The works of George Swinnock, M.A

1. In Taking counsel; It was said of Demosthenes, that he was better at praising virtue, then practising it. We must write by that Copy which we set others. It was the speech of a Philosopher, That its the easiest thing in the world to give good counsel, and the hardest thing to take it. Jobs friends, though falsely, taxed him as guilty of this crime, Job 4. 3, 4, 5. Behold thou hast instructed many, and strengthened the weak hands; Thy words have up holden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees; But now it is come upon thee and thou faintest, it toucheth thee and thou art troubled. Doctor Preston confessed on his death-bed, that he found it difficult to take that Physic which he had often administered to others. But all Christians must and will endeavour it; Solomon makes it the mark of a prudent man; The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he that hearkeneth to counsel is wise, Prov. 11. 15. When out of self-conceit we refuse others advice, we bewray our own pride and folly. Quintilian said of some, They might have proved excellent Scholars, if they had not thought themselves so already; this is true of too many in our days; They might have proved excellent Christians, if they had not thought themselves too good to learn; He that every day layeth up something, though but little, will in time have a good stock.

1. In Taking counsel; It was said of Demosthenes, that he was better at praising vertue, then practising it. We must write by that Copy which we set others. It was the speech of a Philosopher, That its the easiest thing in the world to give good counsel, and the hardest thing to take it. Iobs friends, though falsly, taxed him as guilty of this crime, Iob 4. 3, 4, 5. Behold thou hast instructed many, and strengthened the weak hands; Thy words have up holden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthned the feeble knees; But now it is come upon thee and thou faintest, it toucheth thee and thou art troubled. Doctor Preston confessed on his death-bed, that he found it difficult to take that Physick which he had often administred to others. But all Christians must and will endeavour it; Solomon makes it the mark of a prudent man; The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he that hearkeneth to counsel is wise,