The works of George Swinnock, M.A

sure I am there is a day coming, when to have taught one poor Christian how to serve God better, and to honour him more, will cause more comfort, and bring more credit, then the instructing thousands in the greatest and deepest mysteries of Nature or Art. 2. By quickening the slothful. The Eagle loveth her young, yet when they are ready for flight, and lye lazing in their nest, she will pierce and prick them with her claws, to make them fly abroad: Love to others souls should stir us up to rouse drowsy Christians out of their spiritual slumbers, and lethargies. One Bell man that is stirring at midnight, by crying Fire, Fire, awakens hundreds that were fast asleep in a short time: One lively active believer, acquainting men with the jealousy and justice of God, and his severe proceedings against secure persons, who neglect their spiritual watch, may quickly call them from their beds to their watch and work. Consider one another, saith the Apostle, to provoke one another to love and to good works, Heb. 10.24. The Greek word [Greek or Hebrew], is, Consider •ne another into a Paroxysm, a violent heat of an Ague or Fever, to make each other fervent and fiery in love and good works. Consider one another's backwardness and dullness, and provoke one another to your duties and that with diligence. Consider one another's states and conditions, and provoke one another to a suitable seriousness in working out your salvations. Consider one another's hinderances, and temptations, and weaknesses, and provoke one another to love and to good works. ⟨p. 283⟩Christians should say to one another, as Judah to Simeon his brother, Come up with me into my lot, that I may fight against the Canaanites, and I will go up with thee into thy lot: Help me by jogging and awakening me if I sleep, and I will do as much for thee, Judg. 1.13. And encourage one another as Joab his brother Abishai, 2 Sam. 10. 11,12. And he said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then thou shalt help me; but if the children of Ammon be too strong for thee, then I will come and help thee. Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and the Cities of our God: And the Lord do that which seemeth him good.