Joseph Alleine

There is no entering into heaven but by the strait passage of the second birth; without holiness you shall never see God. Therefore, 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. Kiss the Son and embrace the tenders of mercy; touch His sceptre and live; for why will ye die?

I beseech you to permit a friendly plainness and freedom with you in your deepest concern. I am not playing the orator to make a learned speech to you, nor dressing the dish with eloquence in order to please you. These lines are upon a weighty errand indeed – 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 with 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 could then tell you a smoother tale; I would make pillows for you and speak peace.

But how much better are the wounds of a friend than the fair speeches of the harlot, who flatters with her lips till the dart strike through the liver? I were to quiet a crying infant, I might sing him into a happier mood or rock him asleep; but when the child is fallen into the fire, the parent takes another course; he will not try to still him with a song or trifle. I know, If we succeed not with you, you are lost; if we cannot get your consent to arise and come away, you will perish forever. No conversion – no salvation! I must get your good-will or leave you miserable.

And now, beloved, let me know your mind. What do you intend to do? Will you go on and die or will you turn and lay hold on eternal life? How long will you linger in Sodom? How long will you halt between two opinions? Have you not yet resolved whether Christ or Barabbas, whether bliss or torment, whether this vain and wretched world, or the paradise of God be the better choice?

It may be you are ready to say “What does this stir mean?” And are apt to wonder why I follow you with such earnestness, still ringing the same lesson in your ears, that you should repent and be converted. But I must say to you, as Ruth to Naomi, “Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee”.

I would gladly let you alone, but would you not have me concerned for you, when I see you ready to perish? As the Lord liveth, before whom I am, I have not the least hope of seeing your face in heaven except you be converted. I utterly despair of your salvation except you will be prevailed with thoroughly to turn and give up yourself to God in holiness and newness of Life. Has God said: “Except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God”, and yet, do you wonder why your ministers labour so earnestly for you? Do you think it strange that I am in earnest with you to follow after holiness, and long to see the image of God upon you? Never did any, nor shall any enter into heaven by any other way but this.

What is it that you count necessary? Is your bread necessary? Is your breath necessary? Then your conversion is much more necessary. Indeed, this is the one thing necessary. Your possessions are not necessary; you may sell all for the pearl of great price, and yet be a gainer by the purchase. Your life is not necessary; you may part with it for Christ to infinite advantage. Your reputation is not necessary; you may be reproached for the name of Christ, and yet be happy; yes, you may be much more happy in reproach than in repute. But your conversion is necessary; your salvation depends on it; and is it not needful in so important a matter to take care? On this one point depends your making or marring to all eternity.

Courtesy of Wicket Gate Magazine