Sixthly, If you grow more vile in your own eyes. Do you grow more out of love with men’s esteem, set less by it? Are you not marvellous tender of being slighted? Can you rejoice to see others preferred before you? Can you heartily value and love them that think meanly of you?
Seventhly, If you grow more quick of sense, more sensible of divine influences, or withdrawings. Are you more afraid of sin than ever? Are your sins a greater pain to you than heretofore? Are your very infirmities your great afflictions? and the daily workings of corruption a continual grief of mind to you?
I must conclude abruptly, commending you to God, and can only tell you that I am,
Your’s in the Lord Jesus,
JOS. ALLEINE.
From the common gaol, in Ivelchester,
October 31, 1663.
LETTER XI.
To my dearly beloved, the inhabitants of Taunton, grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Most dearly beloved,