The works of George Swinnock, M.A

The way to true Riches, saith Plato, is not to increase our heaps, but to diminish the covetousness of our hearts. It were well for the world, saith another, if there were no Gold in it; but since its the Fountain whence all things flow, its to be desired, but only as a pass to travail to our journeys end without begging. Every man is rich, or may be so, if he will equal his mind to his estate, and be but poor in his desires; He that hath most, wants something, as Haman, when he had the commander of one hundred and twenty Provinces at command; He that hath least, wants nothing, if he want not a contented spirit.

The way to true Riches, saith Plato, is not to increase our heaps, but to diminish the covetousness of our hearts. It were well for the world, saith another, if there were no Gold in it; but since its the Fountain whence all things flow, its to be desired, but onely as a pass to travail to our journeys end without begging. Every man is rich, or may be so, if he will equal his mind to his estate, and be but poor in his desires; He that hath most, wants somthing, as Haman, when he had the commander of one hundred and twenty Provinces at command; He that hath least, wants nothing, if he want not a contented spirit.

He that can bring his heart to an even poise in all providences, will avoid many temptations, ⟨p. 812⟩and escape many snares in which others are entangled. The want of this renders many a mans life as unserviceable to God, as uncomfortable to himself. The discontented person like the Sea, is seldom seen without storms and tempests; A small matter puts him out of order and joint, and so unfits him for spiritual actions. As hot Iron, the smallest drop sets him a hissing, like a ruffled skein of silk, every way taken to compose him, entangleth him. Discontent like Ink poured into a Bottle of Water, turns all into blackness; O Friend, beware of it.

He that can bring his heart to an even poize in all providences, will avoid many temptations, ⟨p. 812⟩