The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Respect is to be had also to their faults; Wise Physicians will distinguish between a Pimple and a Plague-sore; Those that sin of infirmity, are to be admonished more mildly then they that sin obstinately; who would give as great a blow to kill a Fly as to kill an Ox; Old festered sores must be handled in a rougher manner then green wounds, Phil. 3. 15. Tit. 3. 10. Ordinary Physic will serve for a distemper newly begun, but a chronic disease must have harsher and stronger Purges; Some offend ignorantly, others out of contumacy; Some offend out of weakness, being overborne by a sudden passion; others of premeditated contrived wickedness and perverseness;¹ some sins are of a lower nature, of lesser moment and influence upon others; other sins overthrow the foundations of Christianity, and devour the vitals of Religion; Now according to the nature of the disease, and constitution of the Patients, must the prescription be for their cure. Though all sins have one price for their satisfaction, yet not one way for their reprehension; ⟨p. 199⟩If the Linen be but a little foul,² ordinary rubbing may serve; but if it be died with dirt, it must have the more. Our Saviour called Herod, Fox; the Master of the Synagogue, Hypocrite; the Scribes and Pharisees, Vipers. St. Stephen calls the Jews, Traitors and Murderers; cutting reproofs are for notorious offenders; a weak dose will but stir up, not purge away their noxious humours.

Respect is to be had also to their faults; Wise Physitians will distinguish between a Pimple and a Plague-sore; Those that sin of infirmity, are to be admonished more mildly then they that sin obstinately; who would give as great a blow to kill a Flie as to kill an Ox; Old festered sores must be handled in a rougher manner then green wounds, Phil. 3. 15. Tit. 3. 10. Ordinary Physick will serve for a distemper newly begun, but a chronical disease must have harsher and stronger Purges; Some offend ignorantly, others out of contumacy; Some offend out of weakness, being overborn by a sudden passion; others of premeditated contrived wickedness and perverseness;