The works of George Swinnock, M.A

The smallness of thy temporal, may increase thy spiritual estate. If God recompense thy want of earthly, with a supply of heavenly riches, thou art no loser. Nicepsorus tells us of one Cyrus a Courtier, in the time of Theodosius the younger, who through the envious occupation of some favourites being spoiled of his goods, of a Pagan became a Christian, and of a Christian a Minister of Christ. Endoxia the daughter of a Philosopher in Athens, being cast out of her Fathers house by unkind brethren, and coming to Constantinople to beseech Theodosius to right a poor Orphan, found such favour in his eyes, that he made her his Queen. Affliction is the way to honour with men, to more holiness from God; when Prosperity causeth our fall both into sin and misery. He holds the garments of his godliness fast in a boisterous wind, who would lay it off in a Sunny day.

The smallness of thy temporal, may increase thy spiritual estate. If God recompence thy want of earthly, with a supply of heavenly riches, thou art no loser. Nicepsorus tells us of one Cyrus a Courtier, in the time of Theodosius the younger, who through the envious occupation of some favourites being spoiled of his goods, of a Pagan became a Christian, and of a Christian a Minister of Christ. Endoxia the daughter of a Philosopher in Athens, being cast out of her Fathers house by unkind brethren, and coming to Constantinople to beseech Theodosius to right a poor Orphan, found such favour in his eyes, that he made her his Queen. Affliction is the way to honour with men, to more holiness from God; when Prosperity causeth our fall both into sin and misery. He holds the garments of his godliness fast in a boysterous wind, who would lay it off in a Sunny day.

Lastly, If thou woodst exercise thy self to godliness, take heed of those things that will hinder thee therein. As if a man would have his trees to thrive, he must not only open the earth sometimes, and mind its watering, but also lop off superfluous branches; and as a Gardiner if he would have his herbs and flowers to flourish, must be sure to keep his Banks and Beds well weeded, as well as dunged or watered; so if thou wouldst thrive and flourish in godliness, ••ere is a necessity of avoiding what is hurtful to it, as well as of using what is helpful.