The works of George Swinnock, M.A

When pride cometh, then cometh a fall. As a Wrestler, if he can lift his fellow from the ground, quickly gives him a fall; so the Devil, if he can lift up with pride, doubts not but to throw them. Physicians observe that the Dropsy and Consumption are usually together: when once thou swellest with this Dropsy of pride, expect a Consumption of thy godliness. He walks but dangerously who walks on high places, as on the ridges of houses, and on ropes; he that walks below is more safe. Angels, Adam, David, Hezekiah, Peter, and many others in Scripture confirm the Wisemans Proverb, Pride goeth before a fall. Trees that are set on mountains are easily shaken and torn up by the roots, when stormy winds arise. Indeed tis no wonder that a proud man should fall into sin, for he relieth on his own strength, which is but a broken reed. Peter had not fallen so foully, if he had not undertaken to stand upon his own legs, which were too weak to bear his weight; But before honour is humility. The lower the foundation, the higher the building.

When pride cometh, then cometh a fall. As a Wrastler, if he can lift his fellow from the ground, quickly gives him a fall; so the Devil, if he can lift up with pride, doubts not but to throw them. Physicians observe that the Dropsie and Consumption are usually together: when once thou swellest with this Dropsie of pride, expect a Consumption of thy godliness. He walks but dangerously who walks on high places, as on the ridges of houses, and on ropes; he that walks below is more safe. Angels, Adam, David, Hezekiah, Peter, and many others in Scripture confirm the Wisemans Proverb, Pride goeth before a fall. Trees that are set on mountains are easily shaken and torn up by the roots, when stormy winds arise. Indeed tis no wonder that a proud man should fall into sin, for he relieth on his own strength, which is but a broken reed. Peter had not fallen so fouly, if he had not undertaken to stand upon his own legs, which were too weak to bear his weight; But before honour is humility. The lower the foundation, the higher the building.

A proud man hath a great infelicity, in that he is his own enemy, and makes all others his enemies. God is his enemy; there is no sinner whom he proclaims such open war against, in such express terms,