The works of George Swinnock, M.A

A Good Wish of a Christian in Relation to his dealings with all men, wherein the former Heads are applied.

The Living and Eternal God,¹ whose I am, and whom I am infinitely bound to serve; whose unquestionable dominion over me, calleth for universal subjection from me; having commanded me in his word, to be holy as he is holy, in all manner of conversation, and to walk by rule in my commerce with men, as well as in my immediate converses with his glorious Majesty; I wish in general, that I may make Religion my business, not only in my sacred duties, but also in my civil dealings; that I may trade with God in divine performances, as if men saw me, and traffic with men in humane affairs, as knowing that God beholdeth me, and herein daily exercise my self to keep a conscience void of offence towards God, and towards all men. ²I Wish in particular, that my earthly actions may never clash with, or encroach upon my heavenly calling, that I may not endanger the loss of Religion in the throng and crowd of outward dealings; but may be so limited and directed therein by Gods Law, that all my works may be worship, and when I am labouring for my body and family, I may be furthering the good of my soul, and my eternal felicity; that as my chief natural quality, Reason, commandeth in my lower actions of eating and drinking; so my supernatural excellency, Religion, may bear sway in every passage of my life. Lord, who hast given me a perfect rule, and appointed me to order my life ⟨p. 58⟩in all things according to it; be pleased to write all thy laws in my heart, that I may be tender of both Tables; love thee with all my soul and strength, and love my Neighbour as my self, for thy sake. If one link of the golden chain of thy commands be broken, the whole is dissolved; they love one another too well to part company; where one precept is wilfully despised, all are disobeyed; Thou hast said it, He that breaks one, is guilty of all. O enable me to be as universal in my conformity and duty, as thou art in thy mercy and bounty; for then shall I not be ashamed, when I shall have respect to all thy Commandments.