The works of George Swinnock, M.A

3. Its eternal gain; Other gains are fading, deceitful brooks, dying flowers, withering gourds, and vanishing shadows; Riches are not for ever, Pro. 29 Man in honour abideth not, Psa. 49.2. The pleasures of sin are but for a season, Heb. 11. 25. But this ⟨p. 862⟩gain is for ever. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever, both in the nature of it, tis incorruptible seed, and in the fruit of it, which is the gift of God, eternal life. Though other trades shall all fail, as useful only in this needy World; though other callings shall vanish, and time it self shall be no more, yet this trade, this calling, shall r•n parallel with the life of an immortal soul; though gold be a corruptible metal, the gain of this calling is better then much fine gold; its an inheritance, undefiled, incorruptible. Our work, whether in doing or suffering the Will of God, is but for a moment, but it works for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. O what an happy good, what an excellent gain, is that which is eternal! Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall never be taken from her. When thy Lands and Houses shall be taken from thee, thy place and dwelling shall know thee no more; when thy Friends and Relations shall be taken from thee; Son of Man, behold I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke; when all the comforts of this life shall serve thee as vermin and lice do a dead man; though they stick close to him in his life, run from him at death; this Calling will stand by thee, encourage thee, never leave thee nor forsake thee. In other things thou chosest for that which is most lasting. If thou buyest an house, or beast, or suit of apparel, thou art desirous to have that which is most durable and strong. O why shouldst thou not chose that good which is everlasting! When Demetrius had taken Megara, and his Soldiers plundered the City, he fearing the Philosopher ⟨p. 863⟩Stilpo might receive some loss, sent for him, and asked him whether any of his men had taken any thing of his; Stilpo answered, No, for I saw no man that took my learning from me. Godliness is such Wealth, such Learning, as will abide with thee in general plunder; indeed neither men nor Devils can rob thee of it.