The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Sixthly, Mourn for those sins which thou canst not amend; Those sins which thou canst not beat down with a stream of truth, do thou overcome with a flood of tears; When others kindled a fire of lust, David drew water and poured it out before the Lord; Rivers of tears run down mine eyes, because the wicked forsake thy law, Psa. 119. 135. Mark the intension of Davids passion, upon the disobedience of wicked persons; Sighs are an ordinary sign of grief, but tears a far greater; What sorrow was then in Davids heart, when not only tears, but rivers of tears, ran down his eyes? S•rely the Fountain of sorrow was very full and deep, when the streams did run so fast and freely. Others guilt calleth aloud to thee for grief. Do they wound their souls by sin? do thou wound thy own soul with sorrow? Alas! how is it possible thou canst be amongst them that dishonour the blessed God, grieve his holy Spirit, and break his righteous Commands, and not have thine heart broken? Lot vexed his righteous soul with the unclean conversation of the Sodomites, 2 Pet. 2. 8. Unless thou hast lost thy spiritual sent, thou canst ⟨p. 206⟩not endure the stench of their filthy unsavoury breath, without much perplexity and trouble. I remembered the transgressors, and was grieved, because they kept not thy Law, Psa. 119. 158. He that hath any part of the new man in himself, must needs be offended at the old man in others. Its presumed he is of a dishonest mind, who is not offended at the cheats and thefts of others; Every creature is disturbed at that which is contrary to its own nature. If grace be the object of my joy and delight, sin must needs be the object of my grief and sorrow; My soul shall weep in secret for your pride, saith Jeremiah, Jer. 13. 17.

Sixthly, Mourn for those sins which thou canst not amend; Those sins which thou canst not beat down with a stream of truth, do thou overcome with a flood of tears; When others kindled a fire of lust, David drew water and poured it out before the Lord; Rivers of tears run down mine eys, because the wicked forsake thy law,