George Swinnock
(c. 1627-1673)
Born at Maidstone in Kent, George Swinnock lost his father as a little boy. He was raised in the home of his uncle, Robert Swinnock, a staunch Puritan. He was educated at several colleges in Cambridge and Oxford, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1648 and a Master of Arts in 1650.
The following year Swinnock was ordained and became vicar of Rickmansworth. In 1655, he was appointed to St. Leonard’s Chapel at Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire. In 1661, he became vicar of Great Kimble, Buckinghamshire. He was ejected from that post in 1662 for Nonconformity. For several years he preached in private houses in the surrounding area and prepared a collection of his works for the press
(1665). He dedicated them to a local politician, Richard Hampden, whom he also served as chaplain intermittently until 1672. Then, availing himself of the Declaration of Indulgence, he returned to his native town of Maidstone to pastor a large flock until his death on November 10, 1673. He was survived by his wife and nine children.
Swinnock has been described as “a man of good abilities, and a serious, warm, and practical preacher.”
Books by George Swinnock
T
he Fading of the Flesh and The Flourishing of Faith
Paperback, 170 pages
Retail Price: $10.00
Our Price: $7.50
The Puritans frequently talked about dying well. That is something we do not discuss much these days, though we should. In this book, George Swinnock presents modern readers with valuable food for thought as he expounds Psalm 73:26, “My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.” Swinnock combines careful explanation with vivid illustration to reveal the futility of earthly comforts and highlight the inestimable comfort, satisfaction, and joy afforded us in Christ. Displaying the relevance of the Puritans for today, you will find this sorely neglected and sobering topic an easy, thought-provoking, and compelling read.
The Works of George Swinnock, 5 vols
Paperback, 2514 pages
Retail Price: $130.00
Our Price: $90.00
George Swinnock is one of the easiest of the Puritan authors to read. Long out of print, this republication of his works will be welcomed by all who have an interest in and love for Puritan literature. Thomas Manton commended his work as coming ‘from one both of a good head and heart’. C.H. Spurgeon said, “George Swinnock had the gift of illustration largely developed, as his works prove…they served his purpose, and made his teaching attractive…there remains ” a rare amount of sanctified wit and wisdom”.
