The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Unsanctified persons at best, act from themselves, and therefore for themselves. As the Kite, they may spread their wings, and soar aloft, as if they touched Heaven, when at the highest, their eyes are upon their prey upon earth. Lucullus told his guests, when he had feasted them liberally, and they had admired his bounty in their costly entertainment; Something my Friends is for your sakes, but the greatest part is for Lucullus his own sake. An unconverted person may do something, some small matter for the sake of Religion, from common gifts of illumination, &c. but the most that he doth is for his own sake, for that credit or profit which he expecteth thereby. If any thing be enjoined which thwarteth his interest, he will reply with Ajax, when commanded to spare Ulysses, In other things I will obey the Gods, but not in this.

Unsanctified persons at best, act from themselves, and therefore for themselves. As the Kite, they may spread their wings, and soar aloft, as if they touched Heaven, when at the highest, their eyes are upon their prey upon earth. Lucullus told his guests, when he had feasted them liberally, and they had admired his bounty in their costly entertainment; Something my Friends is for your sakes, but the greatest part is for Lucullus his own sake. An unconverted person may do something, some small matter for the sake of Religion, from common gifts of illumination, &c. but the most that he doth is for his own sake, for that credit or profit which he expecteth thereby. If any thing be enjoyned which thwarteth his interest, he will reply with Ajax, when commanded to spare Vlysses, In other things I will obey the Gods, but not in this.

Reader, Make sure of this inward change; otherwise, though thy conversation may be specious, it can never be gracious, nor thy profession durable. If the house be built on loose earth, it will never stand long. When the principles are variable and uncertain, so will the practices be. If the arguments upon which thou takest upon thee the livery of Christ, and the grounds of thy engagement in his service, be not firm and constant, the love of God, and hope of eternal ⟨p. 704⟩