The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Ah who can read such a souls estate with dry eyes! or think of such a condition without sorrow, ⟨p. 670⟩O my soul, what are thy thoughts of such a death! Wouldst thou for the most prosperous Worldlings life, dye such a death? Doth not thine heart ache whilst thou art musing on it? If thou wouldst not meet with the end of such men, avoid their ways; Lord, I confess my self a great sinner, and thou mightest justly leave me to walk in the counsel of the ungodly, and to go in the paths of the destroyer, that my feet should tend to death, and my steps take hold of hell, yet for thy sons sake, teach me thy way, and lead me in thy righteousness, that my soul may never be gathered with sinners, nor my life with bloody men, that I may die the death of the righteous, and my latter end may be like his.

Ah who can read such a souls estate with dry eyes! or think of such a condition without sorrow, ⟨p. 670⟩O my soul, what are thy thoughts of such a death! Wouldst thou for the most prosperous Worldlings life, dye such a death? Doth not thine heart ake whilst thou art musing on it? If thou wouldst not meet with the end of such men, avoid their ways; Lord, I confess my self a great sinner, and thou mightest justly leave me to walk in the counsel of the ungodly, and to go in the paths of the destroyer, that my feet should tend to death, and my steps take hold of hell, yet for thy sons sake, teach me thy way, and lead me in thy righteousness, that my soul may never be gathered with sinners, nor my life with bloody men, that I may die the death of the righteous, and my latter end may be like his.

²I wish that I may look upon a dying Bed, as a Fit Pulpit in which I may preach my Makers and Redeemers praise. The speeches of dying persons are often highly prized, as savouring of most sincerity, and least suspected of selfish ends. They who scorned my counsel, and rejected my advice in my health and strength, as fearing it proceeded rather from interest then simplicity of heart, will if they have the least grain of charity, believe me in earnest, and my words to be the language of my soul when I am dying, and entering into my eternal estate. The worst of men have some reverence and respect for dying Christians. What thrusting and crowding, even to the prejudice of their bodies, hath there often been to hear the speeches and last words of dying men. The vilest Malefactor, who is cut off by the Sword of justice, is permitted with patience to speak, and attended to with diligence at the Gallows. If enemies have some respect for dying Felons, and will hearken to them with meekness, what hopes may a dying