The works of George Swinnock, M.A

SECT. I.

I Shall first lay down some Motives, and then show wherein we should exercise our selves to Godliness when we are alone.

I Shall first lay down some Motives, and then shew wherein we should exercise our selves to Godliness when we are alone.

1. To quicken thee to exercise thy self to godliness in solitude.¹ Consider, The benefit of solitude; well improved solitude is a good opportunity for godliness. Seneca was wont to say, that he seldom went into company, that he came not home worse then he went out. Society, as it hath much gain, so much perplexity; Solitude is a release to the soul that was imprisoned in Company. To be much in Company tires and wearies us; We are prone to count it a bondage, and the persons we associate with, our fetters; Retiring seasonably from them, sets us at liberty, and giveth us freedom to mount up to Heaven at our pleasure. Scipio would tell his friends, I have never better company, then when I have no company, for then can I freely entertain my own thoughts, and converse with all the learned that have been in former ages. Hierom speaks better, Sapiens nunquam solus esse potest •abet; enim secum omnes qui sunt & qui fuerunt boni — & si bominum sit inopia, loquitur cum Deo. A wise man can ⟨p. 358⟩never be alone, for he hath ever with him all the good men that are, or have been, and if he find any want of men, he can converse with God. It was a custom among the Indians, when their King went to bed, to pray with piping acclamations, that he might have happy dreams, and withal, consult well for the good of his Subjects; As if the silent, secret night had been a friend to wisdom. One of the best Kings that ever the world had, tells us, My reins instruct me in the night season,