The works of George Swinnock, M.A

¹Fair and softly goes far. None thrive so well as those that stay Gods leisure, and expect wealth in his way. Titus Vespasian stamped in his Coin a Dolphin and an Anchor, with this Impress, Sat cito, si sat been. Soon enough, if well enough. A Dolphin outstrips the Ship, that's soon enough; And an Anchor ⟨p. 31⟩stayeth the Ship, that's well enough; So both together make, soon enough, if well enough; And of this Prince it is reported, Abstinuit alieno si quis unquam. If ever any was free from injuring others, he was the man. None are more guilty of unrighteousness, then those that huddle up riches in haste. They are most harmless who are contented to live in hope, and to wait patiently on God. That wealth which is gotten well enough, is gotten soon enough; All other is worse then an abortive birth, that comes before the time. That fruit which is soon ripe, will be soon rotten. An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning, but the end thereof shall not be blessed, Prov. 20. 21. As Honey over liberally eaten, though it be sweet and pleasant at first, yet afterwards, causeth strange vomitings and sad g•ipings in the stomach and belly; so an estate overhastily gotten, though it may cause a smile in thy countenance, and rejoice thy carnal part at the beginning, yet will afterwards cause dreadful gripings in thy conscience, be a Vulture gnawing at thy heart, and its latter end be cursed to thee and thine. I have read of a Philosopher, who bought a pair of shoes upon trust, the Shoe-maker dieth, the Pythagorean rejoiceth, and thinks his shoes clear gains; but a while after, his conscience twitches him, and will allow him no rest, because of his robbery; he repairs to the house of the dead, and casts in his money, saying, There, take thy due; Thou livest to me, though dead to all besides. He that carrieth such luggage on his back all day, must expect to find his conscience galled to purpose at night.

¹Fair and softly goes far. None thrive so well as those that stay Gods leasure, and expect wealth in his way. Titus Vespasian stamped in his Coin a Dolphin and an Anchor, with this Impress, Sat cito, si sat bene. Soon enough, if well enough. A Dolphin outstrips the Ship, that's soon enough; And an Anchor