Armor of Proof, Section 29
§. 29.
BUt here it will be objected. That we are melancholly persons, strayers from the drove of mankind, and whereas nature hath made us sociable creatures, in making us men, religion hath altered to a crazied disposition, whereby we are mispleasing to all, as all to us.
To this is answered. 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, spiritual 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 far better, in good sadnesse to be saved with a few, as Noa… was in the A…ke, then in good fellowship, with the multitude, to be drowned in sin, and damned for company.
We are content (saith one) to passe, through somewhat more unsociably, into happiness; it suffi…th we shall meet with good company, at our journeys end, in the Kingdom 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 go to Heaven or Hell? Answered, to hell, for there (quoth he) I shall be 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 shoul… forsake thee, yet will I not leave thee, O Saviour: neither magnitude of Princes, nor multitude of people, shall prevail with me.
But the world wrongs religion, when they accuse it to be an enemy to good-fellowship: for she hath not a follower, which doth not say with David, Psa. duplicate page duplicate page 119. 63. I am a companion to all them that feare thee, and keep thy precepts for the godly mans chief delight is in the Saints, and such as excell in vertue Psa. 16. 3. Yea, and their fellowship is so good, profitable, and delectable, tha… as Synesius was of opinion, that King Hieron got more by Simonides acquaintance, then Siminides 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 self, great persons would find themselves more then requited, if they would vouchsafe the company of some poor Saints: for a wise and holy Christian (like his Lord and Master) wheresoever he goes, makes better cheare then he finds, in an happy exchange of spiritual repast for bodily. Yea, as Plato accounted it one of the four great privilidges, for which he was especially bound to nature, that he lived in the time of Socrates: so they should think 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 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 Lambs: now is it any marvail if the Lambs care not greatly for the company of the Wolves? the Lambe would not willingly be alone; yet it is far bette… when solitary, then in a Wolvish society.
Generons minds will associate with their matches and equals, or none: as David being a King, when he was expulsed his own 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 evil men are incompatible; ike Simeon and Levi, sworn brothers, but brethren in evill; which is too evil a brotherhood, for an honest man to make one in, or (indeed) a wise man: for is not hee a fool, that will sell Heaven for company, as a great many true drunkards doe? For my own 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 self in the end.