A62040:93
The works of George Swinnock, M.A
The works of George Swinnock, M.A. containing these several treatises ...
London: printed by J.B. for Tho. Parkhurst, 1665
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
If the Christian be once defiled, Christianity it self will quickly be defamed; Though sins in secret duties have their aggravations, yet sins in our public dealings do in a three-fold respect exceed them.
If the Christian be once defiled, Christianity it self will quickly be defamed; Though sins in secret duties have their aggravations, yet sins in our publique dealings do in a three-fold respect exceed them.
1. These are scandalous to the good, which those are not; The children of God weep bitterly, when they hear that others walk disorderly. Their hearts bewail their brethren's wickedness; now wouldst thou sadden the Spirit of a Saint? Alas, they have grief enough from their enemies, and shall they be wounded in the house of their friends?
1. These are scandalous to the good, which those are not; The children of God weep bitterly, when they hear that others walk disorderly. Their hearts bewail their brethrens wickedness; now wouldst thou sadden the Spirit of a Saint? Alas, they have grief enough from their enemies, and shall they be wounded in the house of their friends?
2. They are infectious to the bad, 1which secret sins are not. Thy sins are like St. Pauls in London, on high• for the gaze of the World; but thy virtues as St. Faith under ground, they do not note them. How soon will the World plead a Christians sinful act, to excuse and justify their own sinful habits! They are like ravenous birds, that fly over sweet and pleasant flowers, and pitch only upon unsavoury carcasses; they take little notice of thy graces, but will be sure to mind thy vices; The Philosopher saith, that the Fleeces of such Sheep as are killed by the Wolf, are most apt to breed Lice; one of Christs Sheep, foiled by Satan, in the eyes of men doth much mischief. Now will it not trouble thee that these unclean fowls should pick that from thee, which will feed and nourish their filthy natures? Alas, they move fast enough towards Hell with the tide of their own evil hearts, and shall the wind of thy example make them sail more swiftly?