Instructions about Heartwork

First published in 1681, this little-known treatise by Puritan pastor Richard Alleine is an extensive exposition of Proverbs 4:23: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” The author instructs readers in the proper way to keep their hearts, stressing what is to be done on God’s part and on the believer’s part. In the processes, he details the well-kept heart as one that is mercifully recovered from its lost state, carefully governed in godliness, and eagerly guarded against the world, the flesh, and the devil. The goal throughout is that believers may grow in exercising grace and embracing full assurance of salvation.

Publisher: Soli Deo Gloria Publications
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9798886861211

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Richard Alleine (1611–1691) ministered in the city of Batcomb for more than twenty years until he was ejected in 1662 for nonconformity. After being ejected, he preached in private homes and was fined on several occasions for holding services not sanctioned by the Church of England. As a preacher and pastor, he was greatly respected and well-known for his pious, practical writings.

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“This was the last work of this blessed author, and I wish the improvement of the scope of it may be the first and last work of every reader. His works have done good to many, and very few men have so many heart epistles of commendation…. A clear and practical understanding of the way of grace, the way of temptation, and the way of duty regarding the heart will steer us right through all the difficulties and dangers we shall meet with on this side of glory. That this book may be blessed to this end is the hearty desire of a willing servant of Christ and Christians.” Samuel Annesley (ca. 1620–1696), a prominent Puritan and nonconformist pastor