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:1113–1128 of 1,420

: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 ⟨p. 763⟩open side downward, she decreaseth, but when her open side is upwards towards Heaven, she increaseth in light. There is no growing in grace and holiness, but by conversing with Heaven. Grace, like Armour, may easily be kept bright, if it be daily used, but if it hang by the wall, it will quickly rust, and cost much time and pains to scour.

Reader, I must say to thee, as Iacob 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 Ioseph 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 ⟨p. 763⟩

[ Earlier passages Later passages ]

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.