A62040:1288
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.
If there were a free trade proclaimed to the Indies, and every man that went, promised as much gold as he would desire, and a certainty of making a good voyage, who almost would stay at home? what crowding would there be to Port-Towns? and what hast to take shipping.
Reader, Though God will not suffer this to be, in reference to earthly treasures, knowing out of his infinite wisdom how hurtful they would be to immortal souls; yet he offereth thee all this and infinitely more, in calling upon thee to mind godliness; He saith to thee, as Joseph to his brethren, ⟨image 456⟩Gen 45. 18. Come unto me, and I will give you the good of the Land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the Land; Come unto me and I will give you the good of Canaan, and ye shall eat the pleasant fruits of that Land flowing with Milk and Honey.
Reader, Though God will not suffer this to be, in reference to earthly treasures, knowing out of his infinite wisdom how hurtful they would be to immortal souls; yet he offereth thee all this and infinitely more, in calling upon thee to mind godliness; He saith to thee, as Ioseph to his brethren, ⟨image 456⟩Gen 45. 18. Come unto me, and I will give you the good of the Land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the Land; Come unto me and I will give you the good of Canaan, and ye shall eat the pleasant fruits of that Land flowing with Milk and Honey.
O Reader, didst thou know the worth of this jewel, thou wouldst trample upon all the wealth of this World as dung, in comparison of it. Little dost thou think or imagine the advantage, the virtues of this Diamond; It is the true Lodestone that draweth all good to it. Luther saith of one Psalm, This Psalm hath done more for me, then all the Potentates of the World; I may say to thee, This calling will feed thee with bread that came down from Heaven, and clothe thee with fine linen, the robes of Gods own righteousness; twill protect thee and maintain thee, twill advance and honour thee, twill enrich and ennoble thee in life, refresh and rejoice thee in death, crown and reward thee after death, do more for thee then all the Princes or Potentates, Relations or PosPossessions, Persons or Comforts upon Earth can do.