The works of George Swinnock, M.A

He that carrieth always along with him, an heart ready to break out into a flame, prone to all wickedness, had need to take heed of those Bellows that will help to blow up the fire. I more fear, saith Luther, that which is within me, then that which is from without. When a distempered stomach comes to meet with tossing waves, sickness ensueth, though the prime cause is not from the Billows without, but Choler within. Occasion and the heart, are like Dinah and Shechem, if they meet, they usually part not till folly is committed. Those that desire to hinder the generation of Vice, that brat of Hell, must keep the Male, occasion, and the Female, a wicked heart asunder, one from the other. They who have bodies always ready to take infection, must be more careful of their diet and company then others; Insensible Vapours bring forth horrible Tempests; Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth. ⟨p. 790⟩The best heart is like a flint; there is fire in it, though it doth not appear; occasion is the steel that fetcheth it forth, which being let alone would be quiet. Bees in winter being sensible of their weakness, keep their hives, and will not expose themselves to the sharp air and bitter frosts, lest thereby they sicken and dye. Alas, how weak is man! how unable to resist the occasions of sin! no more then the Hound can forbear pursuing the Hare before his eyes, and therefore it concerns him to avoid them. A candle newly extinguished will quickly be lighted again. Powder meeting with a light match, presently takes fire.

He that carrieth always along with him, an heart ready to break out into a flame, prone to all wickedness, had need to take heed of those Bellows that will help to blow up the fire. I more fear, saith Luther, that which is within me, then that which is from without. When a distempered stomach comes to meet with tossing waves, sickness ensueth, though the prime cause is not from the Billows without, but Choler within. Occasion and the heart, are like Dinah and Sechem, if they meet, they usually part not till folly is committed. Those that desire to hinder the generation of Vice, that brat of Hell, must keep the Male, occasion, and the Female, a wicked heart asunder, one from the other. They who have bodies always ready to take infection, must be more careful of their diet and company then others; Insensible Vapours bring forth horrible Tempests; Behold how great a matter a little fire kindleth. ⟨p. 790⟩