The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Fourthly, Labour to get some good by such as are evil; The precious stone Amyanthon, being cast into the fire, is made the more clear and pure; A skilful Naturalist, will make some use of the most venomous Herbs and Serpents; A gracious person may improve the vilest sinners company to his own spiritual profit. As wicked men are helpful to the temporal good, so often to the eternal good of Gods people; Like Leaves, though they are nothing worth in themselves, yet they keep the good fruit from blasting, and hereby are instrumental to its further Growth and Ripening. Ismenias the Theban Musician, taught his Scholars, not only by showing them such as struck a clean stroke, with, Do so, but also by showing them such as bungled at it, with, Do not so. Antigenidas thought men would like better, and contend the more for skill, if they heard untuneable notes. Satan intendeth wicked men as dirt and earth, only to besmear and defile them, but God outshoots him in his own bow, and makes them as Fullers-earth, to purge and purify them; As poisonous as they are in their own nature, through the Correctives of the Spirit, they ⟨p. 178⟩become not only not hurtful, but helpful to the believer. Ungodly men are compared to dung and filth, which we know, being applied to the good Trees, makes them more fruitful. That slime and mud, which the overflowing of Nilus carrieth along with it in the Summer Solstice, causeth Egypt to bring forth abundantly. The Graces of Saints have increased, even by the abominations and oppositions of sinners. Lots hatred of sin was the greater, by viewing the unclean conversations of the Sodomites. The Serpent Tyre, saith Brittenbacchus, is so venomous, that there is no remedy against its bitings, but by cutting off the member; yet even of this there is a Treacle made, which serveth for excellent purposes. Though the flesh of the Vulture (saith Pliny) be unwholesome and unmeet for meat, yet it is most medicinable; an Ointment made of the fat of it, is specially strengthening to the sinews. Though ungodly men are ill food, and not fit to be our ordinary constant diet, yet they may be good Physic and profitable, when necessity compelleth us to use them. A deboice, lewd Master may teach a Scholar many good lessons; If God send us to School to the Beasts of the field,