The works of George Swinnock, M.A

This invisible trade, brings in visible profit and comfort. Secret correspondence with allies, is most difficult, but exceeding gainful and delightful. Some curious mysteries are like Mines sprung under ground, the less they are known, the more efficacious and effectual they are. The open air or breath of men would soil the beauty and lustre of exact pictures. Christ calls his Spouse out of the worlds view and light, when he intends her the fullest seals of his love; Come my beloved, let us go forth into the fields; let us lodge in the Villages, let us get up early to the Vineyards, there will I give thee my loves, Cant. 7. 11, 12.

Mark, There in the Fields where no eye beholdeth the sweet meeting of our lips•• the close embraces of our arms, the intimate conjunction of our hearts; there I will give thee my loves. Kings do not unbosom and open their hearts before a multitude. The favourite is acquainted with the richest secrets of state in private. O that I were • (saith Job) as in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was with my Tabernacle, Job 29. 4.¹ As if he had said, (according to some) O that I were as in my former days, when God was secretly in my family, and gave me familiar visits, which the World took no notice of; when I had many reviving soliloquies about God, and refreshing colloquies with him. ⟨p. 362⟩The Egyptian Laws placed the Image of silence in all those Temples where the Image of Se•apis their god stood, as if they might expect most of her favour, when they approached her privately, with as little noise as might be. Addresses to the true God in secret have been accompanied with great success.