The works of George Swinnock, M.A

¹I Wish that the sense of my danger may keep me from being secure, and make me the more sedulous in the discharge of my duty; Sound eyes are apt to fall a watering, by beholding and looking on sore eyes. Dry Flax is not more apt to take fire, then my vicious nature to be inflamed; the wet sheet of watchfulness is a good preservative; He had need to have much grace, who would not learn others vice. Its hard to touch pitch and not be defiled; Ungodly men are Satan's blood-hounds, with which he hunteth my soul. How many hath he drawn into the pit of perdition by such Cart-rope• ? They are his strongest chains wherewith he binds men now to his own work, and at last (as their wages) hales them to Hell. Fruits of hotter Countries, transplanted into colder Climates, do not seldom die, through the chilling nips of the air, and the unsuitableness of the soil wherein they are planted; there may be grace in my soul ready to flame heavenward, which may be soon quenched, by the putrid fogs of evil companions; I know my God can keep me (as he did the three ⟨p. 211⟩Children in the fiery furnace) amongst them that are set on fire of Hell, from being singed, or so much as having the sent of the fire on me; but I know also, that then I must keep his way and be watchful; O that I might keep my heart with such diligence, that as the Crystal, I may touch those Toads, and not be poisoned; yea, that as a true Diamond in a ditch, I may sparkle with holiness, and shine brightly amongst defiled persons. How natural is it to resemble their faults, whose faces I am wholly unlike? I am apt like a Snow-ball, to carry away the dirt I am rolled upon, and as an Ape, to imitate those amongst whom I am, in their folly, and to sin for company, rather then to be singular. But though the Lodestone can draw Iron, yet it cannot draw gold; Lightning may smite the dead Oak, but not the green and fresh Laurel; though corrupt nature follow a multitude to do evil, yet grace through the help of the Spirit is invincible. Why may not my soul, like Moses bush in the midst of fire, be kept from consuming; and as Gideons fleece, be moist, when all the earth about it is dry; O that I might as Fish, retain my freshness in the saltest waters; and never savour others vices, or follow their steps, who depart from the Commandments of my God.

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