The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Let thy whole life be but a preparation for death; He that would dye but once, I mean, escape the second death, must dye daily, live in a constant expectation of it, and preparation for it. Pliny calleth a sudden death, the greatest fortune of a mans life. Julius Caesar, the day before his death, in discourse with Marius Lepidus, upon that point, what was the best end of a mans life, preferred that which was sudden and unlooked for, which was his fate the next day. Augustus his Successor, was of the same judgement, and desired, Mortem celerem, & insperatem; But the Christian findeth by experience, that death to be the best, which was most expected and prepared for. ⟨p. 654⟩Meditatio mortis, vita perfectissima, The Meditation of death, is the holiest life, •aith the Father. Tota vita, meditatio mortis, & discendum est mori, The whole life is but a learning to dye, saith the Philosopher. Wise Princes lay up ten years for one days Battle. A wise Christian will lay up every day somewhat for his last day, knowing that if he win that combat, he is made for ever. Invasions or Insurrections, like a sudden breach of the Sea, carry all before them, when pitched Battles give equal advantage, and cause less terror on each side. Evils premeditated, are often prevented, always mitigated, the mind gathering reason and strength together, wherewith to encounter them. But unthought of troubles, like fire in the night, are most frightful, startling the secure sinner from his quiet repose.

Let thy whole life be but a preparation for death; He that would dye but once, I mean, escape the second death, must dye daily, live in a constant expectation of it, and preparation for it. Pliny calleth a sudden death, the greatest fortune of a mans life. Iulius Caesar, the day before his death, in discourse with Marius Lepidus, upon that point, what was the best end of a mans life, preferred that which was sudden and unlookt for, which was his fate the next day. Augustus his Successor, was of the same judgement, and desired, Mortem celerem, & insperatem; But the Christian findeth by experience, that death to be the best, which was most expected and prepared for. ⟨p. 654⟩Meditatio mortis, vita perfectissima, The Meditation of death, is the holiest life, •aith the Father. Tota vita, meditatio mortis, & discendum est mori, The whole life is but a learning to dye, saith the Philosopher. Wise Princes lay up ten years for one days Battel. A wise Christian will lay up every day somewhat for his last day, knowing that if he win that combat, he is made for ever. Invasions or Insurrections, like a sudden breach of the Sea, carry all before them, when pitcht Battels give equal advantage, and cause less terror on each side. Evils premeditated, are often prevented, always mitigated, the mind gathering reason and strength together, wherewith to encounter them. But unthought of troubles, like fire in the night, are most frightful, startling the secure sinner from his quiet repose.