The works of George Swinnock, M.A

The Wi•e man tells us concerning the ways of wisdom, wherein a Christians daily walk is; Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace, Pro. 3. 17. And the Saints find them so by experience. The word of God, which is the rule of their work, is sweeter to them then the honey and the honey comb, and they delight to do the will of God. The sinners life is an uncomfortable life, be•ide those inward gripes and horror, which sin causeth in the conscience at present, and its end the sting in the tail, which is the eternal fire; there is trouble, and fear, and shame, and vexation in the very act or commission of many sins. To forgive an injury, which is one piece of Christianity, is pleasant and delightful; but to revenge an affront, what heats and colds, what passions and perturbations doth it cause? To love our neighbours, and wish their welfare, is a sweet thing, a reward in it self, it hath meat in its mouth; but to envy my neighbour, because he is richer, or more honourable, or hath larger gifts, and more friends then my self, is as rottenness to the bones, it wasteth and consumeth the inward parts, as rust eateth out iron, according to Solomons phrases. A Contented man hath an heaven upon earth, all the year with him is spring-time or summer, like a child he takes no carking care for food, or raiment, or house•rent, but minds his duty, and leaves all to his father who knoweth what he hath need of: But the Cov• tous, who like the barren womb, hath never enough, pines with fear of want, & can neither eat, nor drink, ⟨p. 857⟩nor sleep quietly, lest he should lose what he hath, or not have sufficient to hold out; nay, he will not allow himself convenient food or raiment, though he have never so much; but like a beast feeds on thistles, when he hath all sorts of provision upon his back. Temperance hath health, and strength with it, and thereby renders the other comforts of this life savoury and comfortable; so also Chastity. But gluttony, and Drunkenness, and Whoredom; bring weakness and sickness on mens bodies, and embitter all other blessings, besides the fear of being discovered, to the shame and disgrace of the Authors, which tormenteth not a little. There is comfort in dealing honestly and righteously, but if a man will cheat, and cozen, and filch, and steal;