A62040:1126
The works of George Swinnock, M.A
The works of George Swinnock, M.A. containing these several treatises ...
London: printed by J.B. for Tho. Parkhurst, 1665
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Chapter 11: Means whereby Christians may exercise themselves to Godliness; Frequent Meditation of t…
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.
Ah, who can conceive the value which the vilest wretch on earth will put upon holiness at that day! then grace will be grace indeed, and godliness will be godliness indeed. Then they who mock at Saints for their purity and strictness, and look upon Sanctity but as Hypocrisy, and the acting of a part to cozen the world with, and think it is enough to put God off with a few prayers now and then, when their pastimes and lusts will give them leave, will call to believers as the foolish to the wise Virgins, Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out; then the graceless Princes and Potentates of the world will throw their Crowns and Diadems at the feet of the meanest Christian, for a dram of his grace and holiness.
Ah, who can conceive the value which the vilest wretch on earth will put upon holiness at that day! then grace will be grace indeed, and godliness will be godliness indeed. Then they who mock at Saints for their purity and strictness, and look upon Sanctity but as Hypocrisie, and the acting of a part to cozen the world with, and think it is enough to put God off with a few prayers now and then, when their pastimes and lusts will give them leave, will call to beleivers as the foolish to the wise Virgins, Give us of your oyl, for our lamps are gone out; then the graceless Princes and Potentates of the world will throw their Crowns and Diadems at the feet of the meanest Christian, for a dram of his grace and holiness.
The Apostle speaking of that day, puts the question, Where shall the sinner and ungodly appear? 1 Pet. 4. 18. Now indeed, those that scoff and deride and scorn at holiness, and holy ones, may appear before great men in many parts of the world with praise and applause; Now, they may appear in the Country, and be respected of their Drunken, Atheistical, Brutish Neighbours, and probably be the more honoured for their opposition to the Spirit of grace and holiness; but then, Where will the sinner and ungodly appear? Not in Heaven, for that is no Sty for Swine, no Kennel for Dogs, no Gaol for Malefactors, ⟨p. 768⟩