The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Some of these men have a fine way of censuring and condemning others by commending them, that you will not easily discern their envy or ill-will, because of the throng and press of their subtle praises. They will set forth a Christian, eminent for grace, with many and large flourishes of commendation, but after all, in two or three words, dash out all they had spoken, and leave a blot in the room; As the Holy Ghost saith, truly of Naaman; He was a Mighty man, Captain of the Syrian Host, but a Leper. So they of a Saint, whose worth they cannot for shame deny; He hath great parts, many excellent gifts, large abilities, but I wish the root of the matter were in him, or, but he knoweth them too well, or, but he is covetous or proud; as the Smith that shoeth an Horse, and pretendeth therein to do him a kindness, but pricks him in shooing him, and therefore had better have let him alone; This one fly of But, &c. mars the whole Pot of Ointment. The Censurer with that short Knife, stabs his Neighbours fame to the heart.

Some of these men have a fine way of censuring and condemning others by commending them, that you will not easily discern their envy or ill-will, because of the throng and press of their subtle praises. They will set forth a Christian, eminent for grace, with many and large flourishes of commendation, but after all, in two or three words, dash out all they had spoken, and leave a blot in the room; As the Holy Ghost saith, truly of Naaman; He was a Mighty man, Captain of the Syrian Host, but a Leper. So they of a Saint, whose worth they cannot for shame deny; He hath great parts, many excellent guifts, large abilities, but I wish the root of the matter were in him, or, but he knoweth them too well, or, but he is covetous or proud; as the Smith that shoeth an Horse, and pretendeth therein to do him a kindness, but pricks him in shooing him, and therefore had better have let him alone; This one flie of But, &c. mars the whole Pot of Oyntment. The Censurer with that short Knife, stabs his Neighbours fame to the heart.

Reader, I beseech thee, both for thy own sake, and the Gospels, to be tender of the repute and credit of Saints; A good mans name, is like a Milk white Ball, which exceedingly gathers soil ⟨p. 280⟩