The works of George Swinnock, M.A

What I do thou knowest not now, but shalt know hereafter. The issue will prove a truth in Gods promises, and the conclusion will speak what was in the womb of the promises. I am confident when God sendeth afflictions, they are at that season more fit for me then outward mercies; and though at present I am ready to blaspheme, yet when I find the fruit of them in being thereby partaker of his holiness I bless him for them. A Lacedaemonian woman, when Sparta had got the day in a battle, could not only submit but rejoice though her five Sons were slain in the fight. If I get the victory over one sin, I have cause to rejoice, though it cost me some outward comforts. 7. That the more I repine the worse I make my condition. A discontented man like one in a barrel of Pikes, which way soever he turns he finds something that pricks, he is best at ease when he lieth still. Murmuring turns whips into Scorpions, and makes that which would be but as a little Finger, heavier then weighty loins. They who by an even poise may sit safe in a Boat when the waters are ⟨p. 817⟩rough, by rising up or stirring, are drowned. Passions like rain or mist to the best firs, breed vermin in the soul. Because this man hath not what his lust craveth, he enjoyeth not what God hath given him; but like an Ass feedeth on herbs, whilst he carrieth better food on his back for others. A single mischief by discontent is made double. The Prisoner galls his legs by striving with his fetters. 8. The examples of others may have some prevalency with us; Abraham, Moses, Paul were eminent for this grace. Many Heathen who were ignorant of the wisdom, goodness, and faithfulness of God, yet upon principles of morality were constant and even in their behaviours, not changing their countenances with the change of their fortunes and conditions, but bringing their mind to their estates, when they could not bring their estates to their minds. Xanthippe said of Socrates that she always found him returning home (though he often met with affronts and abusive language abroad) with the same face and carriage with which he went out. Furius Camillus was ever like himself, neither by obtaining the dictatorship inflamed with arrogancy, nor being banished his Country fickle with melancholy.

What I do thou knowest not now, but shalt know hereafter. The issue will prove a truth in Gods promises, and the conclusion will speak what was in the womb of the promises. I am confident when God sendeth afflictions, they are at that season more fit for me then outward mercies; and though at present I am ready to blaspheme, yet when I find the fruit of them in being thereby partaker of his holiness I bless him for them. A Lacedaemonian woman, when Sparta had got the day in a battel, could not onely submit but rejoyce though her five Sons were slain in the fight. If I get the victory over one sin, I have cause to rejoyce, though it cost me some outward comforts. 7. That the more I repine the worse I make my condition. A discontented man like one in a barrel of Pikes, which way soever he turns he finds something that pricks, he is best at ease when he lieth still. Murmuring turns whips into Scorpions, and makes that which would be but as a little Finger, heavier then weighty loynes. They who by an even poize may sit safe in a Boat when the waters are