The works of George Swinnock, M.A

I Wish that I may be Courteous as well as Righteous, towards all with whom I converse;² Humanity is a debt which I owe to all mankind; why should I therefore as some proud men, dam up, and contract my civility into so narrow a compass, that it shall swell into flattery towards my Superiors, and not suffer one drop to descend towards Inferiors! I would not as Formalists in fashion of habits, or outward Vesture, discover the lightness of a carnal mind; Nor like Hypocrites, by composed actions, or artificial gesture, manifest the looseness of a frothy ⟨p. 72⟩spirit; but as a prudent, yet serious Christian be so affable in my carriage, that I may be the more acceptable in my counsel, for the good of others souls. Humanity doth cast a lustre, to attract the eyes and hearts of others. Courtesy is commendable, and an adorning adjunct to sanctity. Holiness is honoured by the attendance of this Hand-maid. Grace is rendered more lovely, when tis accompanied with a kind nature. Tis pity that Jewel should not ever be in this soft Velvet Cabinet. One end of my trading must be to commend to others the excellency of spiritual wares, and to encourage them to buy the truth; but if my behaviour be morose and unkind, I shall fright men from being my customers; and inflict on my self part of Nebuchadnezzars penalty, separate my self from amongst men, by forcing them to withdraw from me. If my language be fierce, and my looks frowning, I may deter men from my company, but shall never allure them to Christ. Where the carriage is sour and pouting, the Counsel will never be sweet and prevalent. O that I might never disadvantage Religion by any rugged disposition, but by the kindness of my nature may do a real kindness to grace, and become all things to all men, if by any means I might save some. Yet I would not be so courteous to others, as to be discourteous to my self; I mean, be so courteous to sinners, as to comply with them in their sins; Tis far better that the World should count me uncivil, then the Lord should esteem me ungodly. Let me be an enemy to their corruptions, when I show my self most friendly to their persons, and never be so much a Courtier, as to forget that I am a Christian. Lord, who hast commanded thy people to be ⟨p. 73⟩kindly affected one towards another, teach me to show the true affection of my heart, in the kindness of my tongue and hand;