The works of George Swinnock, M.A

¹Reader, the time of thy life goeth post, thou art hastening to thy last stage; whether thou art eating or drinking, walking or sitting, buying or selling, waking or sleeping, death is always making speed towards thee; the time of thy departure hence is concluded and resolved, beyond which it is impossible for thee, whether thy work be done or undone, to stay one day, no not one hour, nay, not one moment, and shouldst thou waste thy time upon toys and trifles, as if thou hadst nothing to do, no God to make peace with, no Redeemer to lay hold on, no soul to take care of! He that hath a great way to go, or much work to do, and that upon pain of death, and but a little time for it, hath little reason to laze or loiter. When we have but a little paper, and much to write, we write small and thick. O how much work hath every Christian to do in this world, which if he neglect he is lost for ever, how many head-strong lusts to subdue, how many duties towards God and men to perform, how many graces to exercise, providences and ordinances to improve, and can all this be done in a little time! The Candle of our lives burns low; if like foolish Children we play it out, we may thank our selves if we go to bed in the dark, without the light of comfort to our graves.

¹Reader, the time of thy life goeth post, thou art hastening to thy last stage; whether thou art eating or drinking, walking or sitting, buying or selling, waking or sleeping, death is always making speed towards thee; the time of thy departure hence is concluded and resolved, beyond which it is impossible for thee, whether thy work be done or undone, to stay one day, no not one hour, nay, not one moment, and shouldst thou waste thy time upon toys and trifles, as if thou hadst nothing to do, no God to make peace with, no Redeemer to lay hold on, no soul to take care of! He that hath a great way to go, or much work to do, and that upon pain of death, and but a little time for it, hath little reason to laze or loyter. When we have but a little paper, and much to write, we write small and thick. O how much work hath every Christian to do in this world, which if he neglect he is lost for ever, how many head-strong lusts to subdue, how many duties towards God and men to perform, how many graces to exercise, providences and ordinances to improve, and can all this be done in a little time! The Candle of our lives burns low; if like foolish Children we play it out, we may thank our selves if we go to bed in the dark, without the light of comfort to our graves.