The works of George Swinnock, M.A

There be several things which may help to make the life fair in the eyes of men; but nothing will make it amiable in the eyes of God, unless the heart be changed and renewed. Indeed all the medicines which can be applied, without the sanctifying work of the Spirit, though they may cover, they can never cure the corruption and diseases of the soul. The best man without this is like a Serpent painted as it were without, but poisonous within. As the herb Bistort, he may have smooth and plain leaves, but a crooked root. Or as a Pill, be gilded on the outside, ⟨p. 701⟩when the whole mass and body of it is bitterness; It is one thing to be angry with sin upon a sudden discontent, as a Man may be with his Wife, whom he loves dearly; and another thing to hate sin, as that which we abhor to behold, and endeavour to destroy. A filthy heart, like a foul body, may seem for a while to be in good plight; but when the heats and colds of temptations appear, twill bewray it self. Some Insects lye in a deep sleep all the Winter, stir not, make no noise, that one would think them dead; but when the weather alters, and the Sun shines, they revive and show themselves; So though lusts may seem dead in an unregenerate man, they are only laid asleep, and when opportunity is, will revive. Shame may hide sin, but it will not heal ••n; Corruption often lieth secret in the heart, when shame hindereth it from breaking out in s•abs and botches in the life. Some court holiness as hard in show, as Saul did Samuel, to be honoured before the people, when like him, they hate it in their hearts.

There be several things which may help to make the life fair in the eyes of men; but nothing will make it amiable in the eyes of God, unless the heart be changed and renewed. Indeed all the medicines which can be applied, without the sanctifying work of the Spirit, though they may cover, they can never cure the corruption and diseases of the soul. The best man without this is like a Serpent painted as it were without, but poysonous within. As the herb Biscort, he may have smooth and plain leaves, but a croked root. Or as a Pill, be guilded on the outside, ⟨p. 701⟩when the whole mass and body of it is bitterness; It is one thing to be angry with sin upon a sudden discontent, as a Man may be with his Wife, whom he loves dearly; and another thing to hate sin, as that which we abhor to behold, and endeavour to destroy. A filthy heart, like a foul body, may seem for a while to be in good plight; but when the heats and colds of temptations appear, twill bewray it self. Some Insects lye in a deep sleep all the Winter, stir not, make no noise, that one would think them dead; but when the weather alters, and the Sun shines, they revive and shew themselves; So though lusts may seem dead in an unregenerate man, they are only laid asleep, and when opportunity is, will revive. Shame may hide sin, but it will not heal n; Corruption often lyeth secret in the heart, when shame hindereth it from breaking out in sabs and boches in the life. Some court holiness as hard in shew, as Saul did Samuel, to be honoured before the people, when like him, they hate it in their hearts.