The works of George Swinnock, M.A

I Wish that I may never spend my precious time amongst Christians,¹ as the Athenians (who never understood the worth of that commodity, used to waste it) only in telling and hearing of news, but as Christ amongst his Disciples, in discoursing of things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. ¹O what pity is it, that a thing of such infinite value should be spoiled and laid out to little purpose! I s•ould befool him that should throw down pails of Bezoar water, to wash common sinks or gutters, which would serve for such excellent use as to comfort our vitals, and to refresh and revive drooping and fainting Spirits; Who would not abhor that vanity of Nero, in shooing his Horses with precious gold, and causing that costly metal to be trampled under foot in the dirt, which was worthy to be the materials of a Crown, for the highest •ead on earth! Am not I a greater fool then the former, and more vain then the latter, if I spend that time (which is infinitely more costly then gold or Bezoar, as having relation to eternity) wholly in worldly talk, which might be employed in declaring and admiring the boundless perfections of the blessed God, in furthering that curious work of grace, in my own and others souls, and in preparing us for our unchangeable bliss in the other World? My God hath not only a book of remembrance for every good word, but also a book of observance and account for every idle word. Lord, within a few days, I shall go the way that I shall not return; thine Angel may say concerning me, That time shall be no more; Thou wilt never trust me with another life, nor afford me another day of grace; this is the only time that I ⟨p. 326⟩shall have to provide against the coming of my Lord. Nay, whilst I live, thou mayst part me from thy people, and deny me that happy privilege of their society that I now enjoy; For the Lords sake help me to work whilst it is day, and to walk whilst it is light, because the night is coming, wherein I can neither work nor walk.

I Wish that I may never spend my precious time amongst Christians,¹