The works of George Swinnock, M.A

²I Wish that my God would so strengthen my back, that I may bear with patience the burdens of my brethren; I know unkindnesses will happen between the nearest relations, and between the dearest friends. Whilst there is flesh in us, there will be failings and fallings out among us; Till we come to that place where there is perfect purity, there can be no hope of perfect peace; But how contrary am I to my God, if I do not forbear and forgive them that offend me? Am I better then God? I• unkindness to me, in any measure so heinous as unkindness to God? Their engagements to me, are nothing comparable to their engagements to God, and therefore the least wrong to God, is infinitely greater and more heinous, then the greatest that can be done to me; Yet my God winketh at the weaknesses, and passeth by the peevishness of his people; He seeth no iniquity in Jacob, nor transgression in Israel, though they offer daily affronts and disrespects to him, and that after their sorrow for former miscarriages, and promises of amendment, yet he doth not destroy, but is patient towards them; and shall not I be merciful, as my Heavenly Father is merciful? Besides, I have offended God, much more then my Brother can offend me. I need not say, according to the Worldlings vain pleas and pretences, The injury is great, therefore I cannot pass it by. My offences against my God, are of an higher nature, and a more bloody colour; yet I hope he forgiveth me. Or, This is not the first time, he hath often abused me thus; How often have I sinned against my God! my sins are more then the hairs of my head, they are more then can be numbered, yet he ⟨p. 337⟩forgiveth me freely and frequently, he multiplieth pardons, as I multiply transgressions; Or, But this is expressly contrary to his duty; And is not my disobedience against God, contrary to that which I ought to do? is it not expressly against his dominion over me, and that Allegiance which I owe to him? Or, I am his Superior. Surely, God is mine much more; O the infinite distance that is between the boundless Majesty of Heaven; and a poor slimy worm• If the whole creation be nothing to him, what then am I to him! Or, But I will have nothing to do with him, I value not his favour, I live by him, not upon him. Doth thy God live upon thee? hath he any need of thee? is he any debtor to thee?