The works of George Swinnock, M.A

CHAP. III. How a Christian may exercise himself to Godliness, in evil Company.

¹Having spoken to the Choice of Companions; I proceed (Reader) to thy Carriage in Company, and first in evil Company.

¹HAving spoken to the Choice of Companions; I proceed (Reader) to thy Carriage in Company, and first in evil Company.

1. 1Malorum consortia fugere debemus, quoad privatam consuetudinem, non quoad publicam conversationem; corde, non corpore, Amb. Offic. lib. 1. cap. 20.

Though evil men are not to be the object of a Christians choice or delight, yet he must sometimes fall into their Company, or go out of the world, 1 Cor. 5. 10. Our Relations, or Vocations, ⟨p. 153⟩or Offices of Charity, which we owe to the worst of men, will command our presence now and then amongst them; Civil commerce with them is lawful, though intimate communion be sinful. Its certain, the less we have of their society, the more of safety; but because civility, and our necessities require us sometimes to be with them,¹ Christianity must help us (as a glass-window, to let in the light, and keep out the rain,) to get what good we may, and to prevent the hurt they intend. God in the first creation separated the light from the darkness, and so must the godly man amongst wicked persons. Swine will be cleanly in a fair Meadow; Sinners civil sometime in the society of Saints; but Christians must keep their garments unspotted, when they walk in dirty places, and amongst defiled persons. Godliness will be thy best armour to ward off those blows, and hinder those wounds, which those sons of violence and villainy would cause in thee. A wise Physician, whatsoever diseased Patients he goeth amongst, will take some preservative, but if he be to go into a Pest-house, an Antidote. It will be a sign of an excellent complexion, if thou canst walk (as occasion is) in the Sun, and not be tanned. The Romans had a Law, that every one, where ever he went, should wear a badge of his profession, or trade, either on his garment, or in his hat, that he might be known. Christianity must be owned in every company, as that which is our great and worthy calling. The Nobleman carrieth his Garter, or George with him in all places, because he esteems them his gory