The works of George Swinnock, M.A

I walk in the midst of deaths, of dangers every day, and shall I dare to travail without my defence? Men clothe their bodies against the sharpness of the weather, and why not their souls against the assaults of the flesh, the world, and the wicked one? There is no safety without this breast-work; If Satan take ⟨p. 537⟩me out of my trenches and strong holds, as Joshua did the men of Ai, it will be no wonder if he ro•t and ruin me. If I do not bless God in the morning, how can I expect that he should bless me in the day! Is any earthly Prince so prodigal of his favours, as to throw them away upon those that esteem them unworthy to be desired? If I do not serve the Precepts of God, I am presumptuous to look that his providence should serve me• Should I undertake my affairs on earth, before I have dispatched my business with heaven, I am a notorious Cheat and Thief. I am a Thief to God, by robbing him of his glory, and that natural allegiance which I owe to my Maker. I am a Thief to my self, in robbing my self of that blessing which I might have on my callings and undertakings. O that prayer might be the girdle to compass in the whole body of my natural and civil dealings, and concernments. And that I could every day of my life forestall the worlds market, by setting early about closet and family duties. Suitors find it fittest to wait upon, and dispatch their business with great persons betimes in the morning. Lord, freedom of access to thy throne of grace, is an unspeakable favour; Access is hard to earthly Princes; No worldly Court is so open as to admit all comers. Those that with much difficulty present their Petitions, are often, against all reason denied. Thy gates are open night and day, all that will may come and be welcome. Thou invitest souls to come into thy presence, and delightest to hear and grant their prayers. Thine ears are more open and ready to hear, then their mouths to ask. Thou pressest upon many undesired blessings, but denyest none who ask not stones instead of bread. Importunity never angers thee, the more fervent and frequent ⟨p. 538⟩my soul is with thee, the more prevalent. Thou fillest the hungry with good things, and dost not send any that desire thy grace empty away from thy gate.

I walk in the midst of deaths, of dangers every day, and shall I dare to travail without my defence? Men cloath their bodies against the sharpness of the weather, and why not their souls against the assaults of the flesh, the world, and the wicked one? There is no safety without this breast-work; If Satan take