The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Besides, it is an encouragement to Christians, that they do not diminish, ¹but increase their spiritual stocks by trading. He were not a man that would not do another a courtesy, when by doing it he should do himself no injury. How bad is he then that will not benefit his Neighbour, when thereby he doth a real kindness to himself? Money laid up, rather wasteth with rust, then increaseth; but Money laid out, brings in considerable profit. To him that hath shall be given. When the Servant that had received five Talents, traded and gained five more, Take the Talent, saith Christ, from the unprofitable servant, and give it to him that hath gained five; our Communication to others, is no diminution, but an addition to our selves. Live coals are made the hotter for those near them, which they enlivened. The truth is, there is no Usury so lawful as of spiritual riches, nor is there any so profitable; Our use upon use, which almost doubleth the principal in seven years, is nothing to this; O Christians, therefore lose not a tide, a market, an opportunity, if possible; hereby, though your beginnings be small, your latter end shall wonderfully increase; Many that have begun with very little, have by trading thus, come to dye worth thousands.

Besides, it is an encouragement to Christians, that they do not diminish, ¹but increase their spiritual stocks by trading. He were not a man that would not do another a courtesie, when by doing it he should do himself no injury. How bad is he then that will not benefit his Neighbour, when thereby he doth a real kindness to himself? Money laid up, rather wasteth with rust, then increaseth; but Money laid out, brings in considerable profit. To him that hath shall be given. When the Servant that had received five Talents, traded and gained five more, Take the Talent, saith Christ, from the unprofitable servant, and give it to him that hath gained five; our Communication to others, is no diminution, but an addition to our selves. Live coals are made the hotter for those near them, which they enlivened. The truth is, there is no Vsury so lawful as of spiritual riches, nor is there any so profitable; Our use upon use, which almost doubleth the principal in seven years, is nothing to this; O Christians, therefore lose not a tide, a market, an opportunity, if possible; hereby, though your beginnings be small, your latter end shall wonderfully increase; Many that have begun with very little, have by trading thus, come to dye worth thousands.