Most dearly beloved, I covet after your furtherance in mortification, and growth in grace. And oh that I could represent death unto you, as it will shew shortly itself: or could but open a window into eternity to you: How effectually would this do the work! Then the cripple would fling away his crutches, the slothful would pluck his hand out of his bosom, and shake off his excuses, and be night and day at his work. Then the Laodicean would be recovered from his [♦]benumbed frame; then we should have no halving in religion, no lazy wishing and complaining; but men would ply the oars to purpose, and sweat at their work.
[♦] “benummed” replaced with “benumbed”
Brethren, lift up yourselves above the objects of sense; be men for eternity, and carry it like those that seek for glory, honour, and immortality. I commend you to divine grace; and am
Your’s in the bonds of the gospel of our Lord Jesus,
JOS. ALLEINE.
From the common gaol at Ivelchester,
March 5, 1665.
LETTER XVIII.
To the loving and most beloved people, the servants of God in Taunton, grace and peace.
Most dearly beloved,