The works of George Swinnock, M.A

They who put far away the evil day, cause the seat of violence to come near, Amos 6. 3. The further we drive death from our thoughts, the nearer we draw to sin. They who fancy their foe to be very far off, will not prepare and make ready to fight. Men that are young, do not consider, that the old Ass often carrieth the skin of the young to the Market; that death comes like a Thunderbolt, and Lightning, and blasteth the green corn, and consumeth the strongest buildings; if they did, they would flee youthful lusts.

He who seeth death at his door, will be most diligent about his duty; A serious consideration of the death of the body, will be a sovereign, though a sharp medicine to kill the body of death. The Naturalists tell us, that the ashes of a Viper, applied to the part which is stung, draweth the venom out of it. They who look on themselves as Pilgrims and strangers, will abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul, 1 Pet. 1. 17. Who would make his Belly, his Gut, his God, who considereth that every meal may be his last, or that thinketh, his dainty diet, his fine fare, doth but provide a greater feast for worms? Who would give way to sinful wantons, who believeth that whilst he is unloading his lust, God may put a period to his life? He that is high in conceit of himself, little dreameth how low he must shortly be laid; Who would be proud of that body which shall ere long see corruption, become such a noisome loathsome carcass, that the nearest and dearest relations will not endure the sight or ⟨p. 750⟩sent of it? He who loveth the world inordinately, forgetteth that he may leave it suddenly, and must leave it certainly; Would Haman have bragged so much of Hesters banquet, if he had known that his own corps should be served in for the last course? Would the Israelites have tempted God for meat, if they had thought that death should have been their sauce? Would Achan have coveted the golden wedge, if he had mused of his so sudden departure into the other world? Without question, he would have forborne the Babylonish garment, if he had seen death at his back, so ready to strip him naked. Had the rich fool thought that his bed should that night have proved his grave, he would never in the day have prided himself in his goods. Who would not at Gods call vilify that flesh which will be ere long a lump of filth; and be choice of that soul which lives for a more high and heavenly flight!