The works of George Swinnock, M.A

The Heathen Historian can agree with Scripture, in this; Vita nostra sicut fabula, non refert quam diu sed quam bene;¹ Our life passeth away, as a tale that is told; it matters not much whether it be long or short, but whether it be well or ill.

1. 1Liv. l. 15. c. 7.

Surely it concerneth thee Reader to make Religion thy business, and work the work of God, when thine everlasting happiness dependeth on it, and thy time is so short that thou hast to do it in. In the days of Ptolomeus Philopater, when the huge and great Anchor of the Ship Thalmegos was laid out upon the shore, the Children of Alexandria did ride upon the stalk and crept through the ring of the Anchor, as if it had been made purposely for their pastime, whereas wise men knew it was appointed for better uses, namely, to stable and make sure the great vessel in storms and tempests.

Truly, so do too many serve time, they play and toy, and trifle it away, as if God had given it to them for that end; when he who hath but half an eye, as we say, may see that it was given for better purposes, viz. to furnish his soul for his eternal voyage, and thereby to help to stablish ⟨p. 841⟩and fasten him when he shall launch into the stormy Ocean. Protogenes made himself ridiculous in the judgement of all that are sober, for spending seven years in drawing Jalisus and his Dog; for though the most excellent Pictures are longest in drawing, yet to spend years about that which may be finished in days, argueth want of wisdom. But having spoken somewhat largely to this in the sixth Chap. I am the more brief in this.