The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Some wish this whilst they live, either under some great affliction, or on a dying bed; nay, I am persuaded, that most wicked men that live under the Gospel in their prosperity, even when they have ⟨image 18⟩the world at will, in the midst of their sensual delights, have inward conviction that the course they take will prove cursed in the end, and have some velleities or weak desires (though overruled by carnal head-strong affections) that they could leave those vanities, and make religion their business: But all wicked men after death, when they come into the other world, will wish in earnest, with all their hearts and souls, that they had minded nothing but the service of God, and exercising themselves unto godliness. There, there it is, that the whole world that now lieth in wickedness, and will not believe the word and wisdom of their Maker, will all set their hands and seals to the truth of that which I am now endeavouring to evince.

Some wish this whilst they live, either under some great affliction, or on a dying bed; nay, I am perswaded, that most wicked men that live under the Gospel in their prosperity, even when they have ⟨image 18⟩the world at will, in the midst of their sensual delights, have inward conviction that the course they take will prove cursed in the end, and have some velleities or weak desires (though overruled by carnal head-strong affections) that they could leave those vanities, and make religion their business: But all wicked men after death, when they come into the other world, will wish in earnest, with all their hearts and souls, that they had minded nothing but the service of God, and exercising themselves unto godliness. There, there it is, that the whole world that now lyeth in wickedness, and will not believe the word and wisdom of their Maker, will all set their hands and seals to the truth of that which I am now endeavouring to evince.

When God sends his Officer, death, to arrest sinners, for the vast sums which they owe to his justice for their breach of his laws, and this Serjeant according to command from the King of Kings, executes his writ, and delivers his prisoner to the Devils, Gods Jailers; and they seize as so many roaring Lions on the poor trembling prey, and hale them to their own den, hell; that dungeon of eternal darkness, where sinners see and are assured that all their meat, must be flakes of fire and brimstone; and all their drink, a cup of pure wrath without mixture; and all their Music, howling, and weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth; and all their rest, torments day and night for ever and ever; and all their Companions frightful Devils, and a cursed crew of damned wretches, and all this to come upon them for not making religion their business