The works of George Swinnock, M.A

If (as some credibly relate of Persina the Ethiopian Queen, by seeing the fair Picture of Perseus and Andromeda, she was delivered of a fair Child,) the frequent view of a fair Picture, hath such an operation upon the body, as to cause an Egyptian Woman to bring forth a beautiful Child; Surely thy constant beholding the amiable Image of the blessed God, in thy pious companion, may have such an energy on thy soul, as to assimilate thee to its own nature, and help thee to bring forth a lovely issue, a Jedediah, whom the Lord loveth. The ground is the more fruitful, which is near such Trees of righteousness, for the dunging and dressing which the good Husbandman bestoweth on them. When a friend of Phocion's would have cast himself away, Phocion suffered him not, saying, I was made thy friend for this purpose.

If (as some credibly relate of Persina the Ethiopian Queen, by seeing the fair Picture of Perseus and Andromeda, she was delivered of a fair Child,) the frequent view of a fair Picture, hath such an operation upon the body, as to cause an AEgyptian Woman to bring forth a beautiful Child; Surely thy constant beholding the amiable Image of the blessed God, in thy pious companion, may have such an energy on thy soul, as to assimulate thee to its own nature, and help thee to bring forth a lovely issue, a Iedediah, whom the Lord loveth. The ground is the more fruitful, which is near such Trees of righteousness, for the dunging and dressing which the good Husbandman bestoweth on them. When a friend of Phocions would have cast himself away, Phocion suffered him not, saying, I was made thy friend for this purpose.

¹Reader, If thou hast any truth of grace, thou wilt above all things in the World value Gods presence; but if thou wouldst find him, it must be amongst his people; they are his habitation where he always resides. Joseph and Mary sought Jesus amongst his Kindred. If thy soul have any longing ⟨p. 101⟩after the holy Jesus, the best way to find him is amongst his Disciples, for they only are his kindred; He stretched forth his hands towards his Disciples, saying, Behold my Mother and my Brethren; For whosoever shall do the Will of my Father which is in Heaven, the same is my Brother, and Sister, and Mother,