A62047:182
The fading of the flesh and flourishing of faith, or, One cast for eternity…
The fading of the flesh and flourishing of faith, or, One cast for eternity with the only way to throw it well : as also the gracious persons incomparable portion / by George Swinnock ...The fading of the flesh and flourishing of faith, or, One cast for eternity with the only way to throw it vvell : as also the gracious persons incomparable portion / by George Swinnock ...
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1662
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Chapter 6: Three Motives more. A Dying Hour, will he a Trying Hour: The misery of the unprepared:…
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
CHAP. VI. Three Motives more. A Dying Hour, will he a Trying Hour: The misery of the unprepared: The felicity of the prepared.
Fourthly,1 Dost thou not know that thy Dying Hour will be a Trying hour? When Grapes come to the Press they come to the Proof. The Mariners skill is seen in a storm. The Soldiers courage is known when he comes to the Combat, while he lieth in Garrison he may boast much, but then he fighteth only with his words, but in a Battle twill appear how he can handle his Sword; Many flourish with their colours when they know their enemies to be far enough off, woh change their countenances when they meet them in the field; In thy life time thou art walled in, and lyest warm, in the confluence of creature-comforts, no visible Enemy appeareth against thee, but when this Champion showeth himself bidding thee defiance, and offering to fight with thief or thy soul, and Saviour, and Heaven, and happiness, (at the sight of whom the hearts of Kings and Captains have melted like grease before the Sun) then, then thou wilt perceive what mettle thou art made of? whither thou hast the faith and spirit of a David, and canst encounter him in the Lord, or no. Now thou art a Vessel in the Harbour, and so art kept above Water, though several things are wanting, but when ⟨p. 44⟩thou launchest into the Ocean, the boisterous Waves, and tempestuous Winds will soon discover thy leaks and tell thee what is lacking.
FOurthly,1 Dost thou not know that thy Dying Hour will be a Trying hour? When Grapes come to the Press they come to the Proof. The Marriners skill is seen in a storm. The Souldiers courage is known when he comes to the Combat, while he lyeth in Garrison he may boast much, but then he fighteth onely with his words, but in a Battel twil appear how he can handle his Sword; Many flourish with their colours when they know their enemies to be far enough off, woh change their countenances when they meet them in the field; In thy life time thou art walled in, and lyest warm, in the confluence of creature-comforts, no visible Enemy appeareth against thee, but when this Champion sheweth himself bidding thee defiance, and offering to fight with theef or thy soul, and Saviour, and Heaven, and happiness, (at the sight of whom the hearts of Kings and Captains have melted like grease before the Sun) then, then thou wilt perceive what mettle thou art made of? whither thou hast the faith and spirit of a David, and canst encounter him in the Lord, or no. Now thou art a Vessel in the Harbour, and so art kept above Water, though several things are wanting, but when