A62040:928
The works of George Swinnock, M.A
The works of George Swinnock, M.A. containing these several treatises ...
London: printed by J.B. for Tho. Parkhurst, 1665
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Chapter 8: How a Christian may exercise himself to Godliness, on a Dying Bed.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Mr. Bilny, the day before he suffered death, being told that though the fire was hot, Gods Spirit would cool it, to his everlasting refreshing, answered, putting his hand in the flame of the Candle, I feel by experience, and have known by Philosophy, that Fire by Gods Ordinance is very hot; but yet I am persuaded by Gods holy Word, and by the experience of some spoken of therein, That in the flame they felt no heat, and in the fire no consumption; and I constantly believe, howsoever the stubble of this my body shall be wasted by it, yet my soul and spirit shall be purged thereby; a pain for the time, whereon followeth joy unspeakable. And then he most comfortably treated on Isaiah 43. 1, 2. But now, Thus said the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; When thou passest through the waters I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire thou shalt not be burnt, neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. Which words he applied both to himself and his friends then present. Of which some reaped such fruit that they caused the words to be fair written on Tables; The comfort whereof, in several that were with him, was never taken from them to their dying day. O ⟨p. 627⟩tis very profitable to others, when a Saint so behaveth himself on his Death-bed, that he may say to his Friends and Relations, as Sir Robert Harleigh did to his Children,1 I have formerly taught you how to live, and now I teach you how to die.
Mr. Bilny, the day before he suffered death, being told that though the fire was hot, Gods Spirit would cool it, to his everlasting refreshing, answered, putting his hand in the flame of the Candle, I feel by experience, and have known by Philosophy, that Fire by Gods Ordinance is very hot; but yet I am perswaded by Gods holy Word, and by the experience of some spoken of therein, That in the flame they felt no heat, and in the fire no consumption; and I constantly beleive, howsoever the stubble of this my body shall be wasted by it, yet my soul and spirit shall be purged thereby; a pain for the time, whereon followeth joy unspeakable. And then he most comfortably treated on