N03796:622
An alarm to unconverted sinners. In a serious treatise: showing I. What conversion is not, and correcting some mistakes about it. II. What conversion is, and wherein it consisteth. III. The necessity of conversion. IV. The marks of the unconverted. V. The miseries of the unconverted. VI. Directions for conversion. VII. Motions [i.e., Motives] to conversion. : Whereunto are annexed Divers practical cases of conscience judiciously resolved. / By Joseph Alleine, late Minister of the Gospel at Taunton, in Somersetshire.An alarm to unconverted sinners. In a serious treatise: shewing I. What conversion is not, and correcting some mistakes about it. II. What conversion is, and wherein it consisteth. III. The necessity of conversion. IV. The marks of the unconverted. V. The miseries of the unconverted. VI. Directions for conversion. VII. Motions [i.e., Motives] to conversion. : Whereunto are annexed Divers practical cases of conscience judiciously resolv'd. / By Joseph Alleine, late Minister of the Gospel at Taunton, in Somersetshire.
Philadelphia: printed by B. Franklin, 1741
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Quest. I. What Estate did my Soul come into the World first in? Was it not in a State of Death, Eph. 2.1. An Estate of Wrath, verse 3. Sirs, Awake and bethink yourselves where you are, and whither you are going. While you are in your natural unconverted, unbelieving State, all your Sins are unpardoned, and the Wrath of GOD abideth on you, Acts 3.19. John 3.3, 36. Suppose you saw a poor Creature hanging over a burning fiery Furnace, by nothing but a twined Thread, like to break every Moment, would not your Hearts shake for such an one? Sirs, it is your very Case; you hang over the ⟨p. 57⟩infernal Burnings by Nothing but the small Thread of your Lives, which you know not but it may crack the next Moment, and then where are you? Is this a Case for you to go on merrily and contentedly in?
Q. II. What Condition is your Soul now in? Am I changed and renewed by Conversion, or am I not? Speak Conscience, hath this Man, this Woman, been soundly and savingly changed both in Heart and Life? Where are your Evidences? Can you show the Marks of the Lord Jesus upon your Souls? Let your Conscience answer, where was the Place? What was the Means? When was the Time that thy Soul was throughly renewed? At least if thou cannot show the Time, Place nor Means, can you prove the Thing? Can you say, with him, [one Thing I know, that whereas I was blind, I now see] Sirs, be not deceived, I tell you, whatever you be, and whatever you do, nothing will avail you to Salvation, except you be new Creatures, Gal. 6.15.
Q. II. What Condition is your Soul now in? Am I changed and renewed by Conversion, or am I not? Speak Conscience, hath this Man, this Woman, been soundly and savingly changed both in Heart and Life? Where are your Evidences? Can you shew the Marks of the Lord Jesus upon your Souls? Let your Conscience answer, where was the Place? What was the Means? When was the Time that thy Soul was throughly renewed? At least if thou cannot shew the Time, Place nor Means, can you prove the Thing? Can you say, with him, [one Thing I know, that whereas I was blind, I now see] Sirs, be not deceived, I tell you, whatever you be, and whatever you do, nothing will avail you to Salvation, except you be new Creatures, Gal. 6.15.
Q. III What if I should lose my Soul? What fair Work should I make of it then? This is very possible, Mat. 16 26. Yet it is the Case of the most: There are but few, few of the Children of Men, that do escape safe to Heaven, Mat. 6.14. Sirs, be aware of your Danger, and fear, lest a Promise being left of entering into his Rest, any of you should at last come short of it, Heb. 4.1. Suppose a Man were to travel through some perilous Wood or Wilderness, having but one Jewel in all the World, in which his All was bound up, and should see some stand on one Hand, and some on the other, and hear one Company in this Place, and another in that, crying out under the Hands of some cruel Robbers: Oh, in what Fear would this Traveller go, lest he should lose his Jewel, and be robbed of all at once? Why, thou art the Man. This Traveller is thy self: This Jewel is thy Soul: This Wilderness, or Wood, is this World; thou art to travel through Swarms of Sins, Legions of Devils, a whole World of Temptations. ⟨p. 58⟩These are the Robbers that lie in wait for thy Soul, and if all that these can do, can keep thee out of Heaven, thou shalt never come there. Oh, what if thy Pride or Worldliness, thy Delays, and Triflings in Religion, should at last betray thy Soul into the Robbers Hands! Other Losses may be repaired, but thy Soul being once lost, GOD is lost, CHRIST is lost, Heaven, all lost for evermore!
Q. III What if I should lose my Soul? What fair Work should I make of it then? This is very possible, Mat. 16 26. Yet it is the Case of the most: There are but few, few of the Children of Men, that do escape safe to Heaven, Mat. 6.14. Sirs, be aware of your Danger, and fear, lest a Promise being left of entring into his Rest, any of you should at last come short of it, Heb. 4.1. Suppose a Man were to travel through some perillous Wood or Wilderness, having but one Jewel in all the World, in which his All was bound up, and should see some stand on one Hand, and some on the other, and hear one Company in this Place, and another in that, crying out under the Hands of some cruel Robbers: Oh, in what Fear would this Traveller go, lest he should lose his Jewel, and be robbed of all at once? Why, thou art the Man. This Traveller is thy self: This Jewel is thy Soul: This Wilderness, or Wood, is this World; thou art to travel through Swarms of Sins, Legions of Devils, a whole World of Temptations.
Q. IV. What do I do for my Soul? What, have I a Soul, an immortal Soul to care for, and look no better after it, nor bestow no more of my Time or Pains upon it, no more of my Thoughts about it? When Augustus the Emperor saw the outlandish Women carrying Apes, and such kind of strange Creatures, in the Streets in their Arms, he asked, What! have the Women in these Countries no Children? So it may be said of many among us that are early and late at their Worldly Business, but let the Care of Religion lye by neglected; What! have these Men no Souls? Why Man, hast thou a Soul, and yet dost so little in thy Closet, so little in thy Family, from Day to Day for it? What meanest thou, O Sleeper? Arise, call upon thy GOD, that thou perish not, Jonah 1.6. What will become of thy Soul, if thou lookest to it only at this careless Rate?
Q. V. What if God should this Night require thy Soul? Where would Death land thee? Luke 12.19, 20. There was one that promised himself many merry Days and Years, as it is like thou dost; but that same Night God called for his Soul. Sirs, are you in your Postures? Are you •it to die? Oh, dare not to live in such a Case, nor in that Course, in which you would not dare to die?
Q. VI. What a happy Case were I in, if I had but secured my Soul? Oh, if this were but once done, how sweetly mightest thou live! then thou mightest eat thy Bread, and drink thy Wine with a merry Heart, when assured that God accepteth thee and thy Works, Eccles. 9.7. Then thou mightest lye down in Peace, and rise up in Peace, go out and ⟨p. 59⟩come in in Peace; then thou mightest look Death in the Face, thou mightest look Dangers in the Face, yea, look Devils in the Face, and never be afraid. Oh, Sirs, if there be any Insurance Office for Souls in all the World, one would think you should be seeking of it. And thus much for the Questions, which though of Use to all, yet were intended chiefly for unconverted, impenitent Souls.
C••. I. That you put hard to it, to get that by these hazardous Opportunities that may quit all your Cost.
C••. I. THat you put hard to it, to get that by these hazardous Opportunities that may quit all your Cost.
What Pity is it that you should adventure much, and yet gain but little? How sad would it be, if you should at last suffer deeply for your Conscientious Attendance upon God in such Seasons, and when you come into a Prison, or into Banishment should find that you had not got that by them that would bear you out.
Coun. II. That you value no Mercy barely as it serves in content to your Flesh, but as it stands in order to Eternity, and may serve to the furthering your Maker's Glory. God hath preserved your Liberties, and hath restored mine: But what of all this, Unless we improve our Liberties for Eternity, what are we better than those that are in Prison, if this be all the Advantage we have a little more Content to our Flesh? The Cypher put to the Figure is of great Consideration, but put it by it self, it signifies nothing at all. These Creature Comforts separated from their Respect to God and Eternity, are of no Value: But in order to these Ends they signify much. We have Ease and Fullness, when many others are in Pain, and in Poverty; and we have much the Start of them, if we be ⟨p. 60⟩wise to improve our Health, in saying in a-pace against a wet Day, and preparing a pace for Eternity. And if we serve the Lord with the more abundant Diligence and Cheerfulness, and Gladness of Heart in the Abundance of all Things But if this be all we have by it, that our Bones do lie a little softer, and our Palates are tickled with a little the more Delight, what Profit have we by our Health, or our Estates? If they that be sick or poor do love the Lord as well, or serve the Lord as much as we; they have the Advantage of us, and better were it for us to be poor and sick as they be.
Coun. II. That you value no Mercy barely as it serves in content to your Flesh, but as it stands in order to Eternity, and may serve to the furthering your Maker's Glory. God hath preserved your Liberties, and hath restored mine: But what of all this, Unless we improve our Liberties for Eternity, what are we better than those that are in Prison, if this be all the Advantage we have a little more Content to our Flesh? The Cypher put to the Figure is of great Consideration, but put it by it self, it signifies nothing at all. These Creature Comforts separated from their Respect to God and Eternity, are of no Value: But in order to these Ends they signify much. We have Ease and Fulness, when many others are in Pain, and in Poverty; and we have much the Start of them, if we be ⟨p. 60⟩wise to improve our Health, in saying in a-pace against a wet Day, and preparing a pace for Eternity. And if we serve the Lord with the more abundant Diligence and Chearfulness, and Gladness of Heart in the Abundance of all Things But if this be all we have by it, that our Bones do lie a little softer, and our Palates are tickled with a little the more Delight, what Profit have we by our Health, or our Estates? If they that be sick or poor do love the Lord as well, or serve the Lord as much as we; they have the Advantage of us, and better were it for us to be poor and sick as they be.
Coun. III. Rest not in Probabilities for Heaven, but labour for Certainties. Beloved, Certainty may be had, else the Counsel of God to make our Calling and Election sure were in vain, 2 Pet. 1.10 Else the Experience of the Saints were but a Delusion, who tell us they know they are passed from Death to Life, 1 John 3.14. 2 Cor. 5.1. Job 19.25, 26. Else the Power of Self-reflection were to no Purpose, and the Spirit which is in Man should not know the Things of the Man, 1 Cor. 2 11. Now if a Certainty may be had, will you not put in for it, and turn every Stone, but you will get it? Sirs, now, if ever, you have need to put hard to it to get Assurance. We are at miserable Uncertainties for all outward Enjoyments; we know not how soon we may be called to part with them all: Christians, What do you mean? Will you be content to have nothing sure? Will you not settle your everlasting Condition, now you are so unsettled as to your outward Condition? What will you do in the Day of Visitation, when Extremity comes in upon you, if you have no Assurance that God will receive you? It would make ones Heart tremble to think of being put upon such a fearful Temptation to part withal for Christ, and not to be sure of him neither? O Man! what an Advantage will the Tempter now have upon thee, when he shall suggest, Wilt thou be such a Fool as to let go all at once? Thou seest ⟨p. 61⟩Heaven is not sure, Christ is not sure, therefore keep the World while thou hast it, and hold what thou hast sure: Beloved, what a fearful slighting of God, and Contempt of Heaven, and Glory, and all the Promises, doth this argue, that you can be content to be at Uncertainties whether they be yours or no? How many of you be there that do not know whether you be going to Heaven or to Hell? And what desperate Carelessness doth this argue, to go on from Week to Week in such a Case? Some Hopes […] have that you shall do well, but put not me off with Hopes, never be satisfied, till you are able to say, not only, I hope I shall be saved; but, I know I am passed from Death to Life; I know that when the earthly House of this Tabernacle shall be dissolved, I have a Building not made with Hands, &c.
Couns. IV. Be not satisfied with the Truth of Grace, but reach after the Growth. Do not think all is done, when you have attained the Evidence of Grace, but put on hard towards the Increase. That Person that doth not desire and design Perfection, never came up to Sincerity. He that desires Grace truly, desires it not barely as a Bridge to Heaven, and so to seek no more than will just bear his Charges thither: But he desires it for its own Sake; and therefore desires the Height of it: That Person that desires Grace only for Heaven's Sake, and enquires what is the lowest Measure of Grace that any one may have and come to Heaven, (by which he meaneth but to be saved from Misery) upon this Design, that if he could but come to that Pitch, he would desire no more; that Person is rotten at the Heart. Christians, the Lord doth expect of you, that you should not be Babes and Dwarfs; He looks now, especially that you should make some Progress: What do you more than heretofore? What! Do you feel his Spurs in your Sides, and his Whip at your Backs; and yet never mend your Pace in Religion, not stir one Jot the faster? Let me commend to you Paul's ⟨p. 62⟩Study, Phil. 3 12, 13, 14. It argues a base and unworthy Spirit to content ourselves with little Things in Religion.
Couns V Labour that Holiness may become your Nature, and Religion your Business. Then you are come to somewhat indeed in Religion, when the Work of God is become your natural and beloved Employment, your Meat and Drink, your Work and Wages When your Tongues and Hearts do as naturally run on God, as others on, and of the World: Much of that may be attained by constant Care and Prayer. Brethren, let God's Work be done by you, not by the Bye, but as your greatest Business: Seek first the Kingdom of God, Mat. 6.33. And so whatsoever you be, you may be able to give that Account of yourselves, that our Saviour did when they enquired of him, that you are about your Father's Business, Luke 2.59.
Couns. VI. Confine not your Religion to your Knees, but carry on an even spun Thread of Holiness through your whole Course Brethren, 'tis the Disgrace of Religion, that Christians are so unlike themselves, unless it be when they are in Holy Duties. This wounds Religion to the Quick, when it shall be said of Professors, These Men indeed, will pray like Angels, but for aught we can see, they are as peevish, and as touchy, as any other Men, and they are as hard in their Dealings, and make as little Conscience of their Words, as others do. Beloved, think not Religion lies only, or chiefly, in praying, hearing, reading: No, you must be throughout religious. Sirs, bring forth your Religion out of your Closets into your ordinary Course. Let there not be a List of Holiness on the Outside of the Cloth, but let Holiness be woven into the Whole of your Conversations. Here lies the Excellency and Difficulty of Religion: When you have the Baits of Intemperance before you, then hold the Reins hard, and deny your Flesh; and when you have Provocation before you, then to bite in your Passions, and bridle the ⟨p. 63⟩unruly Members: When you have Dealings with others, then to proceed by that Golden Rule of Equity and Charity, To do to others as your Conscience tells you, you would have them do in like Case to you. When you are called upon in your several Relations, then to behave yourselves with that Tenderness and Love, with that Reverence and Obedience, with that Courtesy and Condescension, and Kindness that becomes you in your various Capacities: In this I say, lies the Excellency of Religion.
Couns. VI. Confine not your Religion to your Knees, but carry on an even spun Thread of Holiness through your whole Course Brethren, 'tis the Disgrace of Religion, that Christians are so unlike themselves, unless it be when they are in Holy Duties. This wounds Religion to the Quick, when it shall be said of Professors, These Men indeed, will pray like Angels, but for aught we can see, they are as peevish, and as touchy, as any other Men, and they are as hard in their Dealings, and make as little Conscience of their Words, as others do. Beloved, think not Religion lies only, or chiefly, in praying, hearing, reading: No, you must be throughout religious. Sirs, bring forth your Religion out of your Closers into your ordinary Course. Let there not be a List of Holiness on the Outside of the Cloth, but let Holiness be woven into the Whole of your Conversations. Here lies the Excellency and Difficulty of Religion: When you have the Baits of Intemperance before you, then hold the Reins hard, and deny your Flesh; and when you have Provocation before you, then to bite in your Passions, and bridle the
Couns. VII. Ever walk with your End in your Eye: It is true, according to the usual Similitude, The Traveller thinks not of his Journey's End in every Step, nor need he; yet there is no Traveller but thinks of it at his setting out: Brethren, there is nothing hinders, but that with Prayer and Watchfulness you might come to this, in every solemn Action to mind GOD as your End: Impose this upon yourselves as your daily Rule to walk by, never to lye down but with these Thoughts, [Well, I will make use of my Bed as an Ordinance of God for my natural Refreshment, that a Servant of his may he fitted for his Work.] Never to rise up but with these Thoughts. [I will set forth this Day in the Name of the Lord, and make it my Business this Day throughout to please him.] Never to set about our Callings, but in the Entrance to think thus, [I will set about my Employment in Obedience to God, because this is his Will, that I should walk with him in my Place and Station.] Never to sit down to your Tables but thinking, [I will now eat and drink not merely to feed my Flesh, but to cherish a Servant of Christ Jesus, that he might have Strength for his Service.] Charge this upon yourselves, and examine in the Evening, how you have minded it, and check yourselves wherein you come short. Once learn this, and you are come to something: And you shall have the undoubted Evidence of your Sincerity, and shall know the Inside of that blessed Mystery of walking with God.
Couns. VIII. Be and do more than ordinary in your Families and Closets, now in the Defects of the more public Ordinances.
Couns. VIII. Be and do more than ordinary in your Families and Closets, now in the Defects of the more publick Ordinances.
Coun. III. Rest not in Probabilities for Heaven, but labour for Certainties. Beloved, Certainty may be had, else the Counsel of God to make our Calling and Election sure were in vain, 2 Pet. 1.10 Else the Experience of the Saints were but a Delusion, who tell us they know they are passed from Death to Life, 1 John 3.14. 2 Cor. 5.1. Job 19.25, 26. Else the Power of Self-reflection were to no Purpose, and the Spirit which is in Man should not know the Things of the Man, 1 Cor. 2 11. Now if a Certainty may be had, will you not put in for it, and turn every Stone, but you will get it? Sirs, now, if ever, you have need to put hard to it to get Assurance. We are at miserable Uncertainties for all outward Enjoyments; we know not how soon we may be called to part with them all: Christians, What do you mean? Will you be content to have nothing sure? Will you not settle your everlasting Condition, now you are so unsettled as to your outward Condition? What will you do in the Day of Visitation, when Extremity comes in upon you, if you have no Assurance that God will receive you? It would make ones Heart tremble to think of being put upon such a fearful Temptation to part withall for Christ, and not to be sure of him neither? O Man! what an Advantage will the Tempter now have upon thee, when he shall suggest, Wilt thou be such a Fool as to let go all at once? Thou seest ⟨p. 61⟩Heaven is not sure, Christ is not sure, therefore keep the World while thou hast it, and hold what thou hast sure: Beloved, what a fearful slighting of God, and Contempt of Heaven, and Glory, and all the Promises, doth this argue, that you can be content to be at Uncertainties whether they be yours or no? How many of you be there that do not know whether you be going to Heaven or to Hell? And what desperate Carelessness doth this argue, to go on from Week to Week in such a Case? Some Hopes 〈…〉 have that you shall do well, but put not me off with Hopes, never be satisfied, till you are able to say, not only, I hope I shall be saved; but, I know I am passed from Death to Life; I know that when the earthly House of this Tabernacle shall be dissolved, I have a Building not made with Hands, &c. 2 Cor. 5.1.
