The works of George Swinnock, M.A

1. In forgiving them that have wronged thee. If the natural Sun should not go down upon our ⟨p. 645⟩wrath, muchless should the Sun of our Lives. Its bad to bear anger or malice one hour in our hearts against any, but its worst of all to carry it with us into the other world. How can he expect to dye in peace with God, who dyeth in war with men, when God himself hath said, Except ye forgive others their trespasses against you, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses? Amilcar the Father of Hannibal, when he was dying, made his Son take a solemn Oath to maintain a perpetual War with the Romans. Edward the first, adjured his Son and Nobles, that if he dyed in his expedition against Bruce, King of Scotland, they should not inter his Corps, but carry it about with them, till they had avenged him on that Usurper; But certainly its a desperate thing to leave Children Heirs to the Parents wrath and rage, as well as to his riches; O how dreadful is his estate, who takes his enemy by the throat, when God by death is taking him by the throat, and ready to throttle him for ever. If thou hast wronged others, either in name, or goods, or body, seek reconciliation, and make satisfaction, for this is righteous and just; If thy brother hath ought against thee, thou hast never more need of reconciling thy self to him, then when thou art approaching the Altar of death, there to offer up the last sacrifice to God in this world. If thy Brother have wronged thee in any sort, remit it, this is charity; to do otherwise, is to give place to the Devil, Eph. 4. 16, 17. and thou hast least cause to give him ground when his rage is greatest, and his batteries strongest, in thy last conflict with him. O! imitate that blessed Martyr Stephen, ⟨p. 646⟩and the incomparable Saviour, in begging Gods love for them who hate thee, Act. 7. 60. Luke 23. 34.

1. In forgiving them that have wronged thee. If the natural Sun should not go down upon our ⟨p. 645⟩