Joseph Alleine facts for kids
Joseph Alleine (born in 1634, died in 1668) was an English pastor and writer. He was known as a Nonconformist. This meant he did not agree with all the rules of the official Church of England. He wrote many religious books during his lifetime.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Joseph Alleine was born in Devizes, England, in 1634. He was the fourth child in his family. His older brother, Edward, was also a clergyman but sadly passed away in 1645. After this, young Joseph asked his father if he could study to become a minister, just like his brother.
In April 1649, Joseph began studying at Lincoln College, Oxford. Later, in November 1651, he became a scholar at Corpus Christi College. He earned his first degree in July 1653. He then became a tutor and chaplain at Corpus Christi College.
In 1655, Joseph Alleine became an assistant pastor to George Newton in St Mary Magdalene, Taunton. Around the same time, he married Theodosia Alleine. She was his cousin, but we don't know how closely related they were. Theodosia was very hardworking. She even started a boarding school at George Newton's house, which often had many students.
Studies and Challenges
Even with his busy schedule, Joseph Alleine continued his studies. He wrote a book called Theologia Philosophica. This book tried to show how religious beliefs and nature could fit together. A famous writer named Richard Baxter admired his work. Joseph also spent time with the people who started the Royal Society, a group focused on science. However, he always put his religious work first.
In 1662, a new law called the Uniformity Act 1662 was passed. This law made it harder for ministers who didn't fully agree with the Church of England. Joseph Alleine was one of many ministers who were forced to leave their churches.
Facing Persecution
After losing his church, Joseph Alleine traveled around with another minister, John Westley. They preached to people wherever they could. Because of this, Joseph was arrested and put in prison. He was also fined money. He wrote letters from prison, which were later published.
In 1663, he was imprisoned again. His wife, Theodosia, stayed by his side during this time in Ilchester. He was released in May 1664. Another law, the Five Mile Act 1665, was passed in 1665. This law said that expelled ministers had to move at least five miles away from any town where they had preached.
Joseph and Theodosia moved to a quiet place in Wellington, near Taunton. But they were still bothered by authorities. They moved again to stay with friends in Taunton, at a place called Fullands. This house is believed to still exist today. They held "secret" religious services there. In July 1655, Joseph was arrested once more.
Later Works and Death
Joseph Alleine's most famous book was An Alarm to the Unconverted (published in 1672). It was also known as The Sure Guide to Heaven. This book was very popular and read by many people. His other writings were collected and published in 1674.
Joseph Alleine's health suffered because of the constant difficulties he faced. He passed away in November 1668. His followers remembered his wish to be buried in Taunton. They found a grave for him in St Mary's church. Many people remember Joseph Alleine fondly for his strong faith and dedication. After his death, his wife and others wrote a book about his life and letters.
Published Works
Joseph Alleine's book, An Alarme to Unconverted Sinners, was printed many times over the years. It was even translated into Welsh and German. It was also important to John Wesley, who founded Methodism. Wesley made a shorter version of the book and sold it through Methodist bookshops.
Here are some of Joseph Alleine's important published works:
- A Call to Archippus, 1664
- An Alarme to Unconverted Sinners, London, 1672
- Divers Practical Cases of conscience, Satisfactorily Resolved, London, 1672
- A Most Familiar Explanation of the Assemblies Shorter Catechism, London, 1672
- Mr. Joseph Alleines Directions, for Covenanting vvith God, London, 1674
- Remaines, London, 1674
- The True Way to Happiness, London, 1675
- A Sure Guide to Heaven: or An Earnest Invitation to Sinners to Turn to God, London, 1688
- Hyfforddwr Cyfarwydd I'r Nefoedd, London, 1693 (Welsh version)
- Christian Letters Full of Spiritual Instructions, London, [1700?]
- Mr. Joseph Alleine's Rules for Self-Examination, Boston, [174-?]
- The Saint's Pocket-Book, Glasgow, 1742
- The Works of the Truly Pious and Learned Mr Joseph Allan, Edinburgh, 1752
- Useful Questions, Whereby a Person may Examine himself Every Day, Philadelphia, 1753
- The Shorter Catechism Agreed Upon by the Reverend Assembly of Divines at Westminster. To Which is Added, Some Serious Questions very Proper for True Christians to Ask Themselves Every Day, by the Late Reverend Mr.Joseph Allaine. Also a Cradle Hymn, by the Reverend Dr. Isaac Watts, New-London, 1754
- The Voice of God in His Promises, London, 1766
- The Believer's Triumph in God's Promises, London, 1767
- A Remedy of God's Own Providing for a Sinner's Guilty Conscience, [London?, 1770?]
- An Admonition to Unconverted Sinners, (London, 1771)
- Earail Shurachdach Do Pheacaich Neo-Iompaichte, Dunedin, 1781
- An Abridgement of Alleine's Alarm to Unconverted Sinners, London, 1783
- Joseph Alleins Grundlegung zum thatigen Christenthum, Lancaster, 1797
- An Earnest Invitation to the Reader to Turn to God, Grantham, 1799
Some of Joseph Alleine's books are still available today:
