The works of George Swinnock, M.A

Company is in it self eligible; Banishment is esteemed a civil death, and counted a punishment but one remove from a natural death. Hence, how much hath it been bewailed, not only by a Cain; Thou hast driven me this day from the face of the earth, Gen. 4. 14. but even by a David; I am like a Pelican of the Wilderness, I am like an Owl of the Desert; I watch, and am as a Sparrow alone upon the house top, Psa. 102. 6, 7. But how much worth is the society of the Saints? Christian society is like an Arch-building, wherein every stone upholds its fellow, which if it should not, the whole would suddenly fall. One hand, saith Euripides, can make but weak defence; but as our Latin Proverb is, Multorum manibus grande levatur onus, Many hands make light work. Several Horses may draw that weight with ease, which one is not able to stir. Saints help each other, as the several parts of the building; the Foundation ⟨p. 242⟩bears up the Walls, the Walls bear up the Roof, the Rafters bear up the Laths, the Laths bear up the Tiles; Hence it is esteemed a privilege to a Town or City to be made a Corporation. And Merchants manage their callings, not only more orderly, but also more successfully, when they are once made a company. Surely Paul would never have sent some hundred miles for Timothy, if his company had not been of great value. Dr. Taylor blessed God that ever he came into Prison, to be acquainted with that Angel of God John Bradford. One sinner is a Devil to another, tempting and provoking each other to wickedness; Therefore the Philosopher, seeing two vicious persons together, cried out; See how the Viper is borrowing poison of the Asp! But one Saint is an Angel to another, persuading and encouraging one another to holiness. They take sweet counsel together, and go to the house of God in company. The Patriarchs removed their Habitations for the benefit of water-springs. Every Saint is in some sense a Well of living water; and did men but know their worth, they would delight more to be with them. Sure I am, he that hath such a good Neighbour, shall never want a Good-morrow. As a Pomander Ball cast into a Censer, will fill the whole house with its pleasant savour, so a Christian will endeavour to perfume all that come near him. How pleasant then is the favour arising from many Christians in company together!