[2] According to the Dictionary of National Biography, he is described "by one not given to laudation" as having been ‘a hard student, a good scholar,’ and it is added he was ‘an excellent preacher, a grave and pious divine, and a man of a most humble, heavenly, and courteous behaviour, full of sweet christian love to all.’ Nonetheless, was he exposed to the politico-religious persecutions of the times.
[3] About the year 1637–8 he accompanied a band of English Puritanism to New England, ‘being obliged to go on board the ship which was to convey him thither in disguise, in order to elude pursuit.’ He was invited by the residents to settle in Dedham, Massachusetts "with thoughts of future employment in publik worke.
"[4] In 1639 he was chosen pastor of the First Church and Parish in Dedham where he continued "much beloved and useful all the rest of his days," only now and again accompanying Eliot in his "labours" among the Indians.
"[5] In 1637 a number of English divines, having had it bruited that their brethren in New England were departing from the old landmarks in regard to ecclesiastical discipline and order, addressed to them a letter of inquiry in respect to what they called the ‘Nine Positions.’ The New-England divines answered the communication at great length, frankly acknowledging that on certain points their views had been modified.
This in turn was replied to by John Ball on behalf of the English divines, and to this finally a very able and pungent answer was given by Allin along with Thomas Shepard, entitled ‘A Defence of the Nine Positions.’[3] Later, a protracted controversy agitated New England on the proper ‘subjects’ (or objects) of baptism.
In their preface the editors denominate him ‘a constant, faithful, diligent steward in the house of God, a man of peace and truth, and a burning and shining light.’ These two sermons were some years since reprinted in a memorial volume, entitled The Dedham Pulpit.