Alline experienced a remarkable conversion in March 1775, after which he dedicated himself to preaching the gospel. Educational opportunities were non-existent for Planters, and so he was self-educated through his own reading. In the 1770s he was influential in starting a Great Awakening religious revival. His New Lights ideas and followers quickly spread across the region and into northeastern New England.
The following poem appeared in Hymns, and Spiritual Songs (Peter Edes, 1786) which was published in Boston. His autobiography, The Life and Journal of the Rev. Mr. Henry Alline, appeared in 1806.
On Death
I
Death reign'd with vigour since the Fall,
------And rides with fury still;
Nor rich nor poor, nor great nor small,
------Can e'er resist his will.
II
He ravages both night and day,
------Through all our mortal stage;
And ev'ry creature falls a prey
------To his resistless rage.
III
Nations and empires he has slain,
------And laid whole cities waste,
And doth his cruel siege maintain
------To sweep the world in haste.
IV
Ride forth, O mighty Prince of Peace,
------And take away his sting.
Then shall his cruel kingdom cease,
------And saints his triumph sing.
Entry written by D.S. Martin. He is the author of six poetry collections including Angelicus (2021, Poiema/Cascade), plus three anthologies — available through Wipf & Stock. His new book The Role of the Moon, inspired by the Metaphysical Poets, is now available from Paraclete Press.
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