The works of George Swinnock, M.A

As others sickness speaketh these things to mine ears, and their conditions make them visible to mine eyes, do thou write them in my heart, that all such providences of thine towards others, may make sin more ugly, the world more empty, thy graces and favour more comely and desirable, and that furthering my purity at present, they may further my eternal peace hereafter.

As others sickness speaketh these things to mine ears, and their conditions make them visible to mine eyes, do thou write them in my heart, that all such providences of thine towards others, may make sin more ugly, the world more empty, thy graces and favour more comely and desireable, and that furthering my purity at present, they may further my eternal peace hereafter.

Finally,¹ I Wish that the sickness of others, may cause me to be the more industrious in a faithful improvement of my health, and take me wholly off from priding, and pampering, and making provision for that flesh, which is so apt to breed diseases, and in its greatest beauty and strength is so near to death. The goodliest structure of body is but earth a little better wrought, or more curiously then usually moulded up, and with an ordinary disease is marred and defaced, and so calleth on me to be humble rather then lifted up. The Flesh that I provide for my flesh, is not more subject to corruption, or more perishing then the flesh for which it is provided. Within a few days I shall have an end both of food and feeding; O that I might waste that body in Gods service, which will ere long waste with sickness! spend and he spent in his work, who gives me my health, and strength, and hath promised a bountiful reward! Sure I am, I can never bring them to a better Market, nor put them off at an higher price. Is it not better to consume my flesh in doing good, in ⟨p. 610⟩glorifying my God, then with idleness and ease, or with distempers and diseases? Satan's servants do not grudge to give their prime and chief, their health and strength to their lusts, and shall not I give mine to my Lord? Ah Lord, an unthankful selfish unbelieving heart, hath too much indered me from, and disturbed me in those excellent duties which thou callest me to; O deliver me from it for thy mercies sake! Strengthen me by thy good spirit, both to do good to, and receive good by such as thou chastenest with sickness; so to consider the poor and afflicted, and to visit others in my heath, that thou mayst visit me with thy saving health; strengthen me upon my bed of languishing, and make all my bed in my sickness, that my most mortal sickness may not be unto death (eternal) but for thy glory, and my passage into endless bliss; yea, that in the other world, I may stand among thy Sheep on thy right hand, and hear that blessed heart-cheering voice, Come thou blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for thee before the foundation of the World; For I was hungry and thou gavest me meat, I was thirsty and thou gavest me drink, I was a stranger and thou didst take me in, I was sick and thou visitedst me;