The works of George Swinnock, M.A

I Wish that though in pursuance of my calling, I do afford my company to sinners, ¹I may never bear them company in their sins. True Gold will not change its colour or nature for the hottest fire. The Rock ⟨p. 214⟩keeps its place, and is immovable, notwithstanding the continual dashing of the water. The earth is not hurt, either by the heat of Summer, or cold of Winter; Though much dirt be flung at a post well oiled, it will not stick. My God hath enjoined me; Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness; Whence I learn these three things; 1. That sin is a work of darkness; The Prince of darkness is its Father; Its his natural off-spring, therefore called the work of the Devil, John 8. 44. A dark heart is its Mother, there its conceived, thence its brought forth; In dark holes these vermin breed and swarm (Ephes. 4. 18. Hos. 4. 1, 2, 3. 2 Cor. 4. 4.) Its portion is utter darkness, blackness of darkness for ever; all its inheritance lieth in darkness, and the shadow of death. 2. I learn that the works of darkness are unfruitful; The sinner makes a sad market of all his wicked wares; He soweth vice, and reapeth vanity; promiseth himself much pleasure, and findeth it wholly unprofitable; What fruit had ye in those things, whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death; O what a frightful monster is this miscreant; It hath fruitlessness in the beginning, shame in the middle, and death in the conclusion. 3. I learn that I ought not to have fellowship with these unfruitful works of darkness; Indeed, I have little reason, if I consider the two former particulars, yet how prone am I to it, either by my silence when they sin; or by my secret compliance with them in their sin! My corrupted heart is like Touch-wood, ready to take fire by the least spark. ⟨p. 215⟩When others are bold to blaspheme God, I am apt through an ungodly bashfulness to hold my peace, little considering that I must one day answer as well for my sinful silence, as for every idle word. Its my duty to hold the jewel of my faith fast, lest Satan steal it from me; to hold my profession to the end, lest by leaving my Colours, I lose my Crown; but not to hold my peace in the quarrel of truth, lest by suffering sin in others, I wrong my own soul; Where is my love to others, if I stand still whilst they destroy themselves?