Ci,ap 32 37t CHA XXXVIII. ,Queflions, andCafes ofGonfccíence about the choice and up o fCompany. Q.Lieft. 4f Hat rule are we to obferve la the choice of our com- pany ? Anfn' Never call thy felf into wicked company, nor prefs amonga the profanes elpecially upon choice, voluntarily, and delightfully : And abide no longer with them at any time , upon any occafion, then thou haft a foundwarrant, and calling thereto. Fo its uncomly, and incompatible with a good confcience:Its not forthe honour, or comfort of Gods children. to keepcompany, or familiarly to converfe with gracelefs men. Obje&. But may me-notmake ufe1offach company? An(w. That we may thebetter underftand it, we muft diltinguilh of our com- panyingwith them : For t. I here is acommon, cold, and moregeneral fociety, in tradiug,buying, fel- ling faluting,eating, and drinking to .gether , and inother palfages of humanity, andentercoufe of ctvtll fociety, to which charity, nature, necellity, or the ext- gents ofour callings, general, or particular,do warrantably lead us. This may, nay muft be, r Cor.5.to. z. Speciali., dear, intimate fociety, in confultations, and counfels about mat ters of fpecial fecrefie,greateft weight, and higheft confequence : In fpirirual re- frefhments, Religiousconferences, prayer, marriage, &c. In a free communica- tion of their fouls, their fpirituallefface, &c. Now Gods childrenare bound by the LawofGod, andprudence,from converfing with delight , and from the ex- change, and exercife of chofe fpeciall paf ages of deareft acquaintance with pro- fane men, and enemies ofGod. Queft. what reafons may berendredfor this ? Anfw. Firft, by fuch fociety he incurs .a double hazard. t. Of being infe&ed with fin : Cana man touchpitch, andnot be defiled? or go uponcoals and not be burnt ? Pro.6.27,28. Indeed there is a ftrange attra6tive, and impious power in ill company tó poifon, and pervert even the bell dif poficions. For Bbb a a. By
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