The works of George Swinnock, M.A

We cannot blame them who have their portion in this life, for their unwillingness to leave it, and to become beggars in Hell for ever. Mori timeat qui ad secundam mortem, de hac morte transibit (saith Ciprian de Moral.) Let him fear death, who must pass from this death to the second death. To such a one indeed, death is a Murderer, like Jehoram's messenger, comes to take away the life of his soul, and all his happiness, and therefore he may well call, as Elisha did, shut the door and keep him out.

We cannot blame them who have their portion in this life, for their unwillingness to leave it, and to become beggers in Hell for ever. Mori timeat qui ad secundam mortem, de hac morte transibit (saith Ciprian de Moral.) Let him fear death, who must pass from this death to the second death. To such a one indeed, death is a Murderer, like Iehorams messenger, comes to take away the life of his soul, and all his happiness, and therefore he may well call, as Elisha did, shut the door and keep him out.

Many Saints who died violent and cruel deaths, yet gave their very enemies cause to admire their patience; They wearied out their bloody Persecutors by their meekness and patience. Bonner said of the Martyrs in Queen Maris days, A vengeance on them, I think they love to burn. When that old Disciple Polycarp came to the stake at which he was burnt to death, he desired to stand untied, saying, Let me alone, for he that gave me strength to come to the fire, will give me patience to endure the flame without your tying. Cassianus with admirable meekness, suffered a cruel Martyrdom from his own Scholars, who at the command of the barbarous Tyrant, became his Executioners, some ⟨image 349⟩with their Pen Knives, pricking and lancing his flesh, others casting stones at him, till they had killed him. Eulaliae a chaste virgin, of a noble Family in Portugal, being for a time kept close by her Parents, for fear her bold Profession should cause her death; one night getting from them, and appearing before the Tribunal of Maximnus, she was for refusing to sacrifice to his Idols, Executed in this manner, first two Hangmen with all their might, rent her joints in sunder, then her flesh was scratched from her sides, with the Talons of Wild Beasts, and hot burning Torches were set to her sides, which ended her life.