The works of George Swinnock, M.A

There are two things that cause men to rage against reproof.

1. Guilt of the sin objected. Guilt makes men angry when they are searched, and like Horses that are g•lled, to kick, if they be but touched. They hate, saith the Holy Ghost, him that reproveth in the gate. The easiest medicines, and mildest waters, are troublesome to sore eyes. Praxaspes having reproved Cambyses for his drunkenness, did so exasperate him, that he shot the Son of the Reprover through the heart, to confute the Father by showing the steadiness of his hand. Though you stir one that hath a boil never so gently, yet he will fret and fume. Ahab conscious of his own filth and wickedness, hates Michaiah for telling him the truth. There is scarce a more probable sign, that the crime objected is true, then wrath and bitterness against the person that chargeth us with it. Children that have cankers, will not suffer honey to come near their mouths, as sweet as it is. Though men are bold to sin, even to the face of God, yet they are so proud, that they would not have it visible to the eye of a man; therefore when by their admonitions they find that they are discovered, they wrangle and quarre•. ⟨p. 303⟩2. Love to sin makes men impatient under reproof. Twas Davids fondness of Absalom, that made him so strict in his charge to his Captains concerning him, Deal gently with the young man Absalom, for my •ake. Tis love of lust, that makes us so desirous it should be spared, and so passionate when it is pierced by a reproof. A man may gather that sin to be his Delilah, which he will suffer none to hurt. Eglebert King of West Saxons, slew Earl Cambra for telling him of his faults, but it was because his sin was dearer to him then his soul. When a persons sin is to him as the apple of his eye, no wonder if he be offended at any that shall touch it. Solomon calls reproofs ear-rings; I am sure they are ill bestowed on such uncircumcised ears, Prov. 25. 12