The works of George Swinnock, M.A

4. Patience and Submission to the will of God, both as to our death or life, and also as to our pain or ease in sickness; As to our life and death we must know God is wise, and will never gather his fruit but in the best season. None, unless ⟨p. 648⟩a fool, but will be willing God should choose for him. Its excellent for a sick•person to be wholly at Gods disposal, as knowing that whilst he is here God will refresh him with the first fruits, and when he goeth hence, receive him into that place where he shall enjoy the whole harvest. It was the speech of dying Julian, he that would not dye when he must, and •e that would dye when he must not, are both of them Cowards alike. To desire to live when one is called to dye, is a sign of Cowardice, for such a one is afraid to enter the list with the King of terrors; To desire to dye, when one is called to live, speaks a faint-hearted creature, for such a man dares not look an affliction or disaster in the face, therefore would take shelter in death• Cato, Cleombrotus, Lucretia, showed more cowardice then courage, in being their own Executioners; The Romans commended Terentius for his resolution to live, after his Army was routed by Hannibal. He is the most valiant person that can dye willingly, when God would have him dye, and live as willingly, when God would have him live. He that is weary of his work before the evening, is an unprofitable servant, and is either infected with idleness, or with diseases. When Dr. Whitaker was told, death was approaching, he answered, Life or Death is welcome to me, which God pleaseth. Mr. Robert Bolton, being told that it would be better for the Church of God, if God pleased to spare his life, said, If I shall find favour in the eyes of God, he will bring me again, and show me both it and his habitation; if not, Lo here I am, let him do with me what he pleaseth. Another pious soul ⟨p. 649⟩in his sickness cried out, Domine si tibi sim necessarius, non recuso vivere; Lord, if I may be further serviceable to thee, I am willing to live. Lucius Cornelius, Lieutenant in Portugal, ¹under Fabius the Consul, was infamous to following ages, for his impatience in complaining of his Physician, and railing at Aesculapius, for not accepting his vow and passionate desire, of having his life spun out to a longer thread.