A62040:1290
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.
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 Pos•Possessions, Persons or Comforts upon Earth can do.
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 vertues of this Diamond; It is the true Loadstone 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 cloath thee with fine linnen, the robes of Gods own righteousness; twill protect thee and maintain thee, twill advance and honour thee, twill inrich and ennoble thee in life, refresh and rejoyce thee in death, crown and reward thee after death, do more for thee then all the Princes or Potentates, Relations or Pos•Possessions, Persons or Comforts upon Earth can do.
In thy prosperity and enjoyment of outward good things, godliness would like Sugar and Spice, correct their windiness, and make them wholesome and profitable to thee. It would like Elisha's Meal and Salt, make thy Meat sweet and savoury, and thy drink pleasant and refreshing to thee. It would make thy bed soft and easy, thy garments warm and sweet scented. Twill so far abate thy appetite to this luscious food, that thou shouldst not feed immoderately to the surfeiting thy soul.