The works of George Swinnock, M.A

4. Position. A Christian may love a wicked man sincerely, though he wholly shun his society. He may affect him with a love of pity, though not of complacency; He may show his love by pouring out his heart in petitions to God for him. Though a Saint deny a scandalous sinner his presence, yet he doth not deny him his pity, nor his prayers; Nay, our Non-Communion may be a means of their conversion; If any obey not the word, have no company with him; that he may be ashamed, 2 Thes. 3. 14. Shame and Confusion, is a good step towards Conversion; A wicked mans presence burdens a Saint, and a godly mans presence hardens a sinner. Surely thinks he, I am, if not praise worthy, yet tolerable, and not very bad, since such a good man is so much with me. They who did eat and drink in Christs presence on Earth, wondered much to be excluded from his Heavenly Banquet, Math. 7. 23. Hymeneus and Alexander were excluded Christian society, that they might learn, not to blaspheme, 1 Tim. 1. 20. This wounding is the way to healing, •t makes profane men bethink themselves; when sober persons avoid their presence.

4. Position. A Christian may love a wicked man sincerely, though he wholly shun his society. He may affect him with a love of pity, though not of complacency; He may shew his love by powring out his heart in petitions to God for him. Though a Saint deny a scandalous sinner his presence, yet he doth not deny him his pity, nor his prayers; Nay, our Non-Communion may be a means of their conversion; If any obey not the word, have no company with him; that he may be ashamed, 2 Thes. 3. 14. Shame and Confusion, is a good step towards Conversion; A wicked mans presence burdens a Saint, and a godly mans presence hardens a sinner. Surely thinks he, I am, if not praise worthy, yet tolerable, and not very bad, since such a good man is so much with me. They who did eat and drink in Christs presence on Earth, wondered much to be excluded from his Heavenly Banquet, Math. 7. 23. Hymeneus and Alexander were excluded Christian society, that they might learn, not to blaspheme,