The works of George Swinnock, M.A

As one Circle caused by a stone thrown into the water, begets a second, and that a third; And as one Rain-bow begets another, and they two together beget a third; so one Christian helps to beget another to Christ, and they two joining, turn more from the errors of their ways. Holiness like an Elixir, by contraction, if any disposition in the metal, will render it of the same property. The Indians were brought to embrace the Christian faith, by the holy conference and company of Edesins and Frumentius, two private Christians.

As one Circle caused by a stone thrown into the water, begets a second, and that a third; And as one Rain-bow begets another, and they two together beget a third; so one Christian helps to beget another to Christ, and they two joyning, turn more from the errors of their ways. Holiness like an Elixar, by contraction, if any disposition in the mettal, will render it of the same property. The Indians were brought to embrace the Christian faith, by the holy conference and company of Edesins and Frumentius, two private Christians.

Secondly, By good company pious souls have been confirmed. Whilst Latimer and Ridley lived, they kept up Cranmer by intercourse of letters. Christian conference is a great help to perseverance. The staff of bonds was the Jews beauty and safety, Zach. 11.14. Company causeth courage; the beams of joy are the hotter for reflection. Ipse aspectus viri boni delectat, saith the Moralist, The very countenance of a good man makes us cheerful. Our sight of him is reviving to us. When Paul saw the brethren, he blessed God, and took courage, Act. 28. 15. When many Mariners pull at a rope together, they strive with the more alacrity; therefore Christ sent his Disciples by two and two, Mark 6.7. When Jonathan went against the Philistines, he would take his Armour-bearer along with him. The blessed Jesus going into the Garden to his bitter, bloody Agony, chose Peter, James and John to accompany him. The great Apostle expected comfort from the Romans company, and hoped to confirm them by his; For I long to see you, that I might impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established. The closer the stones of the Edifice are joined together, the stronger is the Building; That I might be comforted together with you, by the mutual faith both of you and me. Grace is the Oil of gladness, and the more of this oil, the more of gladness; when Pauls faith and the Romans met in one channel, such a river of oil would be a river of pleasure: The union of such flames could not but become a good fire, to refresh and rejoice their hearts: