The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Reader; I would be understood rightly, I do not intend by any thing I have written, to incite thee to take all courses, good or bad, to avoid suffering, but to dissuade thee from bringing thy self into suffering; Grace may teach thee not to choose sin, and both grace and nature teach thee not to choose suffering; Follow the Lamb wherever he goeth, and whithersoever he calleth thee; but take heed of going before him, lest he leave thee to suffer at thy own charges; He that will take a Bear by the Tooth, or a Mad Dog by the Ear, may thank himself if he be well bitten.

Reader; I would be understood rightly, I do not intend by any thing I have wri•ten, to incite thee to take all courses, good or bad, to avoid suffering, but to diswade thee from bringing thy self into suffering; Grace may teach thee not to choose sin, and both grace and nature teach thee not to choose suffering; Follow the Lamb wherever he goeth, and whithersoever he calleth thee; but take heed of going before him, lest he leave thee to suffer at thy own charges; He that will take a Bear by the Tooth, or a Mad Dog by the Ear, may thank himself if he be well bitten.

Its too ordinary for some Christians, when wicked men give them a few good words, and pretend a little good-will, to open their minds fully and freely to them, even to the hazard of their own liberties and lives; but such do not consider the Counsel which God gives them; Trust ye not in a friend (muchless in an enemy, as every wicked man is to the godly) put ye not confidence in a Guide (though he may be full of power, and policy, and promises) keep the door of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom, (lest as Samsons Wife, she tell all to thy undoing) Mich. 7. 5. Every smooth face, and smiling countenance, is not to be trusted; Kisses do sometimes betray us. When the tongues of some cry Ave, they threaten a Vae, saith Austin. They come (Psa. 118. 12.) about me like Bees, with honey in their mouths • and a sting in their tails; As Butchers, they claw