The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Thirdly, Consider the examples of others, who have wrought hard at this heavenly Calling. Cicero tells us, Nothing prevails more with men then similitudes and examples; Indeed worthy patterns are of great power. Thucydides brake forth into tears out of love to learning, upon hearing Herodotus read an history that he had written. Themistocles tells us, The statue of Miltiades would not suffer him to sleep. Alexander was much provoked to valiant acts, by reading the prowess of Achilles and Hector in Homer. Cesar was so stirred to courage by reading the conquests of Alexander in his youth. that he wept for anger that he had done nothing worthy of himself at that age. Iron put into the fire is turned into fire; consider therefore the Prophets and Apostles of the Lord, how diligent they were at their duty, how hard they wrought for God.

Thirdly, Consider the examples of others, who have wrought hard at this heavenly Calling. Cicero tells us, Nothing prevailes more with men then similitudes and examples; Indeed worthy patterns are of great power. Thucydides brake forth into tears out of love to learning, upon hearing Herodotus read an history that he had written. Themistocles tells us, The statue of Miltiades would not suffer him to sleep. Alexander was much provoked to valiant acts, by reading the prowess of Achilles and Hector in Homer. Cesar was so stirred to courage by reading the conquests of Alexander in his youth. that he wept for anger that he had done nothing worthy of himself at that age. Iron put into the fire is turned into fire; con•ider therefore the Prophets and Apostles of the Lord, how diligent they were at their duty, how hard they wrought for God.

The great Apostle was indefatigably industrious for his soul and his Saviour. Consider him in reference to his outward man, how unwearied was he at his Masters wo•k, and in reference to his inward man, how zealous, how fervent in spirit, serving the Lord! From Jerusalem to Illyricum I ⟨p. 842⟩have preached the Gospel. His travails are computed to be 12970. miles. He gives us when necessitated thereunto, a brief Catalogue of his actions and passions for Christ. Are they ministers of Christ? I am more, in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day have I been in the deep. In journyings often, in perils of water, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own Countrymen, in perils by the Heathen, in perils in the City, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils by false brethren. In weariness and painfulness in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness; besides those things which are without, that which cometh upon me daily the care of all the Churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?