The works of George Swinnock, M.A

And since thy truth hath no need of my lye, thy power hath no need of my sin to preserve me safe, let me never break over the hedge ⟨p. 223⟩of any of thy precepts, to avoid an afflicting providence, but in a way of well-doing, commit my ways unto the Lord, and my thoughts shall be established. Suffer me never to say, a confederacy to them, to whom thine enemies say, a confederacy, neither to fear their fear, but to sanctify thee the Lord of Hosts, and to make thee my fear continually.

And since thy truth hath no need of my lye, thy power hath no need of my sin to preserve me safe, let me never break over the hedge ⟨p. 223⟩of any of thy precepts, to avoid an afflicting providence, but in a way of well-doing, commit my ways unto the Lord, and my thoughts shall be established. Suffer me never to say, a confederacy to them, to whom thine enemies say, a confederacy, neither to fear their fear, but to sanctifie thee the Lord of Hosts, and to make thee my fear continually.

I Wish that since my God intends in all his providences, my spiritual and eternal good,⁴ I may gain something by those that are most graceless; and though Satan purposeth my defilement in my converses with them, yet they may prove my profit and advantage; That blowing which seems to disperse the flames, and trouble the fire, doth make it burn the more clear; The waters of others opposition, may increase my spiritual heat; A dull Whet-stone may set an edge upon a Knife; A mean, vile Porter, may bring me a considerable present; Black coals may scour and make Iron Vessels bright; Ashes cast upon fire, put it not out, but are helpful to preserve it all night against the morning, which would otherwise be consumed. Why may not my soul find some Pearl in the Heads of these Toads, and get some spiritual riches, by trading with them for temporal? Naturalists tell me, its wholesome for a flock of Sheep, to have some Goats amongst them, their bad sent being Physical to preserve the Sheep from the Shakings; Surely then, the presence of ungodly men, may sometimes be profitable for me, and prevent that lightness and vanity which I am too apt to discover in every company; Though I am loose amongst my friends, and it be my sorrow, I had need to be serious