The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Name: The works of George Swinnock, M.A
Author: George Swinnock

The works of George Swinnock, M.A. containing these several treatises ...

George Swinnock 1627–1673London: printed by J.B. for Tho. Parkhurst, 1665

[42], 877, [7] p. · 271k words · Wing S6264 · ESTC R7231

Title page typeset from the transcription.

Chapter 10: Means whereby Christians may exercise themselves to Godliness; A constant watchfulness,…Chapter 10: Means whereby Christians may exercise themselves to Godliness; A constant wat•hfulness,…

Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.

[ Earlier:1112–1127 of 1,420

:1112p. 762

The heart of man is, like Reuben, unstable […] water, and is stablished with grace (Heb. 10.) which cannot be expected, but through the means of grace. The Viol that with every change of weather is apt to be out of tune, must be constantly hung within sent of the fire. Whilst we are in the care of this world, we are full of damps, and therefore need all means of quickening. Our hearts are like Clocks, twice a day at least, the Plummets must be pulled up, or their motion and course will be hindered.

The heart of man is, like Reuben, unstable 〈…〉 water, and is stablished with grace (Heb. 10.) which cannot be expected, but through the means of grace. The Viol that with every change of weather is apt to be out of tune, must be constantly hung within sent of the fire. Whilst we are in the care of this world, we are full of damps, and therefore need all means of quickening. Our hearts are like Clocks, twice a day at least, the Plummets must be pulled up, or their motion and course will be hindered.

:1113p. 762

Indeed as God could preserve our bodies without food or any sustenance, by his omnipotent power, as he did Moses and Elijah forty days together, but he will not where he affordeth ordinary means; So he could preserve our souls in life without ordinances, but he will not, where his providence giveth us opportunity to enjoy them.

:1114p. 762–763

Reader, I must say to thee, as Jacob to the Patriarchs, Behold I have heard that there is Corn in Egypt, get you down thither and buy for us, that we may live and not dye. Behold thou hast heard there is spiritual food in Heaven; the Son of Joseph hath his granaries full of Corn, go thou thither daily by sacred duties, that thy soul may live and not dye. There is a sensible decay of the strength in Husbandmen (whose work is great) upon one days abstinence. If tradesmen grow careless of their business, and neglect their Shops, they quickly decay in their estates. When Christians grow careless of duties, and neglect their Closets, tis no wonder that they decline in their spiritual stocks. When the Moon hath her

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Reformers309

Puritans1,782

Westminster Assembly24

Evangelicals36

CHAP. XI. Means whereby Christians may exercise themselves to Godliness; Frequent Meditation of the day of judgement; A daily Examination of our hearts; Avoiding the Occasions and Suppressing the beginnings of Sin.