The works of George Swinnock, M.A

1. It is pure and holy, there are some dregs that will appear in the exactest writings of the best men, when they have been shaken by a critical hand; but none could ever justly fasten the least filth upon the holy Scriptures. The Word of Christ is like the Spouse of Christ; There is no spot in it. The Alcoran of Mahomet, alloweth Polygamy, promiseth sensual pleasures as the reward of his servants; but the Scripture winketh not at the least ⟨p. 409⟩sin, no not so much as in a motion of the heart, or a glance of the eye, and its promises are also pure and spiritual. The Doctrine of the wisest Heathen, and Philosophers, were a mixture of good and bad; Theft was no fault amongst Lycurgus Laws, but if done slyly commended highly; Aristotle permitted revenge, and obscene jesting, which Scripture expressly forbids; Thy word is very pure; The words of the Lord are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times; There is not the least dross of evil or error in it; 1. Its principal Author is the original and exemplar of all holiness, his nature is the pattern, and his will the rule of purity, Exod. 15. 4. Isa. 6. 3. 2. The Scribes of it were holy men, moved and actuated by the Holy Ghost. 3. Its effect is to sanctify and make holy, Ye are clean, through the word that I have given you. 4. The matter of it is holy; Its commanding part is holy; The Law is holy, just, and good, Rom. 7. 12. Its assertory part is holy, what it affirms to be, is; what it denieth to be, is not, Psa. 19. 7. Its promissory part is holy, both formaliter in its own nature, and effective in its end and fruit; Its Historical part is holy; other books are properly called profane Histories, in distinction from this. The Scriptures expressions are pure, of the most impure actions; He knew her no more, men with men doing what is unseemly, Gen. 38. 26. Rom. 1. 27.