The works of George Swinnock, M.A

I Wish that the consideration of the great influence which Companions will have upon me,¹ to hinder or help me in the way of holiness, may make me the more prudent in my choice. Though there be some quicksets of grace in the soil of my heart, yet these evil weeds may endanger their death, at least will prejudice their growth. How often hath ill company, as an East-wind, nipped and destroyed those buds, which gave hopes of becoming in time, good and wholesome fruit? If the fire of my godliness be not extinguished (no thanks for that to my self) yet its sure to be abated by these waters. My spiritual life is maintained only by that provision which my God is pleased daily to send me in, and can I expect that he should send supplies into his enemies quarters? What man will send goodly Furniture into his house, until the dust and rubbish be cast out? With what reason can I look for succour from Heaven, when I run my self into the jaws of Hell? Though others that are found out by their grand foe, may receive help from God, and come off with conquest, yet if I go to seek out the temper (for where can I sooner find him, then in his house?) amongst his own Children, I shall have little pity, and may well expect to be foiled in the fight. Again, How doth Familiarity with what is evil, make it less frightful! Children are much startled at some creatures, which when they are accustomed to, they are not at all afraid of. Possibly my anger against sin at present is very hot, but evil company is a drug that will much allay the heat of that Simple. The filthiest disease, is not so loathsome in a Wife, or ⟨p. 134⟩Child, as in a Stranger; nor in an intimate friend, as in another. If there be not a due distance betwixt the missive faculty and the object, there can be no true sight; If the sin be too near me (in a friend that lieth in my bosom) I cannot behold its ugliness and deformity, its heinous, hateful nature. I doubt not but that poisonous Apple which had eternal death at its core, would have been far more loathsome and detestable in Adams eyes (much less would it have been so lovely and acceptable) had he seen it in any other hands, then of his dearest and only Companion on earth. O that since he was wounded by the hand of his nearest and most intimate friend, who had the breastplate of complete righteousness, and perfection of grace for his shield;

I Wish that the consideration of the great influence which Companions will have upon me,