ANOTHER ALARM TO THE UNCONVERTED Joseph Alleine

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.

You may pay for the book in which the Gospel is contained; for the Church or chapel in which it is preached, for the minister who preaches it to you … but, the Gospel itself is as free as the light that shines, as the rain and dew which fall from above; as the air which you inhale and as every other blessing of God -