The works of George Swinnock, M.A

1. Faith; Its the Character of Gods Children, that they live by Faith, and they dye in the Faith, Hab. 2. 6. Heb. 11. 31. The waters, say some, of the Pool of Bethesda (wherein the Priest washed the sacrifices before he offered them) was of a reddish colour, to note that men must be washed by faith in the blood of Christ, before they are ready to be offered a Peace-offering to God by death. The dying Christian must expect strong assaults against the bulwark of his faith; but what-ever he let go, he must keep his hold on Christ. I know no grace that the Devil is such a sworn enemy to, as Faith; and I know no season that he is more diligent in to overthrow their faith, then when they are under some dangerous sickness; therefore its the observation of a good man, that he seldom seeth a sick Saint followed close with temptations, to recover of that sickness; for Satan knowing he hath but a little time, useth all his craft and strength to separate the soul from the Rock of his salvation. Upon a dying bed, reflect upon former experiences of Gods love to thy soul, and recollect the former evidences of of thy title to Christ, and thereby to Heaven. I must tell thee, though the certainty of thy salvation depend upon the truth of thy Faith, the comfort of thy dissolution will depend on the strength of thy Faith. Faith is the shield of the soul, and ⟨image 343⟩therefore above all (in thy encounter with thy great enemy Satan, and thy last enemy death) take the Shield of Faith, Eph. 6. 14. Epaminondas after his victory at Lo•ctrum, wherein he was mortally wounded, understanding that his Buckler was safe, bid his Chirurgeon, boldly to pluck out the Dart that stuck in his side, and died cheerfully. The Saint, the Soldier of Christ, who is wounded, even to death, and keepeth his Shield of Faith safe, may leave the world with courage. The Apostle Paul, who knew whom he had believed (2 Tim. 1. 12.) rings a challenge in the ears of death; O death, where is thy sting! and sings a triumphant ditty at the approach of death; The time of my departure is at hand, I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith; Henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,