The works of George Swinnock, M.A

If thou art, Reader, to begin this work of entering thy self into Christs Army, I would advise thee to bethink thy self upon what grounds thou engagest in his quarrel; For Christians are not called to their spiritual war for love of fighting, as Cocks that fall to it upon sight of each other. Consider, the enemies thou art to fight against, how potent, and crafty, and cruel they are, continually seeking thy destruction; the Captain thou art to fight under, how wise he is to direct and command thee, how able to protect and defend thee; how faithful, and bountiful, to crown and reward thee; the excellency of the cause; it is for thy soul, thy God, thy Saviour, thy salvation; the dangers thou must encounter, and hardships thou wilt be called to endure; the certainty of thy conquest; how impossible it is to miscarry in so just a quarrel, under such an Almighty Captain, and then list thy self to fight the good fight of faith, and fear not but thou shalt be more then a conqueror, through him that loves thee.

If thou art, Reader, to begin this work of entering thy self into Christs Army, I would advise thee to bethink thy self upon what grounds thou engagest in his quarrel; For Christians are not called to their spiritual war for love of fighting, as Cocks that fall to it upon sight of each other. Consider, the enemies thou art to fight against, how potent, and crafty, and cruel they are, continually seeking thy destruction; the Captain thou art to fight under, how wise he is to direct and command thee, how able to protect and defend thee; how faithful, and bountiful, to crown and reward thee; the excellency of the cause; it is for thy soul, thy God, thy Saviour, thy salvation; the dangers thou must encounter, and hardships thou willt be called to endure; the certainty of thy conquest; how impossible it is to miscarry in so just a quarrel, under such• an Almighty Captain, and then list thy self to fight the good fight of faith, and fear not but thou shalt be more then a conqueror, through him that loves thee.

Secondly, If thou wouldst exercise thy self to godliness, Live by Faith. The life of Faith, its the only life of holiness; and unbelief is the mother of all Apostasy. When God would persuade Abraham to sincere and singular godliness, he doth it by offering him sure footing for his faith, I am God All-sufficient, or the Almighty God; Walk before me, and be thou perfect,