The works of George Swinnock, M.A

¹I Wish that the great gain which I may get by good Companions, may make me the more diligent to find them out. Though its no small unhappiness to be joined to them that are ever standing under the spout of the Lords fury; yet its blessed to be near them that are always under the droppings of divine favour. Christ is always present with his people, and therefore I may say with Peter, It is good to be there. When a King comes to visit one of his Peers, all the family oftentimes tasteth of his bounty, but the Nobleman's Relations of his grace and love; he converseth with them, and they with him. If Sinners are the better for the Neighbourhood of the Saints, and for their sakes, God lets his Enemies experience his goodness; surely Believers shall be the better for the Neighbour hood of their Brethren, and shall have experience of special good-will. I cannot conceive the kindnesses which may be done for me by these Friends at Court. Their interest is great in the blessed and glorious Potentate; The King is not he (as was once said in another sense) that can deny them any thing. Whatsoever they ask the Father in Christs name, he will do it for them; When guilt flieth in my face, and I dare not appear, or when through the prevalency of temptation, I cannot pour out a prayer, they will appear for me, put up my suits, and that with success; If I be dull, they may quicken me; If I am in doubts, they may resolve me; If I wander, ⟨p. 139⟩they will be faithful in acquainting me with my faults to reduce me; If I walk uprightly, they will be helpful, by administering Heavenly Cordials to encourage me. A faithful friend, will be my second self, and love me as his own soul. When I faint he will endeavour to revive me; When I fall he will do his utmost to recover me; He will rejoice with me in my joys, and sympathize with me in my sufferings, in every condition to his power be a suitable consolation. O that the value and virtue of this Pearl, may make me esteem it at an high price, and the more wary that I be not cheated in my Choice! Lord, thou hast ordained the communion of Saints to be for mutual comfort and counsel, let me choose those for my friends, that will be faithful to their own, and to my soul.

¹I Wish that the great gain which I may get by good Companions, may make me the more diligent to find them out. Though its no small unhappiness to be joyned to them that are ever standing under the spout of the Lords fury; yet its blessed to be near them that are always under the dropings of divine favour. Christ is always present with his people, and therefore I may say with Peter, It is good to be there. When a King comes to visit one of his Peers, all the family oftentimes tasteth of his bounty, but the Noblemans Relations of his grace and love; he converseth with them, and they with him. If Sinners are the better for the Neighbourhood of the Saints, and for their sakes, God lets his Enemies experience his goodness; surely Beleivers shall be the better for the Neighbour hood of their Brethren, and shall have experience of special good-will. I cannot conceive the kindnesses which may be done for me by these Friends at Court. Their interest is great in the blessed and glorious Potentate; The King is not he (as was once said in another sense) that can deny them any thing. Whatsoever they ask the Father in Christs name, he will do it for them; When guilt flieth in my face, and I dare not appear, or when through the prevalency of temptation, I cannot pour out a prayer, they will appear for me, put up my suits, and that with success; If I be dull, they may quicken me; If I am in doubts, they may resolve me; If I wander,