A26682:82
An Alarm to Unconverted Sinners
An alarm to unconverted sinners, in a serious treatise ... whereunto are annexed Divers practical cases of conscience judiciously resolved / by Joseph Alleine, late preacher of the Gospel at Taunton in Somerset-shire.An alarme to unconverted sinners, in a serious treatise ... whereunto are annexed Divers practical cases of conscience judiciously resolved / by Joseph Alleine, late preacher of the Gospel at Taunton in Somerset-shire.
London: printed by E.T. and R.H., 1672
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The famous Lycurgus, having instituted most strict and wholesome laws for his people, told them, he was necessitated to go a journey from them, and got them to bind themselves in an ⟨p. 4⟩oath, that his laws should be observed, till his return. This done, he went into a voluntary banishment, and never returned more, that they might, by virtue of their oath, be engaged to the perpetual observing of his laws. Methinks I should be glad of the hard conditions, which he endured (though I love you tenderly) so I might but hereby engage you throughly to the Lord Jesus Christ.
The famous Lycurgus, having instituted most strict and wholesome laws for his people, told them, he was necessitated to go a journey from them, and got them to bind themselves in an ⟨p. 4⟩oath, that his laws should be observed, till his return. This done, he went into a voluntary banishment, and never returned more, that they might, by vertue of their oath, be engaged to the perpetual observing of his laws. Methinks I should be glad of the hard conditions, which he endured (though I love you tenderly) so I might but hereby engage you throughly to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Dearly beloved, would you rejoice the heart of your Ministers? Why then, embrace the counsels of the Lord by me: forgo your sins: set to prayer: up with 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? 2 I•h. 4.
Brethren, I beseech you suffer a friendly plainness and freedom with you in your deepest concernments. I am not playing the orator to make a learned speech to you, nor dressing my dish with eloquence, wherewith to please you. These lines are upon a weighty errand indeed, viz. to convince, and convert, and save you. I am not baiting my hook with Rhetoric, nor fishing for your applause, but for 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 my self, I would steer another course. I could then tell you a smoother tale; I would make you pillows, and speak you peace, for how can