The works of George Swinnock, M.A

It is a serious applying of some sacred subject that his resolutions may be strengthened against evil, and •or good. The Christian must not only pray his good thoughts, but practice them; he must not lock them up in his mind, but lay them out in his life. A Council of war or of State is wholly useless if there be none to execute what they determine. That Kingdom flourisheth best where faithful execution followeth sound advisements: Therefore the Heathen pronounced that City •afe which had the heads of old men for consideration, and the •ands of young men for execution. Action without consideration, is usually lame and defective, consideration without action is lost and abortive. Though meditation, like Rachel, be more fair; execution, like Leah, is most fruitful. The beasts under the law were unclean which did not both chew the cud, and divide the hoof. Ruminatio ad sapientiam, fissa ungula pertinet ad mores; Chewing the cud signifieth meditation, dividing the hoof an holy conversation, without which the former will be unprofitable, saith Austin.

It is a serious applying of some sacred subject that his resolutions may be strengthned against evill, and •or good. The Christian must not onely pray his good thoughts, but practice them; he must not lock them up in his mind, but lay them out in his life. A Council of war or of State is wholly useless if there be none to execute what they determine. That Kingdom flourisheth best where faithful execution followeth sound advisements: Therefore the Heathen pronounced that City •afe which had the heads of old men for consideration, and the •ands of young men for execution. Action without consideration, is usually lame and defective, consideration without action is lost and abortive. Though meditation, like Rachel, be more fair; execution, like Leah, is most fruitful. The beasts under the law were unclean which did not both chew the cud, and divide the hoof. Ruminatio ad sapientiam, fissa ungula pertinet ad mores; Chewing the cud signifieth meditation, dividing the hoof an holy conversation, without which the former will be unprofitable, saith Austin.