A62047:61
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.
Philosophers observe that the matter of the Heavens ⟨image 14⟩desireth no other form, whereas in all sublunary things it constantly doth, and the reason is, because of the Actuality and Perfection of that heavenly form. While the soul fasteneth on any sublunary thing, as its happiness it desireth more and better, but when it doth once choose the blessed God, it desireth no more, no better, because of those infinite perfections which are in God. One God answereth all the souls desires and necessities.
Philosophers observe that the matter of the Heavens ⟨image 14⟩desireth no other form, whereas in all sublunary things it constantly doth, and the reason is, because of the Actuality and Perfection of that heavenly form. While the soul fasteneth on any sublunary thing, as its happiness it desireth more and better, but when it doth once chuse the blessed God, it desireth no more, no better, because of those infinite perfections which are in God. One God answereth all the souls desires and necessities.
1To keep you no longer out of the body of the book, It is Recorded of Marcus Cato, that after his return from Carthage, when he did at any time deliver his judgement about any business in the Senate, he would conclude his speech with, Methinks Carthage should be destroyed. Sirs will you suffer me to tell you again, and again. Methinks a dying hour is not to be neglected; Methinks a living God is worthy to be embraced. Though there may be some difference among you, about things that are ceremonial and circumstantial, yet ye are I hope generally agreed (I am sure all are, that have the least favour of Religion)[a] That mans greatest wisdom is to prepare for his dying hour. [b]