A

CHRISTIAN LIBRARY:

CONSISTING OF

EXTRACTS FROM AND ABRIDGMENTS OF

THE

CHOICEST PIECES

OF

PRACTICAL DIVINITY

WHICH HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE ENGLISH TONGUE.

IN THIRTY VOLUMES:

FIRST PUBLISHED IN 175O, IN FIFTY VOLUMES, DUODECIMO.

BY JOHN WESLEY, MA.

LATE FELLOW OF LINCOLN COLLEGE, OXFORD.

VOL. XIV

LONDON:

1822.

CONTENTS.

EXTRACTS

FROM

THE WORKS

MR. JOSEPH ALLEIN:

TO WHICH IS PARFIXED,

THE

LIFE

OF

MR. JOSEPH ALLEIN.

            JOSEPH ALLEIN was born at Devizes, in Wiltshire, in the year 1633. In his childhood he showed a singular sweetness of disposition, and a remarkable diligence in every thing. When he was about eleven years old he was very constant in private prayer; and so serious and intent in it, that he would not be taken off by any person coming accidentally into the places of his retirement. Prom this time the whole course of his youth was an even-spun thread of wise conversation, which was ren­dered more amiable by his sweet and pleasant deportment towards all with whom he conversed.

            About this time, his brother, MR. EDWARD ALLEIN a worthy minister of the gospel, died; upon which Joseph earnestly desired that he might be trained up to succeed him in the work of the ministry. This request was readily complied with by his father, who accordingly sent him to school: and such was his industry there, that the time allotted to recreation was by him spent at his book; insomuch that, in the space of about four years, he attained to such a knowledge in the Latin and Greek tongues, that he was judged by his master to be fit for the University. He now abode for some. time with his father; and a worthy minister of the place read Logic to him.

            When he was about sixteen years old, he went to the University, and was placed in Lincoln College in Oxford; where he had not been long, before a Wiltshire place becoming void in Corpus CHRISTi College, he was chosen scholar of that house.  Being settled there, he gave early and excellent proofs of close attention to his studies, accounting it his great happiness that he had gained this opportunity of im­proving his learning. And indeed he spared no labor by day or night; he thought no pains too great which he employed for that end. By his own good will he would have done nothing else but pray and study; and if friends came to visit him at such times, (though otherwise of a very social disposition,) they were sure to find him within, but not sure of being admitted to see him. He usually rose at four in the morning, though sometimes he retired not to rest till about one.

            So covetous was he of time, that as he could scarcely spare any for sleep, so neither for food; and it was usual for him to give away his commons at least once a day, that he might gain the more time to his study.

            By this diligence in his studies he advanced (through Golfs blessing) so greatly in learning, that his profiting appeared to all. He would often say, that he chiefly affected rational learning; valuing skill in the languages only for the sake of things, and those things chiefly, which were most likely to improve his judgment. And the truth of this was' sufficiently evident; for all that were acquainted with him knew him to be, not only a good linguist, but an acute disputant, and an excellent philosopher. When he performed any academical exercises, either in the hall or in the schools, he always came off with applause.

            His early accomplishments were so much noticed, that no sooner had he taken his degree of Bachelor of Arts, but he was also compelled to become a tutor, and pre­sently was entrusted with as great a number of pupils as any in the house. Some of his scholars were Gra­duates in Divinity, singular ornaments to that society, andprofitable instruments in the church of CHRIST. During his abode there, a Chaplain's place falling void, he chose That before a Fellowship, which, he knew, in a little time would fall to him of course; and of this choice he net er repented, but often reflected upon it with great comfort; for he had always an ardent affection for prayer, inso­much that he seldom parted with a friend, without first praying with him: what a pleasure then was it to him, twice a day, to engage a whole society in so beloved an exercise! And well was it for the College that he so esteemed it; for it was hardly possible that any one could have performed that office better. He did not trouble them with great noise, vain tautologies, crude effusions, unintelligible sense, or mysterious nonsense, instead of prayer: his spirit was serious, his gesture reverent, his words few, but premeditated and well weighed, pithy, solid, and fully expressive of his truly humble and earnest desires. He hated that irreverence, which some call holy boldness, and drew near to GOD, not as if he had been going to play, but as became a creature over-awed with the majesty of his great CREATOR: he prayed with the spirit and with the understanding also: he confessed sin with real grief, and inward hatred and detestation of it: he craved mercies like one that felt the want and worth of what he begged, with faith, fervency, and humble importunity; his affections working, but working rationally as well as strongly.

            And this, as doubtless it prevailed with GOD, so on the hearers it had the more powerful influence, because they found it to be not merely an occasional excitement, but exactly agreeable to the habitual disposition of the speaker. There are too many, who, whilst praying and preaching, appear very devout, but when out of the pulpit, are as light as others. But it was far otherwise with MR. ALLEIN: he was always composed, serious, and grave, above his age: he set GOD always before him; and, wherever he was, he still labored to walk as in his presence. It was his care to make religion his business, and his great endeavor to walk by rule: his main design in all his ways was, to approve himself to his heavenly FATIYER, from whom nothing is hid; and his exercise was, " to keep a conscience void of offence, both towards Gm) and towards man."

            As for the pleasures of sin, he utterly abhorred them; and as for lawful pleasures, his heart was little taken with them. His conversation being in heaven, his sweetest comforts, and most divine refreshments, were holy and heavenly: his soul took many a delightful prospect of eternity, and he enjoyed a comfortable persuasion, that, ere long, he should inherit those glorious mansions; and this raised him above earthly glory, or the poor, empty delights of sense.

He was of a sweet disposition, and of as highly refined a conversation, as a man subject to the common frailties of human nature could be. He had scarcely a gesture which did not seem to speak, and, by a powerful and charming rhetoric, affect all with whom he conversed. Besides other moral perfections that he was endued with, it might be truly said of him, as the historian said of the Emperor, that he was totus ex comitate, made up entirely of courtesy and affability.

He was a true and faithful friend to those’who had interest in his friendship, and as pleasant as a serious Christian could wish: he was not rash in choosing, but having chosen he loved entirely. There was but one thing which he thought too much for any, for whom he thought not his love too good; he could not sin for any friend he had on earth: he was a friend usque ad aras; so far as lawfully and conscientiously he might do any thing, he held back from nothing, wherein he might serve those whom he loved.

            Yet whilst to his friends he showed himself friendly, good nature, as well as Christianity, obliged him to be kind to all, and, according to his ability, bountiful. He was too careful to misplace his charity, yet not so covetous as to withhold it when he met with fit objects. He did not think the little he had so much his own, as that his necessitous brethren might not claim a part in it; and therefore he gave to them as if he had been paying a debt, and not bestowing an alms. But, above all, his love and affection to the souls of others was most admirable, to whom he desired and endeavored to do all the good possible, insomuch that some thought they should never have found the way to eternal life, if he had lived to him-self. His charity to the poor Prisoners in Oxford Gaol was very eminent, amongst whom, (as MR. PERKINS did at Cambridge,) of his own accord, he began to preach, and continued regularly whilst he remained in the town, once a fortnight, for above the space of twelve months; en­couraging them to attend upon his ministry, by a considerable allowance of bread, bestowed at his own expense. He used also, at other times, frequently to visit others, who in the world were but mean and low: his main design, together.with the relief of their temporal wants, being to assist their souls in the way to heaven. Indeed, in all his conversation, wherever he came, he was like fire, warming, refreshing, and quickening all that were about him; kindling in them the like zeal for GOD and goodness, which he had in himself. None came to visit or to be acquainted with him, but (if the fault were not in themselves) they were able to get much good by him; indeed so much as to be for ever the better for him. It was hardly possible to be in his company, and not to hear from him such things, as, if well weighed, might have been enough to make one out of conceit with sin, and in love with virtue. He thought that day wholly lost wherein no one had obtained good by him; and he lived as if he had been quickened by the saying of TERTULLIAN, " To what purpose is it to live, and not to live to some good purpose? " His ardent love to souls hastened_his removal into the country, where his opportunities of doing good might be increased.

            Mr. RICHARD ALLEIN, one of his near relations, has given him the following character:

            As a man, he was of quick natural talents, and of great acquired abilities; of a grave, composed, and serious temper and behavior; not morose, but full of candour; free, affable, cheerful, and courteous.

            As a Christian, he was in holiness, heavenly-mind­edness, and exemplariness of life, much elevated above ordinary Christians. He had much delightful commu­nion with Gon: his soul was much exercised in divine contemplation; and to provoke others to the like exercise, he would often speak what ineffable sweetness his soul had found in his stated, meditations, upon the divine attri­butes. In prayer he was not engaged so much. in con­fessing of sin, and complaining of corruption and infir­mities, (though he expressed a due sense of these,) as in admiring. and praising GOD in his infinite and glorious per­fections, and in the mention of his wonderful works, par­ticularly of the wonders of his love in JESUS CHRIST.

            His whole life also was adorned with the admirable lustre of particular personal graces:—as,

            First. He was made up of Love. His sweet, amiable, and courteous carriage was such as made him the delight of his acquaintance, and it made way for the entertain­ment, both of his serious. counsels, and severe reproofs. His compassion to those in distress; his bounty to those in want; his forbearance in case of offences; his affectio­nate language and deportment; and his readiness to every obliging office of love to all with whom he conversed, showed evidently how he loved them. Especially, his love was, more fully shown to the congregation among whom he exercised his ministry. His ardent longings after their spiritual welfare; his rejoicings in the pros­perity of their souls; his bleedings and heart-breakings for their falls and infirmities; his incessant labors among them, both publicly, and from house to house;. his fre­quent and affectionate letters to them when he was absent; and his earnest desire to live, to die, and to be buried among them, all show what a great place they had in his heart.

            Secondly. He was a man of Courage: he feared no danger in the way of his duty, knowing that " he that walks uprightly, walks surely." In doubtful cases he was inquisitive; but when once resolved, he was fearless. He feared not the faces of men, but, where occasion was, would boldly admonish, and faithfully reprove what he saw amiss; which unpleasant duty he managed with so much prudence, and with such expressions of love, as found a way into their hearts, and made his work the more successful.

            Thirdly. He was a son of Peace; a zealous peace-maker among brethren; a man of sober and peaceful prin­ciples; and of a healing spirit, as to factions upon, the account of religion. He had a reverent esteem of magis­trates, abhorring all provoking and insolent expressions, or mutinous actions against them.

            Fourthly. He was a great lover of Truth and Right­eousness in his own practice, and strongly enforced them upon others; especially upon professors of religion, whom he exhorted to be just in their dealings, and true in their words, wary in promising, and punctual in performing. Often did he bewail, and sharply reprove, promise-breaking and deceitful dealing.

            Fifthly. His Patience was very. exemplary; not only in his sufferings from men, but in the time of his long and great weakness, which lay upon him for some years; yet all that while he had a constant calmness and serenity of spirit, and was so far from murmuring, or discontent, that he was still blessing GOD for dealing so gently and tenderly with him.

            Sixthly, He was eminent in Liberality: he not only did, but devised liberal things. He studied and con­sidered both how he might himself give, and how he might induce others to give, relief to those that were in want. He daily gave much to the poor, both in the place where he lived, and wherever he came. When collections were made for pious or charitable uses, he stirred up others, both by his exhortations and example; and sometimes made addition in secret to what he had given publicly. He was very bountiful to many of his relations who were fallen into decay; yet his income was not above eighty pounds a year; only his wife, for several years, kept a Boarding-School, which considerably en­larged his estate. He took great pains in visiting gentle-men, and other rich men, to procure a standing mainte­nance for ministers that were in want.

            Seventhly. He was of an active spirit: he went about doing good. And as he was incessant in his labors in the congregation where he lived, so wherever he came, he would be scattering some good seed, not only among those of riper years, but among the children, asking them questions, and giving them counsel, which sometimes he left in writing among them. Especially in his own family, among his wife's scholars, he so deported himself, that many of them had towards him the awe and love of children to their father.

            Whilst he lay ill at has, he sent for many poor per-sons, both aged and children, and gave them Catechisms, engaging them to learn, and to give him an account of their proficiency therein; and they came cheerfully to him, being encouraged thereto by his winning carriage, and by his giving them money and food.

            Eightly. He was very humble. Though Con had highly exalted him in the judgments of others, yet was he low in his own eyes. His whole deportment savored of humility, and he used great condescension to the weakest and the meanest.

            “As a Minister, besides his labors in that great con­gregation where the LORD had placed him, the care of many other churches lay daily upon him. He went fre­quently into other parishes about the country, amongst poor ignorant people that lived in the dark corners, having none to take care of their souls, preached to them himself, and stirred up many of his brethren to do the like. He felt a concern for the poor Welsh, and had an influence in sending some Ministers among them,intending also to have spent some time among them him-self, and was hardly withheld from it by all the per­suasions of his friends, who told him of his inability to travel on account of his ill health and bodily weak­ness."

            The reading of this so inflamed the zeal of the REV. THOMAS GOUGE, that he was restless in his spirit, till, having settled his affairs about London, he had oppor­tunity to prosecute this design. He accordingly made many journeys both into South and North Wales, where he did much good, and by the assistance of several of his reverend brethren, and others, placed out many hundreds of poor children to school to learn English, and gave them Catechisms, and other good books, besides Bibles and New Testaments in Welsh; and procured the print­ing of Welsh Bibles, of which there were very few to be had, of the " Practice of Piety," and of other works, to be distributed among them.

            MR. GEORGE NEWTON, Minister of Taunton, has also given a similar testimony of MR. JOSEPH ALLEIN, who was his assistant. MR. JosEPH ALLEIN (says he) came to my assistance in the year 1655, being then about one-and-twenty years old. He was a young man of singular accomplishments, both natural and acquired: his understanding was solid, his memory strong, his affections lively, his learning much beyond the ordinary degree; and above all, his holiness was eminent, his conversation exemplary: in short, he had a good head, and a better heart.

            Much of his time he spent in private converse with Gm], and his own soul: he greatly delighted to perform secret devotions in the sight of heaven, and in the open air, when his opportunities served. At other times he kept alone, and then he would retire to a solitary house, probably, that he might freely use his voice as his affec­tions led him, which he could not have done where there were inhabitants, and that hci might converse with GOD without distraction.

            His society with others was always mingled with holy and heavenly discourses. He took all opportunities to instruct, exhort, and reprove, which he never failed to do, when he judged it necessary, whatever the event might prove: and his reproofs were accompanied with such humility, tenderness, and compassion, that they seldom failed to carry due conviction.

            In the houses where he sojourned, he comforted the souls of many. GOD freely poured grace into his lips, and he freely poured it out to others. No one could live quietly in any open sin under his inspection. When he came to abide in any house, he brought a blessing with him; and when he departed, he left a blessing behind him. When he was transplanting himself from one family to another, as his occasions sometimes required, he would call all the people, one by one, into his chamber, from whence, it was observed, that scarcely any one re-turned without tears.

            In the duties of the first table he was very exemplary and severe: his righteousness exceeded even that of the Pharisees. Yet was he as exact in the duties of the second table; a man of morals, never spotted with any unjust or uncharitable act. The failing of many pro­fessors, in this respect, drew from him many prayers, tears, complaints, and lamentations.

            He had an eminently free and bountiful heart, to his power, yea, and beyond his power. He did "good to all, especially to the household of faith." He was full of holy projects, for the advancement of both the spiritual and temporal good of others, which he so vigorously and prudently prosecuted, that they seldom failed.

He was a man of extraordinary condescension to the infirmities of weaker brethren, and used to deal with them in so humble, loving, and sweet a way, as "consi­dering himself, lest he also might be tempted." In their confessed failings he was not supercilious and censorious, but labored to "restore them with the spirit of meek­ness:" and when he deeply condemned the action, he would not judge of the state of the person. But though he was mild in his judgment of others, yet was he severe in his judgment of himself.

            In matters doubtful and disputable, he was not pe­remptory: he laid not more stress upon mere opinions in religion than belonged to them. He % 7as not like many, who are so confident in their determinations that they will hardly hold communion, nay, scarce so much as a pleasing conversation, with any man who cannot think, and speak, and act as they do in every thing. He would freely and familiarly converse with those of all persua­sions, who were sound in the faith, as to the funda­mentals of religion, and holy in their lives.

            His ministerial employments were easier to him than to many others, being of a quick apprehension; of a ready, strong, and faithful memory; of a free and nervous expression; and, above all, having a holy heart, that was always boiling up with good matter. He was always ready to preach and pray, and willing on every occasion to lay out himself in such work: though his warning sometimes was very short, he confidently cast himself upon the LORD'S assistance, who had never failed him; and thus he went freely about his work.

            He began upon a very considerable stock of learning, having gifts, both ministerial and personal, much beyond the proportion of his years, and grew exceedingly in his abilities and graces in a little time; and he became very rich in heavenly treasure, by GOD’s blessing on a diligent hand, so that he " was behind in no good gift." GOD blessed him with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things, and he returned all to heaven again. He served with all his might, and with all his strength: he was "abundant in the work of the LORD." He did not go, but ran the ways of GOD’s commandments: he "ran," and was " not weary;" he " walked," and was " not faint." He pressed hard towards the mark till he attained it: his race was swift and short, and his end glorious.

            He was greatly desirous of the conversion of souls, in which he had much success in the course of his ministry: and. to promote this end, he poured out his very heart in prayer and preaching. He imparted, not the gospel only, but his own soul to his hearers. His supplications and exhortations were many times so affectionate, so full of holy zeal and life, that they quite overcame his auditors. He so melted over them, that he thawed, mollified, and sometimes dissolved the hardest hearts; but while. he melted others, he wasted, and at last consumed himself.

            He was not satisfied with these his public employ­ments, but constantly went from house to house, con­versing with masters, children, and servants; instructing those especially in the fundamentals, both of the law and gospel, whom he found to be ignorant; gently reproving where he found any thing amiss; and exhorting them to diligence, both in their general and particular callings.

            He inspected, as far as he could, the state of every particular person, and reproved, comforted, and en­couraged, as he found occasion; yet with so much ten­derness, humility, and self-denial, that he gained upon the affections of all that entertained him, insomuch that those who were not visited at first, at length came forth, and called upon him to come and help them also.

            Thus did he wear out himself, to give light and heat unto others. He allowed himself too little sleep to recruit those spirits which he had wasted with labor and watch­ing. He rose constantly at four o'clock in the morning at farthest, that, having had communion with GOD, he might be the earlier at his other studies and employ­ments.

            He was a very grave, strict, serious, composed young man, yet not rigid in his principles: his moderation was known to all around him. He held, that separation in a church was many times necessary, from the known cor­ruptions of it; but allowed not separation from a church, where active compliance with some sinful evil was not made the condition of communion.

            When he catechized in public, he began with prayer for a blessing upon that duty. Then having propounded some questions out of the Catechism, his care was, not only to make them perfect in rehearsing the answers there set down, but also to bring them to a clear under-standing of the meaning of the answers, and of the phrases in which they were expressed, and to draw some practical inferences from the same. He farther instructed. them, by proposing several other questions besides those in the Catechism, which himself had before drawn up.

            In the evening of each LORD'S day, he used to repeat his sermon in the church, to which many people resorted; and when he had done, some young persons were called forth, who gave him an account of all the heads of it from their memories.

            When he went from house to house, he used to give them notice the day before, desiring that they would have their whole family together when he came; which being done, he instructed the younger sort in the principles of religion, by asking questions out of the Catechism, and explaining the answers. He was accustomed also to inquire of them about their spiritual state, laboring to make them sensible of the evil and danger of sin, the corruption of our natures, and the misery of an uncon­verted state; provoking them to look after the true remedy, to turn from all their sins to GOD, to close with CHRIST upon his own terms, to follow after holiness, to watch over their hearts and lives, to mortify their lusts, to redeem their time, and to prepare for eternity. These things he explained to their understandings, and pressed upon their consciences with the most forcible arguments and considerations; showing what great privileges they enjoyed, the many gospel-sermons they did or might hear, the many talents they were entrusted with, and the great account they were to give to GOD of the same. Besides, he left with them several counsels and directions, to be care-fully remembered and practiced for the good of their souls.

            Such as were serious and religious he helped forward in holiness, by answering their doubts, and encouraging them against their difficulties and discouragements; and before Le- left them, he used to converse with the masters of families, and with such as were grown up to the years of discretion, singly, in order that he might know the condi­tion of each particular person, and the better apply himself to each of them. If he found them living in the neglect of family worship, he used to press upon them to begin the exercise of that important duty, and to accompany it with the reading of the word of Gov; exhorting them also to the practice of private prayer. He also per­suaded mistresses of families to give their children and servants time for private duties, and to encourage them therein. If the family where he came was ignorant, he would insist the longer in instructing and catechising; if worldly, in reproving and convincing; if Godly, in en­couraging and directing.

            He was accustomed to spend five _afternoons every week in these exercises, from one or two o'clock till seven; in which space he usually visited three or four families, sometimes more, as they were greater or less. Thus he went through the whole town, and then shortly afterwards began again; often blessing GOD for the great success he found in these exercises, and saying, that GOD made him hereby as instrumental to the good of souls as by his public ministry.

He was a faithful reprover of the failures of professors, whether high or low, ministers or private Christians; even though they were ever so dear to him, or ever so obliging in their conduct, and whatever the event might prove. He was humble, courteous, and affable, conde­scending to discourse with the poorest and meanest, as soon as with the highest and richest. He was full of holy projects by what means he might most effectually promote the honor of CHRIST, and the salvation of souls; and what he judged to be conducive to these ends, he prose­cuted with so much wisdom and resolution, that he seldom failed to accomplish it.

Considering how much conscientious and frequent self-examination might tend to the weakening of sin, and to the furtherance of holiness both in heart and life, he earnestly pressed this practice in his public ministry, directing his hearers for the performance of it. He con-versed also with them in private about it, and drew a promise from most of them, that they would every night, before they went to sleep, spend some time in secret, to call themselves to an account how they had spent that day, by proposing several questions to their own hearts, which he had drawn up in writing, and given to them under several heads; and many confessed that this practice had been very advantageous to them in their Christian walk.

            Before the Act of Uniformity came forth, he was very earnest with GOD, day and night, to make his way plain unto him, that he might not be deprived of his present advantages of saving souls, by any scruple upon his con-science. But when he saw those clauses of assent and consent, he was fully satisfied against it; whereas before he was so doubtful, that his intimate friends thought he would have conformed, saying, he would not leave his ministry for small and dubious matters: yet though he was obliged to quit his station, he judged that the ejection of ministers did not take away from them the obligation of preaching to their people; and though upon that black Sabbath he took leave of his beloved people, yet he firmly resolved to go on with his work of preaching in private, and visiting from house to house, till he should be sent to prison, or into banishment.

            He went also frequently into the villages, and places about the town, whence most of the ministers were fled; and wherever he came, the LORD was pleased to give him great success: many were converted, and his hearers in general encouraged to cleave closely to the LORD.  This much increased the rage of some neighboring Justices, who threatened and often sought for him: but it pleased GOD to preserve him out of their hands longer than he expected. His usual saying was, that if it pleased the LORD to grant him three months' liberty before he went to prison, he should account it a great favor, and should more willingly submit to it when he had done some work. He next sold his goods, the better to prepare for a gaol or banishment; only he was desirous that his wife should accompany him, which was also her own desire, it being more grievous to her to think of being absent from him, than to suffer with him.

            The LORD was pleased so far to indulge him, that he went on in this course from August, in one year, till the end of May in the year following, being often threatened, yet never interrupted; though many, both of town and country, came flocking to his meetings, whenever they were held. He seldom missed preaching twice on the sabbath, and, often in the week. Sometimes he preached fourteen times in eight days; often ten, and usually six or seven, either at home or abroad, during all this time, besides his frequent discoursings with such as came to him. That he might have the more leisure for this, he laid aside all his other studies, expecting that his time and liberty would be but short; and indeed the LORD did more than usually assist him, as was remarked by himself and all who heard him.

At length, on a Saturday evening, about six o'clock, he was arrested by an officer of Taunton, who professed that he had rather have been otherwise employed, but that he was urged to a speedy execution of the warrant, by one who was sent on purpose to see it executed, because it was feared that no one in the town would

do it.

            The warrant was signed by three Justices, who required his immediate appearance at one of their houses, about two miles from Taunton. He desired liberty to stay and sup with his family, expecting but hard entertainment whither he was going; yet this small courtesy was denied him, till one of the chief men of the town was bound for his appear­ance. At supper he ate heartily, and was very cheerful, yet full of holy and gracious discourse, suitable to the time and company that were with him. After supper, having prayed with his family and friends, he went with the officer, and two or three friends that accompanied him, to the appointed place, where they charged him with breaking the Act of Uniformity, by his frequent preaching since it took place: this he denied, saying, that he had neither preached in church, chapel, nor in any other place of public worship since that time; and that what he did was in his own family, and with such friends as came to hear him.

            They then charged him for being at a riotous assembly. He answered, that at their meetings were used no threats, no dangerous words, no staves or weapons, neither were any put in fear, their only employment being prayer and preaching. They next abused him with opprobrious names and scurrilous expressions; and in these not only the Justices themselves joined, but their ladies also, and other persons who had come to hear his examination. They endeavored to make him become his own accuser, but without success; and at length drew out a Illitiirus to send him to gaol on Monday morning, after they had detained him with them till twelve o'clock at night.

            When he came home, which was about two o'clock ill the morning, he lay down on his bed for two or three hours; and then rising, he remained in private commu­nion with GOD till about eight o'clock. At this time several friends came to visit him, to whom he would have preached, if the officer, who had a strict charge to the contrary, would have allowed it. Yet he spent the day in discoursing with the several companies of his friends, who, out of the town and country, came to visit him; and as he could be permitted, he prayed often with them. All this while he was very cheerful, praising GOD for his mercies to him, and encouraging all that came to see him to be bold in the cause of GOD, and not to be discouraged by what befell him for their sakes. As for himself, he said, he was nothing moved by it, nor in the least repented of any thing he had done, but accounted himself happy, as being under that promise which CHRIST makes to his followers, att. 5: 1O, &c.; and that he should be doubly happy, now he was to suffer for his sake. He was also earnest with his brethren in the ministry that came to see him, that they should not at all desist from their labors when he was gone, and that- there might not be one sermon the less in Taunton through his absence.

            MR. ALLEIN was unwilling to depart, till he had left some exhortations with his people, and therefore requested them to come to him about one or two o'clock in the morning: and notwithstanding the unseasonableness of the time, many hundreds of old and young came to him, with whom he spent about three hours in prayer and preaching. And then, with much tenderness, they bade each other farewell.

            On Monday morning, about nine o'clock, he, with two or three friends that desired to accompany him, set out for Ilchester. As he went, the streets of Taunton were crowded on both sides with people, and many followed him on foot some miles out of town, with great lamenta­tions; yet the LORD so strengthened him, that he went through them all with great courage and joy, endeavoring, both by his words and countenance, to encourage and cheer them.

            He carried his Mittimus himself, having no officer with him; and when he came thither, the Gaoler was not at home: he therefore embraced the opportunity of preaching before he went into prison, which his adver­saries accounted a great addition to his former crimes. The Gaoler being come home, he gave him his Mittimus, and was by him put into the Bridewell-Chamber, where he found MR. JOHN NORMAN, late of Bridgewater, com­mitted a few days before for the same cause,—a man of singular abilities, fervent in zeal and holy boldness for the cause of CHRIST; constant to his principles in the most wavering times; and one, who, for his exemplary con­versation, was much esteemed among the people of GOD.

            There were also five other Ministers, and fifty Quakers, who all lodged in the same room, separated only by a mat, which they had hung up for a little retirement.

Soon after, MR. COVEN, MR. POWEL, and eight more, were brought into the same place, being taken at meetings. This increased the straitness of their room; and it was so near the top of the prison, that they could touch the tiles as they lay in their beds. In addition to this, the sun lay upon the house all day; and there being so many of them together, besides the friends who came to see them, they were much in want of fresh air, and were obliged to take out the glass, and some of the tiles, for a little refreshment. In this room they were forced to lie, and to eat their meals, having no other place of retirement but a little garden, adjoining the place where all the common prisoners were. And in their chamber, also, they were molested with the noises of those poor wretches, the rattling of their chains, and the blaspheming of their tongues, together with their roaring and singing night and day. But the want of air was most offensive' to MR. ALLEIN, who had accustomed himself, both in Oxford and in the country, to spend most of his private hours in the fields or woods.

            As soon as MR. ALLEIN came into prison, he prayed and preached, which he called the consecration of it. And after a day or two, he desired to have his wife with him, or near him in the town, to attend him, and to keep company with such friends as came to visit him. Having prevailed with the Keeper to be allowed one corner to himself, which was more retired than the rest, he here set up his bed; and about this he made a partition with some curtains, that he might be the more private. This was a great comfort to him; and after a few weeks, he procured leave of the Keeper to walk out a mile or more, morning and evening constantly, except the weather hin­dered him.

            Their diet was good and sufficient, and sometimes abundant, by the kindness of their friends. Here they preached once a day constantly, sometimes twice; end many came daily to hear them, eight or ten miles out of the country, besides multitudes who came to visit them. Their friends were indeed exceedingly kind to them, endeavoring, by their frequent visits and supplies, to take away the tediousness of their imprisonment. But MR. ALLEIN's labors were only increased by this: spending all the day in conversation with his friends, he was com­pelled to take much of the night for his studies, and for secret communion with GOD.

Thus they continued for about four months, and were tossed from the sessions to the assizes. On the 14th of July following, MR. ALLEIN was brought to the sessions held at Taunton, and indicted for preaching on the 17th of May preceding; but the evidence was so slender, that the Grand Jury threw out the bill: and though, by the constant practice of the court, he ought to have been set at liberty, yet was he remanded to prison till the assizes. His reply on this occasion, to the friends who had hoped for his deliverance, was, "Let us bless GOD that his will is done, and not the wills of such worms as we are."

            On the 24th of August, he was indicted at the assizes; and though the evidence was the very same with the for­mer, yet now the Grand Jury found the bill. Upon this, he was brought to the bar, and his indictment read, which was to the following purport: " That he, upon the 17th day of May, 1663, together with twenty others, to the Jurors unknown, did riotously and seditiously as­semble themselves together, contrary to the peace of our Sovereign LORD the King, and to. the great terror of his subjects, and to the evil example of others." To this he answered, that as to praying and preaching, he was guilty, and judged them to be his duty; but as for riotous and seditious assemblies, he abhorred them from his heart. At last he was found guilty by the Petty Jury, and sentenced by the Judge to pay a hundred marks, and to continue in prison till they were paid. After sen­tence was pronounced, he only replied, that he was glad that he had appeared before his country; that whateverwas charged against him was nothing more than doing his duty; that all which did appear by the evidence was only that he had sung a psalm, and instructed his family, in his own house, others being present; and that, if nothing which had been urged would satisfy, he should, with all cheerfulness and thankfulness, accept whatsoever sentence his LORDship should pronounce upon him for so good and righteous a cause. From the assizes he was sent to prison again, where he continued a whole year, wanting but three days.

            Winter coming on, which they feared would make this place as cold as it had been hot in summer, (the chamber having no chimney in it,) they endeavored, and with some difficulty obtained, to be removed to the Ward, where they found more comfortable accommodations. Here they had large assemblies, both on week-days and sabbaths, and many days of humiliation and thanksgiving; and though they were much threatened by the Judges and Justices, to be sent beyond the sea, or carried to some island, where they should be kept dose prisoners, yet the LORD prevented it, and so ordered the whole, that their imprisonment turned to his greater glory, and to the furtherance of the gospel, by their great labors, to which He added a greater blessing. In the mean while, MR. ALLEIN's sufferings did not in the least abate his zeal and activity for GOD, but he embraced all opportunities of doing good. The Minister who was appointed to preach at certain times to the felons, being laid aside by illness, MR. ALLEIN freely supplied his place, as long as he was permitted; earnestly exhorting the prisoners, by repent­ance towards GOD, and faith in our LORI) JESUS CHRIST, to secure the eternal welfare of their souls. He was very forward to promote the education of youth, both in the town of llchester, and in the country adjacent; freely bestowings Catechisms among many poor families, to instruct them in the principles of religion; exhorting the elder to teach, and encouraging the younger to learn. He was also a serious and faithful monitor to his fellow-sufferers, if he saw in them any thing which became not the Gospel.

            Here, as elsewhere, he was a careful redeemer of his time; his constant practice was, early to begin the day with GOD, rising about four o'clock, and spending a con­siderable part of the morning in meditation and prayer, and then falling close to his study in some corner of the prison where he could be most private. At times, he spent nearly the whole night in these exercises, only lying down for an hour or two, without undressing. Those who visited him, he did not entertain with frivolous discourses, but with such as were serious, profitable, and edifying; applying himself to his hearers according to their several capacities; exhorting them to those practices in which, by reason of their age or temper, calling or condition, he judged them to be most defective; and deporting them from those evils to which he thought theta most prone and liable,

            He was a careful observer of that rule, (Matt. 5: 44,) " Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you." He never exclaimed against those who were the chief instruments of his sufferings, but pitied them, and prayed with STEPHEN, " LORD, lay not this sin to their charge.", His great wish respecting them was, that they might be converted, sanctified, and finally saved in the day of the LORD JESUS,

            During the time of his imprisonment, no one could discern that his health was impaired, notwithstanding his incessant labors; yet probably, as the Physicians after-wards judged, the foundation of that weakness, which pre­sently after surprised him, and occasioned his death, was then laid, On his enlargement from prison, he was more earnest in his work than before; yet willing to preserve his liberty among his people, who had no minister that had the oversight of them, though some came and preached to ahem in his absence. And now such multitudes resorted to him, that he judged it necessary to divide them into four parties, resolving to preach to them four times each Sabbath; but finding that to be beyond his strength, which was sensibly decaying, he was obliged to forbear, and preached only twice on the Sabbath, yet often on the week-days besides, at home or abroad. He pressed all that feared GOD, especially such as were of a timorous spirit, to be courageous and active for GOD, and to be frequent in conversing together, now their ministers were withdrawn; frequent in praises and thanksgivings to GOD, rejoicing in Him, denying themselves for Him, and re-signing themselves and all they enjoyed to Him, that the world might see they could live comfortably on GOD alone, on his attributes and promises, though they should have nothing else left.

            But it pleased the All-wise GOD to take him off from this eager pursuit of his work, by visiting him, in the latter end of August, with much weakness, within three months after he came out of prison. Being requested by a people, whose Minister was absent, to preach to them, and administer the LORD's Supper, the place being sixteen miles distant, he was so disabled by the journey, that he could not perform both. duties; yet, because many of them came far, he forced himself to preach to them, though to his great injury;. and after three or four days, with much difficulty, he returned home, and had the advice of the most able Physicians, who all agreed that his disorder proceeded from his abundant labors, and from his preaching too soon after his meals, which he did, when he preached four times a day. This had so abated the natural heat of his stomach, that no food would digest, nor often keep within him. He felt no pain, but had a constant discomposure in his stomach, and a failing of his appetite, so that for many weeks he could not bear the smell of meat, nor retain any liquors or broths, and con­sumed so fast, that his life seemed to draw to an end. But Goa was pleased so to bless the means, that in about two months, he recovered of this disorder, yet so lost the use of his arms, from October till April, that he could neither dress nor undress himself, nor make any use of his pen. His Physicians and friends earnestly besought him to intermit his labors, but could not prevail; for he continued to preach once, and sometimes twice, every Sabbath, and to visit from house to house all that winter.

            In the spring, Gore was pleased to restore the use of his arms, for which he was exceedingly thankful, and they had great hopes of his recovery: and in the summer following, by making use of some mineral waters, near Devizes, his strength was much increased. But trusting too much to that strength, his weakness returned upon him during the next winter, and more in the spring following; yet it con­tinued not long at a time, so that he preached to his utmost strength, and even beyond, both at home and abroad; sometimes going into remote places, where there had been no meetings for about two years, since the removal of their ministers. And he engaged some of his brethren, also, to take their turns; which they did with great success.

            He was at this time again much threatened, and warrants were often issued out against him, on which he rejoiced, that when he could do little for Grin, on account of his disorder, GOD would so far honor him, that he should suffer for him in a prison; and he would often say with much cheerfulness, that they could not do him a greater kindness. But the LORD, not seeing him fit for the incon­veniences of a prison, was yet pleased to spare him.

            The Five-Mile Act now taking place, he removed to a place called Wellington, five miles from Taunton, to a dyer's house, in a very obscure place, where he preached on the LORD'S Days, as he was able. But his enemies soon found him out there, and resolved to remove him; and a warrant was put into the constable's hands to apprehend him: the dyer, also, was threatened to be sent to gaol for entertaining him. Upon this he returned to the house of MR. JOHN MALLACK, a merchant, who had long solicited him to take up his residence there; butmany of his friends in Taunton were so earnest, that, to satisfy them, he went to their houses, and stayed with some a fortnight, with others three weeks or a month, yet still making Ma. MALLACK'S house his home. And he went away from none without giving serious counsels, comforts, or reproofs, as the condition of each required.

            He went from no family that was willing to part from him; nor could he satisfy the requests of one-half of those who invited him to their houses; so that he would often bless GOD, and say with holy MR. Don, that he had a hundred houses for one that he had parted with; and that though he had no goods, yet he wanted for nothing, his heavenly Father caring for him in every thing; so that he lived a far more pleasant life than his enemies, who had turned him out of all. He was much affected with GOD’s good­ness, in the bountiful entertainment given him by MR. MALLACK, whose house, gardens, and walks, were very delightful to him, and all accommodations within suit-able thereto; which made him often say, that he did (as DIVES) " fare sumptuously every day, " but he hoped to improve it better than he did; and that Go]) had inclined his heart to care for many poor, and for several of his brethren in the ministry, and that now GOD rewarded him, not suffering him to be at any expense for himself or his wife.

            He was a great observer of each day's Providences, and would every night, before he went to sleep, reckon them up to his wife, to raise his own and her heart to praise the LORD, and to trust Him, of whose care and goodness they had so many constant proofs.  The time for his going to the waters being come, he desired to keep a day of thanksgiving for all GOD’s mercies to him and his friends; and accordingly, on the 1Oth of July, 1665, several of his brethren in the ministry, and of his friends in Taunton, met at MR. MALLACK'S house, about a mile from the town, to which, after they had been a while together, came two justices, with their attendants armed with swords, and brake open the doors by force, though they might have unlatched them if they had pleased. Then, after much derision and threatening, they took their names, and committed them to some constables, charging them to bring their prisoners the next day to the Castle Tavern in Taunton, before the justices of peace there. The next day, the prisoners were brought forth, and answered to: their names as they were called; and after two days' tedious attendance, were all convicted for keeping a conventicle, and sentenced to pay three pounds a piece, or be committed to prison for sixty days; but few of them either paid their fines, or suffered their friends to do it for them., Whereupon MR. ALLEIN and seven ministers more, and forty private persons, were committed to llchester gaol. When Ma. ALLEIN came to the prison, his deportment and conversation there were every way as exemplary as in his former confinement; and notwithstanding his great bodily weakness, yet he constantly took his turn with the other ministers in preaching, which they performed in general twice a day, besides other acts of religious duty.

            And although many of his flock were imprisoned with him, by which means he had the fairer opportunity of instructing and watching over them, yet he was not-for­getful of those who were at liberty, but wrote many letters to them, from which they might reap no small benefit, whilst they were deprived of his bodily presence. He was also very solicitous for those that were with him, that they might be the better for their bonds, walking worthy of the many and great mercies they had enjoyed (luring their imprisonment; that when they returned to their houses, they might speak and live forth the. praises of GOD, carrying themselves in every respect as became the Gospel for which they had suffered: and his anxiety in this respect was further manifested by the parting counsel which he gave them, on the morning in which they were set at liberty.

            His last imprisonment prevented his going to the waters, in consequence of which his disorders increased upon him all the winter following, and more in the spring; yet not so as to take him wholly from his work, for he frequently preached, and administered the LORD'S Supper. But going to the waters in July, 1667, they had a contrary effect upon him to what they had at first; for after three days' taking them, he fell into a fever, which seized on his spirits, and his strength decayed so ex­ceedingly, that he seemed to be near death. But the LORD was pleased to spare him, and so far to restore him, that at six weeks' end he returned to his people; yet then feeling a great loss of strength, he was willing to go to Dorchester, to advise with DR. Loss, an able Physician, from whom he had received many medicines, but never had any conversation with him.

            The Doctor, soon perceiving his weakness, desired him to stay there for a fortnight or three weeks, that he might the better advise him, and alter his remedies as he should see occasion, to which he readily assented. He had not been there above five days, before the use of his limbs was suddenly taken from him; first that of his arms, then that of his Iegs, so that he could neither go nor stand, nor even turn in his bed. All means failing, he was given over by physicians and friends, who saw him for some weeks lying in cold sweats night and day; and often, for some hours, half his body was so cold, that to their apprehen­sions the time of his death seemed nearly present.

            Thus he lay from September 28th, to November 16th, before any amendment appeared: all which time he was very cheerful, praising and admiring GOD for his mercies; but his spirits were so low that he spare seldom, and very softly. He was free from pain; and when his friends admired his patience, he replied, that GOD had not tried him in any thing, but in laying him aside from his work, and keeping him out of heaven. Being asked how it was with his soul in all his bodily weakness, his answer was, that he had not those ravishing joys which he expected; but he had a sweet serenity of heart and conscience, and a confidence in GOD, grounded upon the promises of the Gospel.

            The Ministers and Christians of that place were very compassionate to him, visiting and praying with and for him often: and Dr. LOSE visited him twice a day, for about a quarter of a year together, and yet would never take from him any fees. The gentry also, in and about the town, sent whatever they imagined might be agreeable to him; so that he neither wanted food nor physic: and he much delighted in the consideration of the LORD'S kind­ness to him, in the love which he received from them, and would often say, " I was a stranger, and mercy took me in; in prison, and it came to me; sick, and it visited me! " There were also fourteen young women who took their turns in attending and watching with him.

            In this condition he kept his bed till the 18th of December, and then, beyond hope, in the depth of winter, he began a little to recover; yet could he neither go nor stand, nor move a finger, having feeling in his limbs, but not the least motion. It pleased GOD, however, that by degrees his strength increased, so that he could, with help, walk a turn in his chamber; and when, after a time, he could do it without help, he was wonderfully affected with the LORD'S mercy to him. By February, with a little help, he was able to walk in the streets. Being asked how he could be so well contented to he so long under such weakness, he answered, " What! is GOD my Father, JESUS CHRIST My Savior, and the SPIRIT My Comforter and Sanctifier, and heaven my inheritance; and shall I not be content without limbs and health? Through grace I am fully satisfied with my Father's good pleasure." To another, who asked him the same question, he answered, " I have chosen GOD, and he is mine, and I know with whom I have trusted myself; which is enough. He is an unrea­sonable wretch that cannot be content with GOD, though he has nothing else. My interest in Con is all my joy."

            Some of his friends of Taunton coming to Dorchester to see him, he was much revived; and ordering the curtains to be drawn aside, he desired them to stand round the bed: then causing his wife to hold forth his hand to them, that they might shake him by it, as well as he was able, he shake thus to them: " O how it rejoices my heart to see your faces and hear your voices, though I cannot as heretofore speak to you. Methinks I am now like old JACOB, with all his sons about him. Now you see my weak estate: thus I have been for many weeks, since I departed from Taunton; but GOD has been with me, and I hope with you. Your prayers for me have been answered in many ways; the LORD return them into your own bosoms! My friends, life is mine, death is mine; in that covenant which I preached to you is all my salva­tion, and all my desire: although my body do not prosper, I hope my soul doth. I have lived a sweet life by the promises, and I hope, through grace, I can die by a promise. The promises of GOD are everlasting, and will stand by us: nothing but GOD in them will stand us in stead in a day of affliction. My dear friends, I feel upon my heart the power of those doctrines which I preached to you; the doctrines of faith, of repentance, of self-denial. O that you would live them over, now I cannot preach to you. It is a shame for a believer to be cast down under afflictions, who has so many glorious privi­leges,—justification, sanctification, and eternal glory. We shall be as the angels of GOD within a little while; nay, to say the truth, believers are, as it were, angels already, that live in the power of faith. O my friends! live like believers: trample this world under your feet; be not taken with its comforts, nor disquieted with its crosses: you will be gone out of it shortly."

            When they came to take their leave of him, he prayed with them as his weak state would suffer him; and blessed them in the same words which he used after the LORD'S Supper: "The LORD bless you, and keep you: the LORD cause his face to shine upon you, and give you peace: and the Con of peace, that brought again from the dead our LORD JESUS, that great Shepherd of the Sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through JESUS CHRIST; to whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen." Adding, " Farewell, farewell, my dear friends: remember me to all in Taunton. I beseech you and them, if I never see your faces more, go home, and live over what I have preached to you; and the LORD provide for you when I am gone. O let not all my labors and suf­ferings, let not my wasted strength, my useless limbs, rise up in judgment against you at the great day of the LORD."

            At another time, some friends coming to visit him, he spoke thus: "O my friends, let your conversation be as becometh the gospel of CHRIST: whether I am present or absent, live what I have spoken to you in the name of the LORD. Now I cannot preach to you, let my wasted strength, and useless limbs, be a sermon to you. Behold me! I cannot move a finger:. all this is come upon me for your sakes, and the gospel's; it is for CHRIST and you that I have thus spent myself. I am afraid lest some of you, after all that I have spoken, should be lost in the world. There are many professors who can pray well, and talk well, whom yet we shall find at the left hand of CHRIST another day. You have your trades, your estates, your relations; be not taken with these, but with GOD. O live on Him. For the LORD's sake, go home, and beware of the world, of worldly cares, worldly comforts, worldly friends." And then he added; " The LORD having given authority to his ministers to bless his people, I accordingly bless you:" and so he did in the words formerly recited. And thus he was accustomed to converse with all that came to visit him, as well as he was able, looking always cheerful upon them, and never in the least complaining of his afflictions.

            In February, he was very desirous to return among his people, which the doctor assented to, fearing that the air of Dorchester would be too sharp for him iii March, and judging that it might conduce to his cure to have his mind satisfied. At his return he was much pleased with the sight of the place and of his people, who came flocking about him; and he so increased in strength that, within a week after he came home, he was able to feed himself. But to prevent any harm which might arise from the frequent visits of friends, he removed to MR. MALLACK'S house, where he again found most kind en­tertainment.

There he increased in strength, till the beginning of April; and then he began to decline again, and was soon after afflicted by convulsion-fits, of which he had several the first day and night. But in the use of means, through Gob's blessing, he was freed from them for about three weeks; and then, being alone in his chamber, he was seized by a fit, in which he fell to the ground and hurt his face, and bled much. It was the opinion of the Physicians that this fall saved his life; for, probably, had not that corrupt blood come from his head, he would have died in that fit. After this he went to bed, and slept so well during the night, that he awoke in the morning much refreshed, and full of the praises of GOD for his mercies to him.

            Henceforth he constantly lived in the expectation of death, saying often, "It is but a puff, and I am gone:" and therefore every night, after prayer, he used to bid all the family farewell, telling them he might be dead before morning. Whilst he was undressing he continued to discourse of spiritual things, and when he lay down to rest, he used to say to his wife, " We shall shortly be in another bed. Farewell, my dear heart, the LORD bless thee." His first speeches in the morning usually were, " Now we have one day more; here is one more for GOD; now let us live well, work hard for our souls, and lay up much treasure in heaven this day, for we have but a few to live."

            His strength was now so much repaired, that his friends had no fear of a relapse. But about the 6th of May, he began to find weakness in his stomach, which in a few days greatly increased, and he lost the use of his limbs again. On the 12th of May, having lain some days and nights in cold sweats, as formerly, he was again seized by convulsions; and having continued in a trance about four hours, his friends weeping about him, he at last said to them, "Weep not for me, my work is done," and immediately fell into a violent convulsion, which held him two hours, and presently after into another, in which he rattled and was cold, so that they thought every breath would be his last. The Physicians said, that his pulse was gone, and that he would be dead in a few minutes: but GOD showed his power in reviving him beyond all expec­tation; yet he was not able to speak a word to them till the next day, nor did he perfectly recover from this attack till four days after. Thus he continued very weak until July, mostly confined to his bed, yet cheerful, and free to discourse with any who came to visit him.

            His wife suggested to the Doctors, that a visit to has might be of use to him. Some were for it, others against it; but he himself was very eager for it. And a horse-litter being provided for him, though he had not for many days been out of his bed, yet the LORD so strengthened him that in two days after he went almost forty miles to has. The Doctors there wondered to see such an object, and mar­velled that he came such a journey alive, and were very doubtful about his hasing; but against their judgments he resolved to venture himself.

            At his first appearing in has, he was such a skeleton, that the ladies were affrighted to see him, as if death had come among them, and they could not endure to look upon him. When he went first into the has, he was able to stay but a little while, yet found himself much refreshed by it, and had no symptoms of his fits, as had been pre­viously feared. By God’s blessing upon this means, and drinking goat's milk, in three weeks' time he was able to walk about his chamber and feed himself: his appetite came again, and his strength increased; and thus he con­tinued till his death drew near.

            During this time he grew exceedingly in grace, to the joy of those about him. He had much communion with God, and such ravishments of spirit from the consolations of the HOLY GHOST, that they were sometimes more than he could express, or his bodily strength could bear. He was more cheerful than formerly, and exceedingly affec­tionate to his wife, and to all friends, especially to such as were most heavenly. And the LORD was pleased to order it so by his providence, that many such came to make use of the has, both from Taunton and other places, who were a great comfort to him.

            Here he had many visitors, both friends and strangers, who came to see and discourse with him, having heard what a monument of mercy he was; and to all of them he so enlarged on Gem's dealings with him, as gave great content to all who heard him, and much affected many, who were strangers to GOD and religion as well as to him. He found much favor even among the worst, both gentry and others: such as would make a scoff at religion in others, would hearken to him, even though he faithfully reproved them for their oaths, excess in drink­ing, and wanton behavior. And there was none of them but did most thankfully accept it from him, and showed him more respect after than they had done before; in which he observed much of GOD'S goodness to him, and would often say, " O how good it is to be faithful to GOD." One of the vilest of these persons said of him, that he never spoke with such a man in his life.

            His reproofs were managed with so much respect to their persons and places, that they said, they could not but take them well, though they were close and plain. And his manner was, before he intended to reprove them, often at the has to talk with them of such things as were pleasing to them, whereby he so engaged their affections' that they delighted to converse with him. He was furnished with matter of discourse for any company, though he always endeavored to make use of it for spiri­tual ends; by which means he caught the souls of many.

            Here, though he had much to occupy his time, by con­stantly hasing every day, and frequent visits, besides his weakness, yet he kept his regular seasons, four times a day, for his holy retirements; first, in the morning from five o'clock till seven, at which time he was carried to the has; and again before dinner, but then he spent less time; and about half an hour before two, just before he went abroad. He appointed his chairmen, who carried him to the has, to fetch him about three o'clock, and to take him to the schools and alms-houses, and to the Godly poor, especially the widows, to whom he gave money, and with whom he used to pray and converse concerning their spiritual states, engaging the teachers and governors to teach them the catechism, of which he bought and gave away many dozens for the use of their scholars, with other small books, such as he judged useful for them; and about a week or a fortnight after he would visit them again, to see what progress they had made. He also engaged several persons to send their children once a week to him to be catechized; and he had about sixty or seventy children that came to him every LORD'S day, who profited much by his instructions, till some took such offence at it, that he was obliged to desist, and the schoolmaster was threatened to be brought into the Bishop's Court at Wells for it. He also sent for all the Godly poor he could hear of in the city, whom he entertained at his chamber, and gave them money ac-cording to his ability, as a thank-offering unto GOD for his mercy to him, and procured two ministers to assist him in keeping a day of thanksgiving for the same. Though his sickness had been long, and his expenses great, yet he thought he could never do enough for him from whom he had received all. He constantly gave money or fruit to all the children who came to be cate­chized by him, besides what he gave to their teachers and the poor; and having made provision for his wife, he resolved to lay up the rest in heaven; often saying, that having no children of his own, GOD's children should have his estate.

His next work was to send letters to all his relations and intimate friends, whom he exhorted to observe his counsel, for it was like to be his last. He had a great desire to go to Mr. JOSEPH BERNARD'S, which was about five miles from has, to promote the exercise of catechising in Somerset and Wiltshire. Mr. BERNARD having had a great deliverance as well as himself, MR. ALLEIN pro-posed to him, that by way of thank-offering unto GOD, they should engage to join in printing six thousand of the Assembly's Catechisms, and to raise some money among other friends to send to every minister in those counties that would engage in the work, and also to give to the children for their encouragement in learning it. This proposal was carried into effect by MR. BERNARD, after MR. ALLEIN'S decease.

            MR. ALLEIN finding himself again decline, judged that it proceeded from want of hasing, and therefore returned to has again, where (by the advice of the Doctor) he made use of the hot has, the cross has being now too cold for him, and for four days seemed to be refreshed by it; but upon the 3d of November there appeared a great change in his countenance, and he found a great alteration in himself; and some friends coming to visit him, he desired them to pray for him, for his time was very short.

            After they had dined, he was in a more than ordinary manner transported with affection to his wife, whom he thanked for all her care and pains about him, offering up most affectionate petitions to GOD for her; and the like also he did after supper. After this, he called for a "Practice of Piety," and turning from his wife, he read to himself the Meditation about Death; which his wife taking notice of, asked him if he judged his end to be near? He answered that he knew not, but within a few days she would see.

            Then he desired her to read two chapters to him, as she usually did every night, and so he hasted to bed, not being able to pray with them. As soon as he was in bed, he complained of a stoppage in his head, and had something given him to prevent his fits; yet within a quarter of an hour he had a strong convulsion, and GOD was pleased to deny success, notwithstanding all means used to remove it: these fits continued for two days and nights without an hour's intermission.

His fits were very terrible to behold; but prayer being made, that if the LORD saw fit, He would so far mitigate his hand upon him, that he might speak his mind to them before his departure, the LORD was pleased to return a gracious answer: for although he had not spoken from Tuesday night before, yet on Friday morning, about three o'clock, he called for his wife, speaking very intel­ligibly, at times, all that day; and the same night he spoke with an audible voice. This continued, with some little intermission, till Saturday evening, when he departed.

            About three that afternoon, he had, as those about him conceived, some conflicts with SATAN; for he uttered these words, " Away, you foul fiend, you enemy of all man-kind, you subtle sophister! art you come now to molest me, now that I am just going, now that I am so weak, and when death is upon me? Trouble me not, for I am none of thine: I am the LORD's; CHRIST is mine, and I am his; his by covenant: I have sworn myself to be the LORD'S, and his I will be: therefore be gone." Which words he repeated often, " Be gone, be gone."

            Previous to his last illness, he spent most of the time in heavenly and profitable discourses; speaking much of the place to which he was going, and his desire to be gone. " I was thinking," (said he, as he was one day dressing,) " of my marriage-day; it will be shortly: O what a joyful day will that be!" On another occasion, having some broth brought him, he said, " Blessed be the LORD for these refreshments in the way home: but O how sweetwill heaven be!" And at another time he said, " I hope to be shortly where I shall neither need meat, nor drink, nor clothes."

            When he looked upon his weak and consumed hands, he said, " These shall be changed; this vile body shall be made like unto CHRIST'S glorious body. O what a glorious day will the day of the resurrection be! Methinks I see it by faith. How will the saints then lift up their heads and rejoice; and how sadly will the wicked world look then! O come, let us make haste! Our LORD will come shortly, let us prepare for him. If we long to be in heaven, let us hasten with our work; for when that is done, we shall be fetched away. O this vain, foolish world! I wonder how reasonable creatures can so dote upon it! What is in it worth the looking after? I desire not to be in it longer than my Master has doing or suffering work for me; were that done, then farewell to earth."

            He said much in commending the love of CHRIST, and, from that, exciting himself and others to obedience to CHRIST; often speaking of his sufferings and of his glory, of his life, death, resurrection, ascension, and second coming; with the thoughts of which he was much transported.  He was accustomed to reckon up the choice tokens which CHRIST had sent him: First, the pardon of sin; secondly, a patent for heaven; thirdly, the gift of the Spirit; fourthly, the robe of CHRIST'S righteousness; lastly, the guard of his angels: and with this last he fre­quently comforted himself, in the times of imprisonment, and elsewhere; and would say to his wife, " Though we have not such attendants and servants as the great ones of the world have, yet we have GOD’s blessed angels still to wait upon us, to minister to us, to watch over us while we are sleeping, to go along with us in our journeys, and still to preserve us from the rage of men and devils."

He was exceedingly affected with the last three chapters of St. JOHN's Gospel, especially with CHRIST'S parting words and prayer for his disciples. In short, his heart, his lips, his life, were filled with grace, which shone forth both in health and sickness, in prosperity and ad­versity, in his own house and in Cola's house; so that all who conversed with him acknowledged how much they gained by him.

            At MR. ALLEIN'S first coming to Taunton, he abode with MR. NEWTON, and, after his ordination, administered all ordinances jointly with him, though he were but an as­sistant; being highly esteemed and dearly loved by him. At this time he carried on the acquaintance with her whom he afterwards married; and MR. NEWTON observing his restless spirit, which put him upon many tedious journeys, every fortnight, of twenty-five miles, to pay her a visit, he persuaded them to consummate their marriage, which they did accordingly, October 4th, 1655; after which they lived with Mr. NEWTON almost two years, and were very kindly entertained by him.

            At the end of this time, conceiving they might be more useful by becoming housekeepers, they took a house; and MRS. ALLEIN set up a boarding-school, and had many boarders and scholars. Their family was seldom less than twenty, sometimes thirty; and her school usually contained fifty or sixty, many coming out of the town and neighborhood, besides the boarders. And the LORD was pleased exceedingly to bless their labors; so that in a few years many of them were converted, who before were strangers to GOD. All the scholars called MR. ALLEIN Father; and indeed he had far more care of them than most of their natural parents had.

            His practice in his family was twice a day to read the Scriptures, to sing a psalm, and to pray; except when the catechised, which was constantly once, if not twice a week. Of every chapter that was read he expected an account, and also of every sermon. He conversed with his servants frequently, together and apart, about the spiritual welfare of their souls, pressing them to perform tall duties, both of the first and second table: he also gave them sundry books suitable to their capacities and conditions, of which they gave a weekly account how they had profited.

            His LORD's-day work was very great; for though he preached but once in Taunton, yet he was constantly employed the other part of the day, either in assisting some of his brethren, or at other places where a minister was wanting. In his public repetitions, and his cate­chising, his own family, both scholars and servants, gave the answers when their turn came, as well as others.

            He was a holy and tenderly affectionate husband. He expressed his love for his wife, by his great care for her both in sickness and in health; by his provision for her after his decease; and by his delight in her company, saying often that it was irksome to him to make a meal without her. He used to impart to her the knowledge of all his concerns, as far as he judged it proper for her to know them, and to consult with her about them: he spared not to reprove her faithfully for whatsoever he judged amiss: and if himself had at any time given her offence, he would desire her to forgive it, saying, that he was restless in his spirit till she had so done.

            He was frequent in keeping days of humiliation, espe­cially before the LORD'S Supper. He was a strict ob­server of the Sabbath, the duties of which he performed with such joy and alacrity of spirit, both in public and private, as tended much to the edification of those wha joined with him; and the same practice he pressed much upon Christians, that they should spend the Sabbaths more in praises and thanksgivings, as being days of holy rejoicing in CHRIST our REDEEMER.

He was much concerned if he heard any persons at work in their trades before he was in his duties with GOD, saying, "O how this noise shames me! Does not my Master deserve more than theirs?" From four o'clock till eight he spent in prayer, meditation, and singing of psalms, hI which he much delighted, and daily practiced,

alone as well as in company. Having refreshed himself about half an hour, he went to family duties, and after that to his study till eleven or twelve o'clock. Having refreshed himself a while after dinner, he retired into his study to secret prayer, and then went abroad amongst those families which he had appointed to visit; going out about two o'clock, and seldom returning before seven. He would often say, " Give me that Christian that accounts his time more precious than gold." He cate­chised once a week in public, and on every Tuesday evening repeated the sermon which he had preached on the previous LORD'S day.

            In his visiting from house to house he found much diffi­culty, because it had not been practiced before; yet after he had preached in public the duty of ministers to the people, and that of the people to receive them when they come to promote the good of their souls, he speedily set upon the work. His custom was, to make out a list of the names of all the families in each street; and a day or two before he intended to visit them, he used to send them word, that they might be at home, and that he might know whether they were willing to receive him or not. Such as sent slight excuses, or refused to admit him, he would not-withstanding visit; and if they shut their doors against him, as some did, he would speak some few affectionate words to them, and then depart: and shortly after he would write to them with words so full of love, and such expressions of his great desire of doing good to their souls, as often melted and overcame their hearts, so that many of them afterwards entertained him readily. And in the practice of this duty he visited the poor as well as the rich, not hesitating to enter the noisome abodes of poverty and disease; but though his labors were so abundant, yet for nine years together he was not under the least disorder for one quarter of an hour. His wife, suspecting that his extraordinary labors would under-mine his strength, labored to persuade him somewhat to diminish them; but his answer was, "What have I strength for, but to spend it for GOD? You art Pike PETER, still crying, Spare thyself; but I must not hearken unto thee no more than my Master did to him."

            He was very temperate in his diet, and though he had a sharp appetite, yet he would moderate it, knowing how much this conduced to his health. His conversation at meals was very profitable and pleasant; whether he was at home or abroad, he took opportunities of saying something for the edification of others.

He greatly adored the mercies of GOD in every meal, and was still so pleased in the provision that was made for him, that he would often say, he lived far better than the great ones of the world, whose tables were better furnished; for he enjoyed GOD in all, and saw his love and bounty in what he received from him at every meal: whence, speaking to his wife, he would say, " O wife, I live a voluptuous life: but, blessed be GOD, it is upon spiritual dainties, such as the world neither knows nor tastes of."

            He greatly considered. the poor that were in want of all things, often wondering that GOD should make such a difference between him and them, both for this world, and for that to come: and his charity was almost beyond his estate. There were but few, if any, poor families, but he knew their necessities, and either by himself or by his friends relieved them; so that his house was seldom free from such as came to make their complaints to him. He used to buy pease and flitches of bacon, and distribute them twice a year in the cold and hard seasons. He kept several children at school upon his own cost, bought many books and catechisms, and had many thousands of prayers printed, which he gave away among the poor. And when his brethren of the ministry were cast out of their places, he himself gave four pounds, yearly, towards making a public stock for them, by which he excited many others to do the same. Upon other occasions, which frequently happened, he was so liberal that he gave offence to his friends; so that many in the town grudged to give him what they had agreed for, because he gave away so much. Besides all this, the necessities of his father, and of many other relations, were still calling for help, and he ministered unto them without grudging. And when he had received a more than ordinary mercy, he would set apart some portion of his estate, which he dedicated to the LORD as a thank-offering, to be employed in pious and charitable uses.

            When his wife would have moderated him in these expenses, his answer was, that he was laying up for GOD, and GOD would repay him; that by liberal things he should stand, when others that censured him for it should fall; and that if he sowed sparingly, he should reap sparingly,—if bountifully, he should reap bountifully. And notwith­standing all that he did in his life-time in this way, yet, when he came to die, he had something left to dispose of to his relations, and to his brethren of the ministry, besides the comfortable provision that he had made for his wife.

            In short, his whole life was a continual sermon, holding forth the doctrines which he preached, by humility, self-denial, patience, meekness, contentment, faith, love to GOD, his church, and people;--the blessed fruit of all which he now reaps in heaven, where he is singing praises to GOD and the LAMB, which was his great delight whilst here on earth.

AN

ALARM

TO

UNCONVERTED SINNERS.

BY JOSEPH ALLEIN.

AN

EARNEST INVITATION TO SINNERS

TO

TURN TO GOD.

            DEARLY beloved and longed for! I gladly acknowledge myself a debtor to you all, and am concerned, as I would be found a good steward to the household of Gm), to give to every one his portion. But the physician is most soli­citous for those patients whose case is most doubtful and hazardous; and the father's bowels are especially turned towards his dying child. The numbers of unconverted souls call for my most earnest compassion, and hasty diligence, to pluck them out of the burning; and therefore to these first I shall apply myself.

            But whence shall I fetch my arguments, or how shall I choose my words? LORD, wherewith shall I woo them? Wherewith shall I win them? O that I could but tell! I would write unto them in tears; I would weep out every argument; I would empty my veins for ink; I would petition them on my knees; verily, were 1 able, I would. O how thankful should I be, if they would be prevailed with to repent and turn!

            How long have I travailed in birth with you? How frequently have I made suit to you? How often would I have gathered you? How instant have I been with you? For this I have prayed and studied, many years, that I might bring you to GOD; O that I might but do it! Will you yet be entreated? O what a happy man might you yet make me, if you would but hearken to me, and suffer me to carry you over to JESUS CHRIST.

            But, LORD, how insufficient am I for this work! I have been many a year wooing for thee, but the damsel would not go with me. LORD, what a task have you set me to do! Alas! wherewith shall I pierce the scales of leviathan, or make the heart to feel that is hard as a stone; hard as a piece of the nether millstone! Shall I go and lay my mouth to the grave, and look when the dead will obey me, and come forth? Shall I make an oration to the rocks, or declaim to the mountains, and think to move them with arguments? Shall I give the blind to see? From the beginning of the world was it not heard that a man opened the eyes of the blind. But You, O LORD, can pierce the scales and prick the heart of the sinner. I can but draw the bow at a venture, and do you direct the arrow between the joints of the harness, and kill the sin, and save the soul of the sinner.

            Ah, my beloved! refresh my bowels in the LORD. "If there be any consolation in CHRIST, any comfort of love, any fellowship of the SPIRIT, any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy." Now give yourselves unto the LORD: now set yourselves to seek him: now set up the LORD JESUS in your hearts, and set him up in your houses: now come in, and kiss the SON, and embrace the tenders of mercy. Touch his sceptre and live; why will you die? I beg not for myself; but fain I would make you happy: this is the prize I run for, and the point I aim at. " My soul's desire and prayer for you is, that you may be saved."

Dearly beloved, would you rejoice the heart of your Minister? Then embrace the counsels of the LORD by me: forego your sins: begin to pray: set up the worship of GOD in your families: keep at a distance from the cor­ruptions of the times. What greater joy to a Minister, than to hear of souls born unto CHRIST by him, and that his children walk in the truth.

            Brethren, I beseech you suffer friendly plainness and freedom with you in your most important concerns. I am not playing the orator, to make a learned speech to you. These lines are upon a weighty errand indeed, namely, to convince and convert you. I am not seeking your applause, but your souls. My work is not to please you, but to save you; nor is my business with your fancies, but your hearts. If I have not your hearts, I have nothing. If I were to please your ears, I would sing another song: if I were to preach myself, I would steer another course: I would then tell you a smoother tale. If I were-to quiet a crying infant, I might rock him asleep: but when the child is fallen into the fire, the parent takes another course; she will not go to still him with a song. I know if we speed not with you, you are lost: if we cannot get your consent to arise, and come away, you perish for ever. No conversion, and no salvation!

            But here the difficulty of my work recurs.--LORD, choose my stones out of the brook! I come in the name of the LORD OF HOSTS, the GOD of the armies of Israel. I come forth like the stripling to GOLIATH, to wrestle not with flesh and blood, but with principalities and powers, and the rulers of the darkness of this world. This day let the LORD smite the Philistine, and spoil the strong man of his armor, and give me to bring away the spoil out of his hand. LORD, choose my words, choose my weapons for me; and when I put my hand into the bag, and take thence a stone, do you carry it to the mark, and make it sink, not into the forehead, but the heart of the unconverted sinner. You have sent me, as ABRAHAM did ELEAZAR, to take a wife unto my Master thy Son, but my discouraged soul is ready to fear the woman will not he willing to follow me. O LORD GOD of my Master, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and send thine angel before me, and prosper my way, that I may take a wife unto thy Son.

            But I turn unto you. Some of you do not know what I mean by Conversion, and in vain shall I persuade you to that which you do not understand; and therefore for your sakes I shall show what Conversion is. Others cherish secret hopes of mercy, though they continue as they now are, and to them I must show the Necessity of Conversion. Others are like to harden themselves with a vain conceit, that they are converted already; unto them I must show the Marks of the Unconverted. Others, because they feel no harm, fear none, and so sleep securely; to them I shall show the Misery of the Unconverted. Others sit still, because they see not their way out; to them I shall show the Means of Conversion. And, finally, for the quickening of all, I shall close with the Motives of Conversion.