The works of George Swinnock, M.A

The Worlds greatest darlings, whom she dandleth most upon her knees, and to whom she granteth her sweetest kisses, are but at best like a curious marble chimney-piece, glorious and shining without, but full of soot and blackness within. God did at first for mans fall judge the earth to bring forth Briars and Thorns, and all the fruit it beareth will be piercing and paining, what ever men fancy to themselves.

But Reader, though the curse of the earth be Thistles and Thorns, yet the blessing of Heaven is light and joy. Though the World be empty and vain, and vexatious; yet Religion is full, and filling the soul with content and comfort. Observe the very formal nature of it; The Kingdom of God ⟨image 9⟩(i. e. Religion) consisteth not in meats and drinks, but in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, Rom. 14. 17. Peace and joy is the heart-cheering wine which groweth upon this vine; A good conscience is a continual feast; Natural things must be brought to their centre before they can enjoy rest; and how can it be expected that spiritual beings can enjoy true repose, but in their centre the Father of spirits! That peace which passeth all understanding, that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory, are the true and legitimate children of the power of godliness. Outward things and forms, like Glow-worms, may be glistering, but they are not warming; Tis the power of Religion, like the Sun, that brings refreshing light, and enlivening heat along with it. The wicked is snared in his wickedness, but the righteous sing & rejoice.

But Reader, though the curse of the earth be Thistles and Thorns, yet the blessing of Heaven is light and joy. Though the World be empty and vain, and vexatious; yet Religion is full, and filling the soul with content and comfort. Observe the very formal nature of it; The Kingdom of God ⟨image 9⟩(i. e. Religion) consisteth not in meats and drinks, but in righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost,