The works of George Swinnock, M.A

There is hardly any work of Christianity, which requires more wisdom then this of Admonition. The temper and quality of the persons, the nature and difference of the crimes, the manner and way of delivering the reproof, the fittest season for it ought all to be seriously and diligently considered. The rebuke of sin is aptly resembled to the fishing for Whales; the mark is big enough, one can hardly miss hitting; but if there be not Sea-room enough, and line enough, and a dexterity in letting out that line, he that fixeth his harping-iron in the Whale, endangers both Himself and his Boat. Reproof strikes an Iron (as it were) into the conscience of the Offender, which makes him struggle and strive to draw the Reprover into the Sea, to bring him into disgrace and contempt; but if the line be prudently handled, and not pulled too strait nor too quick, the sinner may be dr•wn to the Reprover and saved.

There is hardly any work of Christianity, which requires more wisdom then this of Admonition. The temper and quality of the persons, the nature and difference of the crimes, the manner and way of delivering the reproof, the fittest season for it ought all to be seriously and diligently considered. The rebuke of sin is aptly resembled to the fishing for Whales; the mark is big enough, one can hardly miss hitting; but if there be not Sea-room enough, and line enough, and a dexterity in letting out that line, he that fixeth his harping-iron in the Whale, endangers both Himself and his Boat. Reproof strikes an Iron (as it were) into the conscience of the Offendour, which makes him struggle and strive to draw the Reprover into the Sea, to bring him into disgrace and contempt; but if the line be prudently handled, and not pull'd too strait nor too q•ick, the sinner may be dr•wn to the Reprover and saved.

I confess this duty of reproving, is an hard and unpleasing task,¹ because truth ordinarily begets hatred, but its far better that men should hate thee for the discharge of thy duty, then that God should hate thee for the neglect of it; Its much easier to endure their rage for a short time, then the Lords wrath for ever. If the persons reproved, have any true love to themselves, they will love thee; and truly that mans love is little worth, who hath none for his own soul. Therefore Reader, obey Gods precept, and leave the event to his providence; Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them,