The works of George Swinnock, M.A

First, If thou wouldst exercise thy self to Godliness, be sure that thou layest a good foundation in a renewed heart and nature. I begin with this, because it is the chiefest requisite, and the basis of all. Godliness must first spring up in the heart, before it can overflow in the life. Other means are like those parts of the body, the want of which may be supplied by others; but this is like the heart, which if wanting, nothing can make up its want. A dead man will as soon arise and walk, as an unsanctified person make Religion his business. Every thing will act according to that principle which is predominant in it: Though for a time it may by violence work contrary ⟨p. 696⟩to its natural inclination, yet it will endeavour the removal of that force, and return to its old course. Fire moveth upwards, and earth downwards, both striving to overturn what standeth in their way, because the place of fire is above, of earth beneath. A river may be stopped and hindered in its current, but it will never cease till it hath overborne the dam, and attained its former passage. Water that is naturally sweet, may be made brackish by the over-flowing of salt water; but it will not leave till it hath worked out that saltness, and returneth to his natural sweetness; so every man whether good or bad, will act according to his nature, whether gracious or vicious. A good man may be hindered in his holy course by temptations, and the violence of the flesh; but because his nature is gracious he will never be at rest till he hath forcibly broke through those impediments, and got into his former way of Godliness. An evil man may step into the path of piety through the example of others, or good education, or some slender convictions of a natural conscience, but he will quickly be weary, he will not hold out in it; he will break through those obstacles, because his nature, the stream of his heart, runs another way.