The Drunkards Character, Section 201
§ 201.
BUt here it will bee objected.Object. That we are melancholly persons,O…j…ction of joy and goodfellowship answered. strayers from the drove of mankind, and whereas nature hath made us sociable creatures, in making us men, religion hath al…ered to a crazied disposition, whereby wee are mispleasing to all, as all to us.
To this is answered.Answ. Suppose it were true (but I shall in place more convenient prove, that the religious only enjoy true mirth, and that worldly mirth is more talked of then felt, spiritu…ll joy more felt then talk'd of, though I may appeale to any mans conscience▪ that hath been softned with the unction of grace, and truly tasted the powers of the world to come) yet they think it is better being a good Christian, then a good fellow; and hold it farre better, in good sadnesse to bee saved with a few, as Noah was in the Arke, then in good fellowship, with the multitude, to bee drowned in sinne, and damned for company.
We are content (saith one) to passe, through somewhat more unsociably, into happinesse; it sufficeth wee shall meet with good company at our journeys end, in the kingdome of heaven, even an innumerable company of Saints and Angels.
The men of the world practise, what once a Jester spake, who, when a great Lord asked him, whether he would goe to Heaven or Hell? answered, to hell, for there (quoth he) I shall bee sure to meet your Lordship, and the greatest part of mine acquaintance. But it is not so with the true Christian: he little loves Christ, that will not follow him without company: and his zeale is cold to heaven, whom the example of numbers can turn another way. Wherefore let us say, as much as Peter said; and do more, then Peter did; though all men should forsake thee, yet will I nt leave thee, O Saviour: neither magnitude of Princes, nor multitude of people, shall prevaile with me.
But the world wrongs religion, when they accuse it to bee an enemy to goodfellowship: for she hath not a follower, which doth not say with David, Psa, 119. 63. I am a companion to all them that feare thee, and keep thy precepts: for the godly mans chiefe delight is in the Saints, and such as excell in vertue, Psalme 16. 3. Yea, and their fellowship is so good, profitable, and delectable, that as Synesius was of opinion, that King Hieron got more by Simonides acquaintance, then Simonides did by his; and as we read that Pharaoh, Saul, and Nebuchadnezzar were more pleasured by Ioseph, David, and Daniel, then Daniel, David, and Ioseph were by them: so I perswade my selfe, great persons would finde themselves more then required, if they would vouchsafe the company of some poore Saints: for a wise and holy Christian (like his Lord and Master) wheresoever he goes, makes better cheare then he findes, in an happy exchange of spiritual repast for bodily. Yea, as Plato accounted it one of the foure great privelidges▪ for which he was especially bound to nature, that he lived in the time of Socrates: so they should thinke it none of the least favours, for which they were bound to blesse God, that they enjoyed so religious and holy society.
It is true indeed, there is a supposed good fellowship, to which religion is an enemy; because it is an enemy to this holy fellowship of the Saints: and good reason, the one are to the other, as Wolves are to the Lambes: now is it any marvaile if the Lambes care not greatly for the company of the Wolves? the Lambe would not willingly be alone; yet it is far better when solitary, then in a wolvish society.
Generous mindes will associate with their matches and equalls, or none: as David being a King, when he was expulsed his owne Country, resorts to none but Kings: for first he goeth to Achis, King of Gath; then to the King of Moab, 1 Sam. 21. 10. and 1 Sam. 22. 3.
Neither are our ding-thirsts, who lavish out their estates, and throw the house out at windowes (as we use to say) good fellowes, though they call themselves so: for good fellowes and evill men are incompatible; like Simeon and Levi, sworne brothers, but brethren in evill; which is too evill a brotherhood, for an honest man to make one in, or (indeede) a wise man: for is not …ee a foole, that will sell Heaven for company▪ as a great many tru drunkards doe? For my owne part, if I have good company, I will cherish them as Lot did his Angels, which were sent for guardians: if I have any bad, I will studie to loose them, least by keeping them, I loose my selfe in the end.