The works of George Swinnock, M.A

I Wish that the night of my death,³ may shine gloriously with the sparkling stars of divine and heavenly graces. In particular, I desire that when the time of my combat with my last enemy, and my last combat with any enemy shall come, I may above all take the shield of Faith, ¹whereby I shall be sheltered against the sting of death, and quench the fiery darts of the wicked one. The wise Mariner, perceiving a storm approaching, makes hast to fasten his Vessel with Anchors, that it may be steady, and not altogether at the mercy of the winds; I must expect the greatest tempest, when I am entering into my eternal Haven, then all the powers of darkness will conjure up their strongest winds if possible, to shipwreck the vessel of my soul; Ah how much doth it concern me to put forth this grace, the anchor of my soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil, and thereby to fasten on the rock of Ages! If I fail in this, I fall, I miscarry for ever, God is a severe judge to condemn all guilty Malefactors. Without his Son, I am clothed with guilt, ⟨p. 680⟩and so under his boundless wrath. When Adam had disrobed himself of original righteousness, by disobeying the law, he fled from God, and dreaded the summons of offended justice. There is no appearing in the Fathers sight with acceptance, but in the garments of his Son. None can have boldness to enter into the holy of holies, but by the blood of Jesus. Its Faith only that interesteth in this blood. I know that through the red Sea of this blood I pass may safely (though enemies pursue me hard) into the Land of promise. Lord, I confess, through an evil heart of unbelief, I have many a time departed away from the living God; yet Lord, I believe, help mine unbelief. O Lord of life, be not far from me, when Devils and death are near me. Help me with thy servant Stephen to see Heaven open (by faith) and the Son of man at thy right hand; Enable me to disclaim whatsoever duties I have performed, or graces I have exercised, and to rely alone on a crucified Christ for pardon and life. Though thou killest me, let me dye trusting and clinging on, and cleaving to Jesus Christ; Let this Pilgrims staff of faith be never out of my hand till I come to my journeys end. Thou art the Lord of Hosts, and the Captain of my salvation;