A62040:1274
The works of George Swinnock, M.A
The works of George Swinnock, M.A. containing these several treatises ...
London: printed by J.B. for Tho. Parkhurst, 1665
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Chapter 15: The excellency of this Calling, and the Conclusion of the Treatise.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Godliness doth not deny us our natural delights, only rectify and regulate them, lest we should surfeit on them. It doth not deny us drink but drunkenness, nor meat but gluttony. Nature even in things in themselves lawful, would run out unlawfully, if she were not restrained; Grace only keepeth the reins in its own hands, least that skittish Colt should through its wantonness break its own n•ck. It is as the Pale to the Garden, to preserve the flowers in it from Beasts, or as an hedge to a Field, to keep what is in it within bounds. As Leonidas the Captain, perceiving that his Soldiers left their Watch on the City Walls, for the Ale-houses, commanded that the Ale-houses should be removed to the City walls, that they might both enjoy their pleasure, and discharge their duties together. Godliness alloweth men the comfort of their Relations, and Possessions, only it so limiteth our delight in them, that we may not by them be hindered from working the work of God, and minding our eternal salvations.
Godliness doth not deny us our natural delights, onely rectifie and regulate them, lest we should surfeit on them. It do•h not deny us drink but drunkenness, nor meat but gluttony. Nature even in things in themselves lawful, would run out unlawfully, if she were not restrained; Grace onely keepeth the reins in its own hands, least that skit•ish Colt should through its wantonness break its own n•ck. It is as the Pale to the Garden, to preserve the flowers in it from Beasts, or as an hedge to a Field, to keep what is in it within bounds. As Leonidas the Captain, perceiving that his Souldiers left their Watch on the City Walls, for the Ale-houses, commanded that the Ale-houses should be removed to the City walls, that they might both enjoy their pleasure, and discharge their duties together. Godliness alloweth men the comfort of their Relations, and Possessions, only it so limiteth our delight in them, that we may not by them be hindered from working the work of God, and minding our eternal salvations.