The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Hence the main work of Christs prophetical office was to reveal God to the world.

And the Devils great work is to keep men from this knowledge of God, knowing that it will tend so exceedingly to their sanctification and holiness, and to the overthrow of his interest. The Miller muffleth and blindeth his Horse that draweth his Mill, and thereby keeps him at his round, deceiving him, in making him to think he goeth forward. The first work of the Philistines was, to put out Samsons eyes, and then they made him grind at their Mill and make them sport. The Eagle (saith Pliny, Nat. Hist. lib. 10. cap. 20.) before he setteth upon the Hart, rolleth himself in the Sand, and then flieth at the Stags head, and by fluttering his wings, so dustieth his eyes, that he can see nothing, and then striketh him with his Talons where he listeth. Satan darkeneth mens understandings, ⟨p. 806⟩and thereby commandeth their wills and affections, and destroyeth the whole man; If our Gospel be hid, it is hid to them that perish, whom the God of this world hath blinded their minds, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ, who is the Image of God should shine unto them, 2 Cor. 4. 4, 5.

And the Devils great work is to keep men from this knowledge of God, knowing that it will tend so exceedingly to their sanctification and holiness, and to the overthrow of his interest. The Miller mufleth and blindeth his Horse that draweth his Mill, and thereby keeps him at his round, deceiving him, in making him to think he goeth forward. The first work of the Philistines was, to put out Sampsons eyes, and then they made him grind at their Mill and make them sport. The Eagle (saith Pliny, Nat. Hist. lib. 10. cap. 20.) before he setteth upon the Hart, rolleth himself in the Sand, and then flyeth at the Staggs head, and by fluttering his wings, so dustieth his eyes, that he can see nothing, and then striketh him with his Talons where he listeth. Satan darkneth mens understandings, ⟨p. 806⟩