A62040:436
The works of George Swinnock, M.A
The works of George Swinnock, M.A. containing these several treatises ...
London: printed by J.B. for Tho. Parkhurst, 1665
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
I have somewhere read of a King, that having many servants, some wise, some indiscreet, some profitable, some unprofitable, was asked why he would keep those foolish unprofitable fellows. ⟨p. 257⟩To which he answered, I need the other, and these need me, and so I will have them all about me. I am sure weak Christians need the strong; its ill for a tottering house to have no prop; and strong Christians may need the weak; That knife which is best metal, may sometimes need a dull Whetstone; The smallest wheel, nay, pin in a Watch is necessary; and so each needing the other, there is great need they should hold together; While there is flesh and spirit combating within us, and the worse so potent and likely to conquer, we shall want all manner of Auxiliaries to relieve the better part.
I have somewhere read of a King, that having many servants, some wise, some indiscreet, some profitable, some unprofitable, was asked why he would keep those foolish unprofitable fellows. ⟨p. 257⟩To which he answered, I need the other, and these need me, and so I will have them all about me. I am sure weak Christians need the strong; its ill for a tottering house to have no prop; and strong Christians may need the weak; That knife which is best mettal, may sometimes need a dull Whetstone; The smallest wheel, nay, pin in a Watch is necessary; and so each needing the other, there is great need they should hold together; While there is flesh and spirit combating within us, and the worse so potent and likely to conquer, we shall want all manner of Auxiliaries to relieve the better part.
Fourthly,4 Consider The evil of neglecting Christian Communion; I know the Children of God must sometimes be solitary, there are some duties which cannot otherwise be performed, and some callings which cannot otherwise be followed; but as there are seasons for solitariness, so also for society; to forbear the society of Saints without a necessary cause, is a sin, and bringeth great disadvantage, both upon our selves and others.