The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Yet as they say, some roses are too tender to endure the strength of the smell of Wormwood; so some Christians that its hoped are sound, cannot without wry mouths, and angry faces, drink down this bitter liquor. Asa was a good man, yet time was when he imprisoned a Prophet for bringing him an admonition from God. One would have thought that the King would have bid the servant welcome for his Masters sake; but truly a prison was all the reward he had for his pains. It was the speech of a wise and experienced Christian, That he never was acquainted throughly with any one, but first he displeased him by admonishing him of his faults: But as light stuff and rubbish kindleth sooner then solid and more substantial wood; so they are the weaker and less wise Christians that are so soon fired into a pet and passion, if but told of their errors. Tis childishness to be unwilling to take bitter medicines. A prudent person will rather permit cupping-glasses and corrosives to be applied to his body, then suffer his distemper to reign and kill him. The sharpest fruit is most profitable and wholesome. The Lemon is more tart, yet is more excellent then the Orange, which delighteth the taste.

Yet as they say, some roses are too tender to endure the strength of the smell of Wormwood; so some Christians that its hoped are sound, cannot without wry mouths, and angry faces, drink down this bitter liquor. Asa was a good man, yet time was when he imprisoned a Prophet for bringing him an admonition from God. One would have thought that the King would have bid the servant welcome for his Masters sake; but truly a prison was all the reward he had for his pains. It was the speech of a wise and experienced Christian, That he never was acquainted throughly with any one, but first he displeased him by admonishing him of his faults: But as light stuff and rubbish kindleth sooner then solid and more substantial wood; so they are the weaker and less wise Christians that are so soon fired into a pet and passion, if but told of their errors. Tis childishness to be unwilling to take bitter medicines. A prudent person will rather permit cupping-glasses and corrosives to be applied to his body, then suffer his distemper to reign and kill him. The sharpest fruit is most profitable and wholsom. The Lemon is more tart, yet is more excellent then the Orange, which delighteth the taste.