The works of George Swinnock, M.A

I Wish that the opportunity I have thereby of doing good to my own soul,¹ may move me to be the more careful and conscientious in visiting the sick. It is the wise mans speech, It is better to go into the house of mourning, then to go to the house of feasting; for that is the end of all men, and the living will lay it to heart. It is better, as it is most suitable to my present state. Tis not proper for Pilgrims to spend their time in Pleasure. Sorrow is becoming ⟨p. 593⟩in a valley of tears. An house of mourning agrees well with the mourners in Zion. This world is a Sea, I am a Mariner, and Mariners rejoice in the Haven, not in the Tempestuous Ocean. This life is a warfare, I am a Soldier; Tis too soon to be joyful whilst I am fighting; it will be time enough when all my Enemies are foiled. O how harsh is it for a child to be jocund, when he is far from home! Weeping is good language for them that sit down by the River of Babylon; How can I sing the Lords songs in a strange Land? Again, It is better to go into the house of mourning, as it is most profitable to my precious soul. Grace thrives best in a wet soil; By the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. The inner man is best when clad in mourning. Trees planted by the water-side, hang with clusters, and bring forth fruit in due season. The sick bed is a Pulpit, and though there be a wicked man in it, he may teach me rare instructions; If he be wholly silent, his condition Preacheth to me, that sin is the greatest evil, that the world is a cheat and impostor, and that grace is the most desirable created good. His dark chamber, weeping friends, watered couch, aching head, trembling heart, pale lips, quivering loins, all call aloud to me to consider of, and prepare for such an hour. Abel, being dead, yet speaketh; My sick, my dead Neighbour speaketh; Prepared be, to follow me. Some have been raised to life by beholding the dead. O that I were wise to observe and improve the opportunities which free grace affordeth me, for my own and others welfare! If I lose a good Market for the furtherance of my outward estate, I befool and ⟨p. 594⟩bewail my self. Ah, why should I not be as much affected with the loss of opportunities for my inner man. Sinners observe their seasons for the gratifying their Loves, and the satisfying their lusts.