The works of George Swinnock, M.A

I might never dare to thrust my self amongst such enemies, who am (compared with him) wholly naked and unarmed. I am apt to think that I can secure my self against their shot; but alas the long and often playing of the Cannon, will batter the strongest wall. A continual dropping will pierce a stone. Doth not experience tell me that its no hard matter to give such a weakling as I am a fall? And is it likely that I should stand fast in so slippery a place? My God asketh me, Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burnt? Can one go upon coals, and his feet not be burnt? My clothes (notwithstanding all my care to the contrary) will smell of the Coals, and my feet will blister with the fire. My God tells me, that sin is a Canker, a Gangrene; and experience teacheth how spreading and infectious sinners are, 2 Tim. 2. 17. I may think to make them better, but they are more likely to make me worse. Sickness ⟨p. 135⟩is catching, but not health; the rotten sheep infect the sound, but the sound sheep do not cure the rotten. Solomons bosom Companions, drew his heart from his God, but I read not of any one of them, whose heart he drew to his God. If Pitch be but touched it defileth, but Fullers-Earth doth not so soon cleanse. If Israel once join themselves to Baal-Peor, they quickly eat the offerings of the dead, and bow down to their Idols. Its as ordinary to put on other mens faults, as their outward fashions. One Corah did but kindle the fire of rebellion, and presently two hundred and fifty Captains brought wood to increase its flame, to their own destruction. If I know of any that have infectious diseases, love to my body will not suffer me to drink of their Cup, or to sit at their Table; and when I know of them that have such contagious spiritual sicknesses, shall not love to my soul move me to forbear their society? Lord, my prayer hath often been, Lead me not into temptation; shall I run into temptation? thou knowest how prone I am, should I walk with wicked persons, to walk in their wicked paths; and hast therefore laid thy strict command upon me, Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men; Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away (Prov. 4. 14, 15.) keep me from hazarding this frail Potsherd (my flesh) upon the Rock of evil company, from venturing amongst those vipers, lest I be stung.