A62047:373
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.
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.
That which doth elevate & ennoble the Soul of Man, must be more excellent then the Soul. Silver is embased by mixing it with lead, but ennobled by gold, because the former is inferior to it, but the latter excels it. The World and all things in it are infinitely inferior to the Soul of Man; and therefore it is debased by mingling with them; but God is infinitely superior, and so advanceth it by joining with it. That coin which is the most excellent metal, defileth our hands; and is apt to defile our hearts; but the divine nature elevateth and purifieth the Spirit.
That which doth elevate & ennoble the Soul of Man, must be more excellent then the Soul. Silver is embased by mixing it with lead, but ennobled by gold, because the former is inferiour to it, but the latter excells it. The World and all things in it are infinitely inferiour to the Soul of Man; and therefore it is debased by mingling with them; but God is infinitely superiour, and so advanceth it by joyning with it. That coyn which is the most excellent mettal, defileth our hands; and is apt to defile our hearts; but the divine nature elevateth and purifieth the Spirit.
The goodliest portions of this life, are like the Cities which Solomon gave to Hiram. And Hiram came from Tyre to see the Cities which Solomon had given him; and they pleased him not. And he said, What Cities are these which thou hast given me my brother! and he called them the land of Cabul (that is displeasing or dirty) unto this day. 1 Kings 9.12, 13. The pleasantest portion here lieth in the land of Cabul, its displeasing and dirty; it doth both dissatisfy and defile, when the heavenly portion doth like honey both delight and cleanse; both please and purify.
The goodliest portions of this life, are like the Cities which Solomon gave to Hiram. And Hiram came from Tyre to see the Cities which Solomon had given him; and they pleased him not. And he said, What Cities are these which thou hast given me my brother! and he called them the land of Cabul (that is displeasing or dirty) unto this day.