The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Wilt not thou join thy self to these excellent ones? If their tongues be as choice silver, surely their hearts do infinitely excel fine gold? Nay, are more precious then rubies; The Topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal them, neither shall they be exchanged for ⟨p. 146⟩jewels of fine Gold? Who would not be greedy of acquaintance, with men of such surpassing eminence? It would bewray extreme want of wisdom, not to be ambitious of communion with persons of such worth. Besides, Should I join with others, I choose them that are my Gods enemies. It is not only ingratitude, but treason, to countenance them that are traitors against the Crown and Dignity of Jesus Christ. Twas a sharp and cutting reproof, which Jehu gave to King Jehoshaphat; I Wish I may never give cause for the like to me; Shouldst thou help •he ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? My God counts my enemies his enemies, and hates them that hate me, and shall I esteem his enemies my friends, and love those that hate him! Wicked men are a generation of Vipers, they hiss at godliness, and spit their poison at God himself. They stretch out their hands against God, and strengthen themselves against the Almighty, Job 15. I show but small kindness to the God of all my comforts, if I take his foes to be my friends. Once more, I disgrace my birth, my breeding, I dishonour my profession, my Prince, if I accompany with wicked persons. Its below a great Heir to company with beggars. Its a discredit to a King, to be taken up with Porters. A Companion of riotous men, shameth his Father on Earth Prov. 28. 7. A companion of vicious men shameth his Father in Heaven. It speaketh his education to be very mean, and his expectation to be low, both which reflect upon his Father. O that I might never disgrace my Gods goodness, in the cost and charge he hath been at with me, by choosing the scullions and filth of the World, to ⟨p. 147⟩be my companions, nor disparage my own judgment in refusing the excellent of the earth, and them that are Princes in all Lands; Lord, thy people are thy portion, Jacob is the lot of thine inheritance, they are precious in thy sight, and honourable, for thou hast loved them, they are fair in thine eyes, and altogether lovely; Help thy poor servant to resemble thy Majesty;