The works of George Swinnock, M.A

I Wish that I may be righteous in every relation wherein I stand, and towards all persons with whom ⟨p. 69⟩I deal, that I may give to Superiors the things that are theirs, to Inferiors the things that are theirs, lest by denying either I rob all; My God is no respectre of persons, but just in all his ways, and righteous in all his works. When shall I imitate his blessed Majesty? He tells me, Blessed are they that keep judgment, and he that doth righteousness at all times;¹ If I expect the blessing propounded, I must mind the righteousness enjoined, and that is to be righteous at all seasons. O my soul, what encouragement hast thou to do justly upon all occasions! thy righteousness shall have a large recompense. Thy Children may fare the better; The just man walketh in his integrity, and his Children are blessed after him: Nay, thy whole Family; The voice of joy and Salvation is in the Tabernacle of the righteous;² Whereas thou mayst fear that thy plain dealing may bring thee and thine to poverty; thou bast his promise, that he will make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous:³ Above all, thou thy self wilt have the greatest solace. Thy righteousness shall answer for thee in time to come; and whereas the dishonest wealth of others is a corroding worm to gnaw their consciences; thy justice will afford thee present comfort. In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; but the righteous doth sing and rejoice, Prov. 29. 6. Ah! who would not sow righteousness, when he shall certainly reap so much mercy! Though others, as if they had pitchy hands, take to themselves whatsoever they touch, to the defiling of their own souls, and like whirlpools suck in all that comes near them, to their own destruction; do thou mete out all thy ⟨p. 70⟩dealings by that royal measure; Whatsoever thou wouldst that men should do to thee, do the same to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. When thou art buying, or selling, or about any bargain with thy Neighbour, reflect upon thy self; Would I be glad to be thus dealt with? Were I in this mans case, would I be willing that he should serve me as I serve him? Am I as plain-hearted, as true, as just in my carriage towards him, as I would desire him to be in his trading with me? Would I be contented to be defrauded? should I take it well to be defamed? Is this action of mine such, as I could be contented to receive the like?