer
             ,
             and
             have
             high
             and
             venerable
             thoughts
             of
             it
             .
             What
             distresses
             ,
             diseases
             .
             Deathts
             can
             stand
             before
             it
             ?
             Surely
             I
             live
             by
             Prayer
             ,
             Prayer
             hath
             given
             a
             Resurrection
             ●…o
             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
             Beloved
             ,
             I
             have
             not
             forgotten
             your
             tender
             love
             in
             all
             my
             distresses
             .
             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
             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
             love
             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
             s●…lf
             For
             I
             fear
             least
             as
             the
             wise
             man
             saith
             of
             the
             beginning
             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
             ●…orbear
             ,
             because
             I
             hope
             you
             have
             better
             Testimonies
             than
             Words
             ,
             to
             bear
             witness
             here
             unto
             you
             .
          
           
             But
             if
             I
             sing
             the
             song
             of
             love
             ,
             O
             let
             Divine
             Love
             overcarry
             the
             praise
             ;
             I
             found
             my self
             in
             straights
             when
             I
             began
             to
             speak
             of
             the
             natural
             love
             between
             my
             dear
             people
             ,
             and
             an
             unworthy
             
             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
             papers
             be
             filled
             ever
             ,
             ever
             filled
             with
             the
             thankful
             Commemoration
             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
             contentment
             in
             this
             Divine
             Love
             :
             Take
             your
             daily
             walk
             ,
             and
             lose
             your selves
             in
             the
             Field
             of
             Love
             :
             Drink
             ,
             O
             Friends
             ,
             yea
             drink
             abundantly
             ,
             O
             Beloved
             ,
             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
             forget
             the
             bounds
             of
             a
             Letter
             ,
             this
             love
             obligeth
             me
             ,
             yea
             ,
             rather
             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
             to
             mine
             heart
             ;
             the
             warm
             Beams
             of
             this
             blessed
             Sun
             ,
             O
             how
             have
             they
             comsorted
             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
             ,
             healing
             ,
             and
             raising
             influence
             of
             Divine
             Grace
             and
             Love.
             Now
             my
             own
             hands
             can
             feed
             me
             ,
             and
             my
             own
             seet
             can
             bear
             me
             ,
             my
             appetite
             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
             Faithful
             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
               servent
               Well-wisher
               in
               the
               Lor●…
               ,
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             LETTER
             XXXI
             .
             
               To
               the
               most
               Beloved
               People
               ,
               the
               Servants
               of
               God
               in
            
             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
             wish
             ;
             Oh
             that
             I
             could
             but
             come
             at
             their
             Souls
             !
             And
             that
             this
             is
             the
             prize
             and
             the
             gain
             that
             I
             run
             for
             ,
             that
             I
             might
             win
             souls
             .
             I
             seek
             not
             other
             gifts
             ,
             give
             me
             your
             hearts
             ,
             let
             me
             but
             part
             between
             your
             sins
             and
             you
             ;
             suffer
             me
             but
             to
             save
             you
             ;
             give
             me
             leave
             to
             carry
             you
             over
             to
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             not
             ask
             you
             any
             more
             .
             I
             will
             serve
             you
             gladly
             ,
             I
             will
             suffer
             for
             you
             thankfully
             ,
             so
             I
             may
             but
             save
             you
             .
             Do
             not
             wonder
             why
             I
             follow
             you
             so
             pressingly
             ,
             why
             I
             call
             upon
             you
             so
             frequently
             ;
             let
             not
             my
             importunity
             be
             grievous
             to
             you
             ,
             all
             this
             is
             but
             to
             save
             you
             .
             Christ
             did
             not
             bethink
             his
             Blood
             ,
             and
             shall
             I
             think
             my
             Breath
             ,
             or
             Ink
             ,
             too
             dear
             in
             order
             to
             your
             salvation
             ?
             what
             pitie
             is
             it
             ,
             that
             any
             of
             you
             should
             
             miscarry
             at
             last
             ,
             under
             the
             power
             of
             Ignorance
             ,
             or
             by
             a
             prophane
             negligence
             ,
             or
             a
             formal
             and
             lifeless
             profession
             of
             strict
             Godliness
             .
          
           
             Beloved
             ,
             I
             am
             afraid
             of
             you
             lest
             (
             as
             to
             many
             of
             you
             )
             I
             have
             run
             in
             vain
             .
             I
             cannot
             but
             most
             thankfully
             acknowledge
             ,
             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
             pinching
             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
             wosul
             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
             violently
             down
             the
             hill
             ,
             till
             they
             be
             choaked
             in
             the
             Water
             ,
             and
             drowned
             irrecoverably
             in
             the
             Gulf
             of
             endless
             Perdition
             ?
             Ah
             mserable
             spectacle
             !
             What
             through
             the
             wilful
             blindness
             of
             some
             ,
             what
             through
             the
             loseness
             and
             sensuality
             of
             others
             ,
             what
             through
             the
             halving
             ,
             and
             Cold
             ,
             and
             customary
             Religion
             of
             others
             ,
             how
             great
             a
             number
             of
             our
             poor
             Flocks
             ,
             is
             Satan
             like
             to
             carry
             utterly
             away
             from
             us
             ,
             after
             all
             that
             hath
             been
             done
             to
             save
             them
             ?
          
           
             Yet
             I
             cannot
             but
             call
             after
             them
             .
             Hearken
             unto
             me
             ,
             O
             ye
             Children
             .
             How
             long
             will
             ye
             love
             Vanity
             ,
             and
             follow
             after
             leasing
             ,
             and
             trust
             in
             lying
             Words
             ?
             As
             the
             Lord
             liveth
             you
             are
             lost
             ,
             except
             you
             turn
             :
             Wherefore
             turn
             your selves
             and
             live
             ye
             .
             Ah
             how
             Mercy
             woeth
             you
             !
             How
             it
             waiteth
             to
             be
             gracious
             to
             you
             ?
             Hear
             ,
             O
             sinners
             ,
             hear
             .
             See
             you
             not
             how
             the
             merciful
             Saviour
             of
             the
             World
             stretcheth
             forth
             his
             hands
             all
             the
             day
             long
             ,
             and
             spreadeth
             forth
             his
             Wings
             ,
             and
             calleth
             you
             as
             a
             Hen
             doth
             her
             Chickens
             !
             hear
             you
             not
             the
             soundings
             of
             his
             Bowels
             ?
             He
             had
             no
             need
             of
             you
             ;
             Yet
             how
             do
             his
             compassions
             melt
             over
             perishing
             sinners
             ?
             his
             heart
             is
             turned
             within
             him
             ,
             and
             shall
             not
             this
             turn
             your
             hearts
             ?
             his
             repentings
             are
             kindled
             together
             ;
             and
             shall
             not
             this
             lead
             you
             to
             repentance
             ?
             Behold
             ,
             he
             standeth
             at
             the
             door
             and
             knocketh
             .
             O
             man
             wilt
             thou
             keep
             ●…esus
             at
             the
             door
             ,
             and
             lodge
             Barrabas
             in
             thy
             bosom
             ?
             and
             prefer
             thy
             cruel
             Lusts
             before
             thy
             Compassionate
             
             Lord
             ?
             Oh
             his
             melting
             love
             to
             sinners
             !
             He
             calleth
             after
             them
             ,
             Isa.
             55.
             1.
             
             He
             weepeth
             over
             them
             ,
             Luke
             19.
             41
             ,
             42.
             
             He
             crieth
             to
             them
             ,
             Prov.
             1.
             21
             ,
             22
             ,
             23.
             
             How
             long
             ye
             simple
             ones
             ,
             will
             you
             love
             simplicity
             ?
             Will
             you
             not
             be
             made
             clean
             ?
             When
             shall
             it
             once
             be
             ?
             Why
             will
             you
             die
             ?
             Turn
             you
             at
             my
             Reproof
             :
             Behold
             ,
             I
             will
             pour
             out
             my
             Spirit
             upon
             you
             .
             Sinner
             ,
             art
             thou
             not
             yet
             melted
             ?
             Oh
             come
             in
             at
             his
             loving
             Calls
             ,
             Come
             out
             from
             thy
             sins
             :
             Touch
             the
             Scepter
             of
             Grace
             and
             live
             :
             Why
             shouldest
             thou
             be
             dashed
             in
             pieces
             by
             his
             Iron
             Rod
             ?
             Kiss
             the
             Son
             :
             Why
             shouldst
             thou
             perish
             in
             the
             way
             ?
             Set
             up
             Jesus
             as
             thy
             King
             ,
             lest
             he
             count
             thee
             sor
             ●…is
             Enemy
             ,
             because
             thou
             wouldst
             not
             that
             he
             should
             Reign
             over
             thee
             ,
             and
             so
             thou
             be
             called
             forth
             and
             slain
             before
             him
             .
             Oh
             how
             dreadful
             will
             this
             Case
             be
             ,
             to
             perish
             under
             the
             pittiful
             Eyes
             of
             his
             Mercy
             ,
             and
             to
             die
             by
             the
             hand
             of
             a
             Saviour
             !
             Oh
             double
             hell
             ,
             to
             have
             thy
             Redeemer
             become
             thine
             Executioner
             !
             And
             the
             hand
             that
             was
             so
             long
             stretched
             forth
             to
             save
             thee
             ,
             to
             be
             now
             stretched
             forth
             to
             slay
             thee
             !
             And
             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
             intended
             forthwith
             to
             have
             fallen
             upon
             :
             Indeed
             I
             am
             apt
             to
             run
             out
             in
             matters
             that
             do
             so
             nearly
             touch
             upon
             your
             greatest
             Concernments
             .
          
           
             Beloved
             ,
             I
             despair
             of
             ever
             bringing
             you
             to
             Salvation
             ,
             without
             Sanctification
             :
             Or
             possessing
             You
             with
             Happiness
             ,
             without
             perswading
             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
             unto
             Godliness
             .
             This
             is
             that
             I
             drive
             at
             .
             I
             beseech
             you
             study
             to
             further
             
               Personal
               Godliness
            
             ,
             and
             
               Family
               Godliness
            
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             
               Personal
               Godliness
            
             .
             Let
             it
             be
             your
             first
             care
             to
             set
             up
             Christ
             in
             your
             Hearts
             .
             See
             that
             you
             make
             all
             your
             worldly
             Interests
             to
             stoop
             to
             him
             ,
             that
             You
             be
             entirely
             and
             unreservedly
             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
             ●…our
             whole
             man
             ,
             members
             and
             mind
             faithfully
             to
             him
             .
             If
             You
             ha●…e
             
             a
             true
             respect
             to
             all
             Gods
             Commandments
             ,
             you
             are
             sound
             at
             heart
             .
             Oh
             study
             to
             get
             the
             Image
             and
             impress
             of
             Christ
             upon
             you
             within
             .
             Begin
             with
             your
             hearts
             ,
             else
             you
             build
             without
             a
             foundation
             .
             Labour
             to
             get
             a
             saving
             change
             within
             ,
             or
             else
             all
             external
             performances
             will
             be
             to
             no
             purpose
             .
             And
             then
             study
             to
             shew
             forth
             the
             power
             of
             Godliness
             in
             the
             life
             .
             Let
             Piety
             be
             your
             first
             and
             great
             business
             .
             'T
             is
             the
             highest
             point
             of
             Justice
             ,
             to
             give
             God
             his
             due
             .
             Beware
             that
             none
             of
             you
             be
             a
             Prayerless
             person
             :
             sor
             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
             daily
             with
             the
             Word
             .
             That
             man
             can
             never
             lay
             claim
             to
             Blessedness
             ,
             whose
             delight
             is
             not
             in
             the
             Law
             of
             the
             Lord.
             Let
             ●…editation
             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-examination
             ,
             may
             be
             daily
             perused
             by
             you
             ,
             is
             the
             matter
             of
             my
             passionate
             request
             unto
             you
             .
             If
             ever
             you
             come
             to
             any
             growth
             in
             Holiness
             ,
             without
             the
             constant
             use
             of
             ●…his
             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
             Christia●…y
             ,
             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
             Chastity
             ,
             and
             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
             &
             sincerity
             shine
             out
             in
             all
             the
             parts
             of
             your
             conversations
             .
             See
             that
             you
             sorget
             &
             sorgive
             wrongs
             ,
             and
             requi●…e
             them
             with
             kindness
             as
             you
             would
             be
             found
             children
             of
             the
             most
             high
             .
             Be
             merciful
             in
             your
             Censures
             ,
             and
             put
             the
             most
             favourable
             construction
             upon
             our
             Brethrens
             carriage
             that
             their
             actions
             will
             reasonably
             bear
             .
             ●…e
             slow
             in
             promising
             .
             punctual
             in
             fulfilling
             .
             Let
             meekness
             and
             in●…ocency
             ,
             Affableness
             ,
             Yieldingness
             ,
             and
             Curt●…sie
             ,
             com●…end
             
             your
             conversations
             to
             all
             men
             .
             Let
             none
             of
             your
             Relations
             want
             that
             love
             and
             loyalty
             ,
             that
             reverence
             and
             duty
             ,
             that
             tenderness
             ,
             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
             glutton
             ,
             unrighteous
             in
             his
             dealing
             ,
             unclean
             in
             his
             living
             ,
             ●…r
             a
             quarreller
             ,
             or
             a
             thief
             ,
             or
             backbiter
             ,
             or
             a
             railer
             :
             for
             I
             denounce
             unto
             you
             from
             the
             living
             God
             ,
             that
             destruction
             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
             saith
             .
             Let
             every
             housholder
             say
             ,
             with
             
               Joshua
               ,
               I
               ,
               with
               my
               House
               will
               serve
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             and
             resolve
             with
             
               David
               ,
               Psalm
            
             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
             familie●…
             ,
             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
             neglect
             )
             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
             them
             ,
             agreeable
             to
             their
             Natures
             ,
             and
             dost
             thou
             not
             the
             same
             for
             
             thy
             Beasts
             ?
             Thou
             givest
             them
             Medicines
             ,
             and
             cherishest
             them
             when
             they
             be
             sick
             ,
             and
             dost
             thou
             not
             so
             much
             for
             thy
             Swine
             ?
             More
             particularly
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Let
             the
             solemn
             Reading
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             Isa.
             34.
             16.
             
             John
             5.
             31.
             
               and
               singing
               of
               Psalms
               ,
               be
               your
               Family
               Exercises
               ,
               Psalm
            
             118.
             15.
             
             See
             Christ
             singing
             with
             his
             Family
             ,
             viz.
             his
             Disciples
             ,
             Mat.
             26.
             30.
             
             Luke
             9.
             18.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             
               Let
               every
               p●…rson
               in
               your
               Families
               be
               duly
               called
               to
               an
               account
               of
               their
               profiting
               by
               the
               word
               h●…rd
               or
               read
               ,
               as
               they
               be
               about
               doing
               your
               own
               〈…〉
               .
            
             This
             is
             a
             duty
             of
             consequence
             unspeakable
             ,
             and
             would
             be
             a
             means
             to
             bring
             those
             under
             your
             Charge
             ,
             to
             remember
             and
             prosit
             by
             what
             they
             receive
             .
             See
             Chirsts
             Example
             in
             calling
             ●…is
             Family
             to
             an
             account
             .
             Mat.
             16.
             11.
             13.
             15.
             
          
           
             33.
             
             
               Often
               take
               an
               account
               of
               the
               Souls
               under
               your
               care
               concerning
               their
               Spiritual
               estates
            
             Herein
             you
             must
             be
             Followers
             of
             Christ
             ,
             Mat.
             13.
             10
             ,
             36
             ,
             51.
             
             Mar●…
             4.
             10
             ,
             11.
             
             Make
             enquiry
             into
             their
             conditions
             ,
             insist
             much
             upon
             the
             sinfulness
             and
             misery
             of
             their
             natural
             estate
             ,
             a●…d
             upon
             the
             necessity
             of
             Regeneration
             and
             Conversion
             in
             order
             to
             their
             Salvation
             .
             Admonish
             them
             gravely
             of
             their
             sins
             ,
             incourage
             beginnings
             .
             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
             neglected
             by
             some
             that
             are
             Godly
             .
             Doth
             not
             Conscience
             say
             ,
             Thou
             art
             the
             man
             ?
          
           
             4.
             
             
               Look
               to
               the
               strict
               sanct●…fying
               of
               the
               Sa●…bath
               ,
               by
               all
               of
               your
               H●…holds
               ,
               Exod.
            
             20.
             10.
             
             Lev.
             23.
             3.
             
             Many
             poor
             Families
             have
             little
             time
             else
             .
             O
             improve
             but
             your
             Sabbath-days
             as
             diligently
             in
             labouring
             for
             knowledge
             ,
             and
             doing
             your
             Makers
             work
             ,
             as
             You
             do
             the
             other
             daies
             in
             doing
             your
             own
             work
             ,
             and
             I
             doubt
             not
             ,
             but
             you
             may
             come
             to
             some
             proficiencie
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             
               Let
               the
               Morning
               and
               Evening
               Sacrifice
               of
               s●…lemn
               Prayer
               ,
               be
               daily
               offered
               up
               .
               in
               all
               your
               Families
               .
               Psal.
            
             92.
             1
             ,
             2.
             
             Exod.
             30.
             7
             ,
             8.
             
             ●…L●…ke
             1.
             9
             ,
             10.
             
             Beware
             they
             be
             not
             found
             among
             the
             Families
             that
             call
             not
             upon
             Gods
             Name
             ;
             sor
             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
             fins
             ,
             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
             thou
             canst
             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
             not
             my
             business
             will
             not
             give
             leave
             .
             This
             is
             thy
             grea●…est
             business
             ,
             to
             save
             thy self
             ,
             and
             the
             Souls
             committed
             to
             thee
             .
             Besides
             a
             whet
             will
             be
             no
             let
             .
             In
             a
             word
             ,
             the
             blessing
             of
             all
             is
             to
             be
             got
             by
             Prayer
             ,
             Jer.
             29.
             11
             ,
             12.
             2
             
             Sam.
             7.
             29.
             
             And
             what
             is
             thy
             business
             without
             Gods
             Blessing
             ?
             Say
             not
             ,
             I
             am
             not
             able
             .
             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
             mai'st
             join
             with
             thine
             abler
             Neighbour
             .
             God
             hath
             special
             regard
             to
             joint
             Praye●…
             ,
             Jam.
             5.
             14.
             to
             19.
             
             Acts
             12.
             5.
             to
             12.
             2
             
             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
             .
             Observe
             whether
             they
             do
             perform
             it
             .
             Get
             them
             the
             help
             of
             a
             form
             ,
             if
             they
             need
             it
             ,
             till
             they
             are
             able
             to
             go
             without
             .
             Direct
             them
             how
             to
             Pray
             ,
             by
             minding
             them
             of
             their
             sins
             ,
             w●…nts
             ,
             and
             mercies
             ,
             the
             materials
             of
             Prayer
             .
             This
             was
             the
             practice
             of
             John
             ,
             and
             of
             
               Jesus
               ,
               Luke
            
             11.
             1
             ,
             2.
             
          
           
             7.
             
             Set
             up
             Cathechizing
             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
             witness
             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
             C●…techising
             in
             your
             houses
             ?
             Ah
             ,
             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
             these
             Lines
             ,
             to
             resolve
             to
             set
             upon
             the
             constant
             exercise
             of
             this
             Duty
             .
             Surely
             I
             have
             done
             and
             suffered
             more
             for
             you
             then
             this
             comes
             to
             :
             will
             you
             deny
             me
             ?
             I
             beseech
             you
             ,
             let
             me
             find
             ,
             if
             ever
             God
             do
             bring
             me
             again
             to
             visit
             your
             houses
             ,
             that
             the
             ●…ords
             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
               diligently
               to
               your
               Children
               ,
               and
               talk
               of
               them
               as
               you
               sit
               in
               your
               hou●…
               ,
               &c.
               Deut.
            
             6.
             6
             ,
             7
             ,
             8
             ,
             9.
             and
             4.
             9
             ,
             10
             and
             11.
             18
             ,
             19
             ,
             20.
             
               &
               train
               them
               up
               in
               the
               way
               they
               should
               go
               ,
               Prov.
            
             22.
             6.
             
               the
               Margin
            
             .
             Hath
             God
             so
             commended
             Abraham
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             teach
             
               his
               children
               and
               his
               houshold
               ,
               Gen.
            
             18.
             19.
             and
             that
             he
             had
             so
             many
             
               〈…〉
               servants
               ,
               Gen.
            
             14.
             14.
             
               the
               Margin
            
             hath
             given
             such
             a
             promise
             to
             him
             thereupon
             ,
             and
             wlll
             not
             you
             put
             in
             for
             a
             share
             ,
             neither
             in
             the
             praise
             ,
             nor
             the
             Promise
             ?
             Hath
             Christ
             honoured
             Cathechising
             with
             his
             presence
             ,
             Luke
             2.
             46.
             and
             will
             not
             you
             own
             it
             with
             your
             practise
             ?
             Say
             not
             ,
             they
             are
             careless
             ,
             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
             put●…ing
             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
             patience
             ,
             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
             misteries
             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
             ,
             fulfill
             you
             my
             joy
             in
             going
             through
             with
             this
             duty
             .
          
           
             I
             have
             been
             too
             long
             already
             ,
             and
             yet
             I
             am
             afraid
             my
             Letter
             will
             be
             ended
             before
             my
             work
             be
             done
             ,
             how
             l●…th
             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
             not
             give
             the
             hand
             one
             to
             another
             ,
             and
             mutually
             engage
             each
             to
             other
             ,
             for
             more
             vigorous
             and
             diligent
             endeavours
             ,
             in
             promoting
             Family
             Godliness
             .
             I
             must
             tell
             you
             ,
             God
             looks
             ●…or
             
             more
             than
             ordinary
             from
             you
             ,
             in
             such
             a
             day
             as
             this
             .
             He
             expects
             that
             you
             should
             do
             ,
             both
             in
             your
             hearts
             ,
             and
             in
             your
             houses
             ,
             somewhat
             more
             that
             ever
             ,
             under
             these
             his
             extraordinary
             dispensations
             .
             My
             most
             dearly
             beloved
             minc
             own
             bowels
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             will
             you
             satisfie
             the
             longings
             of
             a
             travelling
             Minister
             ?
             will
             you
             answer
             the
             calls
             of
             Divine
             Providence
             ?
             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
             Houses
             ,
             and
             bless
             your
             substance
             ?
             would
             you
             that
             your
             children
             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
             ●…is
             worship
             (
             according
             to
             all
             the
             forementioned
             directions
             )
             may
             be
             ,
             with
             constancy
             reverently
             performed
             .
             Pardon
             my
             pro●…xity
             and
             importunity
             in
             so
             earnest
             pursuing
             of
             you
             ;
             I
             am
             yet
             afraid
             I
             have
             done
             too
             soon
             ,
             and
             shall
             end
             without
             my
             Errand
             .
             The
             Lord
             God
             perswade
             you
             To
             him
             I
             turn
             me
             ,
             for
             I
             am
             well
             assured
             ,
             he
             can
             prevail
             with
             you
             :
          
           
             O
             Father
             of
             Spirit
             ,
             that
             hath
             set
             me
             over
             thy
             Flock
             to
             match
             for
             their
             Souls
             ,
             as
             one
             that
             must
             give
             an
             account
             .
             I
             have
             long
             studied
             thy
             Will
             ,
             and
             taught
             in
             thy
             Name
             ,
             and
             do
             unfeignedly
             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
             Shepheard
             ,
             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
             gathered
             .
             I
             have
             called
             after
             them
             ,
             but
             they
             would
             not
             answer
             ;
             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
             hanas
             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
             Captives
             ,
             and
             suffer
             not
             the
             enemy
             of
             mankind
             to
             drive
             away
             the
             most
             of
             the
             flock
             before
             mine
             eyes
             ,
             and
             to
             deride
             the
             fruitless
             endeavours
             of
             thy
             Laborers
             ,
             and
             boast
             over
             them
             ,
             that
             he
             can
             do●…e
             with
             them
             ,
             though
             he
             seek
             to
             ruine
             them
             ,
             than
             all
             the
             beseechings
             ,
             counsels
             ,
             and
             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
             knowest
             I
             would
             use
             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
             sinner
             ,
             every
             prayerless
             Soul
             ,
             and
             every
             prayerless
             family
             ,
             and
             convince
             them
             of
             their
             miserable
             condition
             ,
             while
             without
             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
             Seminary
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             let
             those
             that
             cast
             their
             eyes
             upon
             these
             lines
             ,
             find
             thee
             sliding
             in
             by
             the
             secr●…t
             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
               most
               loving
               ,
               and
               best
               beloved
               ,
               the
               Serv●…ts
               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
             Captivi●…y
             ,
             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
             ,
             many
             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
             fervently
             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
               reward
               for
               the
               Righteous
               .
            
             Ah
             ,
             how
             sure
             is
             it
             !
             And
             how
             great
             and
             how
             near
             is
             it
             ?
             Come
             on
             ,
             my
             dear
             Brethren
             ,
             and
             Fellow-Travellers
             Stir
             up
             your selves
             ,
             and
             set
             to
             your
             race
             .
             See
             that
             you
             loiter
             not
             ,
             but
             speed
             apace
             in
             your
             holy
             course
             .
             What
             ●…ire
             by
             the
             way
             ,
             or
             think
             of
             looking
             back
             ,
             when
             Heaven
             is
             the
             prize
             ?
             God
             forbid
             .
             To
             him
             that
             soweth
             righteousness
             ●…here
             shall
             be
             a
             sure
             reward
             .
             What
             though
             it
             should
             seem
             sl●…w
             ?
             As
             long
             as
             it
             is
             so
             sure
             ,
             and
             so
             great
             ,
             never
             be
             discoura●…ed
             :
             In
             the
             end
             you
             shall
             reap
             ,
             if
             you
             faint
             not
             .
             Wait
             b●…
             a
             while
             ,
             and
             you
             shall
             have
             a
             blessed
             harvest
             .
             The
             Lord
             speaks
             〈…〉
             the
             Christian
             ,
             as
             he
             to
             his
             Creditor
             in
             another
             case
             .
             Have
             pa●…ence
             with
             me
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             pay
             thee
             all
             .
             Oh
             now
             ●…or
             Faith
             and
             Patience
             !
             How
             safely
             ,
             how
             sweetly
             would
             these
             ●…arry
             us
             to
             our
             home
             and
             harbour
             ,
             through
             all
             difficul●…s
             .
             Brethren
             beloved
             ,
             be
             ye
             followers
             of
             them
             ,
             who
             through
             ●…th
             and
             Patience
             inherit
             the
             Promises
             .
             It
             is
             want
             of
             patience
             ●…hat
             undoes
             the
             world
             .
             Patience
             ,
             I
             mean
             ,
             not
             so
             much
             〈…〉
             the
             bearing
             the
             inflicted
             evil
             ,
             as
             in
             waiting
             for
             the
             de●…erred
             good
             .
             If
             the
             reward
             of
             Religion
             would
             be
             presently
             in
             hand
             ,
             who
             would
             not
             be
             Religious
             ?
             Who
             but
             the
             deceitsul
             world
             count
             it
             doubtful
             and
             distant
             ;
             and
             they
             are
             all
             for
             something
             in
             hand
             ,
             and
             so
             take
             up
             with
             a
             present
             felicity
             .
             The
             L●…ord
             deals
             all
             upon
             trust
             ,
             and
             upon
             that
             account
             is
             but
             little
             dea●…t
             with
             .
             You
             must
             have
             patient
             ,
             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
             to
             sufficient
             to
             pay
             them
             for
             a
             little
             waiting
             ?
             Beloved
             ,
             lift
             .
             up
             your
             eyes
             and
             behold
             your
             Inheritance
             ,
             the
             good
             Land
             that
             is
             beyond
             the
             Jordan
             ,
             and
             that
             goodly
             Mountain
             .
             The
             Promises
             are
             a
             Map
             of
             Heaven
             .
             Do
             but
             view
             it
             believingly
             and
             considerately
             ,
             
             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
             amends
             for
             your
             stay
             ?
             Why
             then
             act
             like
             Believers
             .
             Never
             bethink
             the
             pains
             ,
             nor
             expences
             of
             Religion
             .
             Let
             no
             man
             fear
             he
             shall
             come
             off
             a
             loser
             .
             What
             though
             you
             are
             much
             upon
             the
             spending
             hand
             ?
             I
             might
             tell
             you
             ,
             God
             is
             beforehand
             with
             you
             however
             :
             but
             I
             would
             have
             you
             principally
             to
             look
             forward
             .
             It
             is
             much
             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
             sorbid
             .
             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
             precious
             fruits
             of
             your
             Faith
             ?
             The
             Husbandman
             hath
             no
             such
             certainty
             as
             you
             :
             he
             hath
             but
             a
             probability
             of
             an
             harvest
             ,
             and
             yet
             he
             hath
             p●…ience
             ;
             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
             rei●…bursement
             ,
             till
             the
             Corn
             be
             grown
             .
             But
             your
             harvest
             is
             most
             sure
             ,
             as
             sure
             as
             the
             irrevocable
             Decree
             ,
             the
             infallible
             promise
             ,
             the
             immuta●…le
             Oath
             of
             a
             God
             ,
             a
             God
             that
             cannot
             lie
             ,
             that
             knows
             no
             place
             for
             Repentance
             ,
             can
             make
             it
             .
             Again
             ,
             the
             Husbandman
             hath
             no
             such
             increase
             to
             look
             for
             as
             you
             .
             Oh
             ,
             if
             he
             were
             but
             sure
             ,
             that
             every
             Corn
             would
             bear
             a
             Crown
             with
             what
             exaltation
             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
             Husbandman
             
               hath
            
             long
             patience
             ,
             and
             will
             not
             you
             have
             a
             little
             patience
             ?
             It
             is
             not
             long
             patience
             th●…t
             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
             Harbour
             ?
             Or
             will
             the
             Husband
             man
             despond
             ,
             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
             set
             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
             measure
             gracious
             to
             us
             h●…re
             .
             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
             only
             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
             promise
             my self
             now
             an
             easie
             pardon
             for
             so
             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
             .
             Farewel
             dear
             Brethren
             :
             Fare
             you
             well
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             I
             am
          
           
             
               An
               unworthy
               Embassador
               of
               Jesus
               in
               Bond
               ,
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
             
               From
               the
               Prison
               at
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 Octob.
                 29.
                 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
             endeavour
             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
             Gospel
             are
             not
             tedious
             through
             Grace
             unto
             us
             ,
             that
             Christ
             is
             a
             Master
             worth
             a
             suffering
             for
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             really
             enough
             in
             Religion
             to
             defray
             all
             our
             Charges
             ,
             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
             Countenance
             are
             sufficient
             to
             lighten
             the
             darksomest
             Dungeon
             ,
             and
             to
             perfume
             and
             sweeten
             the
             noisomest
             Prison
             to
             a
             poor
             Believer
             ;
             that
             if
             you
             can
             bring
             Faith
             and
             Patience
             ,
             and
             the
             Assurance
             of
             the
             Divine
             Favour
             with
             you
             to
             a
             Prison
             ,
             you
             will
             live
             comfortably
             in
             spight
             of
             Earth
             &
             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
             established
             in
             .
             Brethren
             we
             are
             of
             the
             same
             mind
             in
             a
             Prison
             ,
             that
             we
             were
             os
             in
             the
             Pulpit
             ;
             that
             there
             is
             no
             life
             to
             a
             life
             of
             Holiness
             ;
             that
             Christ
             ,
             and
             his
             Yoak
             ,
             and
             his
             Cross
             ,
             are
             worthy
             of
             all
             acceptation
             ;
             that
             it
             is
             the
             best
             ,
             and
             wisest
             ,
             and
             safest
             and
             gainfulllest
             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
             ,
             stack
             not
             your
             pace
             ,
             but
             give
             diligence
             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
             pity
             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
             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
             .
             He
             is
             not
             a
             Christian
             indeed
             ,
             that
             cannot
             be
             content
             to
             tarry
             for
             his
             Preferment
             in
             another
             World.
             Cast
             upon
             it
             ,
             my
             Brethren
             ,
             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
             :
             strive
             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
             Judge
             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
             Zealous
             ,
             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
             ,
             abounding
             in
             the
             works
             of
             the
             Lord.
             Speak
             often
             one
             to
             another
             ,
             provoke
             to
             love
             ,
             and
             to
             good
             Works
             .
             Let
             the
             Bay
             of
             opposition
             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
             sor
             the
             Prisoners
             .
             Farewel
             dear
             Brethren
             ,
             farewel
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             I
             am
          
           
             
               Yours
               in
               the
               Bonds
               of
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               ,
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
             
               
                 Octob.
                 11.
                 1665.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             LETTER
             XXXIV
             .
             [
             To
             a
             Back-sliding
             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
             affection
             for
             ,
             and
             adhesion
             to
             the
             ways
             and
             people
             of
             God.
             May
             you
             be
             still
             found
             in
             the
             same
             paths
             of
             holiness
             ,
             without
             which
             no
             man
             shall
             see
             God.
             The
             vows
             of
             God
             are
             upon
             me
             (
             which
             ,
             I
             confess
             ,
             I
             have
             been
             to
             slack
             to
             pay
             )
             that
             I
             would
             put
             you
             in
             remembrance
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             Brotherly
             tenderness
             advise
             you
             ,
             to
             remember
             from
             whence
             you
             are
             sallen
             .
             I
             was
             informed
             ,
             before
             your
             leaving
             of
             England
             ,
             of
             many
             unhappy
             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
             recalled
             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
             observers
             ,
             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
             many
             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
             whole
             self-denial
             ,
             and
             give
             the
             flesh
             the
             reins
             ?
             what
             ,
             when
             God
             ,
             that
             cannot
             lie
             ,
             hath
             said
             ,
             
               If
               you
               live
               after
               the
               
                 fleshe
              
               ,
               you
               shall
               die
               ?
            
             Do
             you
             not
             know
             that
             you
             do
             in
             vain
             name
             the
             name
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             except
             you
             depart
             from
             iniquity
             ?
             I
             am
             sure
             you
             know
             it
             :
             Oh
             Sir
             ,
             consider
             it
             ,
             improve
             it
             .
             Oh
             ,
             have
             you
             so
             learnt
             Christ
             ,
             as
             to
             think
             ,
             ●…at
             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
             str●…ess
             ,
             self-denial
             ,
             and
             holy
             diligence
             ,
             they
             cannot
             be
             saved
             ,
             Mat.
             16.
             42.
             
             Mat.
             11.
             12.
             1
             
             Pet.
             15
             ,
             16.
             
             Once
             you
             could
             say
             with
             
               〈…〉
               ,
               I
               am
               companion
               to
               all
               them
               that
               〈…〉
            
             is
             it
             so
             now
             ?
             O
             Sir
             ,
             
             let
             not
             the
             wicked
             entice
             you
             .
             Hath
             not
             God
             said
             ,
             
               A
               Companion
               of
               fools
               shall
               be
               destroyed
               ,
               Prov.
            
             13.
             20.
             
             That
             you
             must
             forfake
             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
             often
             eat
             together
             ,
             and
             fasted
             together
             ,
             meet
             in
             glory
             together
             ?
             I
             beseech
             your
             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
             ●…eet
             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
               pleasure
               in
               him
               .
            
             And
             once
             again
             ,
             
               when
               the
               righteous
               turneth
               away
               from
               his
               righteousness
               ,
               and
               committeth
               iniquity
               ,
               shall
               he
               live
               ?
               In
               his
               Trespass
               that
               he
               hath
               trespassed
               ,
               shall
               he
               not
               di●…
               ?
            
             I
             know
             Prayers
             can
             reach
             you
             ,
             though
             at
             so
             vast
             a
             distance
             ;
             I
             shall
             add
             to
             them
             these
             Counsels
             ,
             and
             commit
             you
             to
             God
             ,
             remaining
          
           
             
               Yours
               real
               Friend
               in
               Christ
               ,
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
             
               Juelchester
               ,
               
                 May
                 18th
                 .
                 1664.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
           
             LETTER
             XXXV
             .
             [
             Good
             Counsel
             to
             his
             Wise.
             ]
          
           
             
               My
               most
               dear
               Theodosia
               ,
            
          
           
             THou
             seemest
             to
             have
             been
             long
             from
             me
             :
             let
             nothing
             any
             longer
             detain
             thee
             ,
             but
             my
             Sisters
             necessity
             ,
             or
             Fathers
             Authority
             .
             I
             am
             very
             sorry
             that
             thou
             should
             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
             't
             is
             all
             thy
             business
             to
             love
             ,
             and
             serve
             ,
             and
             praise
             thy
             Creator
             and
             Redeemer
             .
             I
             have
             no
             other
             business
             but
             this
             to
             write
             to
             thee
             about
             :
             but
             this
             is
             all
             our
             business
             What
             be
             use
             to
             call
             business
             is
             but
             vanity
             and
             pastime
             and
             some
             by
             matter
             in
             comparison
             of
             this
             .
             Remember
             and
             forget
             not
             that
             't
             is
             thy
             chief
             end
             to
             glorifie
             God
             ,
             and
             enjoy
             him
             for
             ever
             .
             Learn
             well
             that
             Lesson
             ,
             and
             know
             that
             it
             is
             the
             only
             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
             still
             be
             laying
             up
             in
             Heaven
             !
             still
             furthering
             thy
             account
             ;
             still
             adding
             to
             the
             heap
             ,
             and
             encreasing
             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
             affections
             will
             be
             strong
             .
             
             My
             time
             is
             very
             precious
             ,
             and
             I
             would
             not
             lose
             any
             inch
             of
             it
             .
             See
             thou
             to
             it
             ,
             that
             my
             time
             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
             dearest
             ,
             I
             love
             thee
             in
             truth
             and
             tenderness
             ,
             but
             my
             love
             signifies
             little
             ,
             unless
             it
             serve
             thine
             eternal
             good
             ,
          
           
             
               I
               rest
               thine
               own
               ,
               JOS.
               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
             honourable
             ,
             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
             disturb
             me
             ,
             I
             would
             live
             above
             this
             lower
             region
             ,
             that
             no
             passages
             or
             providence
             whatsoever
             might
             put
             me
             out
             of
             frame
             ,
             nor
             disquiet
             my
             soul
             ,
             and
             unsettle
             me
             from
             my
             desirest
             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
             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
             't
             is
             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
             wishing
             and
             desiring
             ,
             when
             my
             glorified
             Brethren
             spend
             theirs
             in
             rejoycing
             and
             enjoying
             ?
             look
             as
             the
             poor
             imprisoned
             captive
             sighs
             under
             the
             burdensome
             clog
             of
             his
             Irons
             and
             can
             only
             pear
             through
             the
             Grace
             ,
             and
             think
             of
             ,
             and
             long
             for
             the
             sweetness
             of
             that
             liberty
             which
             he
             sees
             others
             enjoy
             :
             such
             methinks
             is
             my
             condition
             :
             I
             can
             only
             look
             through
             the
             Grate
             of
             this
             Prison
             my
             flesh
             ,
             I
             see
             Abraham
             ,
             and
             Isaac
             ,
             and
             J●…ob
             ,
             sitting
             down
             in
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             God
             ,
             but
             alas
             ,
             I
             my self
             must
             stand
             without
             longing
             ,
             striving
             ,
             fighting
             ,
             running
             ,
             praying
             ,
             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
             clothed
             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
             dwelling
             in
             it
             like
             Salt
             as
             it
             were
             to
             preserve
             ,
             it
             would
             soon
             turn
             to
             pu●…faction
             and
             corruption
             ,
             and
             be
             as
             odious
             and
             loathsom
             as
             the
             filthiest
             Carrion
             ,
             when
             you
             have
             put
             on
             incorruption
             and
             immortality
             .
             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
             ●…ep
             ,
             so
             that
             I
             live
             but
             little
             of
             the
             short
             time
             I
             have
             allotted
             me
             here
             :
             but
             oh
             blessed
             souls
             ,
             you
             are
             swallowed
             up
             of
             immortality
             and
             life
             ,
             your
             race
             is
             run
             ,
             and
             you
             have
             received
             your
             Crown
             How
             ●●●rious
             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
             't
             is
             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
             bosom
             ,
             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
             cloathed
             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
             receive
             the
             purchase
             of
             my
             Saviour
             ,
             the
             fruit
             of
             my
             prayers
             ,
             the
             harvest
             of
             my
             labours
             ,
             the
             end
             of
             my
             Faith
             ,
             the
             Salvation
             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
             sojour
             in
             Mesech
             ,
             and
             dwell
             in
             the
             Tents
             of
             K●…dar
             .
             Oh
             that
             I
             had
             wings
             like
             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
             Lord
             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
             ●…hall
             rest
             in
             hope
             ,
             and
             I
             will
             daily
             bath
             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
             runs
             not
             beyoud
             thy
             Commission
             .
             Alas
             ,
             now
             I
             ●…ceive
             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
             haue
             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
               ,
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             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
             evacuatin
             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
             company
             .
             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
             fervent
             love
             :
             Methinks
             I
             see
             it
             ,
             and
             feel
             how
             it
             runs
             through
             all
             the
             veins
             of
             every
             ●…etter
             ,
             nay
             ,
             
             every
             Line
             ?
             I
             needed
             not
             so
             chargeable
             a
             Testomony
             as
             thy
             golden
             Token
             ,
             with
             which
             I
             was
             somthing
             displeased
             ,
             because
             I
             thought
             thou
             needest
             more
             than
             my self
             :
             but
             the
             love
             thereby
             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
             profest
             between
             us
             ,
             I
             never
             lookt
             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
             running
             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
             talke
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             write
             of
             him
             with
             perpetual
             pleasure
             .
             Through
             grace
             ,
             I
             can
             say
             ,
             methinks
             I
             am
             now
             in
             my
             Element
             ,
             since
             I
             have
             begun
             to
             make
             mention
             of
             him
             ,
             I
             am
             rich
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             happy
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             my
             soul
             saith
             unto
             him
             with
             Divid
             ,
             Thou
             hast
             made
             me
             most
             Blessed
             for
             evermore
             ,
             and
             happy
             is
             the
             hour
             that
             ever
             I
             was
             born
             to
             be
             made
             partaker
             of
             so
             blisful
             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
             Secrets
             of
             my
             Soul
             ,
             &
             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
             thy
             mind
             ,
             who
             said
             one
             to
             another
             when
             they
             had
             eat
             and
             drunk
             ,
             a●…d
             carried
             away
             silver
             and
             gold
             ,
             and
             raiment
             ,
             and
             went
             and
             hid
             it
             ,
             
               We
               do
               not
               well
               ,
               this
               day
               is
               a
               day
               of
               good
               tydings
               and
               we
               hold
               our
               peace
               .
            
             It
             is
             sit
             that
             I
             should
             be
             cloathed
             
             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
             exhalt
             his
             Name
             together
             ,
             he
             is
             my
             solace
             in
             my
             solitude
             ,
             he
             is
             my
             standing
             comforter
             ,
             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
             among
             the
             Branches
             ;
             and
             whither
             should
             I
             go
             but
             unto
             him
             ?
             Shall
             I
             leave
             the
             fa●…ness
             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
             fancie
             ,
             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
             abundance
             of
             your
             love
             :
             ]
             in
             this
             ,
             my
             Pylades
             ,
             in
             this
             thou
             maist
             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
             alittle
             the
             better
             loved
             sor
             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
             towards
             him
             .
          
           
           
             But
             why
             ,
             my
             Pylades
             ,
             why
             is
             thy
             stile
             towards
             me
             changed
             ?
             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
             satisfied
             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
             .
          
           
             Besides
             ,
             I
             find
             some
             jealous
             passages
             in
             thy
             last
             lines
             unto
             us
             ;
             but
             canst
             thou
             think
             that
             
               T.
               B.
            
             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
             only
             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
             costly
             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.
                 12.
                 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
             .
             Is
             it
             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
             as
             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
             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
             preserments
             ,
             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
             great●…
             wisdom
             .
             If
             Religion
             will
             make
             you
             vile
             ,
             resolve
             with
             tha●…●…yal
             Worthy
             ,
             
             that
             you
             will
             be
             yet
             more
             vile
             .
             Remember
             who
             accounted
             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
             ●…ignified
             with
             the
             highest
             Titles
             that
             the
             greatest
             on
             Earth
             can
             conser
             :
             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
             Earthly
             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
             os
             Faith
             ,
             and
             look
             as
             far
             as
             the
             approaching
             Judgement
             ,
             will
             easily
             see
             the
             vanity
             of
             the
             worlds
             riches
             and
             flattering
             preferments
             ,
             and
             the
             everlasting
             glory
             and
             honour
             wherewith
             the
             dispised
             Saints
             shall
             surely
             be
             Crowned
             .
             Fix
             your
             eyes
             and
             Meditations
             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
             sor
             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
               Cousin
               ,
            
          
           
             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
             eternal
             life
             ?
             have
             you
             made
             sure
             work
             for
             everlasting
             ?
             have
             you
             past
             the
             straits
             of
             the
             New-Birth
             ?
             do
             you
             bear
             upon
             you
             the
             marks
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             ?
          
           
             If
             you
             shall
             pass
             by
             a
             sumptuous
             Fabrick
             ,
             and
             a
             great
             Lordship
             ,
             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
             hop●…
             ,
             would
             not
             every
             one
             say
             ,
             this
             were
             a
             piece
             of
             strange
             vanity
             and
             imprudence
             ;
             much
             greater
             folly
             is
             it
             to
             promise
             our selves
             a
             part
             in
             Paradise
             ,
             and
             rest
             satisfied
             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
             venture
             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
             left
             of
             entring
             into
             rest
             ,
             you
             should
             by
             any
             mistakes
             ,
             or
             self-deceits
             fall
             short
             through
             unbelief
             ;
             fear
             lest
             you
             should
             take
             Count●…●…old
             ,
             or
             some
             common
             workings
             for
             saving
             Grace
             .
             Oh
             ,
             there
             is
             a
             world
             of
             counterfeit
             Coin
             going
             ,
             multitudes
             perish
             by
             mistake
             ,
             and
             wake
             in
             Hell
             ,
             whilest
             they
             dreamt
             they
             were
             in
             Heaven
             :
             the
             temp●…er
             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
             trembling
             :
             away
             with
             these
             lazie
             Prayers
             ,
             away
             with
             these
             cold
             and
             heartless
             Professions
             ,
             away
             with
             this
             drowsie
             ,
             liveless
             ,
             ●…less
             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
             ●…thful
             heart
             ,
             and
             the
             cares
             of
             this
             World
             ,
             or
             a
             presumptuous
             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
             havee
             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
            
             Closer
             and
             Family
             Prayers
             ,
             and
             weekly
             Catechising
             
             of
             his
             Houshold
             ,
             and
             strict
             sanctifying
             of
             the
             Sabbath
             ,
             and
             reading
             of
             the
             Scriptures
             singing
             of
             Psalms
             ,
             repeating
             of
             Sermons
             ,
             and
             diligent
             attendance
             upon
             powerful
             Preaching
             may
             be
             his
             continual
             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
             children
             ,
             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
             aga●…●…nd
             again
             under
             the
             sentence
             of
             death
             ;
             but
             was
             brought
             in
             〈…〉
             ●…-litter
             to
             Bath
             ,
             where
             God
             hath
             wonderfully
             restored
             me
             ,
             so
             that
             I
             can
             feed
             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
             receive
             :
             I
             now
             commend
             you
             to
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             with
             mide
             own
             and
             my
             dear
             Wivet
             love
             to
             you
             both
             ,
             Rest
             ,
          
           
             
               Your
               loving
               and
               careful
               Uncle
               ,
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
             
               
                 Octob.
                 21.
                 1668.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
           
             LETTER
             .
             XXXV
             .
             [
             The
             Concernments
             of
             our
             Souls
             especially
             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
             helpless
             to
             you
             ;
             Yet
             you
             have
             one
             friend
             on
             earth
             that
             careth
             for
             you
             .
             The
             welfare
             of
             your
             immortal
             soul
             is
             dear
             to
             me
             ,
             and
             is
             the
             matter
             of
             my
             sollicitons
             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
             .
             O
             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
               judgement
               be
               ;
               thy
               life
               shall
               go
               for
               his
               life
               .
            
             Ah
             Cousin
             ,
             take
             earnest
             heed
             ,
             lest
             while
             you
             are
             going
             hither
             and
             thither
             ,
             minding
             many
             things
             ,
             〈…〉
             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
             Closer
             with
             solemn
             and
             fervent
             prayer
             .
             And
             take
             heed
             ,
             it
             you
             love
             your
             salvation
             ,
             lest
             Saran
             beguile
             you
             with
             the
             bare
             outward
             performance
             of
             duties
             a●…d
             ou●…ward
             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
             pra●…
             ,
             hear
             ,
             and
             read
             ,
             and
             all
             to
             no
             purpose
             ,
             except
             your
             very
             Soul
             be
             employed
             and
             engaged
             in
             these
             duties
             ;
             and
             
             the
             ●…ife
             ,
             vigour
             ,
             and
             strength
             of
             your
             affections
             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
             wh●…
             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
             tbe
             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
             condemned
             ;
             I
             must
             be
             born
             again
             ,
             or
             else
             would
             I
             had
             never
             been
             born
             :
             but
             of
             this
             present
             world
             there
             is
             no
             such
             necessity
             ;
             I
             may
             be
             poor
             ,
             and
             yet
             happy
             :
             but
             wo
             unto
             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
             throng
             ?
             While
             I
             live
             ,
             I
             shall
             pray
             and
             care
             for
             you
             .
             Farewel
             in
             the
             Lord.
             I
             am
          
           
             
               Your
               truly
               loving
               and
               careful
               uncle
               ,
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
          
        
         
           
           
             LETTER
             .
             XXXVI
             .
             [
             Godly
             Counsels
             .
             ]
          
           
             
               Dear
               Cousin
               ,
            
          
           
             THE
             welcome
             tydings
             of
             your
             safe
             arrival
             at
             Barbadoes
             ,
             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
             be●…est
             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
             discouraged
             by
             these
             things
             ,
             but
             look
             to
             Heaven
             ,
             flie
             unto
             Jesus
             ,
             put
             away
             every
             known
             sin
             ,
             set
             upon
             the
             conscientious
             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
             Religon
             your
             very
             business
             .
             O
             Cousin
             ,
             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
             Lettters
             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
             Devils
             ,
             or
             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
               !
               whither
               art
               thou
               going
               ?
               do
               not
               I
               know
               in
               my
               very
               heart
               that
               I
               must
               be
               converted
               or
               condemned
               ?
               That
               I
               must
               be
               Sanctified
               ,
               or
               I
               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
             the
             World
             to-come
             ?
             Do
             I
             first
             seek
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             and
             the
             Righteousness
             thereof
             ?
             Do
             I
             think
             Heaven
             will
             drop
             into
             my
             mouth
             ?
             that
             Glory
             and
             immortality
             will
             be
             got
             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
             never
             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
             Christ
             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
             wil●…ull
             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
             eternal
             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
             Father
             to
             you
             ,
             Take
             heed
             of
             these
             three
             things
             :
          
           
             
               1.
               
               
                 Lest
                 the
                 gain
                 of
                 the
                 World
                 prove
                 the
                 loss
                 of
                 your
                 Soul
                 :
              
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 Lest
                 the
                 snare
                 of
                 evil
                 company
                 withdraw
                 you
                 from
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 prove
                 your
                 final
                 ruine
                 .
              
            
             
               
               3.
               
               
                 L●…t
                 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
             temptations
             are
             many
             ,
             and
             your
             helps
             for
             Heaveu
             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
             eternal
             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
             practices
             into
             his
             Judgement
             .
             Your
             Aunt
             ,
             with
             my self
             ,
             commend
             our
             dear
             love
             to
             you
             ;
             and
             I
             commend
             you
             to
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             remain
             ,
          
           
             
               Your
               loving
               and
               careful
               Uncle
               ,
               JOS.
               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
             Neece
             ,
             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
             your
             stand
             in
             ,
             and
             look
             about
             you
             with
             trembling
             .
             Methinks
             I
             see
             Satan
             watching
             for
             your
             Souls
             ,
             as
             the
             Dragon
             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
             ?
             Methinks
             I
             see
             Temptations
             surrounding
             you
             ,
             and
             belaguering
             you
             ,
             as
             the
             enemy
             about
             the
             Walls
             of
             the
             Treacherous
             party
             within
             you
             ,
             I
             mean
             carnal
             affections
             and
             corruptions
             ,
             complo●…tinge
             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
             deceitful
             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
             your
             Salvation
             with
             ●…ear
             and
             trembling
             :
             Do
             you
             ever
             think
             to
             escape
             these
             mighty
             enemies
             ,
             to
             conquer
             the
             power
             ,
             and
             avoid
             the
             plots
             and
             snares
             of
             those
             potent
             adversaries
             ,
             without
             most
             painful
             diligence
             ?
             O
             cry
             to
             Heaven
             for
             help
             ;
             watch
             and
             pray
             ;
             fear
             ,
             lest
             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
             devoor
             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
             temptations
             wherewith
             you
             are
             encompassed
             .
             I
             would
             not
             have
             you
             over-careful
             for
             the
             things
             of
             this
             lise
             ,
             though
             I
             commend
             your
             laudable
             care
             and
             diligence
             ,
             that
             you
             may
             not
             be
             burdensome
             to
             any
             man
             ;
             but
             I
             commend
             to
             you
             a
             better
             a●…d
             more
             necessary
             care
             ,
             and
             that
             is
             that
             which
             the
             Apos●…le
             speaks
             of
             ,
             the
             Virgins
             care
             ;
             
               The
               unmarried
            
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             
               
                 careth
              
               
               for
               the
               things
               of
               the
               Lord.
            
             Ah
             ,
             let
             this
             be
             your
             eare
             ;
             seek
             first
             the
             Kingdom
             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
             be
             pleased
             with
             you
             ;
             condemn
             your selves
             ,
             that
             God
             may
             acquit
             you
             .
             The
             leven
             of
             pride
             will
             sowre
             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
             wretched
             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
             extremities
             ,
             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
             resurection
             to
             my
             body
             .
             I
             can
             now
             walk
             alone
             ,
             and
             feed
             my self
             ,
             but
             am
             altogether
             unable
             to
             write
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             reason
             why
             these
             come
             to
             you
             in
             another
             hand
             .
             Dear
             Cousin
             ,
             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
             trespass
             no
             more
             ,
             but
             with
             my
             own
             and
             dear
             Wives
             love
             to
             you
             ,
             I
             commend
             you
             to
             God
             ,
             and
             rest
             ,
          
           
             
               Your
               loving
               and
               careful
               uncle
               ,
               JOS.
               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
             con●…nued
             upon
             me
             five
             months
             ,
             and
             to
             this
             day
             so
             much
             weakness
             remains
             in
             my
             arms
             ,
             that
             I
             am
             not
             able
             to
             put
             off
             or
             on
             my
             own
             clothes
             .
             Your
             Letter
             was
             exceeding
             welcome
             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
             useful
             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
             shall
             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
             only
             for
             a
             day
             in
             the
             week
             ,
             or
             an
             hour
             or
             two
             in
             the
             day
             ;
             but
             every
             day
             ,
             and
             all
             the
             day
             .
             I
             am
             ambitious
             to
             come
             up
             towards
             that
             of
             our
             Lord
             and
             Master
             ,
             
               To
               do
               always
               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
             ●…ain
             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
             my 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.
             3.
             24.
             
             I
             verily
             perceive
             I
             am
             an
             external
             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
             only
             wisdom
             to
             be
             removing
             ,
             and
             ,
             as
             it
             were
             ,
             transplanting
             and
             transporting
             what
             we
             can
             ,
             from
             hence
             ,
             into
             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
               he
               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
             done
             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
             recruited
             and
             fitted
             to
             serve
             him
             better
             the
             next
             day
             .
             
               Never
               to
               rise
               up
               but
               with
               this
               r●…solution
               ,
               Well
               ,
               I
               will
               go
               forth
               this
               day
               in
               the
               Name
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               will
               make
               Religion
               my
               business
               ,
               and
               spend
               the
               d●…y
               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
             dissembling
             with
             God
             and
             Men
             :
             yet
             ,
             that
             I
             am
             unuseful
             ,
             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
             study
             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
             commend
             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
             conversion
             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
             Fleece
             ,
             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
             rejoice
             in
             your
             happy
             Yoke-fellow
             :
             salute
             her
             from
             your
             old
             Friend
             ,
             and
             accept
             the
             unfeigned
             respects
             of
             him
             who
             is
             ,
             Sir
             ,
          
           
             
               Your
               real
               and
               faithful
               Friend
               ;
               JOS.
               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
             welcome
             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
             respects
             to
             the
             people
             of
             my
             desires
             ;
             and
             not
             only
             to
             them
             ,
             but
             to
             the
             whole
             Church
             of
             God
             ;
             and
             in
             all
             whose
             concernments
             ,
             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
             requi●…e
             you
             ,
             who
             will
             shortly
             say
             ,
             
               Inasmuch
               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
             confinement
             ,
             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
               pro
               te
            
             ,
             To
             which
             he
             answered
             ,
             
               Nihil
               domine
               nisi
               pati
               ac
               contemni
               pro●…e
               .
            
             Undoubtedly
             ,
             Sir
             ,
             it
             is
             our
             real
             glory
             to
             be
             throughout
             conformed
             to
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             not
             onely
             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
             consolations
             in
             Christ
             do
             much
             more
             then
             superabound
             in
             all
             your
             tribulations
             for
             him
             :
             Yet
             let
             me
             add
             this
             one
             Cordial
             ,
             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
             only
             a
             remoter
             right
             ,
             unless
             in
             a
             suffering
             state
             :
             
             And
             doubtless
             he
             hath
             gotten
             well
             ,
             that
             hath
             gotten
             such
             a
             number
             of
             exceeding
             great
             and
             precious
             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
             Promises
             fallen
             to
             you
             ?
          
           
             I
             can
             tell
             you
             little
             good
             of
             my self
             ;
             but
             this
             I
             can
             tell
             you
             ,
             That
             the
             Primises
             of
             God
             were
             never
             so
             sweet
             in
             this
             world
             to
             me
             ,
             as
             in
             and
             since
             my
             imprisoned
             state
             .
             Oh
             the
             bottomless
             riches
             of
             the
             Covenant
             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 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
             profess
             to
             believe
             .
             May
             ours
             and
             our
             peoples
             conversations
             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
             present
             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
             .
             Porphyry
             tells
             us
             of
             Photinus
             ,
             that
             he
             was
             ashamed
             to
             see
             himself
             in
             the
             body
             ;
             to
             see
             a
             Divine
             and
             immortal
             soul
             in
             a
             Prison
             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
             w●…at
             he
             will
             say
             to
             us
             ,
             
               Come
               ye
               Blessed
               ,
               &c.
            
             
             Surely
             we
             shall
             stand
             in
             his
             Judgement
             :
             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
               ●…ld
               shall
               rejoyce
               ,
               but
               ye
               shall
               weep
               and
               lament
               :
               You
               shall
               be
               sorrowful
               ,
               but
               your
               sorrow
               shall
               be
               tu●…ned
               into
               joy
               .
            
             Oh
             how
             reviving
             are
             his
             words
             !
             
               I
               will
               see
               you
               again
               ,
               and
               your
               heart
               shall
               rejoyce
               ,
               and
               your
               joy
               no
               man
               taketh
               away
               from
               you
               .
            
          
           
             If
             that
             miserable
             wretch
             leapt
             chearfully
             off
             the
             Ladder
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
               I
               shall
               be
               a
               Queen
               in
               Hell
               :
            
             With
             that
             joy
             should
             we
             do
             and
             suffer
             for
             God
             ,
             who
             have
             his
             Truth
             in
             pawn
             ,
             that
             we
             shall
             be
             Crown'd
             in
             Heaven
             ?
             Verily
             ,
             they
             are
             wonderful
             Preparations
             that
             are
             making
             for
             us
             :
             The
             Lord
             prepare
             us
             ap●…e
             ,
             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
             ,
             
               T●…tum
               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
             
               wou'd
               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
             fro●…h
             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
             ●…row
             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
             ,
             't
             is
             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
             whether
             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
             tall
             growth
             ,
             great
             experience
             ,
             singular
             communion
             ,
             that
             you
             may
             burn
             and
             shine
             in
             your
             place
             ,
             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
             running
             through
             your
             whole
             course
             .
             'T
             is
             the
             disgrace
             of
             Profession
             ,
             that
             there
             is
             so
             little
             difference
             to
             be
             seen
             in
             the
             ordinary
             conversation
             of
             Believers
             from
             other
             men
             :
             It
             is
             not
             a
             shame
             ,
             that
             when
             we
             are
             in
             company
             with
             others
             ,
             this
             should
             be
             all
             the
             difference
             that
             is
             to
             be
             seen
             ,
             only
             that
             we
             will
             not
             curse
             and
             swear
             ,
             as
             do
             the
             worst
             of
             men
             ?
             Christians
             ,
             if
             you
             will
             honour
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             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
             tipt
             with
             holiness
             :
             may
             your
             mouths
             be
             as
             a
             Well
             of
             Life
             ,
             from
             whence
             may
             flow
             the
             holy
             Streams
             of
             edifying
             discourse
             :
             may
             you
             ever
             remember
             ,
             as
             you
             are
             sitting
             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
               setling
               of
               their
               spiritual
               Estates
               .
            
             'T
             is
             a
             common
             complaint
             amongst
             Christians
             ,
             that
             they
             want
             assurance
             .
             Oh
             ,
             if
             any
             of
             you
             that
             wanted
             assurance
             when
             you
             came
             to
             Prison
             ,
             may
             carry
             that
             blessing
             our
             ,
             what
             hap●…y
             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
             designs
             .
             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
             't
             is
             well
             .
             God
             looks
             for
             extraordinary
             dispensation
             .
             Be
             restless
             till
             you
             can
             say
             ,
             that
             you
             know
             't
             is
             well
             ?
             that
             you
             know
             you
             are
             passed
             from
             death
             to
             life
             .
          
           
             Think
             not
             that
             this
             is
             a
             priviledge
             that
             onely
             a
             few
             may
             expect
             .
             Observe
             but
             these
             three
             things
             :
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 
                   To
                   acquaint
                   your selves
                   throughly
                   with
                   the
                   condition
                   of
                   Life
                   ,
                   and
                   take
                   heed
                   of
                   laying
                   the
                   marks
                   of
                   Salvation
                   either
                   too
                   high
                   or
                   too
                   low
                   .
                
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 
                   To
                   be
                   much
                   in
                   observing
                   the
                   frame
                   ,
                   and
                   bent
                   ,
                   and
                   workings
                   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
             ,
             nad
             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
             ability
             to
             give
             ;
             only
             I
             will
             tell
             you
             my
             wishes
             for
             you
             :
             I
             wish
             that
             your
             body
             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
             iu
             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
             ,
             Experiences
             ,
             Communion
             ,
             and
             Prisonartainments
             ,
             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
               ,
               JO●…
               .
               ALLEINE
               .
            
             
               
                 Jan.
                 10.
                 1664.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
           
             LETTER
             .
             XL.
             [
             Directions
             to
             the
             Ministers
             of
             Somersetshire
             and
             Wiltshire
             ,
             for
             the
             instructing
             of
             Families
             by
             way
             of
             Catechising
             .
             ]
          
           
             
               Sir
               ,
            
          
           
             THis
             Letter
             cometh
             to
             you
             ,
             like
             the
             men
             of
             Macedonia
             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
             to
             slender
             a
             return
             to
             the
             most
             High
             God
             ,
             God
             ,
             who
             hath
             made
             us
             such
             wonders
             of
             Mercy
             ,
             and
             such
             signal
             instances
             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
             an
             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
             short
             ,
             our
             expressions
             are
             too
             low
             ,
             either
             to
             conceive
             or
             utter
             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
             deliverance
             .
          
           
             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
             fitting
             sacrifice
             ?
             Verily
             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
             better
             ,
             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
             certainly
             they
             aré
             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
             heart
             of
             his
             Children
             towards
             him
             !
             Sir
             ,
             you
             cannot
             pleasure
             us
             in
             any
             thing
             so
             much
             as
             in
             th●…s
             ,
             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
             pardon
             for
             our
             length
             ;
             but
             the
             love
             of
             Christ
             constraineth
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             hope
             you
             will
             pass
             by
             an
             error
             of
             love
             .
          
           
             While
             we
             have
             been
             devising
             what
             to
             do
             for
             our
             God
             ,
             we
             thought
             we
             could
             no
             way
             better
             him
             ,
             than
             by
             providing
             such
             as
             you
             are
             to
             set
             up
             his
             great
             Name
             with
             us
             .
             We
             love
             and
             honour
             you
             ,
             not
             only
             as
             you
             are
             a
             Member
             ,
             but
             a
             Minister
             of
             Christ
             Jesus
             our
             Lord
             ,
             and
             therefore
             deserve
             to
             be
             doubly
             dear
             unto
             us
             :
             And
             because
             we
             could
             think
             of
             no
             more
             pleasing
             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
             dedicate
             ,
             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
             neglected
             work
             of
             Catechising
             ;
             not
             a
             little
             pleasing
             our selves
             in
             the
             sweet
             hope
             ,
             that
             by
             your
             means
             we
             may
             be
             instrumental
             to
             spread
             the
             sweet
             savour
             of
             the
             knowledge
             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
             Christ
             ,
             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
             that
             people
             be
             publikely
             and
             privately
             instructed
             about
             the
             high
             necessity
             and
             great
             usefulness
             of
             this
             duty
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             the
             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
             engage
             the
             Master
             or
             Mistress
             of
             every
             Family
             ,
             for
             the
             forwardsng
             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
             Capacities
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             That
             you
             would
             favour
             us
             so
             far
             ,
             as
             to
             let
             us
             know
             as
             speedily
             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
             souls
             will
             even
             travel
             in
             Birth
             for
             the
             success
             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
             pains
             ;
             and
             that
             we
             have
             not
             run
             in
             vain
             ,
             nor
             laboured
             in
             vain
             .
             If
             there
             be
             any
             of
             these
             Catechisms
             remaining
             in
             your
             hands
             that
             you
             cannot
             dispose
             of
             by
             our
             Lady-day
             ,
             be
             pleased
             to
             send
             them
             to
             Mr.
             Bernard
             ,
             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
               Servants
               ,
               and
               your
               Friends
               ,
               JOS.
               BERNARD
               .
               and
               JOS.
               ALLEINE
               .
            
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .