The works of George Swinnock, M.A

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 ⟨p. 224⟩amongst mine enemies, lest I become their scorn. Frankincense put into the fire, giveth the greater perfume; Civet doth not lose its savour, but is the sweeter in a sink; O that my soul might draw the nearer to God, because others depart farther from him; and do him the more service, and be the more diligent at his work, because they are so unworthy and wicked. Executioners and Hangmen are helpful to a Country, to free them from those Felons and Murderers that would destroy the Inhabitants; My sins may receive their deaths wounds, through the hands of them who have no true love to me. My Pride may well be abated, because of their profaneness; Free grace alone makes me to differ; I had been as bad as the worst of them, if infinite mercy had not preserved me; I shall be as bad, if boundless love do not prevent me: to God alone therefore belongs the glory. Possibly, they may sometimes twit me with my faults, and herein they may prove my friends. Every man hath need of a Monitor; My friends too often are cowardly, and afraid to tell me my errors, lest they should give offence;

I Wish that since my God intends in all his providences, my spiritual and eternal good,