Christian Letters Full of Spiritual Instructions, Letter 12
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.