Puritan curate Joseph Alleine undoubtedly impacted the religious climate of the 17th century. He was born in England in 1634 and, after graduating from Oxford, quietly rose to prominence as a preacher and author. In his day, his best-selling publication “An Alarm to the Unconverted” was a plea to repentance and conversion.

Devotion to God and persistent endeavours to promote the gospel defined Alleine’s life. He was imprisoned and tortured for his ideals, yet he never wavered in his convictions. His impact as a preacher and writer has inspired Christians for centuries.

Living and working in Taunton, in the South West of England, Alleine considered the pastoral side of his work as paramount, leading to several nonconformist writings. He led a humble existence, forsaking worldly concerns in favour of developing both his spirituality, and that of his parishioners. 

In sum, Alleine’s life and writings serve as an intriguing demonstration of faith and perseverance. His influence on nonconformist Christian thinking and practice is still felt today, and his writings continue to be read and studied.

Joseph Alleine – Wikipedia.

Joseph Alleine – Dictionary of National Biography (1904).

Joseph Alleine – Encyclopedia Britannica (1911).

Joseph Alleine – Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (2008).

Curate of St Mary Magdalene (now Taunton Minster).