The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Faith clears up the understanding, and scattereth the mists of error. The presence of this Sun disperseth those Clouds. Faith secureth the heart from evil purposes. Its the besom that sweepeth out such dust, and keeps the heart clean; Having their hearts purified by Faith, Act. 15. 9. Faith entertaineth the King of Saints into the heart, it sets him on the throne, and these traitors fly before him; His presence makes these ⟨p. 709⟩Rebels to hide their heads. Who ever could find in his heart to hug sin, whilst he was viewing by faith his bleeding Saviour! Faith secureth the hand from evil practices. The Martyrs chose the flames, rather then the denial of their Master, and all because of their Faith. Those Worthies of the Lord, of whom the World was not worthy, through Faith stopped the mouths of Lyon-like lusts, quenched the violence of hellish fires, were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection, Heb. 11. 33, 34, 35. By Faith we stand, 2 Cor. 1. 24. As a Soldier under the protection of his Shield, stands his ground, and doth his duty, notwithstanding the shot that are made against him; So a Christian under the protection of Faith, keeps his place, and mindeth his work, whatsoever opposition he meets with. Faith, like Joab, stabbeth this Abner under the fifth rib, it wounds fin mortally. Hope, like Saul, hath slain its thousands; but Faith, like David, its ten thousands; Whole Armies of Lusts have turned their backs at the sight of this Warrior; By Faith the walls of Jericho fall down; Whilst unbelief liveth, no sin will dye; All iniquity sheltereth it self under the Banner of infidelity. If once the banks of Faith be broken down, a flood of wickedness will rush and flow in. What made Abraham deny his Wife, and expose her to such temptations and wickedness, but unbelief? What made Isaac tread in his Fathers steps, and leave Rebekah to the Heathens lust, but unbelief? What made David dishonour his God, by his uncomely carriage before Achish, and injure his soul by his ⟨p. 710⟩unholy language, that he should one day perish by the hand of Saul, but unbelief? What made Peter deny and forswear his Master, but unbelief? These tares were sown by the enemy, when the husbandman Faith was asleep: had they believed the power and faithfulness of God to defend them in their dangers and distresses, without their lies;