The works of George Swinnock, M.A

²I Wish that I may be so much my own friend, as to esteem a bitter admonition better then the sweetest flattery, and never quarrel at any, for waking me out of my spiritual Lethargy. The World indeed is full of them that rage at such as would prevent their ruin, choosing rather to have their wounds fester, though they kill them; then be searched throughly to recover them; Their words to their Neighbours, are like the Jews to the Prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, Prophesy unto us smooth things, Prophesy deceits, Isa. 30. 10. And their works are like theirs too; If a Stephen deal but faithfully with them, and tell them of their faults, they are presently cut to the heart, and gnash at him with their teeth; Their bones are so out of order, that the smallest disturbance makes them fret and fume. Like Owls, if any offer to lay hold on them, they soon make him feel their claws; Rebuke a scorner and he will hate thee; But I have not so learned Christ; Though Toads are no sooner touched, but they swell and are ready to spit out their poison in the face of him that handleth them, yet Sheep will be felt and shorn, and suffer their sores to be dressed with patience. Though fools hate him that reproveth in the gate; yet, rebuke a wise man and he will love thee, saith ⟨p. 345⟩God, Prov. 9. 8. O that I might never be so void of love to my fallen brother, as not to give him a serious reproof, nor so void of love to my self, as not to receive a serious reproof. The nipping frosts, though not so pleasant, are as profitable as the Summer sunshine. I deceive my self, if I judge no liquor wholesome but what is toothsome. There is no probable way of curing some diseases, but by Blisters, and ••pping-glasses, and painful medicines; Is it not better for me to accept an admonition and amend, then to walk on in a wicked way to my destruction? Will it not be much easier for me to bear a rebuke given in love, and with meekness from my fellow-creature, then to provoke the Jealous God, with eyes full of fury, to take me by the throat, and ask me, what I am doing! How I dare thus slight his Laws, and contradict his Will! O how can my heart endure, or my hands be strong, in the day that he shall deal with me! Well might my God say, He that hateth reproof is brutish.