The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Others there are (some of whom I hope to be godly, though not in this particular) that pray in their families every night, but omit morning duties. As if God were the God of the night, and not of the day, as the Syrians blasphemously affirmed that he was God of the Hills, but not of the Valleys. These as Austin speaks of those that worship the Moon, are Atheists by day, as they that worship the Sun, are Atheists by night; The day is thine, the night also is thine, thou preparest the light and the Sun, Psa. 74. 16. Surely, though evening Sacrifice ought to be minded, yet there is as much, if not more reason for morning duties. A man at night in his Chamber, is like a Soldier in his Garrison, subject only to the unavoidable and more immediate hand of God, whereas in the day when he straggleth abroad from his quarters, to fetch in his supplies, he is then exposed to many unexpected casualties, and unthought of accidents. Family perils and dangers, every day call for family prayers and duties every morning; Family favours and kindnesses, every night call for family thanks and acknowledgements every day. When many are joined in a Bond, they go often together ⟨p. 508⟩to see the money paid; All in a Family join in borrowing domestical mercies, therefore they must all join in paying hearty praises.

Others there are (some of whom I hope to be godly, though not in this particular) that pray in their families every night, but omit morning duties. As if God were the God of the night, and not of the day, as the Syrians blasphemously affirmed that he was God of the Hills, but not of the Vallies. These as Austin speaks of those that wo•ship the Moon, are Atheists by day, as they that worship the Sun, are Atheists by night; The day is thine, the night also is thine, thou preparest the light and the Sun, Psa. 74. 16. Surely, though evening Sacrifice ought to be minded, yet there is as much, if not more reason for morning duties. A man at night in his Chamber, is like a Souldier in his Garrison, subject onely to the unavoidable and more immediate hand of God, whereas in the day when he stragleth abroad from his quarters, to fetch in his supplies, he is then exposed to many unexpected casualties, and unthought of accidents. Family perils and dangers, every day call for family prayers and duties every morning; Family favours and kindnesses, every night call for family thanks and acknowledgements every day. When many are joyned in a Bond, they go often together