The works of George Swinnock, M.A

wouldst thou then live without him in the world, and leave him out as one unconcerned in the several passages of thy conversation? Wouldst thou then put him off with the skin, and shell, and carcass of religion, as if he were an Idol, and had ⟨image 10⟩eyes, and saw not; and ears, and heard not; instead of an hearty dedication of thy self, and all thou hast to his service? Wouldst thou then eat or drink, or buy, or sell, or do any thing without asking his leave, and begging his blessing, and observing the rules and commands which he hath prescribed thee? Or wouldst thou not rather do all things as in his presence, according to his precepts, and as may be most for his praise, believing that he is not a God to be dallied with?

wouldst thou then live without him in the world, and leave him out as one unconcerned in the several passages of thy conversation? Wouldst thou then put him off with the skin, and shell, and carkasse of religion, as if he were an Idol, and had ⟨image 10⟩eyes, and saw not; and ears, and heard not; instead of an hearty dedication of thy self, and all thou hast to his service? Wouldst thou then eat or drink, or buy, or sell, or do any thing without asking his leave, and begging his blessing, and observing the rules and commands which he hath prescribed thee? Or wouldst thou not rather do all things as in his presence, according to his precepts, and as may be most for his praise, believing that he is not a God to be dallied with?

3. Is not that worthy to be made thy business, which is the end of thy being and preservation, and of all the mercies that thou enjoyest, and of all the cost and charge which the Great God is night and day at with thee? For what end dost thou think the Great and Glorious God formed thy body so curiously in the womb, and animated it with an heaven-born soul? but that thou mightst be made capable of admiring his excellencies, adoring his perfections, and obeying his precepts. Canst thou be so foolish as to think that he created thee to despise his dominion, and break his laws, and dishonour his name, and walk contrary to him in thy conversation? Wherefore dost thou imagine God doth preserve thee in thy being, afford thee health, and strength, and sleep, and food, and raiment, and friends, and respect, and protect thee in thy outgoings, and incomings, and defend thee from invisible enemies, who are continually waiting to destroy thee, and have power enough to drag thee into hell every moment, bt are only restrained by his almighty arm; but that thou mightest by these streams be led upward to the fountain, employ these talents as a faithful