A control system for a reciprocating linear motion or intermittent motion device. The system includes e.g. programmable control for setting an extent of stroke for an operation member of the device, for setting a period of stroke time for the operation member, and a memory for storing therein in the order of addresses items of velocity data at stroke positions at a specified spacing, the items of velocity data being obtained from a predetermined operation member velocity diagram. When the extent of stroke and time are specified by, the velocities of the operation member are determined based on the specified values and the velocity data in the memory, permitting the operation member to perform a stroke motion by the specified amount for the specified time period at the velocities determined.