The works of George Swinnock, M.A

In all thy Contracts, Purchases, and Sales, cast an eye upon that golden rule, mentioned by our Saviour, Mat. 7. 12. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; for this is the Law and the Prophets; This is the Royal Law, the golden Rule, the Kings High-way, and the standard of all righteousness. Whatsoever in a well ordered judgement thou wouldst have others do to thee and thine, do the sam• to them and theirs, supposing conditions alike; for this is the sum and epitome of all that is delivered in the Law and the Prophets, concerning thy carriage towards others. Hierom commended this saying to a holy woman, to be written on her heart, as an abridgement of all righteousness. Lactantius saith, Its the root and foundation of all equity. Severus the Emperor had often this saying in his mouth,¹ and caused it to be proclaimed by the Crier, as often as he punished a Soldier for injuring any other. Its very profitable for a Christian in his dealings with others, to make frequent appeals to his own Conscience. Would I be dealt thus with, were I as this man is, or as this woman? Would I be willing to have this measure measured to me or mine? Would I be glad to be served so as I serve others? Is this to love my Neighbour as my self. Reader, such serious Soliloquies may prevent much unrighteousness. Though Charity begins at home in regard of order, yet not in regard of time; for a man no sooner loves himself aright, but he loves his Neighbour as himself. That Proverb came from the Devil, Every man for himself, and God for us all. For God saith, Let no man ⟨p. 28⟩seek his own, but every man another's wealth: And again, Thou shalt love thy Neighbour as thy self, 1 Cor. 10. 24. Gal. 5. 24. He is but a beast that preyeth for himself alone. Inanimate creatures are beneficial to others; Fire, Air, Earth, Water, are all serviceable to others beside and more then to themselves. How soon would the frame of nature be dissolved, if every thing should be confined within the narrow compass of self! Water moveth downward, Fire upward naturally, yet both will cross their own nature to prevent a Vacuum, and preserve the Universe.