The works of George Swinnock, M.A

The various inanimate and irrational creatures, that are upon the earth are serviceable one to another in their places, and are in continual and regular motion to those ends for which they were designed. The most venomous creatures are useful, not only to their fellows of the same rank, but to man their Master. Nay, if I descend lower, and look into Hell, I may believe the Devils not to be idle and unprofitable to each other• but to conspire together in one, and to be at all times busy and stirring for the propagating of their poison; They go too and fro in the earth, seeking how they may dishonour the name of the glorious God, and destroy immortal souls. O my soul, what sayest thou to these patterns, to these presidents! Shall irrational creatures advantage others, and wilt thou monopolize all to thy self? Dost thou not see how they are all in their stations profitable ⟨p. 334⟩to man, even to the worst of men? The Fish and Fowls, and some beasts feed him, the Sheep, and wormest and Beaver clothe him, the Horse and Mule carry him; and wilt thou be worse then the Horse and Mule, which have no understanding? Shall inanimate creatures be helpful to others, and wilt thou live only to thy self? The Fire consumes it self to warm others; the Candle destroyeth it self to enlighten others; Salt wasteth it self to season others; the Fountain sendeth forth its streams to refresh others; the Sun, Moon and Stars, exercise those powers with which they are endowed, to direct and enliven others; and shall these creatures which have neither reason nor sense, rise up in judgement to condemn thee? Do the best and highest of the creation count it no disparagement, but an honour and preferment, to serve the Spouse of Christ, and wilt thou shrink back, and not wait on her in thy place? Surely thou art dull indeed, if so many Masters cannot teach thee this lesson. Thou art blind to purpose, if thou dost not see thy duty, when its Printed in so large a Letter, in so many Volumes. Thou canst not open thine eyes, but thou beholdest this Precept, and that in the likeliest way of learning it, examples. Look upwards, the heavens are thy tutors, they are unwearied in their motion, for the good of the Universe; look downwards, and the Devils will teach thee not to jar with thy fellows, but to unite with them, and endeavour their comfort;

The various inanimate and irrational creatures, that are upon the earth are serviceable one to another in their places, and are in continual and regular motion to those ends for which they were designed. The most venemous creatures are useful, not onely to their fellows of the same rank, but to man their Master. Nay, if I descend lower, and look into Hell, I may believe the Devils not to be idle and unprofitable to each other but to conspire together in one, and to be at all times busie and stirring for the propagating of their poison; They go too and fro in the earth, seeking how they may dishonour the name of the glorious God, and destroy immortal souls. O my soul, what sayst thou to these patterns, to these presidents! Shall irrational creatures advantage others, and wilt thou monopolize all to thy self? Dost thou not see how they are all in their stations profitable