The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Is not that worthy to be made thy business, which addeth a real worth to every thing, and without ⟨image 13⟩which nothing is of worth or value? Every one will grant, that what is so richly excellent, as to ennoble and add an intrinsic value to whatsoever it is affixed; and the lack of which maketh every thing (be they in other respects never so precious) low and mean, must needs deserve to be our business. Truly Friend, such is holiness; it makes the word of God a precious word, more to be embraced then gold, yea, then much fine gold. The Ordinances of God, precious Ordinances; the people of God, a precious people, the excellent of the earth. What is the reason that some, in the account of him who is best able to judge, though they be never so rich or beautiful, or high and honourable in the world, are called Dross, Chaff, Stubble, Dust, Filth, Vessels of dishonour; and counted Dogs, Swine, Vermin, Serpents, Cockatrices, but want of holiness? What is the reason that some, though poor and despised, and mean, and houseless, and friendless, are esteemed (by him who can best discern true worth) The glory of the World, the glory of Christ, a Royal Diadem, a Royal Priesthood; higher then the Kings of the earth, more excellent then their Neighbours; Princes in all lands, such of whom the world is not worthy? but because they are godly persons, an holy people. Why are some Angels advanced to the highest Heavens, waiting always in the presence of the King of Kings, honoured to be his Ministers and Deputies in the Government of this lower world; when other Angels are thrown down into the lowest Hell, for ever banished the Celestial Court, and bound in chains of darkness, as prisoners to the day of execution? but holiness in the former, and want of it in the latter.

Is not that worthy to be made thy business, which addeth a real worth to every thing, and without ⟨image 13⟩which nothing is of worth or value? Every one will grant, that what is so richly excellent, as to ennoble and add an intrinsick value to whatsoever it is affixed; and the lack of which maketh every thing (be they in other respects never so precious) low and mean, must needs deserve to be our business. Truely Friend, such is holiness; it makes the word of God a precious word, more to be embraced then gold, yea, then much fine gold. The Ordinances of God, precious Ordinances; the people of God, a precious people, the excellent of the earth. What is the reason that some, in the account of him who is best able to judge, though they be never so rich or beautiful, or high and honourable in the world, are called Dross, Chaff, Stubble, Dust, Filth, Vessels of dishonour; and counted Dogs, Swine, Vermine, Serpents, Cockatrices, but want of holiness? What is the reason that some, though poor and despised, and mean, and houseless, and friendless, are esteemed (by him who can best discern true worth) The glory of the World, the glory of Christ, a Royal Diadem, a Royal Priesthood; higher then the Kings of the earth, more excellent then their Neighbours; Princes in all lands, such of whom the world is not worthy? but because they are godly persons, an holy people. Why are some Angels advanced to the highest Heavens, waiting always in the presence of the King of Kings, honoured to be his Ministers and Deputies in the Government of this lower world; when other Angels are thrown down into the lowest Hell, for ever banished the Celestial Court, and bound in chains of darkness, as prisoners to the day of execution? but holiness in the former, and want of it in the latter.