The works of George Swinnock, M.A

5. For comfort: There is no such cordial for a fainting spirit, as a promise in the Word. The Gospel in the Greek, is glad tidings, and not without cause; This is my comfort in my affliction, for thy word hath quickened me. When souls have been ⟨p. 408⟩ready to despair under the sense of their wickedness, and to sink in deep waters, the Word of God hath held them up by the chin, and preserved them from drowning; Unless thy law had been my delight, I had perished in mine affliction.

5. For comfort: There is no such cordial for a fainting spirit, as a promise in the Word. The Gospel in the Greek, is glad tidings, and not without cause; This is my comfort in my affliction, for thy word hath quickned me. When souls have been ⟨p. 408⟩ready to despair under the sense of their wickedness, and to sink in deep waters, the Word of God hath held them up by the chin, and preserved them from drowning; Vnless thy law had been my delight, I had perished in mine affliction.

6. For salvation; the Word is called the Kingdom of heaven; partly because it revealeth Gods thoughts of such an inestimable happiness to the children of men. The celestial Canaan was terra incognita till that discovered it;¹ He hath brought life and immortality to light by the Gospel; partly because it prepares the soul for heaven; the Word sanctifieth and so saveth precious souls. By filling us with grace, it fitteth us for glory, Rom. 1.16. Joh. 17.17. Partly because it is the seed of heaven. As the Harvest is potentially in the seed, and a tall Oak potentially in an acorn; so heaven and eternal life is potentially in the Word of life. It is called The grace of God that bringeth salvation. It bringeth salvation to men, and it bringeth men to salvation.