The works of George Swinnock, M.A

If the person be carnal, what Motives hast thou from his misery to quicken thee to the duty! The poor creature is going to Hell, and knoweth it not. His destruction is near, and he is not aware. ⟨p. 583⟩How should the thoughts of that extremity and eternity of torments which he is every moment liable to, stir thee up to be earnest and instant with God on his behalf? It may be thou wouldst sit up a whole night to watch with him for the comfort of his body; Dost thou not know that the soul is infinitely more worth? O watch and pray, that he enter not into eternal condemnation. Thou art not ignorant that God hath made promises of grace, as well as promises to grace, and canst not tell but that grace waiteth in heaven for the •ick person; only thy prayer must be the messenger to fetch it thence. God hath shown mercy at the last, he can do it to this man, therefore thou mayst have the more hopes; Besides, it may be his sickness shall not be unto death, but only to heal his diseased soul, and so to give him a new life, both natural and spiritual. The Question before thee, is, whether that poor sick creatures soul shall be Christs or the Devils for ever, and wilt thou not plead hard with God that it may be thrown in to Christ, whose title is unquestionable, and that the Grand and Arch-enemy of Christ and Men may be frustrated and disappointed in his expectation? Zeal to the advancement of thy Redeemers interest, and love to the soul of thy Neighbour, should actuate and animate thy requests, and put life and fervency into thy Petitions.

If the person be carnal, what Motives hast thou from his misery to quicken thee to the duty! The poor creature is going to Hell, and knoweth it not. His destruction is near, and he is not aware. ⟨p. 583⟩How should the thoughts of that extremity and eternity of torments which he is every moment liable to, stir thee up to be earnest and instant with God on his behalf? It may be thou wouldst sit up a whole night to watch with him for the comfort of his body; Dost thou not know that the soul is infinitely more worth? O watch and pray, that he enter not into eternal condemnation. Thou art not ignorant that God hath made promises of grace, as well as promises to grace, and canst not tell but that grace waiteth in heaven for the •ick person; onely thy prayer must be the messenger to fetch it thence. God hath shewn mercy at the last, he can do it to this man, therefore thou mayst have the more hopes; Besides, it may be his sickness shall not be unto death, but onely to heal his diseased soul, and so to give him a new life, both natural and spiritual. The Question before thee, is, whether that poor sick creatures soul shall be Christs or the Devils for ever, and wilt thou not plead hard with God that it may be thrown in to Christ, whose title is unquestionable, and that the Grand and Arch-enemy of Christ and Men may be frustrated and disappointed in his expectation? Zeal to the advancement of thy Redeemers interest, and love to the soul of thy Neighbour, should actuate and animate thy requests, and put life and fervency into thy Petitions.