The works of George Swinnock, M.A

The Iron when heated red hot in the fire, is bent and beaten afterwards without breaking which way the Smith pleaseth. When I have heated him hot with the fire of commendation, I may then beat upon him with reproof in greater hopes of success; I would desire courage also, that I may deal faithfully, and not skin over a wound that hath dead flesh at the bottom. Should I dally, I destroy the Patient; If the Offender be so bold as to dare God, why should I be so bashful as to fear him! Love, that he may discern my affection to his soul, in my detestation of his sin. If he suspect me to bear ill-will in my heart, he will throw my potion in my face; What man will take Physic from an enemy? Lord, shouldst thou suffer me to go on in sin, and not call me back though by a ⟨p. 342⟩severe admonition, it were a sign thou didst hate me. Thou didst never strike Ephraim worse, then when thou didst forbear to strike at all, but saidst, Ephraim is joined to Idols, let him alone; Should I not seek to pluck my brother out of the fire of sin, into which he is fallen, but suffer him to lye there, I hate him, and am in thine esteem a murderer. O deliver me from such blood-guiltiness, thou God of my salvation. Let thy good Spirit so strengthen and direct me, when ever thou callest me to this duty, that I may do it with zeal to thine honour, not daring to jest with such an edged tool as sin is, and with love and wisdom, that if by any means, I may bring back a wandering sheep to thy fold.

The Iron when heated red hot in the fire, is bent and beaten afterwards without breaking which way the Smith pleaseth. When I have heated him hot with the fire of commendation, I may then beat upon him with reproof in greater hopes of success; I would desire courage also, that I may deal faithfully, and not skin over a wound that hath dead flesh at the bottom. Should I dally, I destroy the Patient; If the Of•endour be so bold as to dare God, why should I be so bashful as to fear him! Love, that he may discern my affection to his soul, in my detestation of his sin. If he suspect me to bear ill-will in my heart, he will throw my potion in my face; What man will take Physick from an enemy? Lord, shouldst thou suffer me to go on in sin, and not call me back though by a ⟨p. 342⟩severe admonition, it were a sign thou didst hate me. Thou didst never strike Ephraim worse, then when thou didst forbear to strike at all, but saidst, Ephraim is joyned to Idols, let him alone; Should I not seek to pluck my brother out of the fire of sin, into which he is fallen, but suffer him to lye there, I hate him, and am in thine esteem a murderer. O deliver me from such blood-guiltiness, thou God of my salvation. Let thy good Spirit so strengthen and direct me, when ever thou callest me to this duty, that I may do it with zeal to thine honour, not daring to jest with such an edged tool as sin is, and with love and wisdom, that if by any means, I may bring back a wandring sheep to thy fold.