The works of George Swinnock, M.A

I have read of a Minister that in the night had a sudden motion to go visit a certain neighbour, and though he argued with himself the unseasonableness of the time, and his ignorance of any cause for such an ⟨p. 246⟩action; yet the impulse upon him was so strong that he could not withstand it; so going to that friends house late in the night, he found none at home save the Master of the house. Truly, (saith the Minister to him) I am come to your house thus late, but I know not to what end, nor for what purpose. Yea (saith the man of the house) but God knoweth; for I have made away, through my profaneness, so many children's portions, and here is the rope in my pocket, with which I was going to hang my self. But what, replied the Minister, if I can tell you of one that made away with more portions, and yet was saved? Who was that? said the Neighbour. Adam, saith the Minister, who as a public person, was entrusted with the stock of all his posterity, and prodigally wasted them, yet was saved. Thus by his serious and seasonable counsel, he stayed the man from his purpose, and was, probably, instrumental for much spiritual good to him.

I have read of a Minister that in the night had a sudden motion to go visit a certain neighbour, and though he argued with himself the unseasonableness of the time, and his ignorance of any cause for such an ⟨p. 246⟩action; yet the impulse upon him was so strong that he could not withstand it; so going to that friends house late in the night, he found none at home save the Master of the house. Truly, (saith the Minister to him) I am come to your house thus late, but I know not to what end, nor for what purpose. Yea (saith the man of the house) but God knoweth; for I have made away, through my prophaneness, so many childrens portions, and here is the rope in my pocket, with which I was going to hang my self. But what, replied the Minister, if I can tell you of one that made away with more portions, and yet was saved? Who was that? said the Neighbour. Adam, saith the Minister, who as a publique person, was intrusted with the stock of all his posterity, and prodigally wasted them, yet was saved. Thus by his serious and seasonable counsel, he stayed the man from his purpose, and was, probably, instrumental for much spiritual good to him.