The works of George Swinnock, M.A

It is in vain to go about an holy life, till the heart be made holy. The Pulse of the hand beats well or ill, according to the s•ate of the heart, and the inward vital parts. Our earthly members can never be mortified, unless the body of sin and death be destroyed. The foul bird of sin must be killed in the nest, the heart, or it can never be thrown on the dunghill, die in the life. Therefore the Holy Ghost calls on men to take away the cause, if they would have the effect to cease. O Jerusalem, wash thy heart from wickedness. Cleanse your hearts ye sinners, and purify your hands ye double-minded; first the heart cleansed, then the hands, Jer. 4.14. James 4.7,8. If the chinks of the ship are unstopped, twill be to no purpose to labour at the Pump. It is not rubbing or scratching will cure the itch, but the blood, whose corruption is the cause of it, must be purified. When ⟨p. 700⟩the water is foul at the bottom, no wonder that scum and filth appear at the top. There is no way to stop the issue of sin, but by drying up the matter that feeds it.

It is in vain to go about an holy life, till the heart be made holy. The Pulse of the hand beats well or ill, according to the s•ate of the heart, and the inward vital parts. Our earthly members can never be mortified, unless the body of sin and death be destroyed. The foul bird of sin must be killed in the nest, the heart, or it can never be thrown on the dunghil, die in the life. Therefore the Holy Ghost calls on men to take away the cause, if they would have the effect to cease. O Ierusalem, wash thy heart from wickedness. Cleanse your hearts ye sinners, and purifie your hands ye double-minded; first the heart cleansed, then the hands, Ier. 4.14. Iames 4.7,8. If the chinks of the ship are unstopt, twill be to no purpose to labour at the Pump. It is not rubbing or scratching will cure the itch, but the blood, whose corruption is the cause of it, must be purified. When ⟨p. 700⟩