The works of George Swinnock, M.A

They who would not shipwreck themselves, must decline both sinners courses and company. The Psalmist would not eat of their dish, lest he should pay their reckoning; Let me not eat of their dainties, nor drink of their cup. He durst not be so familiar as to feed with them, lest he should afterwards fare as they. Friend, as thou wouldst not suffer with sinners, take heed of sitting with them.

They who would not shipwrack themselves, must decline both sinners courses and company. The Psalmist would not eat of their dish, lest he should pay their reckoning; Let me not eat of their dainties, nor drink of their cup. He durst not be so familiar as to feed with them, lest he should afterwards fare as they. Friend, as thou wouldst not suffer with sinners, take heed of sitting with them.

Its enough to bring a man into suspicion at Court, to be intimate with one whom the King hates. ¹Entireness with wicked persons (saith one) is one of the strongest chains of Hell, and binds us to a participation both of sin and punishment. When the Deer pierced with the Arrow, and pursued by the hounds, runneth to the Herd for shelter, they will not admit her amongst them, out of a principle of self-preservation, lest the Dogs in fetching her out, should fall on them. If thou wouldst not have divine judgements to attach thee, beware of being found amongst them who are marked out for vengeance. Come out from her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues, Rev. 18. 4. Twas dangerous being near those who were to be cast into the ⟨p. 98⟩fiery furnace (which Nebuchadnezzar had made,) the men that took them up were scorched to death. Clemens Alexandrinus tells it as the Worlds saying, If a Fish that is taken break the snare and get away, no other of that kind is taken that day. How many that through mercy have been given to ill company, and broke the snares, have told us the mischief thereof afterward; Let their example make thee fearful of such snares. Some tell us that Swallows would not fly into Thebes, because their walls were so often beleaguered; and wilt thou run into that company, which is always besieged with Gods thundering curse? O take heed with whom thou strikest friendship; for when the breath of Gods anger overturneth the house of the Drunkard, or Swearer, the houses of their next (though best) Neighbours may fare the worse for its fall. Let me give thee the same advice which Physicians do their friends, touching persons infected with the plague, Cito, Long, Tarde; speedily shun their company; Fly far away from them, let it be long (even till their sores be healed) before thou returnest to them again; for it may be truly said of evil companions, what one saith of Romney Marsh; Its bad in Winter, hurtful in Summer, good never.