Letter by Joseph Alleine.
By Joseph Alleine
LET US be wholly swallowed up in the concerns of religion, and know no other interest but Jesus Christ. I cannot say I have already attained; but this is that my heart is set to learn, that in all I do, whether sacred or civil actions, still I may be doing but one work, and driving on one design, that God may be pleased by me, and glorified in me; that not only my praying, preaching, alms, etc., may be found upon my account, but even my eating, drinking, sleeping, visits, discourses, because they are all done as unto God. Too often do I take a wrong aim, and miss my mark; but I will tell you what be the rules I set myself, and do strictly impose upon myself from day to day: Never to lie down but in the name of God; not barely for natural refreshment, but that a weary servant of Christ may be recruited, and fitted to serve him better the next day. Never to rise up but with this resolution. Well, I will go forth this day in the name of God, and make religion my business, and spend the day for eternity. Never to enter upon my calling, but first thinking, I will do these as unto God, because he requireth these things at my hands in the place and station he has put me into. Never to sit down to the table, but resolving, I will not eat merely to please my appetite, but to strengthen myself for my Master's work. Never to make a visit, but upon some holy design, resolving to leave something of God where I go; and in every company to leave some good savor behind. This is that which I have been for some time learning, and am pressing hard after; and if I strive not to walk by these rules, let this paper be a witness against me.