The works of George Swinnock, M.A

When I was wallowing in my uncleanness, and priding my self in my pollutions, the heart of my God was turned towards me, and the hand of mercy open to me. O my soul, shall not that infinite perdition to which thou wast obnoxious, and that infinite compassion of which thou hast tasted, prevail with thee to pity others! O that thou wert so affected with the misery thou hast deserved, and that rich love and grace which thou hast received; that thou mightest seriously and studiously endeavour by thy affectionate counsel, pious carriage, and prudent admonition, that others may be partakers of the same mercy and grace; if my carriage be unblameable, my counsel and reproof will be the more acceptable; wholesome meat, often is distasteful, coming out of nasty hands. A bad liver cannot be a good counsellor, or bold reprover; such a man must speak softly for fear of awaking his own guilty conscience. If the Bell be cracked, the sound must needs be jarring.

When I was wallowing in my uncleanness, and priding my self in my pollutions, the heart of my God was turned towards me, and the hand of mercy open to me. O my soul, shall not that infinite perdition to which thou wast obnoxious, and that infinite compassion of which thou hast tasted, prevail with thee to pity others! O that thou wert so affected with the misery thou hast deserved, and that rich love and grace which thou hast received; that thou mightest seriously and studiously endeavour by thy affectionate counsel, pious carriage, and prudent admonition, that others may be partakers of the same mercy and grace; if my carriage be unblameable, my counsel and reproof will be the more acceptable; wholsom meat, often is distastful, coming out of nasty hands. A bad liver cannot be a good counsellor, or bold reprover; such a man must speak softly for fear of awaking his own guilty •onscience. If the Bell be crackt, the sound must needs be jarring.

I desire that I may be as bold to reprove as others are to commit sin; yet that I may be so prudent, as never to reproach the sinner when I reprove the sin, lest I break their heads instead of their hearts, and make them fly in my face, instead of falling down at Gods feet; Bone-setters must deal very warily, and Physic is given with great advice, and in dangerous diseases not without a consultation. I would distinguish between crimes, and not fall upon any (as the Syrians did on Gilead,