The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Pride scorns a corrector, and thinks it a disgrace to amend upon another's desire; hence it hates him that endeavours it: Amos for reproving the golden calves was accused by Amaziah, the chief Priests of the Idols of Bethel, and struck by Uriah the son of that Amaziah with a spear on the head, whereof he died, saith Buntingus Itenerar. Sacr. But reprove a wise man and he will love thee.

Pride scorns a corrector, and thinks it a disgrace to amend upon anothers desire; hence it hates him that endeavours it: Amos for reproving the golden calves was accused by Amaziah, the chief Priests of the Idols of Bethel, and struck by Vriah the son of that Amaziah with a spear on the head, whereof he died, saith Buntingus Itenerar. Sacr. But reprove a wise man and he will love thee.

Austin notes it as a sign of grace in his friend Alipius, that he received his reproof so well. Paul rebuked Peter sharply, and that before a considerable Company of Peters friends, yet he loved not Paul the less for it; for in his Epistle which was written some time after that contest, and after the Epistle to the Galatians which records it, he makes honourable mention of Pauls writings, and of that very Epistle among the rest (2 Pet. 3. 15, 16.) and calleth him his beloved brother. As they who love their sins, hate the reprover; so they that hate their sins, love him. When Isaiah had declared ⟨p. 305⟩from God a dreadful threatening against Hezekiah for his pride, he doth not fly out into a passion against the Prophet, but submits with Good is the word of the Lord, which thou hast spoken. Tis said of Gerson the great Chancellor of France, that he rejoiced in nothing more then a friendly reprehension. And it is storied of our Richard the first, that he would be admonished by a poor Hermit. Alphonsus King of Aragon, being asked what company he liked best; answered, Books, for they, saith he, without fear and flattery, will tell me my faults faithfully. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.