The works of George Swinnock, M.A

I Wish that I may manifest to my own conscience,² the truth of my conversion by my Companions, and that I am passed from death to life, because I join with, and love the brethren. Beasts flock together; Sinners join hand in hand; and Saints are of the same heart, and walk together towards the same Heaven. My Associates will discover my nature, whether Virtue or Vice be my Master; My Comrades will speak to what Captain I belong. If I join with the black Regiment of the Prince of Darkness, its a sign I am an enemy to the Lord of Hosts. The members of Christs Mystical Body go in company; Its presumed they are unchaste Women, who company with known Harlots; and its supposed they are dishonest men, who are familiar with Thieves; If Christ and grace be predominant in me, I cannot like and love their enemies; An holy soul ⟨image 92⟩cannot delight in profane sinners. Melted gold • will unite it self with the substance of gold, but not incorporate with dross; An heart truly good, cannot brook those that are evil; All creatures desire to join with such as are of the same nature; Fish, Fowls, Birds, Beasts, all, every one strive to be with them that are of the same species; Confederacy in sin, is the livery by which the black guard of Hell is distinguished from the rest of the rational creatures; True friendship is the Cognisance of true Christians; By this shall all men know that ye are my Disciples, if ye love one another. Love is the badge of the household of faith, which witnesseth to what Lord they appertain. Where love is in truth to their persons, there will be a delight in their presence; For what is love, but a motion of the soul towards, and its complacency in the object beloved; In vain do I pretend my self a Disciple without sincere love, which is the life of a Disciple. Love to my God is the soul of Religion, which keeps it in being, in motion; without this, the whole body of it decayeth and dyeth; All my performances, if this be lacking, are but as an unsavoury Corpse, without either loveliness or life. Love to my brethren, is the sign of Religion, which ever showeth it self at the door, where the substance is within. He that loveth him that begetteth, must needs love him also that is begotten; The Child is acceptable for the Fathers sake; The Picture is amiable, because of the Person it representeth.

I Wish that I may manifest to my own conscience,