The works of George Swinnock, M.A

In order to this preparation, I shall mention two or three particulars, but briefly, having spoken to them else-where.

1. Keep a clear conscience in thy health; Remember that sin is the sting of death; therefore be afraid of sin, if thou wouldst not be afraid of death. Twas Nero's answer to Seneca, when he advised him to desist his wicked courses, that he might please the Gods, Ver•or ego deos, cum talia facio, Do you think I fear the gods, who dare run upon such actions! But he who did not dread the Gods, found death dreadful to him; for the Historian observeth that he cried pitifully, like a Child, when he was called forth to be killed. Tis the righteous only, that is bold as a Lion, because the righteous only hath a conscience sprinkled with the ⟨p. 655⟩blood of the Lamb, and a conscience void of offence towards God and Man.¹ When Hilarion was nigh death, Depart my soul (saith he) depart, what dost thou fear? thou hast served Christ almost seventy years, and art thou afraid of death? Bernard observeth of Gerrard, I beheld him, exultantem in morte hominem, & insultantem morti, exulting in death, and insulting over death. St. Ambrose undauntedly encountered his last enemy, saying, I have not so lived, that I am afraid to live any longer, neither do I fear to die, because we have a good Lord. The Testimony of a good conscience was the great Apostles comfort in the midst of his trials and troubles, 2 Cor. 1. 12. Tis guilt which makes us shy of a severe and Holy Gods presence. It is no marvel that Alexander the Conqueror was struck almost dead at the sight of Cyrus Tomb; that Sigismond when dying should forbid his servants to mention the word Death; that Lewis the eleventh should while in health, enjoin his Courtiers not to speak of Death, and when sick, prohibit the naming it upon pain of death; I do not wonder that Saul upon the news of his approaching danger and death, falls grovelling on the ground, and hath no strength left in him, nor that Belteshazar upon the tidings of this Sergeants coming to arrest him, fell into an Ague Quaking, and Shivering, so violently that all the wine which he drank so plentifully in his golden Bowls, could not cheer his heart, nor fetch blood into his cheeks. The Malefactor may well dread the thoughts, much more the approach of an Assize, knowing that