The works of George Swinnock, M.A

So the Ambitious person showeth himself to the world as chief favourite at Court, with much pomp and pride, by and by his honour is eclipsed, by the hate of the People, or frowns of his Prince, or envy of his fellow Courtiers; or if not, yet he dyeth, and carrieth nothing away, and his glory doth not descend after him. The like is evident of earthly treasures, they are soon gone, though not soon gotten. As a gallant ship, well rigged, trimmed, tackled, manned, with her top and top gallant, and her well spread sails, putteth out of harbour to the admiration of many spectators; but within a few days is split upon some dangerous rock, or swallowed up of some disastrous tempest, or taken by some ravenous Pirate; so are this worlds goods on a sudden taken from their owners, or their owners from them.

So the Ambitious person sheweth himself to the world as chief favourite at Court, with much pomp and pride, by and by his honour is eclipsed, by the hate of the People, or frowns of his Prince, or envy of his fellow Courtiers; or if not, yet he dyeth, and carrieth nothing away, and his glory doth not descend after him. The like is evident of earthly treasures, they are soon gone, though not soon gotten. As a gallant ship, well riggd, trimmed, tackled, manned, with her top and top gallant, and her well spread sails, putteth out of harbour to the admiration of many spectators; but within a few days is split upon some dangerous rock, or swallowed up of some disasterous tempest, or taken by some ravenous Pyrate; so are this worlds goods on a sudden taken from their owners, or their owners from them.

There is a hole in our strongest Bags, and rust in our choicest metal. The Apostle calls riches uncertain riches, and honour a fancy, and all the things of this world a fashion, 1 Tim. 6.17. Act. 24. 1 Cor. 7. 29. We are not certain to keep these birds in our yards whilst we live; for Riches make ⟨p. 835⟩