He grieves truly that weeps without a witness; so it may be said of godliness, he is sincere in his godliness who is godly in secret.
— George Swinnock (1627–1673)
Death
Death is never sudden to a saint; no guest comes unawares to him who keeps a constant table.
— George Swinnock
Fellowship of the Saints
Christians in consort are an abridgement of heaven, shining like a firmament of bright stars… Surely, of all fellowships, this is the only good fellowship. Next to communion with God, there is no communion like the communion of saints.
— George Swinnock
Lord’s Day
A thanksgiving-day hath a double precedency of a fast-day. On a fast-day we eye God’s anger; on a thanksgiving-day we look to God’s favour. In the former we specially mind our corruptions; in the latter, God’s compassions; therefore a fast-day calls for sorrow, a thanksgiving-day for joy. But the Lord’s day is the highest thanksgiving day.
— George Swinnock
Witness
The upright soul is constant in his profession, and changes not his behaviour according to his companions. Oh, that I might never through shame or fear disown Him who has already acknowledged me!
— George Swinnock
