The works of George Swinnock, M.A

I am but an ill member in the body Politic, if as a diseased part I take of its nourishment, but rather hinder its growth, then contribute to its health. A ⟨p. 540⟩jarring string is not more prejudicial to the rarest Viol in the hands of a skilful artist, then an idle person to the music and composure of the universe. The most venomous creatures that nature produceth, are some way serviceable to their fellow creatures; O that I might never by filling up my life with laziness, be a Wen in the face of nature, serving no way to profit, only to disfigure it. Yet I desire that my diligence in my particular, may be regulated by my duty towards my General calling. Oil moderately poured in, feeds the Lamp, excessively drowns it; Alexander's Soldier run so lightly upon the sand, that he made no impression with his feet; My duty is to give earthly things my hands, but my heart only to the things of heaven; Lord, Its as well thy pleasure that I should work here, as thy promise, that I shall rest hereafter; Let t•y grace be so operative in me, that I may never give Satan advantage against me, by being negligent, or over-diligent in my particular calling. Suffer not the interposition of the earth, ever to cause an eclipse of holiness in my soul; But let thy word so limit me, and thy spirit guide me, that as one diligent in his business, I may come at last to stand before the King of Kings, to my eternal comfort.

I am but an ill member in the body Politique, if as a diseased part I take of its nourishment, but rather hinder its growth, then contribute to its health. A ⟨p. 540⟩jarring string is not more prejudicial to the rarest Viol in the hands of a skilful artist, then an idle person to the musick and composure of the universe. The most venemous creatures that nature produceth, are some way serviceable to their fellow creatures; O that I might never by filling up my life with laziness, be a Wen in the face of nature, serving no way to profit, onely to disfigure it. Yet I desire that my diligence in my particular, may be regulated by my duty towards my General calling. Oyl moderately poured in, feeds the Lamp, excessively drowns it; Alexanders Souldier run so lightly upon the sand, that he made no impression with his feet; My duty is to give earthly things my hands, but my heart onely to the things of heaven; Lord, Its as well thy pleasure that I should work here, as thy promise, that I shall rest hereafter; Let ty grace be so operative in me, that I may never give Satan advantage against me, by being negligent, or over-diligent in my particular calling. Suffer not the interposition of the earth, ever to cause an eclipse of holiness in my soul; But let thy word so limit me, and thy spirit guide me, that as one diligent in his business, I may come at last to stand before the King of Kings, to my eternal comfort.