The works of George Swinnock, M.A

In his fury he will strike at friends or foes, and discover what he knows, and more many times; Passion is an high Fever, wherein men talk idly; therefore the wise man gives a special Caution against such Companions;¹ Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man thou shalt not go. Sometimes he is overcome with wine, and then the ⟨p. 143⟩Beast in him, puts the curb into the mouth of reason, and hath the command of it. A Drunken man, hath Nebuchadnezzars brutish heart, and is fit only to graze with Cattle; Clitus is killed by his drunken Master, and such a one speaketh and doth he knows not what; He speaks what he should forget, and forgets what he hath spoke. The Drunkards mind and stomach are alike, neither can retain what they receive. Solomon likewise sets a brand at this mans door, to discourage every sober man from coming there; Be not amongst Winebibbers, amongst riotous eaters of flesh. Always he hath some lust or other lording it over him, and according as their interests lead him, so he acteth, that his friend must expect no more of him, then they can spare, and is such a person like to prove a Cordial friend? He may abound in frothy words, but I must expect no faithful deeds from him, if ever I come to sufferings; like a Drum in a Battle, he may make a great sound, but will act nothing for my succour; like a Cipher, though now in my prosperity he stands for thousands, in my adversity he will stand for nothing; Such a friend will be like a familiar Devil, which forsakes the Witch when she is in Fetters; How much shall I miss of my expected help from him, when I am brought into hardships! As a Lemon, he may be hot without, but is altogether cold and cooling within; O that I might never manifest so much folly, as to choose him for my friend, whose principles will teach him to be false; He so often changeth his dwelling for his own end and interest, that I shall not know where to find him, when I stand in most need. As a Fly, he will tarry no longer in ⟨p. 144⟩the Kitchen, then there is grease to feed him; I am but his Pond, which he will use whilst there is any water; but when dry, I shall hear no more of him. Lord, how far would thine end of society be frustrated, and my hopes of comfort in companions be disappointed, should I choose him who is ruled neither by Religion nor Reason?