The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Watch especially against thine own sin. If a man have many wounds, whereof one is more dangerous then the rest, being near a vital part, though he will be mindful and careful of all, yet he will have a special care of that which is most dangerous; A Christian must watch against all sin, all soul-diseases, but principally against his own sin; that disease which is most dangerous; as a wise Governor will have a special eye upon that particular person in his Garrison, whom he knoweth to be a Traitor.

Watch especially against thine own sin. If a man have many wounds, whereof one is more dangerous then the rest, being near a vital part, though he will be mindful and careful of all, yet he will have a special care of that which is most dangerous; A Christian must watch against all sin, all soul-diseases, but principally against his own sin; that disease which is most dangerous; as a wise Governour will have a special eye upon that particular person in his Garrison, whom he knoweth to be a Traytour.

Watch for the doing of good; For seasons of Prayer, and Hearing, and Christian Communion. The Country-man watcheth for the Bell ringing on the Market-day, when the sacks will be opened, that he may buy food for himself and his family. The Mariner watcheth for the Tide; The diseased folk watched for the moving of the waters, by the Angels. David watched as a Sparrow on the house top, where he might peck up some corn, ⟨p. 742⟩get some spiritual nourishment. An opportunity of worshipping God is a jewel, the Christian may well watch to take it up.

Watch in duties; The Child must be watched at School, or he will play and toy instead of getting his lesson. The heart must be watched in an Ordinance, or it will wander wholly from the business in hand; continue in prayer, and watch in the same,