Required reading
Sure Guide to Heaven (Puritan Paperbacks) by Joseph Alleine (available from Amazon or free on the internet, here for example) - Alleine's conclusion
My notes and thoughts
And so we come to the conclusion, the last installment of our first book in the club.
Alleine makes a final push and will not accept any indecision: 'Well, do not put me off with a dilatory answer; tell me not later. I must have your immediate consent.'
A reminder is given of the eternal nature of the decision: 'Remember you are now upon your good behaviour for everlasting; if you do not make a wise choice now, you are undone for ever. What your present choice is, such must be you eternal condition.'
Alleine's exasperation in this section demonstrates that he has given this quest all he has. If he had anything else to say that would help the sinner he would have said it: 'Have you read thus far, and not yet resolved to abandon all your sins and to close with Jesus Christ? Alas, what shall I say? What shall I do? Will you turn off all my importunity? Have I run in vain? Have I used so many arguments and spent so much time to persuade you and must I sit down at last in disappointment?'
Final verdict
Although I would not give this book to all my non-Christian friends, it could well be useful for those who are seeking Christ and are yet to make a commitment. For ministers, Alleine's book is an excellent example of someone who has poured out their heart to win souls for Christ. Alleine has used argument after argument coupled with impassioned pleas for the sinner to come to Christ. If only more of us were as alarmed as Alleine about the souls of the unconverted.
2 comments:
This was truly an amazing work, and difficult to find just one thing to sum it up!
I'm so thankful that I could see some signs within myself of being truly regenerate, and am thankful Alleine included those especially the bit about the desire of the heart being after God and knowing Christ, so that even though my flesh is weak and pitiful, stubborn and slow, at least my heart longs for the day of perfection in heaven!
The other part I found helpful was the section on sin, and all the ills it has brought into our lives and the world. "If Adam and all his children could be dug out of their graves, and their bodies piled up to heaven, and an inquest were made as to what matchless murderer were guilty of all this blood, it would be all found in sin." May the Holy Spirit grant me conviction of my sin, and may the Lord Jesus give me strength to fight against it, and may I not murmur against any rods the Father uses to drive it out of my life.
I'm so glad to hear you're continuing the Club, Pastor Radford! If I don't get another work finished between now and the New Year (I'm currently working on Pilgrim's Progress) I wish you and yours a blessed New Year!
Hi CJ,
Yes, I do remember Alleine fondly too. Certainly one of the most vivid writers we've featured in the club.
Good to hear you're persisting with Pilgrim's progress, it is well worth it.
Joel.
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